Local governments and tribal entities along Wisconsin’s Lake Superior shoreline are encouraged to apply for a regional resilience-building initiative aimed at helping communities prepare for and adapt to environmental challenges.

Applications are now open for the Enduring Lake Superior Communities program; a collaborative effort led by Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. The deadline to apply is July 25, 2025.

Now in its third year, the program offers selected community teams up to $2,000 in funding, personalized guidance from resilience professionals, and opportunities to collaborate with other Lake Superior communities facing similar issues.

“Communities around Lake Superior are experiencing a range of challenges related to resilience, including flooding, coastal erosion, stormwater runoff, culvert damage, and stress on their utility systems,” said Melissa Burke, Resilience Specialist at the Lake Superior Reserve. “Our team brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, offers dedicated support, and connects participants with professionals to help them meet their unique goals.”

What the Program Offers

Participating teams work on a resilience-focused project of their choosing, with support from program staff who help break complex goals into manageable steps. Past participants praised the hands-on assistance and tailored solutions provided throughout the process, with one participant remarking that program staff “really helped move our big picture project into manageable step by step pieces. Their experience with other projects and program areas kept us focused on producing a usable end project.”

Examples of supported projects include:

● Drafting or revising emergency preparedness plans

● Designing or adapting resilience tools for local use

● Facilitating community engagement around coastal challenges

● Improving communication strategies for emergency planning and response

Who Can Apply

Eligible teams must be based in one of Wisconsin’s four Lake Superior coastal counties—Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, or Iron—and consist of two to four members. Teams may include representatives from tribal governments, local or county agencies, elected officials, or members of boards and committees involved in decision-making.

Applications will be evaluated based on readiness to take resilience action and alignment with available program resources. Selected teams will be notified in August, with the program officially launching in September 2025.

Learn More To apply or learn more about the program, visit the Enduring Lake Superior Communities program website.