2014 - 2015Annual Report

WE. ME.ACT.

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Table of Contents

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

WMEAC’S IMPACT

STAFF

BOARD

INTERNS

VOLUNTEERS AND AWARDS

03

04

06

07

08

09

11

12

14

24

30

32

WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT

IDEAL

WATER

POLICY AND ACTIVISM

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

DONORS

WE.

ME.

ACT.

Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders

of lakeshore dunes and streams running through our cities. But this beauty reveals it’s

truest form in the people who come together in a shared love, to protect and preserve

West Michigan.

Commitment. There is a power in the individual resolve. It is a source of energy and a

guide to keep us true. And the seeds of this energy lie in each of us, waiting to emerge.

Ready to change minds. And to change the world.

Action. We must preserve this special place for all generations. By gathering our

collective hopes and intentions we create a beginning. Our next step is to act; placing

our intentions in policy commits our communities to sustaining what is best for today

and tomorrow.

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President’s LetterDear Members and Friends of WMEAC,

Across the nation, the environmental movement is becoming aware of a fundamental issue that impedes our strength and

our future; we are awakening to the failure of our movement to be authentically inclusive of all people. Perhaps the most

significant work that WMEAC has accomplished in the course of this year is strengthening our Inclusion and Development

of Environmental Allies and Leaders (IDEAL) initiative.

We are also entering a new era of acceptance and action around Climate Change and Resiliency. Our work around storm-

water and clean, efficient, energy solutions has long been driven by climate change, and the publication of the Grand Rapids

Climate Resiliency Report elevated climate dialogue and action among our business and governmental partners. WMEAC’s

work around climate resilient solutions is now being infused into the major issues of the day in West Michigan. The Grand

River Restoration and Activation, Vital Streets and Holland’s 40 Year Energy Plan, are all model climate resilient solutions to

these systemic issues that WMEAC has positively influenced.

These two trends of inclusion and the need for climate resiliency are deeply related. Traditionally marginalized commu-

nities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. We all know the stories of vulnerable people whose lives were

devastated by climate-exacerbated storms, like hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, that played out in national news. Here in West

Michigan, the dynamics of climate impacts on vulnerable communities are more insidious. Asthma rates among African

Americans and Latino populations are soaring – a complex recipe of genetic predisposition to the chronic disease, housing

conditions and ambient air quality. Economic well-being of families is impacted by extreme demands for heating and

cooling homes. Months of heavy, unrelenting snow make it difficult to navigate simple tasks like getting to work and going

to the grocery store.

For all these reasons, we are ushering in a new day of inclusive practices at WMEAC. We have been careful to do this

work the hard way – with authentic and patient alliances that are being driven by the agendas of our partners serving West

Michigan’s minority communities. We’ve made an investment in this work with our own funds – a small price to pay for

getting it right and moving forward together.

IDEAL has enriched our initiatives and created exponential growth – particularly in the Teach for the Watershed program,

where we continue to see major advances. New partnerships have created fresh approaches to our stormwater work, re-en-

ergizing our community around the protection of water. The infusion of climate change into our community dialogue has

had similar impact, positively changing the ways we think about water, air quality and land use.

As always, WMEAC’s approach is to provide education and insight to inspire change in our community. Sometimes this

influence is loud and highly visible, and on other occasions WMEAC is a behind the scenes, servant-leader, encouraging

others to innovate in ways that protect our natural resources and accomplish a greater good. We are thankful for a body

of supporters – WMEAC’s members and friends – who understand our power in both of these roles and trust us to make

meaningful change to protect West Michigan’s natural resources and quality of life.

With gratitude,

-- Christine Helms-Maletic, WMEAC Board President

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2,215 Students participating 13,000

Facebook Likes

22,250 gallons captured

445 barrels distributed

400 Hours

18,5261,307

5,113

Who is following?

Teach for the Watershed

Rain Barrels

Facebook is our most popular

social media, with

new likes per year

spent working on Teach

for the Watershed by

interns and volunteers

150

250Volunteer hours

Intern hours

5100Nearly classrooms in school districts

constituents reached every week

constituents engaged every week

Over

5

11,104 Volunteer Hours1,277 Volunteers

Who is helping?

Where are we?

MuskegonCounty

AlleganCounty

BarryCounty

IoniaCounty

MontcalmCounty

OttawaCounty

KentCounty

NewaygoCounty

Kent

T4WIDEALGrand River CleanupFrackingWatershed ProtectionRiver RestorationStormwater EducationStormwater CalculatorRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyRainscaping

Ottawa T4WIDEALGrand River CleanupWater TrailsFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyRainscaping

Allegan

Water TrailsFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyLand Use Policy

Muskegon

Water TrailsIDEALFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyStormwater CalculatorStormwater Education

IoniaRainscapingFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy Policy

Montcalm

FrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy Policy

BarryFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyWatershed Protection

Newaygo

FrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy Policy

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Jessica Vander Ark

Teach for the Watershed

Project Coordinator

Mary Robinson

Director of Development

Josh Leffingwell

Director of Communications

Ondrea Spychalski

Water Programs

Outreach Coordinator

Rachel Hood

Executive Director

Elaine Sterrett Isely

Director of Water

and LID Programs

Nicholas Occhipinti

Director of Policy and

Community Activism

Jon Helmrich

Director of Operations

Anne Marie Hertl

Community Activism Manager

Kristine Bersche

Teach for the Watershed

Coordinator

Staff

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Christine Helms-Maletic - President

