The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is soliciting public comments on the draft 2026-2030 Assessment and Strategy for Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program. The draft document is available on MLSCP’s Coastal Enhancement Program webpage.
Comments can be shared with the DNR by sending an email to [email protected] before 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23.
Every five years, coastal programs like MLSCP review the ways their state can enhance coastal management. They assess nine factors, including wetlands, coastal hazards, public access to the coast, marine or lake debris, impacts of development, special area management planning, ocean and lake resources, energy and government facility siting, and aquaculture.
The draft 2026-2030 Assessment and Strategy document contains a high-level assessment of all nine factors and an in-depth assessment of coastal hazards, the highest priority factor. It also outlines a strategy or five-year plan, for addressing the top management needs related to coastal hazards.
“We’re excited to learn what the public has to say about our assessment and the strategy to enhance Minnesota’s management of Lake Superior’s coast,” said Amber Westerbur, DNR coastal program manager. “Engagement with stakeholders and partners was critically important to get us to this point. Additional feedback will help us improve the final product.”
After the public comment period closes, the DNR will finalize and submit its 2026-2030 Assessment and Strategy to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If approved, Minnesota would be eligible for federal funding during the 5-year plan period to implement its strategy.
For more than 25 years, Minnesota has worked with NOAA to protect and improve the 189 miles of Lake Superior coastline within the state. Every year, the DNR administers funding through a competitive grants process and provides core services to keep coastal lakes, rivers and streams clean; reduce risks from coastal hazards like flooding and erosion; restore coastal streams, forests and wetlands; improve access to Lake Superior and its tributaries; and help coastal cities and towns grow sustainably and become more resilient.
For more information visit the DNR’s MLSCP webpage.