Waterfront Revitalization
Coastal cities around Michigan are taking steps to revitalize their waterfronts. Goals are to attract business, retain population and enhance quality of life. Sea Grant Extension Educators work with community leaders to develop and implement solutions that recognize the close ties between a healthy ecosystem and a vital economy.
Brownfield Redevelopment
Redeveloping brownfields is a complex challenge faced by many urban communities in Michigan. Brownfields are generally considered to be “abandoned, idled or underused industrial or commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.” Redevelopment of these locations reduces pressure on green areas, which are especially precious along the Great Lakes shoreline.
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Greenways
Greenways are open spaces including habitats and trails that link parks, nature reserves, cultural features or historic sites. Many coastal cities around Michigan are successfully incorporating greenways and riverwalks into waterfront planning.
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Nonpoint Source Pollution
Urban polluted runoff, also called nonpoint source pollution, is one the largest cause of the deterioration of the nation’s water quality, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The following substances are typically found in urban polluted runoff: pathogens, nutrients, sediment, toxic contaminants, and debris. Minimizing nonpoint source pollution is especially important in Michigan, where all watersheds drain into one of four Great Lakes.
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Soft Engineering
Historically, many river shorelines were stabilized and hardened with concrete and steel to protect developments from flooding and erosion, or to accommodate commercial navigation or industry. Typically shorelines were developed for a single purpose. Today, there is growing interest in developing shorelines for multiple purposes so that additional benefits can be accrued. Soft engineering is the use of ecological principles and practices to reduce erosion and achieve the stabilization and safety of shorelines, while enhancing habitat, improving aesthetics, and saving money.
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