Grant-writer

CHM Consulting, LLC

David Rein - Vice President

Director of Compensation

Spectrum Health

Robert Westdorp - Treasurer

CPA, Accounting Supervisor

Baker Holtz

Emily Green - Secretary

Attorney

Rhoades McKee

Brad Keuning

Director of Business Risk

Herman Miller

Ryan Huppert

Assistant Principal

Grand Rapids Public Schools

Marta Johnson

Managing Director

Triple Quest/Cascade Engineering

Michael Scantlebury

Associate Professor

Grand Valley State University

Karen Tracey

Partner, Creative Director

The Image Shoppe

Doug Wood

Retired

Past Director Kent County Public Works

Don Triezenberg

Retired Educator

Michelle Jokisch Polo

Title IX/Equity Graduate Assistant

Grand Valley State University

BoardABOUT WMEAC

West Michigan Environmental Action Council has been educating and advocating on behalf

of West Michigan’s natural resources since 1968. WMEAC responds to emerging issues that

threaten our region’s communities and ecosystems. WMEAC’s efforts are focused on building

sustainable communities and protecting water resources. At the core of our mission is empow-

erment; ensuring that the people of our region are prepared with the best tools, resources and

intelligence to ensure that our shared ecology is protected, our economy is competitive and our

communities provide equitable opportunities for all people to thrive.

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Emma Duvernay / Graphic Design

Bree Bode / IDEAL Scholar

Stephanie Poll / Graphic Design

Julian Turley / IDEAL Communications Intern

Nick Dow / Policy

Alison Obrecht / Water Programs

Juan Peña / IDEAL Scholar

Laura Bratt / Water Programs

Grace Ruiter / Communications

Kamau Sandiford / Policy

Amanda Kreuze / Policy

Hannah Melton / Community Outreach

Alyssa Guzman / IDEAL Scholar - Lakeshore

Christy Bell / IDEAL Scholar

Hannah Burrows / Water Programs

Jamie Vaughan / Trout Unlimited

Shelby DeGalan / Event and Fund Development

Sarah Koehn / Policy

Ari Kornelis / Policy

Taylor Flamont /Water Programs + Mayors’ Clean Up

Erin Shelly / Community Outreach

Alyssa Ellen / Teach for the Watershed

Ethan Chong / Event and Fund Development

James Smit / Water Fellow

Kara Suppan / Event and Fund Development

Cenique Yeldell / Communications + Eco Journalism

Jameson Schryer / Water Programs

Meagan Fraser / Communications

Kate Root / Communications

Amar Dzomba / Graphic Design

Tyler Postma / Teach for the Watershed - Lakeshore

Joel Betts / Teach for the Watershed

Macy Doster / Teach for the Watershed - Lakeshore

Joanna Chen / IDEAL Scholar

Madeleine Burns / Events and Fund Development

David Casaletto / Policy

Erin Smith / Women and the Environment

Interns (April 2014 - March 2015)

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WMEAC relies on the work of members and friends like you to carry out our mission of leading

environmental protection in West Michigan. From March 31, 2013 to April 1, 2014, WMEAC volun-

teers logged 9,903 hours of service to our mission. This includes individual volunteers and small

groups throughout the year. Volunteers worked on tasks including rain barrel preparation, Teach for

the Watershed, weeding WMEAC’s rain gardens and green roof, general office help, WMEAC intern-

ships, and work in WMEAC’s many committees.

Volunteers

11,104

HOURS WORKED

1,277

VOLUNTEERS

Ginny WantyMSU Extension

Women of Vision

Emily Green

Joan Wolfe Award

Jennifer Smith

Volunteer of the Year

James Smit

Activist of the Year

GM Components

Holdings

Business of the Year

Laura Bratt

Intern of the Year

Jonathan Harper

Teacher of the Year

Tammy AyersSteelcase Corporation

Women of Inspiration

WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT AWARD WINNERS

Representative Joseph Haveman

90th Michigan House District

Michigan’s 97th Legistlature

C.R. EVENSON

Renae Hesselink

Vice President of Sustainability at Nichols Paper & Supply

GEORGE HEARTWELL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY AWARD

Autumn SandsBarfly Ventures, LLC

Women of Hope

Awards

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WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Over 150 guests attended the 4th Annual Women and Environment Symposium this year.

The theme of the Symposium was Environmental Justice outlining the intersections of race

equity, discrimination, and environmental justice issues in the country and West Michigan.

Personal commitment forms were again integrated throughout the workshop to encourage

attendees to make a 30-day and 365-day commitments to take action to impact their

personal lives and their communities. WMEAC then sent out resources to participants

to support them to reach those goals. This positive piece reinforced the intention of the

Symposium, which was to create opportunities for meaningful action and to inspire and

empower women.

Keynote Nikki Silvestri has driven change both locally and nationally. She was most recently the

Executive Director of Green For All, a national environmental organization building a green

economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Over the last ten years, Nikki has worked

as an advocate for environmental and social equity for underrepresented populations in food

systems, social services, public health, and economic development. Silvestri shared her personal

testimonial to outline the necessity of integrating environmental and racial equity issues.

Other panelists included representatives from food justice, economic development, environmental

justice, First People’s, and health institutions.

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IDEAL

IDEAL (Inclusion and Development of Environment Allies and Leaders) initiative has a goal to build a 21st century population of people ready to tackle 21st century environmental issues.

2013

WMEAC’s strategic plan

recognized a need for

increased inclusion in policy,

programs and outreach.

JANUARY 2013

WMEAC creates the

Community Activism

position to staff IDEAL and

hires the first IDEAL scholar.

FALL 2013

The IDEAL Advisory Board

was formed

SUMMER 2013

The IDEAL initiative

was created.

