The Initiative for Resilient Great Lakes Coasts, a partnership between the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Coastal Management, has announced a new round of projects designed to help shoreline communities strengthen coastal resilience, restore habitats, and protect public spaces across the Great Lakes basin.
According to an Oct. 20 news release, the program is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and supports nature-based solutions to address erosion, flooding, and water quality challenges. Since its launch, it has provided technical assistance and community-driven design for more than 25 projects across the region.
This fall, the initiative expanded to include communities in the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario basins, including the Niagara River.
A public webinar introducing the program and explaining how communities can apply was held Oct. 1, and a recording is available on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative website.
Several new projects are advancing through engineering and design stages across multiple Great Lakes states. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, the East River Flood Solutions project is restoring 12 acres of wetlands at Van Beaver Park to expand flood storage capacity and protect nearby properties.
“By transforming Van Beaver Park into a resilient wetland, we’re not just creating habitat. We’re protecting homes and businesses, improving recreation spaces, and making Green Bay stronger in the face of future storms,” said Mayor Eric Genrich.
In Superior, Wisconsin, shoreline stabilization work at Barker’s Island will enhance habitat and reduce erosion caused by fluctuating lake levels.
“Barker’s Island is not a natural feature of Superior Harbor. This community created it and developed it into one of our best outdoor places. We have an obligation to maintain and improve the space for future generations,” said Mayor Jim Paine.
In Bay City, Michigan, restoration at Veterans Memorial Park focuses on creating a living shoreline at the Davidson Cut to reduce erosion and protect the pedestrian bridge connecting the park and Kantzler Memorial Arboretum.
“By investing in a living shoreline at Davidson Cut, we’re protecting this important place for generations to come, while also improving water quality and resilience along the Saginaw River,” said City Manager Dana Muscott.
In Oscoda Township, dune restoration efforts at Oscoda Beach Park include planting native dune grasses and constructing a rain garden to control stormwater runoff and protect nearly 1,000 feet of shoreline.
“Oscoda Beach is our community’s front porch on Lake Huron,” said Township Supervisor Nicole Tregear. “By restoring native dune habitats and improving stormwater management, we’re protecting both our natural resources and the families who depend on this park.”
In Duluth, Minnesota, two major projects are underway to protect the Lake Superior shoreline. Along Highway 61, shoreline overlooks and riparian vegetation are being restored, while at Park Point Recreation Area, living shorelines and vegetated stone revetments will protect 44 acres of sandbar habitat.
“These projects allow us to use nature-based solutions to preserve safe access, restore critical habitat, and ensure the sustainability and resilience of our public lands along Lake Superior,” said Mayor Roger Reinert.
In Ashland, Wisconsin, shoreline resilience projects at Maslowski Beach and the Bay City Creek Estuary aim to stabilize shorelines and restore wetlands to improve water quality and public access.
“From Maslowski Beach to the end of Lake Park Road, Ashland’s waterfront is part of our shared story,” said Mayor Matthew MacKenzie. “These projects help us write the next chapter, one where our shoreline is healthy, resilient, and inviting both people and wildlife.”
In Rogers City, the Lakeside Park Beach Restoration project will manage stormwater, restore dunes, and expand native vegetation to strengthen habitat and improve recreation
“Rogers City is proud to lead on coastal resilience,” said Mayor Scott McLennan. “At Lakeside Park, we’re showing how nature-based solutions can improve water quality, strengthen habitat, and keep our community beach thriving for generations.”
In Ecorse, Michigan, the Ecorse Creek Floodplain Restoration project will expand natural flood storage and improve shoreline stability while creating public access and enhancing wildlife habitat.
“Restoring the Ecorse Creek floodplain means turning a longtime challenge into a community asset,” said Mayor Lamar Tidwell.
In Alpena, shoreline stabilization near the city’s water treatment plant and improvements to Starlite Beach will protect both infrastructure and recreation areas.
“By protecting our water treatment plant and Starlite Beach, we’re securing both for decades to come,” said Mayor Cindy Johnson.
These projects are supported by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and guided by technical partners Dewberry and LimnoTech.
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative represents more than 350 municipal and Indigenous governments committed to advancing environmental, economic, and social health across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region.