Great Lakes Shoreline Management

During low water periods such as we have right now, nearshore areas of the Great Lakes that are typically under water are exposed. These exposed bottomlands naturally become vegetated and form coastal wetlands. This natural increase in vegetation growth during low water periods is vital to the overall health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Coastal wetlands provide a range of important functions including critical habitat for fish and wildlife, erosion control, water quality protection, and a myriad of recreational opportunities. Coastal wetland systems support diverse assemblages of invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. In particular, over 90% of the roughly 200 fish species that occur in the Great Lakes are dependent upon coastal wetlands for some part of their life cycle.

In an effort to protect coastal wetlands, a new shoreline management policy is in effect. Certain shoreline management activities now require a General Permit (GP) from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). While small scale shoreline activities done by hand do not require a permit, mechanized activities or larger scale activities now require a permit. The following activities may qualify under the General Permit:

• Leveling and grooming of sand in areas free of vegetation;
• Construction and maintenance of a temporary paths in areas free of vegetation using on-site materials;
• Limited mowing of vegetation for a pathway and certain recreation areas, and;
• Limited mowing for control of invasive or non-native species (such as Phragmites australis) in compliance with an invasive species control plan.

To protect the health of our coastal wetlands and Great Lakes, it is best to allow shoreline vegetation to remain untouched. Shoreline management and removal of vegetation significantly alters the chemical and physical conditions of nearshore waters, kills aquatic vegetation, increases the spread of invasive species, decreases the number of invertebrates (the source of food for fish), and reduces fish populations in the Great Lakes. Before engaging in shoreline management activities, recognize the substantial and long-lasting adverse impact these activities may have upon your property and the health of the Great Lakes.

For more information:

• History of Great Lakes Shoreline Management Policy in Michigan
• MDEQ Report on the Impacts of Beach Maintenance and Removal of Vegetation Under PA 14 of 2003
• Living with The Lakes: Understanding the Impacts of Vegetation Removal and Beach Maintenance
• MDEQ Great Lakes Shoreline Management Website
• USACE - Detroit District Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Website
• Great Lakes Shoreline Management General Permit Application Form and Instructions