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Michigan’s assortment of landscapes and the scenic beauty they provide enrich all of our lives, but none more breathtaking than our coastal areas.
Michigan has approximately 3,921 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and the longest coast of any state in the continental U.S.
The coastal ecosystem not only serves as a vital transition area between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but also provides critical habitat for many wildlife, fish, and plant species. Coastal features such as wetlands and dunes are extremely fragile and can easily be impacted by land use activities. These areas require special attention because of the many services they provide and their sensitivity to alterations.
Northeast Michigan Coastal Stewardship Project
 The Northeast Michigan Coastal Stewardship Project is a two-phased project to protect and enhance our coastal resources.
Geographic Database
Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Huron Pines has been developing a geographic database tool of the 467 Lake Huron shoreline miles in our service area to identify sensitive areas and to prioritize areas in need of protection, restoration, and management. By using the data from the database, we are developing a list of priorities and recommendations for this area.
This system of prioritization is a useful tool because it highlights the critical aspects to consider when making land management decisions. This can help focus efforts on the highest priority areas. Also, the program can be adapted to apply to other regions and will be available for other groups to use.
On-the-Ground Projects
 The second phase of the project is to implement on-the-ground improvement projects and conduct good stewardship practices in these coastal areas. Projects will focus on creating partnerships with private landowners to install conservation measures on their land that will enhance their property and protect coastal resources. By working with private landowners and providing them with resource information to implement best management practices, we are helping to conserve valuable habitat and protect Michigan’s most spectacular landscape.
Our technical steering commitee includes:
Financial assistance for this project was provided by:
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