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Communications from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Management Program
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IDNR Coastal Management Program 

June 2020 Newsletter
Lighthouse Beach, Evanston. June 2019 (IDNR)
As we head into summer and prepare to spend time out of the house and enjoying the water, it is important to review water safety information. For a good overview, check out this great resource on lifesaving water safety tips from the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium. Due to the continued high water levels in Lake Michigan, it is especially important to review the information on rip currents before heading to the lake. You can also check out Chicago Adventure Therapy’s 5-part “Water Safety Wednesday” video series. Check out their first short video here, and follow along to catch new videos each week!
In addition to water safety, we will all need to practice public health safety at the beach this summer. Be sure to wear a mask onshore and practice social distancing, and check for specific guidelines and restrictions locally. While Chicago has not yet announced its plans for reopening beaches (the lakefront trail reopens 6/22!), those still waiting to visit can check out this recent story in the Tribune to appreciate what this time of respite has done for local wildlife (the photos are truly beautiful!).
IDNR Parks and Recreational Areas Reopen
As of May 29th, IDNR has reopened all state parks, fish and wildlife areas and recreational areas, as well as select historic sites, to the public. For a full listing of sites open to the public, as well as recreational opportunities at each, please visit the IDNR State Parks website.
While we’re all excited to return to these outdoor areas, it is important that visitors take all necessary precautions while visiting state sites. IDNR asks that all visitors bring with them a face covering in case social distancing cannot be achieved as well as hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Here you can learn more about the re-opening, guidelines, and safety pre-cautions.
Fishing at William Powers State Rec. Area (IDNR)
The Buoys Are Back in Town
The Wilmette, Winthrop Harbor, and Waukegan Buoys are back up and active for the season! Follow the links to each buoy’s webpage dashboard for real time data on wave heights, wind speeds, and other weather conditions. There’s even a live webcam so you can see first-hand what it’s like to be out on the lake!
If you plan on boating, angling, paddling or surfing, buoys can provide useful real time information on water conditions before traveling out for the day.
Buoys are also used by the National Weather Service to forecast wave and weather conditions, observe current conditions, and change forecasts when observations are not as expected.
Learn more about buoys and how they serve our coastline here.
Engage on Great Lakes Issues
What is a Meteotsunami?
Glad you asked! A Meteotsunami (meteorological tsunami) is a tsunami-like wave caused by weather systems, and they pose a threat to the Illinois lakeshore. We recently collaborated with partners to develop a factsheet explaining this phenomenon and its risks. Check it out here!

Great Lakes pollution study shows prevention and restoration investments pay off in long run
Since 1985, $22.78 billion U.S. has been spent on restoring Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), according to a new article in the Journal of Great Lakes Research. The money has been well-spent, with every dollar toward cleanup catalyzing more than $3 worth of community revitalization. In addition, the article states, investing in pollution prevention will avoid substantial future cleanups in the long run. Read the full article, Thirty-five years of restoring Great Lakes Areas of Concern: Gradual progress, hopeful future.

New podcast from WI Sea Grant
Check out Wisconsin Sea Grant’s new podcast titled Introduced: Aquatic Invaders and Stories from our Changing Waters. Introduced dives into stories of the aquatic invasive species that are costing millions and changing the lakes, streams, and wetlands we cherish and rely on. Join each week as we learn how these creatures wound up in the Great Lakes region and meet the people working to protect our waters. Here is a one minute trailer, previewing what is in store for this season. You can listen to Introduced, as well as other podcasts from Wisconsin Sea Grant, on their website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

2019 State of the Great Lakes Report
Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released the 2019 State of the Great Lakes (SOGL) report, which provides an overview of the status and trends of the Great Lakes ecosystem. These status reports inform state and federal policies towards the Great Lakes and help to prioritize protection and restoration work.
Overall, Great Lakes water quality is assessed as “fair and unchanging.” While progress to restore and protect the Great Lakes has occurred, including the reduction of toxic chemicals, challenges cited in the report include invasive species and excess nutrients that contribute to toxic and nuisance algae. Find more information on the report here.

Great Lakes Observing System Request for Information
In October 2019, The Great Lakes Observing System released their 5-year strategic plan and launched the Smart Great Lakes Initiative. They are now working on their next 5-year proposal (2021-2026) to NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which will reflect priorities as highlighted in the strategic plan. They’re currently seeking information and ideas to include in the programmatic buildout of the strategic plan, forge new alliances and partnerships to support the Smart Great Lakes Initiative, and shape their cooperative agreement with IOOS. Learn more and share your thoughts here.

Diversity, Equity, and Green Infrastructure Webinar
Tomorrow! Thursday, June 18th, 12pm. Register here.
Join the University of Illinois Extension on this webinar to discuss the connection between green infrastructure and community diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Speakers will showcase how communities and organizations are incorporating equity into natural resource management and share the results of a recent survey about barriers and opportunities communities in the Midwest are encountering in making green stormwater infrastructure equitable.

Great Lakes Climate and Lake Levels Update and Outlook Webinar
Monday, June 22nd, 12:30-2pm. Register here.
NOAA in the Great Lakes will be providing an update to their popular Great Lakes Climate and Water Levels Outlook webinar from April (watch a recording here). This multi-partner public webinar will share information on the conditions that contributed to the high water levels and their impacts, the typical watches and warnings that may occur around the Lakes due to high levels, an outlook for the lake levels themselves, and the climate outlook from 2 weeks through the next season. 
Funding and Technical Assistance 

Forest Service GLRI Grants
As one of 16 GLRI regional working group members, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service awards competitive grants to assist organizations and communities who are taking creative approaches to improve habitats and water quality. The Forest Service anticipates up to $4.2 million in new funds will be available for tree planting and forest health improvement in the Great Lakes Basin. This funding will be awarded to the highest ranked proposals received through the June 26, 2020 deadline at Grants.gov (Grant Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2020-GLRI). Learn more here.

Chi-Cal Rivers Fund 2020 RFP
The Chi–Cal Rivers Fund is inviting applications for competitive grant funding. With a focus on the major waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region, the program will award grants to reduce stormwater runoff with green infrastructure, enhance fish and wildlife habitat and improve public access to and use of natural areas. Approximately $1 million is expected to be available for grant awards. Individual grants typically range from $100,000 to $300,000. Proposals must be submitted online by July 9, 2020. Learn more here.
In the News
Share your Announcement!
Would you like your event announcement to be included in our next newsletter? Email your submissions to DNR.CMP@illinois.gov
The IDNR Coastal Management Program is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environmental, economic, and social value of Illinois’ Great Lakes coast. We invest in building healthy ecosystems and resilient communities by providing expertise, funding, and other resources for community-driven and forward-thinking efforts within our Lake Michigan coastal region.
Copyright © 2020 Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Management Program, All rights reserved.


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