The shorelines of the Great Lakes are diverse, ranging from flat, sandy beaches to steep dunes and rugged bluffs. Given increased climate disruption and uncertainty around the natural fluctuations of Great Lakes water levels, people are grappling with how to respond to waters that threaten the built environment of houses, roads, and other infrastructure. One common response is to armor the shoreline with structures like riprap revetments and seawalls. Because such structures impact shared public trust resources, like ecological systems and public access, as well as neighboring properties, this report examines and compares coastal armoring statutes and regulations across the eight Great Lakes states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It assesses the statutory and regulatory frameworks that allow armoring and determine emergency responses across the states. By comparing each state’s approach, this report highlights best practices and identifies areas for improvement to enhance compliance with public trust obligations and promote coastal resilience in response to evolving environmental hazards.
Citation:
Sutherland, C., Scanlan, M. (2024). Great Lakes States’ Coastal Armoring Laws: A Comparison. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Publications
Read the full report below:
Great Lakes States’ Coastal Armoring Laws: A Comparison