High Risk Erosion Areas are those shorelands of the Great Lakes and connecting waters where recession of the zone of active erosion has been occurring at a long-term average rate of one foot or more per year, over a minimum period of 15 years.  DEQ staff conducted the initial recession rate research between 1980 and 1986 in order to identify and designate High Risk Erosion Areas.  Subsequently, staff began updating the recession rate studies on a county-by-county basis to account for changing coastal conditions.  The recession rate data is used to calculate appropriate setback distances for coastal construction and is reflected on the maps in terms of 30-year and 60-year setbacks.  A DEQ permit is required prior to construction in a High Risk Erosion Area.  The MDEQ/USACE Joint Permit application is available at www.michigan.gov/jointpermit.

The general distribution of High Risk Erosion Areas is displayed in a statewide map in PDF format.  For more detailed maps, refer to the individual township maps, which show the specific geographic boundaries of the High Risk Erosion Areas.  Each township map page shows the spatial extent of the High Risk Erosion Areas within that township with corresponding 30-year and 60-year setbacks.  For information about properties within city boundaries, please refer to the map for the nearest adjacent township.  If, based on these maps, you are unable to determine whether your property is located in a High Risk Erosion Area contact the Land and Water Management Division at (517) 241-1515 for verification.  You will be asked to provide the property's tax identification number and property location, including the county, township, and subdivision name, as well as the section and lot number.

Statewide

 Alcona County

Alger County

Allegan County

Alpena County

 Antrim County

Arenac County

Baraga County 

Bay County

Benzie County

Berrien County 

Charlevoix County

Cheboygan County

Chippewa County

Delta County

Emmet County

Gogebic County

Grand Traverse County

Houghton County 

Huron County 

Iosco County

Keweenaw County 

Leelanau County

 Luce County

Mackinac County

Manistee County 

Marquette County

Mason County 

Menominee County 

Muskegon County 

Oceana County 

Ontonagon County 

Ottawa County 

Presque Isle County

 St. Clair County

Sanilac County 

Schoolcraft County

Van Buren County