Skip to Content
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Logo
Main Content

Coastal Management Activities

The Commission works in partnership with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program to improve and enhance the ecological, economic and aesthetic assets of Lake Michigan and its coastal communities.

Coastal Management

Commission staff assist the Wisconsin Department of Administration in conducting the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. The program was established in 1978 under the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act to preserve and improve Wisconsin’s Great Lakes coastal resources for present and future generations.

 

Program Objectives

The program works to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Improve the implementation and enforcement of existing state regulatory and management policies and programs affecting key coastal uses and areas
  2. Improve the coordination of existing policies and activities of governmental units and planning agencies on matters affecting key coastal uses and areas
  3. Strengthen local governmental capabilities to initiate and continue effective coastal management consistent with identified state standards and criteria
  4. Provide a strong voice to advocate the wise and balanced use of the coastal environment and the recognition in federal, state, and local policies of the uniqueness of the coastal environment
  5. Increase public awareness and opportunity for citizens to participate in decisions affecting the Great Lakes resources

 

Commission’s Role

The Commission is committed to working in partnership with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program to improve and enhance the ecological, economic and aesthetic assets of Lake Michigan and its coastal communities as shown on this map of coastal areas.

The Commission provides various technical services in coastal-related activities within the Region to support planning and/or project implementation for local units of government that include:

  • Coordinating technical and financial assistance
  • Undertaking technical studies to protect vital infrastructure and natural resources
  • Assisting in public information and educational activities
  • Assisting in the designation of special coastal areas to ensure financial eligibility for management activities

Commission activities include:

  • Conducting field investigations attendant to wetlands and other sensitive lands in the coastal management area
  • Reviewing proposed sanitary sewer extensions in the coastal management area
  • Assisting counties, local units of government, and non-governmental organizations with programs that incrementally improve near-shore water quality and habitat value
  • Briefing the Wisconsin Coastal Council on Commission planning activities under the coastal zone management program

 

Model Ordinances and Regulations

Links to sample regulations and standards for coastal management are available on the Zoning and Ordinances page.