Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakershore (SBDNL) will receive funding through the Inflation Reduction Act – joining eight other Midwest National Park Service sites for projects.
The goal focuses on climate resilience of ecosystems and improve forest health, according to SBDNL Superintendent Scott Tucker.
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced $195 million for America’s National Parks through Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) investments.
Eight parks in the Midwest region will receive $3.6 million with an amount specifically going to SBDNL not available yet.
Tucker says restoration project will include improving forest conditions such as maintaining former pine plantations and restoring housing sites within natural areas.
“A lot of (SBDNL) area had been clear cut numerous times and pines have been planted after (pine plantation) ... there’s restoration work and it could involve density thinning and could be some planting of trees.”
This is only one of several projects the park could use funding for.
The Department of the Interior last week announced a $195 million investment from President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda for climate restoration and resilience for projects over the next decade.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022 was signed into law.
National parks across the United States will use this funding to prepare for the impacts of climate change, protect species, restore ecosystems and invest in conservation jobs. Many of these projects support restoration and resilience efforts in national parks located in small and rural communities, bringing muchneeded investments and jobs that support local American economies, according to a press release.
“America’s national parks drive economic opportunity, extend nature-based solutions in our fight against climate change, and provide the chance for people of all ages to explore and enjoy the great outdoors,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams has this to say in a press release, “This investment in conservation demonstrates an unprecedented commitment towards tackling the climate crisis and strengthening America’s resilience.”
