Citizen perceptions of Great Lakes coastline change and management efforts

Abstract

Fluctuating water levels, nearshore flooding and associated coastal erosion present management challenges for coastal communities around the world. Along the Great Lakes, integrated coastal zone management efforts involve a complex array of people and institutions, which include citizens of coastal communities. At this point in time, there are few studies focused on community members' perceptions of and views on current management efforts on the Great Lakes. To address this need, the present study analyzes survey data from the public and six Great Lake communities with three objectives in mind. One, to understand perceptions of the causes of coastline change and the hazards associated with these changes. Two, to understand the consequences of coastline change for people and the greater community. Three, to understand citizens’ viewpoints about different strategies for managing coastline changes and the parties responsible for managing the coastline. Study results indicate conflicting perceptions between community members about common coastline management efforts (e.g. armoring, beach nourishment, and setbacks). They also indicate a general lack of knowledge about the complexities and responsible parties for coastline management, which in some cases, may be individual property owners themselves. The results of this study suggest efforts to educate citizens may be critical for future stewardship of the Great Lakes, which requires community partnerships and buy in to be successful.