Economic and Ecosystem Maps Clarify Great Lakes Restoration Priorities

It’s a given that the Great Lakes’ natural resources and recreational benefits translate into local dollars—but until recently, no one had the economic data mapped with the range of services provided by the natural environment. Without that data, restoration planners could not know which proposed projects were likely to deliver the biggest bang for the buck for the coastal economy, ecosystem, and cultural activities.

To help, the Great Lakes Environmental Assessment and Mapping Project developed a map bringing together NOAA’s Digital Coast economic data on tourism and recreation with their own data, which pinpointed the natural resources that support sport fishing, recreational boating, birding, beach use, and park visitation.

Bringing these data sets together in a visual format enabled Great Lakes officials and planners to “see” where restoration actions could deliver potentially big economic, ecosystem, or cultural benefits. They also found that locations very high in recreational use often suffer greater environmental stressors and therefore might need more restoration attention. These discoveries and others are informing current and future restoration plans. (2016)

More information: coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/stories/gleam and www-personal.umich.edu/~dallan/allan_2015_frontiers_main.pdf

Partners: Great Lakes Environmental Assessment and Mapping Project, Michigan Technological University, NOAA Office for Coastal Management and Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, The Nature Conservancy, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin

Illinois North Shore Towns Seek Sand Solution Together

For some towns, beaches are eroding at impossible rates, while for others the issue is too much sand. Previously, cities managed their own sand issues by either trucking in more to refill beaches or spending thousands to dredge year after year. Now, they’re working together to develop collaborative, sustainable sand management solutions.

The 32-mile stretch of lakefront along the North Shore of Illinois is home to dozens of beaches and several marinas and harbors, including the only marina between Chicago and Milwaukee large enough for cargo ships to take harbor during storms. Working together to address sand management challenges will save cities money, protect harbors and beaches, promote tourism to the region, and result in better dredging practices.

More information: dnr.illinois.gov/cmp/Pages/sandmanagement.aspx

Partners: NOAA Office for Coastal Management, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Prairie Research Institute

Navy Pier Project Serves as Model for Green Infrastructure Techniques

A major redevelopment project at Chicago’s Navy Pier resulted in the upgrading of 50 acres of urban lakefront while addressing the impact of unfiltered stormwater running off the pier and into the Chicago River.

A desire to update the pier’s stormwater management system provided a good opportunity to implement green infrastructure techniques to reduce flooding and pollutants. Navy Pier applied for a grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Management Program and received a $125,000 award to apply toward this innovative approach. As a result, approximately 43,000 square feet of permeable pavement and 77 tree tubs are in place, capturing the runoff. Based on Chicago’s annual average precipitation of 27.1 inches, the system has the capacity to detain and slowly release 2.3 million gallons of water per year. This project demonstrated a model of sustainability that is improving the health and vitality of the local community and inspiring future adaptation projects.

More information: coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/training/chicago-green-infrastructure

Partners: Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program, Navy Pier, Inc.

States Partner for Great Lakes Coastal Grant Managers’ Call

The Illinois and Indiana Lake Michigan coastal programs started a monthly conference call for staff members working with grants. The goal is to improve coordination and determine the best approaches for advancing coastal management in the Great Lakes. The group shares data, information, practices, and tips. “Guest” members thus far have included participants from Oregon and Maine. (2016)

Partners: Illinois Coastal Management Program, Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program