OGL Coastal Note: "How You Dune?" Let us know!

‘How You Dune?’ Let us know!

Freshwater Dune Summit kicks off conversation and survey on Great Lakes dunes

Michigan’s first-ever Freshwater Dune Summit brought together more than 60 scientists, natural resource professionals, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and others to Muskegon May 7-8, 2017, to celebrate our state’s globally unique freshwater dune systems.

The Michigan Environmental Council and partners organized the event with sponsorship from the Coastal Management Program in the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes.

The Freshwater Dune Summit gave participants a unique opportunity to learn about dynamic dune ecosystems through educational sessions and explore them hands-on with options to join a field trip, dune run, cycling excursion, and kayak trip led by local recreation leaders. The outings highlighted connections between  healthy ecosystems and vibrant coastal communities. In Muskegon and across Michigan, investments in restoration, protection, and public access have spurred local economic activity through blooming ecotourism venues.

Following the summit, an online survey will continue the conversation by collecting vital information about the ways people use and value Michigan’s freshwater dunes. The data will be used to help protect Michigan’s dunes and better understand their value to local economies.

The #HowYouDune survey launches for a summer kickoff on Memorial Day, May 29 at www.howyoudunesurvey.com.

Learn about the way Michigan’s Coastal Management Program protects, restores, and enhances the Great Lakes coast at www.michigan.gov/coastalmanagement, or by contacting Program Manager Ronda Wuycheck at wuycheckr@michigan.gov.

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