• Protecting Michigan's Sand Dunes
Michigan sand dunes are a resource of global significance; they are the largest assemblage of fresh water dunes in the world. There are about 250,000 acres of sand dunes in Michigan of which about 70,000 acres are classified as critical sand dune formations. The Michigan Legislature has found that the critical dune areas of this state "are a unique, irreplaceable, and fragile resource that provide significant recreational, economic, scientific, geological, scenic, botanical, educational, agricultural, and ecological benefits to the people of this state and to people from other states and countries who visit this resource".

Mining of sand is recognized as an important economic benefit to the foundry and construction industries of Michigan. Other contour changes and developmental activities in critical dunes require review at the local or state level to ensure the integrity of critical dunes are protected.

This page can be accessed as www.michigan.gov/deqsanddunes

• Updated and Revised Procedures
Three procedures under the Critical Dune Area Program have been updated and revised following collaboration between the DEQ and a stakeholders group. Public comments regarding the draft procedures were also reviewed resulting in the final documents. The three procedures; "Measuring Heights and Slopes Under the Critical Dune Area Program," "Activities Not Constituting a Use Under Part 353," and "Review of Cantilevered Portions of Buildings" are available below. For information on the procedures contact Jim Milne at 517-373-4608.

• Activities Not Constituting a Contour Change or Use 

• Measuring Heights and Slopes of Dunes 

• Review of Cantilevered Portions of Buildings