|
|
|
|
|
IDNR Coastal Management Program
October 2020 Newsletter
|
|
|
|
Looking south from Montrose Harbor Pier, October 2020 (IDNR)
|
|
Share Comments for Our Program’s NOAA Evaluation
As a part of NOAA’s nationwide Coastal Management Program (federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended), the Illinois Coastal Program will be having its first federal program evaluation by NOAA at the end of October. As part of the federal evaluation process, NOAA will conduct a virtual public meeting and is seeking any public comments on the Illinois Coastal Program. The virtual public meeting will be held from 1-2 pm on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. To attend, register here (up to two hours before the meeting).
The purpose of the meeting is to receive public comments regarding the operation and implementation of the Illinois Coastal Management Program. You can participate in the virtual public meeting either online or by phone. You can also provide written comments whether you attend the meeting or not. Written comments should be emailed to Ralph.Cantral@noaa.gov no later than November 6, 2020.
|
|
New Regional General Permit for Lake Michigan Activities
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, is announcing the establishment of the Lake Michigan Regional General Permit (LMRGP) for activities located within Lake Michigan in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois, effective October 1, 2020. The LMRGP authorizes a group of activities which would have minimal individual and cumulative impacts on aquatic resources. The purpose of the LMRGP is to provide a simplified and expeditious means for review of activities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act that meet the specified terms and conditions of the permit. Find the complete Public Notice here.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Soren Hall by telephone at (312) 846-5532, or email at Soren.G.Hall@usace.army.mil
|
|
IL Coastal Management Program Facebook Page
Looking to find coastal management-related updates and information more frequently than this monthly newsletter? You’re in luck! Follow our Facebook page for coastal project updates, opportunities to provide input on local projects, grant opportunities, regional Great Lakes information, emerging resources, employment and volunteer opportunities, fun events, and more.
If you have an event or update to share, let us know by emailing DNR.CMP@Illinois.gov and we will spread the word!
|
|
|
|
New Story Maps Featuring ISGS Research at Illinois Beach State Park
Did you know the Illinois State Geological Survey has a dedicated Coastal Geology Group stationed at Illinois Beach State Park? They do, and they’re great! Our program works closely with this group to help guide research and better our understanding of the Illinois coastal system. When COVID kept researchers out of the field in recent months, it provided an opportunity to develop materials on the work they’ve done over the past few years.
Two new interactive story maps guide you through ISGS’s research at Illinois Beach State Park. Understanding a Dynamic Shoreline investigates long- and short-term shoreline change, and A Vanishing Coast examines habitat loss due to extensive erosion over 80 years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emerging Resources
New video on flood risk mapping along the Great Lakes shoreline
Check out this great video produced by the FEMA team on mapping flood risks along the Great Lakes shoreline. This video lays out how flood events are triggered by high water and strong winds. You’ll learn about Special Flood Hazard Areas, and the difference between ‘V’ zones and ‘A’ zones. And you can continue learning about your flood risk here.
|
|
|
Events
Midwest Climate Summit – Registration open to the public
The Midwest Climate Summit Think Tank is a series of five virtual events, taking place between October 2 and November 20, 2020. All sessions will take place on Fridays, starting at 10 a.m. CT. The Fall 2020 Think Tank program is organized around topic areas: Science & Research; Teaching & Education; Climate Action; and Outreach & Engagement. The Think Tank will:
- Engage leaders and decision-makers from multiple sectors
- Provide content focused on advancing understanding of climate impacts in the Midwest and promoting existing and emerging best practices
- Cultivate ideas and partnerships that will help organizations accelerate climate action
Register for free here
|
|
|
Funding Opportunities
Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications to monitor ecological conditions in the coastal wetlands of the Great Lakes. Approximately $10 million of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding will be made available to one applicant to implement the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program for five years. Eligible applicants include non-federal governmental entities, non-profit organizations, and institutions. Find more info and apply here. Applications due October 26.
Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration program launches new webpage
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission have debuted a new Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration (GLFER) Program web page. The site contains information about the GLFER Program, how the program and its projects have changed the Great Lakes, and how to submit a new project request. The web page also hosts an interactive storymap of completed and active projects across the Great Lakes basin.
Projects that restore fish and wildlife habitat, remove dams and other barriers to fish migration, prevent and control non-native invasive species, and contribute to the removal of beneficial use impairments in Areas of Concern are eligible for funding through the program.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
