Coping with Great Lakes Flood and Erosion Hazards: Long Point, Lake Erie, vs. Minnesota Point, Lake Superior

Abstract

Based on a systematic sample survey among the residents of Long Point and Minnesota Point, this study tests a central hypothesis that the majority of the residents of low-lying beaches and sandspits on the Great Lakes perceive long-term high lake levels to be the main cause of coastal flooding and erosion hazards. The study found that, despite significant differences in property setting, hazard experience, and shore protection measures between Long Point and Minnesota Point, an overwhelming three-quarters of the respondents from each site would prefer lake regulation as a measure for preventing property hazards. The study compares the processes of water level fluctuations in Lakes Superior and Erie and points out the technical limitations of regulating levels in the context of the existing IJC control structures on Lake Superior and the potential structures on Lake Erie. The study recommends that greater attention should be given to shoreline management for reducing property hazards, but also attempts to provide an explanation for the popularity of lake level regulation as a hazard prevention measure.