WMEAC recognizes that underrepresented communities are among the most vulnerable to environ-

mental deterioration and climate change. So, in order to strengthen West Michigan’s environment as a

whole, it is important to involve all communities in the process, especially underrepresented communi-

ties. This realization brought about the IDEAL Initiative.

A component of WMEAC’s IDEAL initiative is to learn the community’s self-identified issue

areas through an ongoing Perception Survey conducted through 25 deep listening sessions and

survey collection at community events. This work is conducted as a component of WMEAC’s

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SUMMER 2014

IDEAL scholars and

WMEAC staff engage in 25

deep listen sessions with

community leaders.

2015

Implement the IDEAL initiative holis-

tically into WMEAC’s strategic plan,

policies, programs and outreach.

SPRING 2014

WMEAC updates internal

hiring and inclusion

policies.

FALL 2014

WMEAC analyzes deep

listening sessions and begins

implementing the self identified

needs of the community.

IDEAL initiative beginning in the summer of 2014 and continuing through the present. WMEAC

representatives engaged in “deep-listening” with community leaders and organizational representatives

to learn about challenges, opportunities, and interests of non-traditional environmental communities.

WMEAC introduced the perception survey to get impressions on a variety of environmental themes,

and to define a community’s self-identified environmental issues and priorities.

Find the latest Perception Survey packet online at www.wmeac.org/IDEAL with survey results and compli-

mentary data relevant to how a specific environmental topics is impacting Greater-Grand Rapids.

WMEAC recognizes that underrepresented communities

are among the most vulnerable to environmental deteri-

oration and climate change.

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Water

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RAIN BARREL PROGRAM

In 2014, WMEAC’s Rain Barrel Program surpassed 2,600 barrels built and distributed in West Michigan, with an increase of nearly 100 more barrels than previously sold in 2013.

The City of Grand Rapids, Coca Cola and Rylee’s Ace Hardware have supported the program

since 2009 and this year DeWitt Barrels has established a new relationship with WMEAC as

our sole barrel distributor. New partnerships were established in 2014 including Rockford

Brewing Company, Flowerland, Schmohz Brewery, Horrocks Market, Grand Rapids

Downtown Market, Big Blue Hydroponics, Rylee’s Ace Hardware, Zeeland Community

Hospital, Sparta Moose Lodge and four Spectrum Health locations who all helped to facilitate

and fund workshops.

PROGRAMMATIC RAIN BARREL DISTRIBUTION BY YEAR

Year Grand RapidsPlaster Creek Watershed Rockford Muskegon

West Michigan

2009 253 15 0 1 142010 468 44 0 1 292011 270 33 9 5 712012 424 27 6 34 1622013 174 45 24 4 1552014 174 17 49 93 110

Total 1736 181 88 138 541

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TEACH FOR THE WATERSHED

West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s (WMEAC) interactive watershed education

program, Teach for the Watershed (T4W) has reached the end of another very successful year

of watershed education in local schools. An exceptional number of students and classrooms in

West Michigan participated by incorporating watershed education into their science curriculum.

WMEAC has introduced many teachers, students, and volunteers to the watercycle, biology, and

chemistry concepts and issues related to sustainability and protecting our local watersheds.

T4W works within the school’s neighborhood streams, all of which contribute to the Lower

Grand River Watershed, which helps students connect with their water sources in order to take

more ownership. Few students have previously had the experience of standing in a stream and

analyzing the water quality. It provides a level of education that would otherwise not be acces-

sible and facilitates connections between what they learn in the classroom and actual career skills

that are utilized in chemistry, biology, geology, and environmental engineering. This approach

THIS SCHOOL YEAR NEARLY 100 CLASSROOMS THROUGHOUT WEST MICHIGAN ENGAGED IN THE T4W PROGRAM FROM GRAND RAPIDS, GODWIN HEIGHTS, GODFREY LEE, FOREST HILLS, AND WEST OTTAWA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

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supports a key goal of the original T4W model: connecting students interested in the sciences

with professionals who are using science skills in their fields of work. This year T4W utilized

approximately 150 volunteer hours and 250 intern hours implementing the the program in 5

school districts.

This school year nearly 100 classrooms throughout West Michigan engaged in the T4W program

from Grand Rapids, Godwin Heights, Godfrey Lee, Forest Hills, and West Ottawa Public Schools.

Approximately 2,215 students connected with T4W in watershed education and water quality

service learning projects.

With a team of water quality professionals from around West Michigan, students were intro-

duced to the major issues that affect the Great Lakes watersheds. This includes where different

types of pollutants come from and how they affect water quality, stormwater best management

practices, managing invasive species, and changes to the water cycle.

Students and teachers were guided through the methods used in aquatic ecological assessments

including water chemistry, studying in-stream habitat conditions, and studying the diversity

of the macroinvertebrate communities. Some of the students and teachers also participated in

addressing stormwater management issues by assembling rain barrels and installing rain gardens

for their school grounds.

T4W maintains educational partnerships with Groundswell and Grand Valley State University,

Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and Plaster Creek Stewards in order to deliver compre-

hensive, expert guidance and professional development opportunities for teaching outdoors, with

approximately 70 teachers.

We have continued our strong funding relationship with Herman Miller, General Motors, and

the Student Advancement Foundation, which sponsored Godfrey Lee Public Schools, West

Ottawa Public Schools, and Grand Rapids Public Schools respectively. Both Herman Miller and

General Motors also delivered strong mentors to work alongside and guide the students in all

activities. With continued corporate support through sponsorships and volunteers, WMEAC will

continue to facilitate educational programming to West Michigan’s young people, ensuring their

commitment to the Great Lakes in the years to come.

