MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) - Muskegon Lake will receive special attention from the federal government under a program designed to improve wildlife habitat.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chose the western Michigan lake and the St. Louis River estuary in Wisconsin and Minnesota for the initiative. NOAA says it will focus resources on understanding ecosystem threats and making the areas more hospitable for fish and other aquatic creatures.
Muskegon Lake is an inland coastal lake connected to Lake Michigan. It’s an important nursery area for Chinook salmon, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch and threatened native species such as lake sturgeon.
It has been degraded by pollution and extensive shoreline filling.
NOAA and its university partners are conducting field research and planning restoration projects.
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