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Michigan's Resilient Coast

Fresh Coast Best Coast with Outline of the Great Lakes
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Michigan's Resilient Coast

Living on the nation's longest freshwater coastline

Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and we are the stewards of the nation’s longest freshwater coastline (e.g., 3,288 linear miles). Michigan’s coast accounts for approximately 62% of the total coastline of the Great Lakes basin (8 US states and 2 Canadian provinces).  Our coast is highly diverse, including warm sandy beaches and dunes, rocky cliffs and bluffs, and vast coastal wetlands. 

Michigan has approximately 387 coastal communities that border the coast. Michigan’s coastal communities need creative and adaptive solutions when addressing the challenges associated with the unpredictability of the Great Lakes water levels, increased storm intensities and frequency as result of climate change.

Community resilience is defined as the sustained ability of a community to understand and use available resources to respond to, withstand, and recover from adverse situations.

Resilient Communities are those that are prepared to withstand and recover from Great Lakes coastal erosion and flooding events.  Through resilient planning, a coastal community can prepare itself to absorb and adapt to changes in Great Lakes water levels, coastal storms and floods; manage social and environmental changes; and build a better and more reliable local economy.

Contact

Ronda Wuycheck, Coastal Program Manager
WuycheckR@Michigan.gov
517-420-5921

The Pathway to Resilience

The Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP) is building the Pathway to Resilience to enhance community preparedness and promote resiliency to mitigate the impacts of coastal hazards through increased knowledge of the risks, wise planning and zoning, and capacity building. The goal is for communities to be equipped with planning and data tools to effectively plan for growth and change; install practices and policies that protect, preserve, restore, enhance, and wisely develop coastal areas; and create networks for the collective impact of effective coastal management. Following are actions coastal communities can take to become a Resilient-Ready Coastal Community:

  • Participate in an MCMP Coastal Leadership Academy training.
  • Conduct a vulnerability assessment to identify gaps and recommendations.
  • Update a community Master Plan with a Resilient Chapter that is formally adopted via Michigan law.
  • Adopt resilient policies and ordinances such as setbacks and no-build zones adopted via Michigan law.
  • Install nature-based alternatives that respect riparian rights and protect Public Trust.

Coastal Leadership Academy

The Coastal Leadership Academy, a free technical training opportunity delivered by MCMP staff and open to coastal communities throughout the State of Michigan.  Each module is a one-day educational workshop appropriate for local government staff, community planners, elected officials, planning commission members, and other interested parties.  The workshops are an opportunity for communities to come together to share their coastal challenges and learn about widely available resiliency tools to help plan for future conditions.

What is a Nature-Based Solution?

Nature-based solutions refer to best practices that are supported by nature and offer environmental, economic, and social benefits while increasing resiliency. Nature-based solutions are a type of resiliency strategy that can enhance a coastal community’s existing infrastructure or protect their natural areas. Implementation strategies for nature-based solutions can vary. Choosing a solution depends on several factors including the nature and extent of the coastal hazard to be addressed, land use planning, site restraints, funding, and more. The following are examples of practices that utilize nature-based solutions:

  • Habitat restoration, including dune and wetland restoration.
  • Green infrastructure to slow the flow of stormwater.
  • Creative accommodation and protection practices.