Pier Michigan

Pier Michigan is a project of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.

The mission of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust (GLFT) is to provide funding to nonprofit organizations, education institutions, and government agencies to enhance, protect, and rehabilitate the Great Lakes fishery. The Trust will manage its resources to compensate for the lost use and enjoyment of the Lake Michigan fishery resulting from the operation of the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant.

The GLFT is an innovative funding source created in April 1996 as part of the settlement with Consumers Energy and the Detroit Edison Company for fish losses caused by the operation of the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. The utilities provide annual compensation to the GLFT for fish losses caused by the plant. The GLFT provides funding to educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies for projects related to Great Lakes fisheries to provide mitigation for the losses. GLFT funds are used for

  • public education relating to the Great Lakes fishery;
  • research on the Great Lakes fishery, with special emphasis on rehabilitation of lake sturgeon and lake trout;
  • fishery habitat protection and restoration, with special emphasis on the Muskegon River Watershed; and
  • increased fishing access, including land acquisition and site enhancement, to the Great Lakes fishery for shore-based angling and tribal fishing.

Since 1998, the GLFT has awarded over $44 million in grants to enhance the Great Lakes fishery.

Each year the GLFT provides funding for creating, enhancing, or improving shore-based fishing access. Nonprofit organizations and government agencies may submit applications at any time. Applications and supporting materials are available on this website or by calling the GLFT offices at (517) 371-7468.

Check out more here.