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4TH ANNUAL GRAND HAVEN GREENUP

The 4th Annual Grand Haven Greenup (now titled the Ottawa County Cleanup) was

extremely successful with 327 volunteers, 1,018 pounds of trash and 3,995 pounds of

recyclables collected. This was an increase from the 2012 Greenup by 100 volunteers

and nearly 3,500 pounds of trash. The event was put on in partnership with Ottawa

County Parks and Recreation.

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11TH ANNUAL MAYORS’ GRAND RIVER CLEANUP

The 11th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup was successful through the support of the

Great Lakes Commission and the twenty other sponsors. 1,018 volunteers (243 more than

last year) were able to remove 18,000 pounds (6,000 pounds more than 2013) of refuse from

the banks of the Grand River and its tributaries, spreading over 40 miles of riverbank in four

cities: Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, Grandville and Plainfield Township.

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STORMWATER

WMEAC continues its stormwater policy and education work within the City of Grand Rapids and

neighboring communities. In the Summer of 2014, we released Sustaining Stormwater Investments

in Grand Rapids. This report, supported by the Dyer Ives Foundation, includes a review of best

practices from around the country for both incentive programs for green infrastructure implemen-

tation, and stormwater utility opt-out programs. It also provides recommendations to the City for

modifications it can make to its local codes and ordinances to facilitate the implementation of storm-

water green infrastructure, as well as a review of work the City has already done – highlighting

benchmarks that still need to be reached.

For the last several years, WMEAC has urged the City to appoint a stormwater advisory

committee to provide guidance on stormwater management and green infrastructure spending

and implementation decisions. In the Spring of 2014, Grand Rapids appointed inaugural members

to two new City commissions. Members of WMEAC staff serve in leadership roles for both the

Stormwater Oversight Commission and Vital Streets Oversight Commission.

WMEAC kicked off a new partnership, the Rain to Roots program, with Friends of Grand Rapids

Parks, with funding provided by the U.S. Forest Service, to design and pilot a residential stormwater

program. Rain to Roots is targeting homeowners who live in Roosevelt Park, Oakdale, and Alger

Heights to provide stormwater education and residential property assessments for the implemen-

tation of low cost green infrastructure practices. Rain barrels, native plants for downspout rain

gardens, and trees can be purchased through this program.

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WMEAC’s regional stormwater efforts include participating in a collaborative planning process

for the implementation of a regional residential “rainscaping” program, that will build from

the learning of our partners and the Rain to Roots project in Grand Rapids, and the collabora-

tive Stormwater Guidebook for Plaster Creek and Rogue River Watersheds. New capacity at

the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds makes this level of regional collaboration

possible. In addition, we have kicked off a stormwater green infrastructure calculator project.

The stormwater calculator project is a collaboration between WMEAC and Grand Valley State

University to develop online and mobile tools to help communities understand environmental

and economic costs and benefits of stormwater green infrastructure. The calculator will be piloted

in the Cities of Grand Rapids and Muskegon, for application in small to medium-sized cities

throughout the Great Lakes basin. Funding for this project is from the U.S. Forest Service through

the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Members of WMEAC staff serve in leadership roles

for both the Stormwater Oversight Commission and

Vital Streets Oversight Commission.

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PROTECTING OUR WATER RESOURCES

Water is our most precious resource. WMEAC remains committed to work with local, regional,

and national partners to help protect and enhance West Michigan’s water resources – including

Lake Michigan, the Grand River and its tributaries.

GRAND RIVER RESTORATION

As efforts continue to restore and activate the rapids in downtown Grand Rapids, WMEAC

remains committed to protecting the Grand River’s water quality in support of the project. In

2014-2015, WMEAC staff served on both the Grand River Restoration Steering Committee

and the River Corridor Plan Committee. In February 2015, WMEAC gave a presentation to the

Steering Committee regarding water quality issues related to the rapids’ restoration. As a result

of this presentation, a Water Quality Subcommittee was created. This team developed a water

quality agenda that has subsequently been embedded in the GR Forward plan to guide the redevel-

opment of the river corridor. This agenda sets the stage to leverage federal and state funding and

policy efforts for water quality projects up and downstream of Grand Rapids’ restored river rapids.

WMEAC believes that restoration and protection – all based in good science - must align to ensure

successful activation of the Grand River.

WATER TRAILS

In July 2014, WMEAC, Grand Valley State University, and Williams and Works released West

Michigan Water Trail: Planning for a Lake Michigan Water Trail from Benton Harbor to

Ludington. This report highlights the results of a year-long study of community involvement,

national and regional leading and best management practices in water trail development and imple-

mentation, and West Michigan “readiness to market” for existing and potential water trail resources.

This project was funded by the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program, Department of

Environmental Quality, with funds from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.

In doing this project, WMEAC has been able to link recreation opportunities with water resource

stewardship. We are continuing to build and bring our expertise within this emerging field, and

are pursuing opportunities for the evaluation and development of water trails in the Lower Grand

River and in Saugatuck/Douglas at the Kalamazoo River Harbor.

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Policy & Activism

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STATE ENERGY POLICY

In 2015 WMEAC was awarded funding from the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation to

fight for clean and efficient energy in Michigan. WMEAC applied for the funding on behalf

of 13 energy and environmental organizations in Michigan and the Midwest working to

defend, support, and strengthen Public Act 295 of 2008 - Michigan’s proven successful clean

and efficient energy law. Additionally, the 10% Michigan renewable energy standard and

1% annual energy efficiency standard will be achieved at the end of end of 2015. The law is

currently under attack from state legislators and special interest groups. WMEAC is working

with this group dedicated to ensure the law is improved and expanded - not eliminated or

weakened. These funds place WMEAC in an important role in fighting for the future of

clean energy in Michigan and we will need your help.

