**Saugatuck Brewing Co. Partners to Save Michigan’s Lake Sturgeon with Special Beer** *(147 chars)* **Alternative:** **Cheers to Conservation!

# **Saugatuck Brewing Co. Uses Beer to Save Michigan’s Lake Sturgeon**

**SAUGATUCK, Mich. –** What do beer and endangered fish have in common? More than you might think, thanks to an innovative partnership between **Saugatuck Brewing Company** and Michigan conservationists.

## **A Unique Approach to Conservation**

The **Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)** has been working to restore the **Lake Sturgeon**, a prehistoric fish that has roamed the Great Lakes for over 150 million years. However, habitat loss and overfishing have pushed the species to near extinction.

Now, **Saugatuck Brewing Co.** is stepping in—using beer to help fund **sturgeon conservation efforts**.

### **How It Works**

- **Special Brew:** The brewery created **"Sturgeon Survival Ale,"** a limited-edition beer where a portion of proceeds goes directly to **Lake Sturgeon restoration** in Michigan.
- **Fundraising Power:** For every pint sold, a percentage supports **hatcheries, research, and habitat restoration** for the fish.
- **Public Awareness:** The campaign educates beer lovers about the importance of Lake Sturgeon in Michigan’s ecosystem.

## **Why Lake Sturgeon Need Help**

These ancient fish—often called "living fossils"—are critical to the Great Lakes ecosystem but face multiple threats:

- **Overfishing in the 19th and 20th centuries** reduced their numbers drastically.
- **Dams and pollution** block their spawning grounds.
- **Slow reproduction rates** (females don't breed until they're 20–25 years old).

**Barry Ricord, a brewery spokesman**, explained:
> *"We saw a way to merge our passion for craft beer with conservation. What better way to raise awareness than through something Michiganders love—great beer?"*

## **The Bigger Picture**

This isn’t the first time breweries have supported environmental causes. **Founders Brewing Co.** and **Bell’s Brewery** have also backed conservation efforts. But **Saugatuck’s Sturgeon Ale** stands out because it directly links beer sales to **fish restoration**.

**DNR officials** say partnerships like this are crucial, as state funding alone isn’t enough to bring back the species.

### **How You Can Help**

✔ **Buy Sturgeon Survival Ale** at Saugatuck Brewing Co. locations.
✔ **Support local hatcheries** through donations.
✔ **Spread the word** about sturgeon conservation.

## **What’s Next?**

If successful, this model could inspire other breweries to fund conservation projects. Meanwhile, the **DNR hopes** to see Lake Sturgeon populations rebound in the next few decades—with a little help from beer lovers.

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### **What Do You Think?**

- **Should more businesses fund conservation efforts? Or is this just a PR stunt?**
- **Would you buy a beer if it helped save an endangered species?**
- **Could craft breweries become major players in wildlife conservation?**
- **Is it fair to let private companies fund what should be a government responsibility?**
- **Should we prioritize saving ancient species over more modern endangered animals?**

**Let us know in the comments!** 🍻🐟

**#BreakingNow** by **BNN**