The Great Lakes’ coastal areas and shorelines support terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that are globally unique and support a rich variety of species. Exhibiting some of the highest population densities, coastal areas are also critical to human endeavors. With continued population pressures, climate change, fragmentation and other threats, there is a strong need for action to protect and restore these sensitive areas. Long-term sustainability of coastal resources requires coordinated management and protection across an array of land ownership and management regimes. The Coastal Conservation Work Group, working with others, will identify opportunities for aligning priorities across the Great Lakes coastal realm and invest in data [...]
Summary
The Great Lakes’ coastal areas and shorelines support terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that are globally unique and support a rich variety of species. Exhibiting some of the highest population densities, coastal areas are also critical to human endeavors. With continued population pressures, climate change, fragmentation and other threats, there is a strong need for action to protect and restore these sensitive areas. Long-term sustainability of coastal resources requires coordinated management and protection across an array of land ownership and management regimes. The Coastal Conservation Work Group, working with others, will identify opportunities for aligning priorities across the Great Lakes coastal realm and invest in data and knowledge to fill gaps, tools that enable decisions, and strategies to incentivize action.