Watch WMEAC’s Facebook, newsletter, and E-actions for important information about

state clean energy policy.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY WILL PAY FOR ITSELF IN HOLLAND – LITERALLY

In 2012 and 2013 WMEAC worked closely with two Holland citizen energy committees

to advance energy efficiency in the City of Holland: Retrofits Committee and Labeling

Committee. Through much research, dialogue and team work the Retrofit committee

decided to pursue an innovative, national best practice called On-Bill Finance. This new

financing tool allows property owners to finance energy efficiency improvements on their

utility bills to be paid back from the future savings of the install efficacy or clean energy

retrofit. For example, install $2000 in new insulation? Why not pay for it through the

savings from energy efficiency that the investment delivers.

WMEAC then connected the City of Holland to Governor Snyder’s team to introduce

House Bill # 5397 of 2014. This was one of the few environmentally friendly pieces of

state legislation to pass in the 2013/14 legislative session. The bill passed both houses with

overwhelming bi-partisan support and was signed into law by the governor in January,

2015. More, the On-bill financing concept has gained enough steam that it has been

included by Senator Nofs as an innovative financing tool that should be made available to

homeowners statewide in 2015.

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CLIMATE RIDE

Lake Michigan’s coastline is rare and wonderful, and it instills in Michiganders a

powerful reverence for nature, a fierce loyalty to West Michigan, and a sense of

place. September 2014 #TEAMWMEAC completed a 300 mile journey from Grand

Rapids to Chicago Tuesday afternoon with tired legs but renewed passion for

protecting our Great Lakes region!

The ride was a fundraiser for WMEAC and throughout the trip the team

documented their journey and spread the word about climate change in West

Michigan. #TEAMWMEAC posted photos and tweeted messages on social media

about why it is important to protect our Great Lakes communities against the

impacts of climate change. WMEAC sent out climate press packets earned media

in West Michigan coastal community newspapers to raise awareness about the

predicted local climate change impacts.

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TENORM

WMEAC was invited by the DEQ through our statewide partner Michigan Environmental

Council to join the Governor’s Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive

materials (TENORM) panel. This expert panel reviewed the state’s existing TENORM disposal

standard concerning municipal and hazardous waste landfills. The panel produced a number

of recommendations calling for increased TENORM protections at landfills statewide. On the

panel WMEAC utilized hard science and research from other states to earn recommendations

for worker safety protections, limits on the volume and radioactivity of TENORM disposal, and

mandated testing of potential air and water TENORM pathways at landfills to ensure public and

environmental safety. Subsequently, WMEAC has been called on to inform TENORM legisla-

tion emerging from the State Senate.

WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE

A local citizens group in Rockford, MI asked for WMEAC’s help several years ago to oversee

the investigation of a contaminated, former Wolverine Worldwide (WWW) Tannery site

in Downtown Rockford. WMEAC has served as a liaison between the citizen’s group and

regulators. We have met with the City of Rockford, counsel for WWW, EPA regulators,

and environmental remediation consultants. WMEAC’s efforts are ensuring that the highest

quality investigation is performed at the site. This EPA/Department of Environmental Quality

(DEQ) investigation will dictate how this important site on the Rogue River in the center of

downtown Rockford, MI is remediated to protect the environment and public health, and how

it can be utilized in the future.

BUILDING CODES

In 2014 a WMEAC team was formed to advocate for stronger energy efficiency standards in the

state’s residential building codes. The team’s work paid off with a State of Michigan announcement

recommending the adoption of a more efficient code. According to the State, “Michigan’s new

energy efficient residential construction code will result in savings ranging from 14 percent to over

17 percent for heating and over 25 percent when electrical and equipment efficiency is considered.”

Thank you to volunteer, Don Lee, who worked to ensure that Michigan will build more efficient, affordable

and climate resilient homes.

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WEST MICHIGAN FRACKING COLLABORATIVE

On December 3, 2014, WMEAC hosted its Fracking in Michigan conference at the Kellogg

Conference Center at Michigan State University. This well attended event presented a balanced

perspective on issues associated with high volume horizontal fracturing. Topics included water

use issues, state and local economics, local government issues, new state fracking rules and

policies, and the University of Michigan’s Graham Institute study on fracking. As part of this

event, Michigan Radio hosted an Issues and Ale event on December 2, 2014 at HopCat in East

Lansing. Conference co-hosts included Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, FLOW (For the

Love of Water), Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Kent County Water Conservation,

Michigan Environmental Council, and the Wege Foundation.

WMEAC continues to work with FLOW and Kent County Water Conservation to encourage local

communities to strengthen their ordinances to protect their neighborhoods and homes from the ancillary

impacts of fracking. Most importantly, we are working to train citizens to be leaders in their communi-

ties to call for strengthened protections.

To find out more about fracking in Michigan, go to www.knowfracking.com.

WMEAC IN THE GRAND HAVEN TRIBUNE

WMEAC writes a monthly Community Column for the Grand Haven Tribune. The Column

is published in print and online the third Friday of the month. Through this column WMEAC

reaches thousands of Spring Lake/Grand Haven Lakeshore residents. Additionally, WMEAC will

often share the column statewide through social media and partner groups. This column features

innovative policies and emerging issues such as Great Lakes Marine Debris, State Energy Policy,

Environment and market economics, Public lands, and oil and gas Pipeline issues. The column is

often tough, but it’s always fair-minded, well-documented and earnest. Finally, WMEAC has also

been able to feature the writings of interns, emerging young professionals, and partner groups in

this space.

