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Page 10 WATfR TALK Spring/Summer 1996
<br />fir Sly e~ifl~
<br />OaS~a~ ~3C,~a~
<br />By Cheryl Erickson
<br />Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior is
<br />recognized and treasured for it's cascading rivers,
<br />rocky shoreline, remarkable wildlife, traversing
<br />trails, endless forests, crystal clear waters, and wealth
<br />of natural beauty.
<br />Minnesota is also recognized for leadership
<br />in effective management and protection, yet chal-
<br />lenges still exist in managing Lake Superior's coastal
<br />resources. Some of theses challenges include con-
<br />flicting use, economic development, sewage treat-
<br />ment, increased development pressure, transporta-
<br />tion, recreational opportunity, public access,. and soil
<br />erosion problems.
<br />The Coastal
<br />Resource Manage-
<br />ment Program is
<br />being looked into as
<br />an additional "tool"
<br />which may address
<br />some of these
<br />challenges and
<br />enhance existing
<br />programs. Other
<br />states say that
<br />program participa-
<br />tion benefits include
<br />financial assistance,
<br />consistency of
<br />actions, technical
<br />assistance, and
<br />better cooperation
<br />between local, state,
<br />and federal govern-
<br />ments that share
<br />resource management and program implementation.
<br />Of the 35 eligible states and temtories, 29 currently
<br />participate in the program and 5 states (including
<br />Minnesota) are in the process of developing pro-
<br />grams.
<br />In Minnesota, approximately $600,000 per
<br />year would be available for program implementation.
<br />Activities which may be eligible include enhancing
<br />and implementing existing land use plans; providing
<br />recreational development such as trail, park and
<br />waterfront improvement; improving the public's
<br />access to coastal waters; planning or engineering for
<br />sewage treatment or erosion control; conducting
<br />research or monitoring; providing public information
<br />or education; protecting sensitive resource areas;
<br />habitat restoration; or a host of other projects which
<br />address resource conservation and management
<br />issues.
<br />Minnesota is pursuing a program develop-
<br />ment effort based upon existing policies, authorities,
<br />and programs. The program development process
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<br />Split Rock Ughthouse (photo courtesy of Steve Muener, oNR Tra11s & Waterways)
<br />common resource management issues.
<br />The Coastal Zone Management Act (C7~'~iA)
<br />was crafted by Congress in 1972 with. the goal to
<br />"preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to
<br />restore and enhance our coastal resources for this and
<br />succeeding generations". It is a voluntary program in
<br />which states develop programs tailored to their
<br />specific use and resource needs,. as well as their
<br />individual administrative structures and program
<br />priorities. Federal Funds and. technical assistance are
<br />provided to states who demonstrate responsible
<br />began. several years ago when the Division of Waters
<br />(DOW) was appointed as the lead state agency to
<br />coordinate the process. DOW has worked closely
<br />with other DNR Divisions, the Pollution Control
<br />Agency, Board of Water & Soil Resources, Depart-
<br />ment ofAgriculture, and Department of Transporta-
<br />tion aswell asother state, local, and federal agencies
<br />in identifying and. documenting existing programs as
<br />the basis of a coastal program for Minnesota.
<br />...continued on next page
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