ELK RAPIDS – Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce that it will award $1,805 to two projects that positively impact the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and surrounding Northern Michigan waterways through its Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program.
“Our Ripple Effect Mini Grant program provides a wonderful way for us to expand our impact by funding projects that align with our mission of protecting our waterways and connecting people to these amazing waters through paddling” says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim’s Executive Director. “We are excited to fund these projects and are incredibly grateful to these organizations for helping us move our mission forward!”
Coast Guard Auxiliary: Charlevoix Flotilla, a uniformed volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard, was awarded funding for their AUXPAD (Auxiliary Paddlecraft) Program. This program allows the organization to patrol rivers and smaller bodies of water where power boats are unable to safely oversee. “Our AUXPAD Afloat program can put more eyes and ears on the water to help others learn to practice the sport [paddling] safely, and ultimately save lives,” said AUXPAD Coordinator, Kateri Janavicius.
The Grass River Natural Area was also awarded funding which will go to creating Paddling Safety and Accessibility Kits. These kits will be taken on all kayak tours by the guides as well as used by staff and volunteers when the kayaks are used to monitor remote Grass River parcels for invasive species, sensitive species, and macroinvertebrates during stream sampling.
With their pilot program of self-guided kayak rentals beginning in 2021, these kits can also be used by visitors that may not have their own dry bags or first aid kits on hand when heading out on the river. “Our kayak tours are directly focused on educating the public on local waterways, preserving their quality, and understanding the unique natural communities. This project also aims to get more people out on the water safely, participating in passive recreation and enjoying our waterways by kayak.” Says GRNA Education Director, James Dake.
Paddle Antrim’s Ripple Effect Mini-Grant Program awards grants to local non-profit and governmental organizations whose projects align with their mission to protect the water resources and enhance the economic vitality of the region through stewardship, education, improved water trail access and promotion of the waterways. The next round of funding will be in May 2022. To learn more about Paddle Antrim and the Ripple Effect grant program, please visit paddleantrim.com.
Paddle Antrim is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization who uses paddle sports to educate the public about our precious water resources. We support and promote investments in water trail infrastructures that facilitate public access to the waterways. Paddle Antrim believes education, increased access, and promotion of our waterways will increase protection as well as enhance the economic vitality of Northern Michigan.
