Village of Elk Rapids Recognized for Environmental Leadership
Village of Elk Rapids Recognized for Environmental Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elk Rapids, Michigan – June 16, 2025 — The Village of Elk Rapids was recognized for its environmental leadership by the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program. As part of the annual Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, local governments are awarded bronze, silver, gold, or platinum seals of achievement. These achievements demonstrate community leadership in various areas, including energy efficiency, climate resilience, recycling, mobility, environmental stewardship, and more.
The Village of Elk Rapids achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, economic development, land use, materials management (also known as recycling, composting, and waste diversion), water conservation and protection, clean mobility, and community engagement.
“This achievement reflects the dedication our entire community has shown toward environmental responsibility and innovation,” said Tracy Fosdick, Village Council Pro-Tem and Green ER liaison. “We are proud to lead by example and remain committed to preserving the natural beauty and resources that make Elk Rapids such a special place to call home.”
The MGC Challenge had a record number of participants this year, with 68 communities being recognized for their efforts. The Village of Elk Rapids and the other participants logged actions taken through 2024 to improve sustainability efforts. Six communities achieved bronze certification, eighteen achieved silver certification, forty-two achieved gold certification, and two achieved platinum certification.
The MGC program is open to all local governments in Michigan at no cost. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally sustainable and economically competitive future for the state of Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. For more information about this program, please visit their website at www.migreencommunities.com.
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About Michigan Green Communities
Michigan Green Communities (MGC) is a collaborative statewide program that supports local governments in advancing sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Through benchmarking, technical assistance, and peer learning, MGC helps communities identify and implement actions that improve quality of life, protect natural resources, and strengthen economic competitiveness. The program is supported by multiple state agencies and organizations, including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan Townships Association. Participation in MGC is open to all Michigan local governments at no cost. Learn more at www.migreencommunities.com.
About the Village of Elk Rapids
The Village of Elk Rapids is a vibrant waterfront community located in Antrim County, Michigan. Known for its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and commitment to responsible growth, Elk Rapids offers residents and visitors access to pristine beaches, scenic parks, and a thriving local business district. The Village is dedicated to preserving its unique environment through forward-thinking planning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability and quality of life, Elk Rapids continues to invest in initiatives that protect its resources for current and future generations.
For all inquiries, please contact:
Questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to Danielle Beard, Michigan Green Communities Program Coordinator, at info@migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding The Village of Elk’s sustainability and environmental efforts can be directed to Village Clerk, Leah Moskovitz, at lmoskovitz@elkrapids.org.