Sand Dunes
The most fragile areas of Michigan's dunes can be protected while balancing the benefits of economic development, multiple human uses and benefits of public access and enjoyment through the protection of steep, erosive slopes, using alternative construction techniques to reduce the impacts of development on dunes, and protecting dune vegetation essential to dune preservation and stability Michigan's critical dune areas are protected. Earthmoving, vegetation removal, and construction activities within a critical dune area are regulated through a permit program.
This page can be accessed as Michigan.gov/CriticalDunes.
Maps
- Atlas of Critical Dunes - Township Maps of Critical Dune Areas
- MiWaters Site Explorer - includes Critical Dune Areas
- MiWaters Site Explorer tips
- Wetlands Map Viewer - includes interactive Critical Dune Areas
- GIS Users: CDA Shapefile - Michigan GIS Open Data Portal
- High Risk Erosion Areas: Program and Maps
- Sand Dune Mining Maps (Circular 18)
Permits
- MiWaters - an online permitting and compliance database
- EGLE/USACE Joint Permit Application
- Common Activities Requiring an Individual Permit
- Activities Not Requiring A Permit
- Critical Dune Area Permit Fees
- FAQs of a Pre-application Meeting
- FAQs of Driveways
- FAQs About Removing Sand
- FAQs of Path Maintenance near the Water's Edge
- Application Drawing: Path Maintenance near the Water's Edge
- Application Drawing: Construction on Top of a Bluff
- Application Drawing: Construction Next to Steep Slopes
- FAQs of a Special Exception Application
- Application for Special Exception in Critical Dune Areas
- Surety Bond for Sand Dunes Protection (issued 12/10/2014)
- High Risk Erosion and Critical Dune Area Permitting Staff Map
Shore Protection
Shoreline Plants and Vegetation Assurance
- FAQs about a Vegetation Assurance
- Forest Management Guidelines - 2010
- Types of Plant Communities in a Critical Dune Area
- List of Common Native Plants in the Dunes
- Sample Vegetation Assurance Plan
- Threat to Hemlock Trees in Sand Dunes - Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
- Threat to Oak Trees in Sand Dunes - Oak Wilt
- Invasive Plants - Download the Field Guide
- MSUE - Protect Your Great Lakes Home from Wildfires