Leelanau Planning Commission | Public Comment Session

Leelanau Township, situated at the top of the Leelanau Peninsula, faces significant challenges due to its extensive shoreline along Lake Michigan, which constitutes a major part of the township's tax base and supports its tourism and recreational economy. The proposed Master Plan Chapter 5 on Coastal Resiliency addresses the critical issue of shoreline erosion, which affects a substantial portion of the township's economic assets. The document emphasizes the need for careful zoning adjustments to mitigate the economic impact of erosion while protecting the natural environment. It highlights the dynamic nature of the Great Lakes, with fluctuating water levels and erosion posing threats to residential and infrastructural investments. The township's responsibility to balance shoreline protection with the needs of its residents is underscored, with a focus on adaptation strategies to preserve both the shoreline and the community's investments.

The document provides a detailed analysis of the risks associated with coastal flooding and erosion, using various storm scenarios to assess the potential impact on the township's properties and infrastructure. It notes that even under a "lucky" storm scenario, a significant portion of the township's tax base and Lake Michigan-fronted homes are at risk, with the risk escalating under more severe storm conditions. The analysis also considers the long-term rate of shoreline change, emphasizing the need for strategies that can protect shoreland properties without compromising the integrity of the shore or the Great Lakes. The document stresses the importance of understanding the current level of shoreland risk to plan effectively for future threats, highlighting the need for comprehensive risk assessments and adaptation measures.

To address these challenges, the document proposes several adaptation strategies, including zoning adjustments, such as increasing setbacks from the lake to account for fluctuating water levels and erosion risks. It suggests changing the definition of the waterfront setback datum to better reflect the realities of a changing coastline and considers the use of natural features like the tree line for establishing setbacks. Other recommendations include clustering shoreline development to preserve natural spaces, enhancing wetland preservation, and promoting natural vegetation to mitigate the impacts of coastal flooding. The document also discusses the negative impacts of shoreline armoring, advocating for its use only as a last resort and proposing changes to zoning ordinances to prohibit future armoring while grandfathering existing structures. These recommendations aim to protect the township's economic and environmental interests in the face of ongoing coastal challenges. Michigan Open Data Portal Michigan’s Great Lake Shorelines throughout Time Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels Preparing for Extremes: The Dynamic Great Lakes Identifying High-Risk Flood Areas Long-Term Effects of Armoring Structures on Great Lakes Shorelines MiWaters Living on the Coast: Protecting Investments in Shore Property on the Great Lakes