DEADLINE: IJNR Virtual Workshop on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

2021 was a good year for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) – the multi-agency program charged with conserving and restoring a system that holds 84 percent of all the fresh surface water in North America. In January, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act drew overwhelming bipartisan support and reauthorized the popular program through 2026 to the tune of more than $300 million annually. Then, in November, the $1 trillion infrastructure bill tacked on an additional $1 billion for the GLRI.

In the wake of this big political and financial windfall, a billion-dollar question now looms. How – and where – should that money be spent?

The GLRI’s current action plan runs through 2024 and instructs the 16 federal agencies tasked with achieving its goals to focus on the following issues:

• Toxic Substances and Areas of Concern
• Invasive Species
• Nonpoint Source Pollution Impacts on Nearshore Health
• Habitats and Species
• Foundations for Future Restoration Actions

In January 2022, the Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources will present a two-day virtual workshop that will help journalists learn more about how the GLRI hopes to achieve those goals. Participating journalists will join a virtual conversation with policymakers, tribal leaders, environmental organizations, industry representatives, scientists and local residents to hear first-hand what GLRI projects mean for the eight U.S. states, two Canadian provinces and more than 30 million people who call the Great Lakes region home. Additionally, participants will be eligible to apply for reporting grants to help turn their virtual experience into real-life reporting upon completion of the workshop.

• Applicants must submit a resume, one or more clips and brief statement of interest via Submittable.
• We will select up to 25 applicants who represent diversity in geography, outlet, race, gender, experience, and journalistic medium.
• Registration is free. Accepted journalists will be sent a registration link.
• Priority will be given to journalists of color.
• Participating journalists will be eligible to apply for small reporting stipends following completion, intended to support coverage of an issue or issues addressed during the workshop. Funding may be used for travel or other reporting costs. Please note that we expect journalists to abide by all necessary Covid-related safety protocol during post-workshop travel and reporting.

Applications due by midnight (Eastern) Friday, January 7