SAUGATUCK, Mich. – Saugatuck Brewing Company and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are partnering again to raise funding for lake sturgeon habitat restoration efforts across the state.
The Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program is set to launch in April 2025, according to a release.
Lake Street Light is a new light lager with only 96 calories and 4% ABV that was inspired by the state’s lakes and waterways.
A portion of the funds from every Lake Street Light sold will be donated to the DNR.
“Lake Street Light is more than just a beer—it’s a nod to Michigan’s wild heart,” said Sara Van Splinter, Director of Marketing at Saugatuck Brewing Company. “These shores, our ‘Lake Street,’ are home to countless species, and we’re proud to help protect one of them: the lake sturgeon, living fossils that have swum since the time of dinosaurs. This partnership with the Michigan DNR allows us to give back to the waters we love while sharing the story of these remarkable creatures.”
This program comes after the brewing company and the DNR partnered for the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program last year, which raised $10,000 to support the state’s trout population.
Lake sturgeon are a critical part of the aquatic ecosystems in Michigan, but the population has declined because of pollution, habitat loss and overfishing.
“To say that lake sturgeon are a major part of Michigan’s aquatic history doesn’t quite do them justice,” said Patrick Ertel, with the Habitat Management Unit of the DNR’s Fisheries Division. “These fish have been around for more than 100 million years, which may be hard to even comprehend. In terms of more recent generations, there are individual sturgeon in our waters today that are older than anyone reading about this partnership. We’re excited to partner with Saugatuck Brewing Company to highlight this incredibly persistent fish and the fact that some lake sturgeon currently in Michigan waters have been there since before the invention of the automobile. Think about that!”
The brewing company also plans to extend the program into other Great Lakes states and partner with other DNR agencies to further support lake sturgeon habitat restoration.
“Working alongside the Michigan DNR was an incredible experience and a true team effort,” said John Miller, CEO of Saugatuck Brewing Company. “Together, we raised not only funds but also awareness about the importance of protecting Michigan’s natural habitats.”
