Project Summary

Coastal development, driven by increasing demand for lakeside property, threatens Great Lakes' shores and beaches. This project aimed to inform shoreline management decision-making by investigating the complex dynamics of shoreline development. Led by experts in geomorphology, insurance, law, architecture, and urban planning, in partnership with local government associations, insurance industry representatives, and Michigan Sea Grant, the team explored coastal development and its associated risks across four research areas: 

• Coastal geomorphology and long-term shoreline recession: Researchers found that historical and contemporary aerial photography can effectively forecast and predict shoreline recession and erosional processes for state and local decision-making.
• Design for coastal shoreland structures: While the cost of moving existing buildings in coastal settings can be unpredictable because of the unique setting and structural considerations, the team found that specific building footprints, low-impact foundations, gray water systems, structural materials, and utility layouts could make moving physical structures more feasible and cost-predictable.
• Insurance of coastal shoreland structures and policies: Flood and homeowner insurance policies do not cover the loss of structures due to Great Lakes shoreline erosion. However, surveys showed local officials have incorrect assumptions, confusion, and uncertainty about how insurance policies cover coastal hazards in Great Lakes settings.
• Community planning for enhanced resilience: Initial findings from the analysis of coastal community master plans and zoning codes found that 1) coastal communities rarely address coastal hazards through planning and zoning efforts, and 2) only ~22% of plans analyzed mention insurance, and those that do contain few details.

These findings reveal significant gaps in knowledge and policy regarding Great Lakes coastal development. The team emphasized the need to improve insurance literacy among property owners and local officials, incorporate insurance coverage into community planning, and integrate science, structural design, insurance frameworks, and community planning efforts to enhance shoreline resilience. This work sets the stage for more resilient shoreline management practices across the Great Lakes region and offers insights that can help guide other coastal regions facing similar challenges.

This project received a $10,000 Catalyst Grant in 2022.

Project team: Richard K. Norton, PI (Taubman | U-M Ann Arbor); Kyle Logue, Co-I (Law | U-M Ann Arbor); Steven Mankouche, Co-I (Taubman | U-M Ann Arbor); Jono Sturt, Co-I (Taubman | U-M Ann Arbor); Erin Bunting (Michigan State University); Ethan Theuerkauf (Michigan State University); Guy Meadows (Michigan Technological University).