Building Coastal Resilience in Southeastern Wisconsin through Research, Outreach, and Collaboration

Session: 51. - Coastal Resilience

Adam Bechle, Wisconsin Sea Grant, [email protected]

Abstract

A new three-year project is providing research data, educational resources, and technical assistance to Lake Michigan coastal municipalities in Southeastern Wisconsin to help these communities build resilience to coastal hazards. The region’s coastal bluffs, beaches, and waterfront infrastructure are impacted by erosion, coastal storms, and fluctuating water levels which threaten coastal properties and impair economic security of the region’s tourism and commerce. This project, funded by the NOAA Coastal Resilience Grants Program, aims to enhance the capacity of communities in Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties to plan and prepare for coastal hazards. Updated shoreline recession rates will be mapped and evaluated to provide needed data for long-term planning. Educational resources on options to protect coastal assets will be developed for use by local officials and property owners. Using these data and resources, the project team will work with municipalities to assess their vulnerabilities to coastal hazards, prioritize potential actions to address coastal hazards, and implement some of these identified actions. This collaborative effort will be organized within a “Community of Practice” with regular meetings to connect local officials, scientists, and outreach specialists to learn about, share experiences with, and develop approaches to plan and prepare for coastal hazards.

1. Keyword
coastal processes

2. Keyword
outreach

3. Keyword
Lake Michigan

4. Additional Keyword
Coastal Hazards

5. Additional Keyword
Resilience