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2014/15 FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES

24% Education and

Advocacy

9% Membership

Programs

9% Sustainable Communities

29% Management

and Fundraising

29% Protecting

Water

Financial Summary

OPERATIONS FUNDS

Both revenue and expenses were up in the 2014/15 fiscal year. WMEAC posted a

negative balance of approximately $30,000 for fiscal year 2014/15. The year ended

with Total Revenue of approximately $785,000 and Total Expenses of $815,000.

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$50,000

$200,000

$100,000

$250,000

$350,000

$150,000

$300,000

$400,000

Foundationsand Grants

Events, Programs, Sales

Membership, Dues, and

Contributions

Investment Income

2014/15 SOURCES OF INCOME

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Thank You - Institutional + Corporate DonorsADAC Automotive

Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Aquinas College

Autodie LLC

Baker Holtz

Barnes & Thornburg

Bata Plastics

The Beancounter

Brewery Vivant

Brick Road Pizza

Calvary Church

Cardno

Cascade Engineering Family of Companies

City of Wyoming

City of Grand Rapids

Clothing Matters

Coca-Cola Enterprises

Coleman Hughes

Comprenew

Covanta

Dean Transportation

DeWys Manufacturing

Dominican Sisters

Elders Helpers

Essence Restaurant Group

Experience Grand Rapids

Feyen Zylstra

FLOW for Water

Founders Brewing Company

Friends of Ottawa County Parks

Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse

General Motors Component Holdings

Grand Finale Desserts & Pastries

Grand Haven Rotary Club

Grand Haven/Spring Lake Sewer Authority

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Grand Valley Metropolitan Council

Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University Women’s Center

Gray & Lockwood

Great Lakes Brewing Company

Greener Grads

Harmony Brewing Company

Hooker DeJong Inc.

Image Shoppe

Interface H2O

Kendall College of Art and Design

Kent County Department of Public Works

Lakeshore Kayak Rental

Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company

Landscape Design Services

Lott3Metz

Mancinos Pizza

Martha’s Vineyard LTD

Media Place Partners

Metro Health Hospital

Michigan Environmental Council

Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Midwest Properties of MI

Muskegon County

New Soil

Nichols Paper & Supply

Nourish Organic Market

Old National Bank

Open Systems Technologies (OST)

Ottawa County Parks

Phoenix Floor Finishing

Premier Finishing, Inc.

Recycleboxbin

Republic Services

Restorative Lake Sciences

Rhoades McKee

Schrems WM Trout Unlimited

Southern Grand Marina

Spectrum Health

Spring Lake Township

Steelcase Corporation

Storr Printing

Tammy Jo Realty LLC

Tazzia Lawn Care

Terra

The Yoga Studio

The Yoga Wave and Paddles Up

Tidy Home Helpers

United Methodist Women

West Michigan Chapter of Air & Waste Management Association

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

Wooden Nickel

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Thank You - Individual Donors

Henry & Chris Aay

Timothy Berghuis & Jill Ainslie

Mark Post & Gerard Akkerhuis

Annessa Allison

Barbara Amberg

Dan & Doris Anderson

Mary Appelt

Peter Armstrong

Jill Armstrong

Martha & Paul Arnold

Todd & Katie Ashenbach

Steve & Julie Ashmead

William & Jennifer Baguley

Jean & David Bahle

Carl & Claudia Bajema

Mishelle Bakewell

David Koski & Lori Baker

Barbara & Gerald Bakker

Janet Ballard

Corinne Banks

Jay & Nancy Barnhart

Justin Barr

Jeffery Bean

Patrick Beaumier

Marcella Beck

Alan & Nancy Bedell

Pamela & Craig Benjamin

John & Susan Bergin

Kristine & Joel Bersche

Anne Marie & Jean Bessette

Judy & Ken Betz

William & Jill Beute

Patricia Birkholz

Bonnie Blackledge

David Blaszkiewicz

Ragen Bleeker

Bert & Janet Bleke

Rosalynn Bliss

Jeanne Helmrick & Frank Blossom

Edward & Kathryn Bolt

Peter & Judith Boogaart

Robert & Dorothy Borgeld

Joyce & Will Gay Bottje

Linda Bowman

Clayton Brillhart

Mary Brodbeck

Judy & Gerard Brom

Janay & Andrew Brower

Becky Brown

John Bruni

Mark Bryson

Richard & Carolyn Bullington

Dr. Peggy Burke

Mary Jo & Chuck Burpee

Virginia Peterson & Jon Burr

Bill Byl

Ron Cammel

DONOR SUPPORT Your annual membership, annual fund donations, sponsorships, event attendance, endowment and planned giving investments all help build WMEAC’s ability to serve the people of West Michigan with its mission – to build more resilient, sustainable communities, to protect our water and to advocate for the future of West Michigan’s natural environment.

Members are the foundation of WMEAC support. As a WMEAC member – annual or sustaining – you are making environmental education and advocacy happen in your community. These dollars fundamentally help us reach these goals and provide a voice to citizens on a variety of issues that change policy on behalf of the environment.

