March 19, 2025
Contact: Spencer Wheelock, 616-776-3511
Saugatuck Brewing Company and DNR partner to protect lake sturgeon
Lake Street Light campaign launching after successful Rainbow Rodeo IPA initiative, which raised $10,000 for habitat restoration across Michigan
Saugatuck Brewing Company is reaffirming its commitment to supporting conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the state by once again partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Set to launch in April 2025, the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program is a collaboration between SBC and the DNR designed to raise awareness and support the conservation of Michigan’s lake sturgeon population. A portion of proceeds from every Lake Street Light sold will be donated to DNR efforts aimed at restoring the lake sturgeon’s habitat and boosting its population.
The new light lager, Lake Street Light, is a crisp, refreshing brew with only 96 calories and 4% ABV, inspired by the beauty of Michigan’s lakes and waterways.
“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.”
Lake sturgeon are critical to Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems, but their population has declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. The program’s proceeds will directly support the DNR’s sturgeon conservation projects.
“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!”
SBC is planning to extend the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program to neighboring Great Lakes states, collaborating with other DNR agencies on lake sturgeon conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the region.
This announcement comes on the heels of a successful partnership between Saugatuck Brewing Company and the Michigan DNR through the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program. From May through October 2024, the initiative raised $10,000 to support habitat restoration projects focused on Michigan’s trout population.
“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.”
Saugatuck Brewing Company also highlighted this important initiative through its sponsorship of the West Michigan Whitecaps Bung Hammers game, spreading the message to baseball fans across West Michigan.
Both the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program and the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program are part of Saugatuck Brewing Company’s vision to promote sustainable practices and engage the community in preserving Michigan’s natural resources. For the latest news and announcements on Saugatuck Brewing Company’s 2025 programs, follow the brewery online at saugatuckbrewing.com or on Facebook or Instagram.
About Saugatuck Brewing Company: Saugatuck Brewing Company, established in 2005, is an independently owned craft brewery situated next to Saugatuck along the shores of Lake Michigan. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the brewery takes pride in crafting unique and flavorful beers that capture both tradition and the spirit of the region. Saugatuck Brewing Company’s footprint covers 13 states and 7 foreign countries with plans for continued growth. Follow their journey online at saugatuckbrewing.com or on Facebook or Instagram.
About the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. The department strives to protect resources, ensure sustainable recreation use and enjoyment, enable strong natural resources-based economies, improve and build strong relationships and partnerships, and foster effective business practices and good governance. For more information and updates, visit Michigan.gov/DNR or follow on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube.
Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
Check presentation: A 2024 DNR/Saugatuck Brewing Company partnership raised $10,000 to support fishing habitat restoration. Shown here are Scott Whitcomb, director, DNR Office of Public Lands; John Miller, CEO of Saugatuck Brewing Company; Patrick Mohney, senior lands program manager, DNR Office of Public Lands; and Scott Bowen, director, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. |
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