Enbridge, Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development Council announce Ecofootprint Grant Program

$500,000 in funding to support environmental initiatives along L5WSRP right-of-way in Wisconsin

June 14, 2023

Enbridge has created a two-year $500,000 Ecofootprint Grant Program to support environment restoration and improvement projects along the Line 5 Segment Relocation Project in northern Wisconsin across Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron counties as well as the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa and the Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa.

Enbridge is partnering with Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. to administer the Ecofootprint Grant Program.

“We are focused on being a good neighbor to the communities where we operate, and we are committed to investing in local initiatives to protect and restore the natural environment,” said Michelle Johnson, Enbridge Community Engagement Strategist. “We’re excited to partner with Lumberjack RCD with its long history of success in this arena.”

“A partnership with Enbridge to administer their Ecofootprint Grant Program fits squarely within our mission to enhance area natural resources, promote a higher standard of living, improve quality of life and foster partnerships. We are equally as excited to partner with Enbridge and are eager to seek out conservation partners and projects that could be helped through this program,” said Tracy Beckman, Executive Director for Lumberjack RC&D.

Lumberjack RC&D is a nine-county, conservation nonprofit in northeastern Wisconsin which, through its own community conservation grant program, has granted more than $1.2 million to more than 100 conservation projects in the past 20 years. Lumberjack also administers dozens of state and federal contracts and grants, all for the purpose of conserving our natural resources. In its 50-plus years of service, Lumberjack RC&D has developed a reputation for quality, resourcefulness and transparent nonprofit governance.

In 2015 Enbridge announced a three-year Ecofootprint Grant Program supporting $3 million worth of environmental projects across the Line 3 Replacement Project area.

The new Ecofootprint grants will focus on the following priorities:

• Improving and/or protecting surface water and/or groundwater quality in watersheds crossed by project.
• Advancing research and science related to threatened and endangered species and/or declining populations.
• Fostering environmental postsecondary education and stewardship.
• Improving research related to the transportation of crude oil as it relates to the environment.
• Focusing on environmental areas most relevant to local communities.

The Ecofootprint Grant Program application process will open on Aug. 1, 2023. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the Enbridge website or Lumberjack RC&D.

For more information contact:

Juli Kellner at Enbridge 218-461-7837
Tracy Beckman at Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development Council 715-369-9886