States / Indiana

Indiana

Coastal Management

The focus is on managing coastal areas to increase resilience, with an emphasis on balancing environmental, economic, and human wellbeing. Mandated by the Coastal Zone Management Act, the two federal programs designed for this task are the National Coastal Zone Management Program and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Programs are administered, on the federal side, by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, in partnership with the coastal states.

Grass covered dunes leading to a sandy shoreline. A large tree branch hangs into the frame of the photo.

State Programs

Coastal Zone Management

The Lake Michigan Coastal Program. Established in 2002, the program, led by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, provides guidance, technical support, and some financial assistance to the municipal, county, and state government agencies working within the coastal region. The mission is to protect and enhance natural, cultural, and historical coastal resources, and to foster coordination and partnerships. The coastal region of northwest Indiana roughly consists of the northern half of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This initiative accelerates efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world—the Great Lakes. Built upon the foundation of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy, this multi-agency initiative has provided funding to 16 federal organizations since 2010. The goal is to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward achieving the organization’s long-term goals. See examples of NOAA products funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.