What is Leelanau Clean Water?

Our Mission

Leelanau Clean Water is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization whose mission is to restore, protect and sustain water resources, promote public awareness of issues with environmental and economic importance, and provide accurate information to assist public participation in water resource decisions

Background

Leelanau Clean Water began as a task force of Leelanau County around the year 2010. Created by the County Board of Commissioners, the group was composed of representatives from governmental agencies, nonprofit service organizations, and lake associations.

In 2021, Leelanau Clean Water established itself as an independent nonprofit organization, expanding both opportunities for funding and the scope of projects able to be undertaken by the group.  Leelanau Clean Water is still eligible to receive funding from Leelanau County, but in addition can now accept donations and apply for grants.

Now, the structure of LCW is made up of a Board of Directors and two committees, the Science and Tech (S&T) Team and the Education and Outreach (E&O) Team. The Teams focus their efforts on specific topics, while the Board manages financial operations, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and works to support the efforts of the Teams.

Board and Team members are volunteers who share their knowledge, creativity, and time to promote and protect clean water in Leelanau County and beyond.

LCW Board

James Wysor — Treasurer

Chase Heise — Director

Jeff Shutz — Director

Dean Manikas — Director

Steve Lewis — Director

Thank you, Tricia Denton, for serving as LCW Chair from 2021 - 2024, and to Jeanie Williams and Sean Leask, for your contributions as Board members in 2021-2022.

Administrative Coordinator — Holly Wright, 2021 - currrent

Members and Supporters