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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024

NIPSCO Corridor Before Restoration
After Restoration Utilizing GLRI Funds

Success! We’re excited to share that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 was just introduced in both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support!

If approved, this new federal legislation would reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), allowing the federal government to continue to accelerate its investment to restore and protect the Great Lakes – the source of drinking water for more that 42 million people – and to tackle serious threats including toxic pollution, runoff, habitat loss, and invasive species.

GLRI is a critical funding source for the Indiana Dunes National Park to treat invasive species and restore wetlands within the National Park boundaries. GLRI also supports other regional organizations, including Save the Dunes! We currently have a GLRI project that promotes pollinator habitat improvements across our region. That project is set to expire this June, 2024. Without the reauthorization of GLRI, important projects like ours and so many more will no longer be possible.

The GLRI Act of 2024 would provide a critical increase in investment up to $500 million annually. In comparison, Congress has invested $368 million in the 2024 fiscal year budget for restoration actions. The bill was introduced on February 6, 2024 in the Senate by Great Lakes Taskforce co-chairs, including our very own Indiana Senator Todd Young, who signed on as a cosponsor! Thank you Senator Young! We are heartened to see such broad bipartisan support from the delegation on this important act. 

Visit the GLRI website for more information on this important program

GLRI Website

Shutdown Impacts at Indiana Dunes

The federal government is currently experiencing a shutdown, which means that many government operations, including staffing at national parks, are extremely limited. At Indiana Dunes National Park, this has direct impacts on park services and visitor support.

During the shutdown, you can expect:

  • National park staffing will be minimal – only enough to maintain health, safety, and resource protection
  • Roads, trails, and beaches will remain accessible to the public
  • All national park education and volunteer programs are canceled during the shutdown
  • The Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor’s Center will remain open
  • Other park buildings and restrooms are not guaranteed to be open
  • The Indiana Dunes State Park will remain open during the shutdown

If you do visit the park, your actions matter more than ever. For more detailed tips and guidance for visiting responsibly while staff and services are limited, please check out our blog.

Read Our Blog to Learn More

The Indiana Dunes Need You

The Indiana Dunes are facing growing challenges that threaten their health and future. At Save the Dunes, we’re working to support and protect the park during this critical time—but we can’t do it alone.

Donate Today to Help Defend the Dunes

Your support powers local action to protect this national treasure now, and for future generations to come.

Donate Today
Purchase Your National Park Pass
from Save the Dunes!

Save the Dunes is now selling National Park Passes! Your Pass allows you to access any and all Indiana Dunes National Park beaches, trailheads, and parking lots while enjoying the beauty of the Indiana Dunes and beyond. 10% of funds from passes purchased through Save the Dunes will go directly to supporting our mission.

Email or call us at 219-879-3564 to schedule a time to purchase your pass at our office at 444 Barker Road, Michigan City. Or come see us at any of our in-person events! 

Pass Options:

  • 7-Day Indiana Dunes National Park Pass — $25
  • Annual Indiana Dunes National Park Pass — $45
  • Annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass — $80
Email Us

Or click anywhere else to continue to our website

Happy #GivingTuesday!

Today is all about Getting Involved and Giving to the organizations you hold near and dear to your heart. We hope you will consider making Save the Dunes one of the organizations you support this year!

Your gift will be matched today thanks to our matching donors, Mark J. Mihalo D.D.S. Family Dentistry; CLH, CPA’s & Consultants; and Nancy Moldenhauer & Sharlene Livesay.  

Will you join their generosity by supporting Save the Dunes this Giving Tuesday?

Help us reach our goal of $8,500 by donating today!

Donate Today