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Ocean and Coastal Management in Indiana

Indiana's Coastal Program

The Lake Michigan Coastal Program is a networked program and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources serves as the lead state agency. The State’s Coastal Program received approval in 2002. The Indiana coastal zone is based on watershed boundaries and varies between a little less than two miles to 17 miles from the shore. The coastal zone is a significant part of Indiana’s economy. The Lake Michigan shore is home to the fifth largest oil refinery in the world, 25 percent of the nation’s steel production, and the busiest port in the Great Lakes.

The Coastal Program works to establish a comprehensive, coordinated approach for the protection, preservation, and orderly development of the state’s coastal resources. Indiana’s most challenging coastal issues include public access to the shore, beach closures, water quality, brownfields, dredging, shoreline erosion, and preservation of natural areas. The Coastal Program is also involved in educational programs such as Coast Weeks, an annual coastal educational festival.

Program Highlights

Lake Michigan Coastal Advisory Board

Links

Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program — The website provides information on the Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program.

Indiana Coastal Program Evaluation (2006) — The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management conducts periodic performance reviews of federally approved state coastal management programs.

Contact Information for Indiana's Coastal Program

Lake Michigan Coastal Program
Division of Nature Preserves
Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington, Rm W267
Indianapolis, IN 46204

 

 

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