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Mike & Char Cary

Fouad Catrib

Mark & Laurie Cavanaugh

Tia Cavender

Matt Cenci

Lora Sieg-Chamberlain & Aaron Chamberlain

Julia Chambers

James & Dorothy Chamness

Larry & Maia Cieply

Vanessa Clarey

David & Jeanne Clemo

Jill Henemyer & Dotti Clune

Dr. Bruce Cohan

Nancy & Stuart Cok

Sherron Collins

Ryan Cotton

John & Zelda Coulter

Alicia Crawford

Elizabeth J. Crosby

Nuala Crotty

Charles & Patricia Cubbage

Pat & Thomas Dancy

Robert J. Daverman

Alisha Davidson

Jennifer Dawson

David Dejonge

Linda & Gary DeKock

Eric & Sharai DeLong

Michael & Kathleen Devarenne

Marian DeVries

Jeanne Elders & Ron Dewaard

Abby DeWeerd

Eugene & Mary DeWys

Justin Dieleman

Fenna Diephuis - Stoub

A. Newt & Ann Dilley

Anne Dingman

Suzanne Dixon

Mary Jane Dockeray

Nancy & Michael Dodge

Stanley & Betsy Dole

Toby Dolinka

Cindee Dresen

Steffany & Jo Dunker

Kayem Dunn

Jane Dyer

Suzanne & Gary Eberle

Paula Edwards

Tao Edwards

Jackie Neerken & David Eggerding

Paul Murphy & Leigh Eicke

Sarah Elliott

Steve TenElshof & Lindsay Ellis

Vicki Elzinga

Craig & Amy Emenaker

Kristi Evans

Emily Evers

Margarita Munoz Evers

Douglas & Georgia Everse

Sean & Katie Fahey

William & Kay Farr

Emma Fedorchuk

Elizabeth Fedorchuk

Tom & Carolyn Fehsenfeld

Skylar Ferguson

Kayne Ferrier

Jeanne & James Ferro

Erin Fisher

William & Barbara Foley

Eric Foster

Judith Jensen-Fowler & Ben Fowler

Gerald & Donna Foy

Michelle Frederick

Ken Freestone

Mark Holzbach & Dana Friis-Hansen

Donald & Laurie Gardner

Ray Gates

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Paula & John Gaylord

Tina Geelhoed

Pat & John Gelderloos

Kathryn Gerber

Stephanie Gerling

Michelle Gibbs

Jeffrey & Georgia Gietzen

Andrew Giguere

Anita Gilleo

Karen Gipson

Linda & John Girard

Matt Jarrells & Jessica Gladden

Carol Glanville

Meg Goebel

Jonathon Gorter

Laurie Goshorn

Kelly Goward

Judith Grantz

James Lockwood & Adele Gray

Thomas Schmelter & Emily Green

Cathy & Jeff Green

Nichea Ver Veer Guy & Greg Guy

Doris Griffith

Darrell & Debra Gritter

Stacy Hal Grossman

Patricia & Ronald Grzybowski

Daniel Grzywacz

Peter & Virgina Gustafson

Julie Nietling & Paul Haan

Tom Hanley

Judy & Lee Hardy

Thomas Harrington

Margaret Harrison

Hon. George & Susan Heartwell

Ryan Huppert & Dawn Heartwell

Lynn Heemstra

Gail Gunst & Kenneth Heffner

Madeline Heibel

Jon Helmrich

Stephen Hemenway

Shannon Henderson

Jeanette Henderson

Vera & George Hendricks

Anne Marie Hertl

Virginia Hewitt

Gwen & John Hibbard

Lukas Hill

Lynne Hill

Elissa & Adam Hillary

Anne & Rich Hiskes

Laura & Jay Hoekstra

Rebecca & Jack Hoffman

Alden Hoksbergen

Frederick Holland

Karen Holt

Dawn Marie Holtrop

Nancy Honor

Dave Petroelje & Rachel Hood

Gregory & Kristine Hood

Richard Horvitz

Venessa Howard

Richard Hubbard

John Hunting

Ellie Hutchison

Margaret Idema

Kyle & Win Irwin

Elaine Sterrett Isely & Paul Isely

Richard Jackson Jr.

Lois Schwallier Jagers

Sister Lucille Janowiak

Mary Jean Jennings

Marta Johnson

Mari Beth Johnson-Jelks

Grace & Clarence Joldersma

James & Phoorita Jouppi

Shirley Kallio

Rebecca & Brian Karsten

Christine Kelly

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Ruth & Carl Kelly

Don Smalligan & Mary Kenyon

Brad & Corinne Keuning

Pamela & James Key

Robert & Shirley Kirk

Lisa Klaasen

Mary Koenen

Jeff & Kate Koeze

Cathy & Rashmi Kothari

Marnie Kotwick

Andrew Kovacs

Gary Kovitz

Joshua Krbez

Mary Kretschman

Andrew Kuklewski

Mark & Lori La Croix

Danielle Lake

Barbara LaPorte

Beth Larsen

Alissa Lane & Josh Leffingwell

Stephen Lester

David & Judy Levick

William & Susan Lewis

Kathleen Ley-Bruinsma

John & Jean Lockwood

Paulette Longwell

Kristy Glass & Ted Lott

Dana Lowell

Rhonda Lubberts

Sally & Ben Lundquist

Dolli Lutes

Jerry Lykins

Steve Maas

Cecilia Maas

Vaughn & Janice Maatman

Andrijka Macko

Bill & Mary Macleod

Christine Helms-Maletic & Tim Maletic

Melanie Manion

David Kampfschulte & Dayle Maples

Barbara Marcus

Jerry Marogil

Laura Martin

Marilyn & Joseph Martin

Harold Mast

Monica Randles & Andrew Maternowski

J. Kevin & Cynthia McCurren

Starla McDermott

John & Kate McGarry

Danny McGee

Roy & Carol McIlwaine

Mike & Lynn McIntosh

Cynthia McKean

David Rein & Lisa McNeilley

Scott McPheeters

Thomas & Janice McWhertor

David Medema

Jennifer & Greg Metz

Bonnie Miller

Jonathan & Mindy Miner

Lisa & John Mitchell

Kelly Mix

William & Susan Moody

Rosemary Prince & Bruce Mort

Deanna Morse

Greg Mulder

Kelly Mundt

Andrea Napierkowski

William Neal

Andrea Newell

Jill & Thomas Newhouse

Brittany Dernberger & Tyler Nickerson

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Erik Nordman & Jennifer Headley-Nordman

