Coastal Zone Management

Michigan owns over 3,200 miles of coastline, with the Eastern Upper Peninsula contributing 642 miles of this stretch. This expansive coastline – the largest freshwater coastline in the United States – is vital to the state because it supports diverse ecosystems, recreational activities, and local economies. The shores of the Great Lakes are not only iconic for their natural beauty, but are also vital to the tourism industry, which generates billions of dollars annually. However, much of the land is composed of sandy soils, making it particularly susceptible to erosion. This vulnerability poses a threat to communities, wildlife habitats, and infrastructure, which highlights the need for proactive management and sustainable solutions.

Our team was tasked by EGLE to study our shorelines, determine best practices, and educate the public. The resulting product of this project is a story map our team created using drone imagery, GIS tools, satellite imagery, and available data. This webpage, free and open to the public, will help communities better manage their shorelines and plan for the future.

See our interactive story map using the link below:

Coastal Hazard Education Story Map