By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — Jane Fitkin is the new director of outreach and communications for Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior, the group announced.

A recent Northern Michigan University graduate with highest honors in environmental studies and sustainability, Fitkin has led numerous local environmental efforts with groups such as the Marquette Climbers Cooperative and the NMU Conservation Crew, and has advocated with local government officials for sustainable infrastructure projects.

CSCLS said that Fitkin has developed a strong connection to the local community and environment and sees unnecessary development, such as the planned rocket launch site near Thoneys Point in Powell Township, as a serious threat.

“We live on the shoreline of the world’s largest freshwater body,” Fitkin said in a news release. “Lake Superior is immeasurably important to our way of life, and promoting heavy industry right now on the lakeshore is a serious threat to all of us. I’m excited to join this effort to protect our lake for all of us.”

CSCLS President Dennis Ferraro said Fitkin will assisting with the citizen petition effort in the township to amend zoning regulations to ban spaceports and rocket launches in the township, and carry out other various community events.

“Jane is a great asset to our current campaign here at CSCLS, and she brings the leadership, policy and communication skills to broaden our future efforts to to protect our beautiful freshwater coast.”