Often when we talk about coastal resilience, we are diving right into solutions that enhance or otherwise protect shorelines from the natural process. On low- and sometimes medium-energy shorelines, nature-based solutions lend themselves to positive environmental enhancements. However, on high-energy shorelines typical of Great Lake’s coastline, erosion and wave protection requires greyer infrastructure. Interrupting the natural process with rock or steel isn’t always the best solution and can be costly. We also know that climate change is resulting in periods of higher intensity storms and more extreme high and low water levels which puts valuable coastal property and infrastructure at risk.
Considering relocation for existing infrastructure and planning for higher water levels in the future are a necessary step in the planning process. It is a difficult shift to make for many communities and homeowners but can result in significant cost savings by being proactive and developing comprehensive alternatives analyses. Adapting the way projects are approached and considering all options takes a mindset shift. We will look at the planning process and execution of a Michigan State Park project where a hybrid solution was developed to save a historic building and protect prime public access to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Successful resilience requires not only innovative design, but a willingness to adapt the human emotional response as well.
