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Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Planning Guide

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  • Case Studies
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Case Studies

  • Land Use & Zoning
  • Habitat & Environment
  • Infrastructure
  • Public Health & Safety

Case Studies

  • Case Studies

These case studies address existing hazard-related threats and the effects of climate change on Great Lakes communities. Incorporating geospatial data, science-based information, and visualizations, they provide specific solutions and tested strategies for coastal managers, floodplain managers, planners and other professionals engaged in coastal community planning and management activities. Each case study is peer-reviewed by subject matter experts from the Great Lakes Region before being published online to ensure that all content is accurate, relevant, and leveraging the best available science.

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The case studies follow a simple, consistent four-part format to help user quickly engage. The approach also models four common steps in climate adaptation and coastal resilience planning processes. These include: 1) raising awareness and engaging stakeholders, 2) assessing risk factors, 3) identifying vulnerabilities and analyzing options, and 4) choosing actionable solutions and strategies. Once actions are taken, an additional step of monitoring and measuring results is needed, so that approaches can be adapted as conditions continue to change over time. As with any planning activity in a dynamic environment, the process will be iterative.

  1. Awareness
    Through news stories, photos, images, maps, videos and other resources the local issue or challenge is described in simple terms and without technical interpretation.
  2. Understanding
    Once the issue or challenge is framed in human terms, then the science behind the conditions and characteristics that influence the issue – as well as dynamics that may reduce or amplify it – are described.
  3. Analysis
    Data, tools, and resources to help communities identify vulnerabilities to the issue at hand are identified, including mapping and decision support tools that communities can use to analyze options.
  4. Strategy
    Strategies used to address the local issue or challenge (models, policies, ordinances) are included here, illustrating specific actions communities are implementing.

Look for Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Planning Guide Case Studies covering these topical areas. To share a case study of your own involving one of these topics – please contact us.

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Land Use & Zoning

  • Applying Tools to Visualize Coastal Flooding

    Wisconsin, Brown County, Green Bay

    On April 9, 1973 a Nor’easter storm event on Green Bay caused flooding 4 feet deep in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin. Flood waters reached the elevation of the 500-year flood...

  • Engaging Communities to Promote Coastal Zoning

    Michigan, Berrien County, St. Joseph

    In the fall of 2012, the City of St. Joseph passed a “no-build” zoning ordinance that prohibits the construction of permanent structures at a fixed elevation above sea level to ensure the protection of public trust and private property along the shore...

  • Minimizing Bluff Top Development Risk

    Wisconsin, Ozaukee County

    In Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, local planning officials are making efforts to communicate the risk of developing and purchasing property within close proximity to coastal bluffs.

Habitat & Environment

  • Climate Considerations for Habitat Restoration

    Ohio, Ottawa County, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

    The Nature Conservancy has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, and NOAA to restore 585 acres of coastal habitat in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge...

  • Combating Invasive Species in the Les Cheneaux Watershed

    Michigan, Mackinac County, Clark Township

    Since 2006, residents of the Les Cheneaux Watershed having been working together to prevent the spread of and introduction of invasive plant species…

  • Prioritizing Locations for Wetland Restoration

    Wisconsin, Sheboygan County, Plymouth

    Non-point source pollution does not have a single contributor to be held liable for regulating runoff. Therefore, the responsibility to capture and control non-point source runoff requires a cooperative effort between land owners, municipalities, and other key stakeholders.

  • Climate Adaptation Planning for Forest Management

    Minnesota, Cook County, Lake County, Tofte, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Grand Portage, Lutsen, Silver Bay, Hovland

    Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota uses an Adaptation Workbook to integrate climate considerations and adaption actions into a forest restoration project along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Infrastructure

  • Economic Valuation of Port Infrastructure

    Ohio, Lucas County, Toledo

    Ports, harbors, and marinas on the Great Lakes are vulnerable to a number of predicted climate change conditions. With some basic training, port authorities and others in the region can use The Matrix to estimate the costs for repair and/or replacement or dredging for most port infrastructure.

  • Resilient Stormwater Planning Takes Time and Pays Off

    Minnesota, Lake County, Two Harbors

    Through nearly ten years of careful planning, partnership building, and targeted coordination the City of Two Harbors, Minnesota enhanced its stormwater infrastructure to be resilient to the 500-year flood event. As a result the city weathered the 2012 Minnesota “Solstice Flood”, which ravaged many other communities along the North Shore, with little to no damage.

  • Green Infrastructure Guidance for Flood Reduction

    Ohio, Lucas County, Toledo

    Staff from the City of Toledo, OH worked with several Federal Agency and Non-governmental Organization partners to complete an economic assessment of green infrastructure for urban flood reduction in the Silver Creek Watershed.

Public Health & Safety

  • Using Beach Safety Kits to Prevent Drowning

    Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

    An interagency team created a process for disseminating water safety and rescue equipment, and launching a regional water safety campaign to reduce fatalities due to dangerous currents, breaking waves and related hazards.

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