Current Research Projects

Helping Coastal Communities Evaluate Wind Energy Options
Michigan is recognized as a state with strong wind energy development potential. As a result, coastal communities are likely to face pressure to develop wind farms. Currently, there is limited information about how coastal wind turbines might impact communities, businesses and the environment. Many towns are not prepared to evaluate future wind energy proposals. See: Details (PDF)

Restoring Natural Flows in the Clinton River Watershed
The 80-mile long Clinton River has its headwaters in rural and urbanizing areas and then flows through heavily urbanized sections of southern Oakland and Macomb counties before eventually draining into Lake St. Clair in southeast Michigan. Although water quality in the Clinton River has improved over the last 30 years, the river faces a number of environmental challenges, including extreme fluctuation of water flow. See: Details (PDF)

Evaluating Potential Wind Energy Conflicts in Coastal West Michigan
Wind energy has the potential be an environmentally sensitive alternative to fossil fuels because wind is renewable and can be used to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Michigan’s coastal zones possess abundant wind resources. However, wind energy development might present challenges for tourism-dependent lakeshore communities. Poorly sited wind farms may interfere with other uses of the coast, such as recreation, commercial fishing, and nature preservation, and not all communities are prepared to manage these conflicts. See: Details (PDF)

Economic Opportunities for Southern Lake Huron Communities
The declining recreational Chinook salmon fishery has negatively impacted the coastal economies of communities located in Michigan’s “Thumb” area, from Tuscola county to Port Huron in St. Clair county. Historically, individual port towns and coastal businesses in the thumb area have worked in isolation. However, a regional assessment could help communities work collaboratively to adapt to these changes and challenges. See: Details (PDF)

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