Kimberly Noordyke

Anita & Christopher Norman

James Novak

Kalie Nye

Jeanne Nyhuis

Thomas & Nancy Occhipinti

Liz & Jerry O’Connor

Gaye Works & John O’Connor

John & Lynn O’Donnell

Wendy Ogilvie

Regina Olszewski

Jeremy Orr

Miriam Owsley

Jeffrey Oxford

David & Nurya Parish

Kelly & Sandy Parker

Phyllis & Harold Penny

Jeanne Pepper

Ed & Shirley Perkins

Marcia Perry

Larry Peters

Mary & Kevin Peterson

Gail & John Philbin

Rebecca Dines Pierce

Laurie Piersma

Terri Piersma

Rhett & Jeralyn Pinsky

Tammy Milnikel & Kim Plant

Michelle Jokisch Polo

Tina Precup

Martha Precup

David & Linda Prostko

Gene Pryor

Anthony Puzzuoli

David Hast & Diane Rayor

Christopher & Amanda Reader

Mark & Kathy Reed

Fred & Mary Reusch

Phil Miller & Suzy Richardson

Dave & Patti Rinard

Cynthia & Gary Ritter

Diane Rivard

Sue Robert

Dale Robertson

Barbara Robinson

Thomas Simmons & Mary Robinson

Karel Rogers

Milt & Barbara Rohwer

Jenne Rooks

Helen Rossano

Edyta Rotman

Carol Rottman

Desiree Rowe

Charlie & Angie Royce

Heather Rueth

Shelley Russell

Sandy Russo

Eric Ryan

David Fridsma & Ashima Saigal

Anne Saliers

Dean & Elaine Salisbury

Jamie Sansone

Karen Saupe

John Savara

Olwen Urquhart & Michael Scantlebury

Tom Neils & Stephanie Schaertel

Carolyn Schaut

Annaka Scheeres

Robert Schirado

Mary Schmidt

Dr. James Schmiechen

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Jack Schmitt

Karie Schulenburg

George & Dawn Schumann

Jamie & Dan Scripps

Mary & William Seeger

Sue & Norm Sevensma

Holly Seymour

Tracey Shafroth

Donna Shaw

Catherine Shaw

Gloria Shay

Eileen Shedleski

Bethany Sheffer

Jim & Sheryl Siegel

Lisa Feurzeig & John Sienicki

Sara Simmonds

Cecilia Skidmore

Dr. Tom Small

James Smit

Linda Smith

Brian Smith

Jennifer Smith

Jerome & Helen Smith

Elisabeth Sochacki

Kris & Jason Spaulding

Henry Spenski Jr.

Jennifer Spiller

Nancy Yagiela & Peter Spring

Ondrea Spychalski

Ruth & Steve Stegeman

Robert & Gail Stegmier

Alan & Annoesjka Steinman

Fred & Deb Steketee

Fred Stella

Jacqueline Stevens

Lora Stevens

Richard Stiffler

Wendy Stock

Julie Stoneman

Faye Stoner

Michelle Storey

Amy Dunham Strand

Anne Stumpos

Audrey & Greg Sundstrom

Amanda Sutherland

Alison Sutter

Robert & Mary Swain

Bob Synk

Jean & Caleb Syswerda

Mark & Wanda Sytsma

John Tallman

Laura & Gene Taylor

Mikaela Taylor

Gail & Terry Thome

Richard & Sally Thome

Larry & Julia Titley

James & Celeste Tolbert

Carol & James Townsend

Rob McCarty & Karen Tracey

Jeannie Hosey & Tony Travis

Jana Trent-Hanson

Donald & Carol Triezenberg

Larry Triezenberg

Norman & Marjorie Tubbs

Kristi & Lyle Tuck

Peter Turner

Mary & Don Tuttle

Edward & Margaret Twohey

Carolyn Ulstad

Ann Usakowski

Geraldine Van Herp

Gerald & Hendrina Van Spronsen

Denise Van Valkenburg

Tami Vandenberg

Mark Vanderhill

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Bethany VanderZand

Jessica VanGinhoven

Ron & Peggy VanSteeland

Robert VanStright

John & Gwen Varineau

John Verbrugge

Laurin & Lois Waldecker

Diana & Scott Walker

Jennifer Wammack

Dave & Terri Warners

Ann Weaver

Elizabeth Welch

Daniel & Lynee Wells

Andrea & Robert Westdorp

Laura Whatley

Philip & Louise Wheeler

Jan Wheeler

Bill Stobby & Melissa Whitney

Andrew Wilkinson

Mary Alice & Mike Williams

Steve Wilson

Joan Wilson

David & Marjorie Wiltse

Susan Wisneski

David & Susan Wittenbach

Joan Wolfe

Sarah Wolters

Linda Shuster & Bill Wonderlin

Tina & Brandon Wong

Kathleen Wykes

Bill Wykhuis

Buzz & Linda Wynbeek

Marion Yerkes

Robert Young

Joslyn Young

Jennifer & John Zinser

Gretchen Zuiderveen

Jane & Uko Zylstra

Bob Zylstra

Brookby Foundation

Cranbrook Institute of Science

DEQ - Office of the Great Lakes

Frey Foundation

Grand Rapids Public Schools

Hansen Family Foundation

Herman Miller Inc.

JSJ Foundation

MSJ Foundation

Norcross Wildlife Foundation

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation

US Forest Service

Wege Foundation

Thank You - Grantors