States / Michigan

Michigan

Coastal Management

The focus is on managing coastal areas to increase resilience, with an emphasis on balancing environmental, economic, and human wellbeing. Mandated by the Coastal Zone Management Act, the two federal programs designed for this task are the National Coastal Zone Management Program and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Programs are administered, on the federal side, by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, in partnership with the coastal states.

A person kayaks at a busy mariana as a person and child wait on a dock wearing life jackets.

State Programs

Coastal Zone Management

Michigan Coastal Management Program. This program was established in 1978 and is administered by the Department of Environmental Quality. Michigan's coastal area stretches at least 1,000 feet from the water's edge, with some areas extending further to cover significant coastal features. This program helps coastal communities by offering technical assistance and grant funding. Program goals include helping communities understand and address coastal risks, create enjoyable natural spaces, boost eco-tourism, ensure public safety, and support strong coastal economies.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This initiative accelerates efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world—the Great Lakes. Built upon the foundation of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy, this multi-agency initiative has provided funding to 16 federal organizations since 2010. The goal is to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward achieving the organization’s long-term goals. See examples of NOAA products funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.