To the Journal editor:

In 2017, a group of individuals committed to the sustainability of Clear Lake Education Center took steps to incorporate as a 501(c3) for the purpose of accepting tax deductible donations and contributions to support the outdoor education center, a former CCC camp.

Eagle Mine responded to the group’s call for help with a generous financial contribution, and the Clear Lake Education Center Steward’s Group wishes to publicly thank Eagle Mine and those at the mine who helped to facilitate this contribution. Local school students in the Central and Eastern Upper Peninsula. have the privilege of attending educational camps at Clear Lake where they learn about the function and conservation of the ecosystems on our planet.

The contribution by Eagle Mine will be used to support Clear Lake’s interns. Two internships are offered each year in which candidates spend 15 weeks learning environmental education and interpretation best practices, as well as basic camp operations. The internship is also tailored to each candidate’s field of interest by arranging experiences with local government agencies and other professionals. The interns provide valuable support for local student experiences at the Education Center, bringing fresh vision and energy to programs.

This contribution will also assist with building capacity by supporting visits by the program specialist to local schools. It would not be possible without the generosity of outside collaborators like Eagle Mine. Students benefit directly from these visits by engaging in place-based, outdoor, hands-on activities with the program specialist during their regular school days.

Anyone interested in more information regarding the programs at Clear Lake or in helping to improve the sustainability of the camp can visit the Clear Lake Education Center website: www.clearlakeinfo.org or contact CLEC Director, Mimi Klotz: clearlake@dsisd.net CLEC is located on Clear Lake Road off M-94, 10 miles south of Shingleton.

DENNIS TASSON

Ishpeming