Technical Assistance
GLISA’s Tool Guidance Tutorials Michigan-Specific! 
GLISA developed these eight common coastal resilience tool guidances with the intention to help other users in the Great Lakes region better understand the tools and their potential applications. (Coming Spring 2024)
Michigan’s Shorelines Through Time Michigan-Specific!
Created by Michigan Technological University, this tool documents the historical shorelines and coastal bluffs of Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior with an emphasis on locating critical bluff erosion areas and assessing potential shoreline modifications using historic aerial imagery. See also, GLISA’s guidance document and tutorial video on the Shorelines Through Time.(Coming May 2024!)
NOAA Lake Level Viewer Michigan-Specific!
This tool provides data and maps that illustrate the scale of potential flooding or land exposure at a given water level for all Great Lakes.
NOAA Digital Coast
The Digital Coast was developed to meet the unique needs of the coastal management community. The website provides not only coastal data, but also the tools, training, and information needed to make these data truly useful. Content comes from many sources, all of which are vetted by NOAA.
Great Lakes Water Levels – EGLE Michigan-Specific!
Discusses recent Great Lakes water level information, with links to applicable resources.
Great Lakes Shorelines and High-Risk Areas Michigan-Specific!
Discusses rules and regulations regarding Michigan shorelands.
Overview of Floodplain Management in Michigan Michigan-Specific!
Discusses general flood resilience information for Michigan, such as permitting, flood insurance programs and floodplain management FAQs.
Michigan’s Submerged Lands Program Michigan-Specific!
Provides information that targets Great Lakes construction permits, shipwrecks and preserves, and Great Lakes conveyances – deeds, agreements, and marina leases.
Presentation: Green Infrastructure for Natural Shoreline Protection Michigan-Specific!
Design options for natural shoreline protection in the Great Lakes. Developed by EGLE.
FEMA Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study
Source for Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study content, such as Coastal Hazard Analysis and Mapping, Great Lakes Flood Zones Overview.
An Introduction to FEMA Coastal Floodplain Mapping
This self-guided tutorial explains coastal hazards, identifies common features of flood maps for coastal areas, and shares how to identify the flood zone and flood elevation for coastal properties using flood maps.
Adaptation Strategies Matrix (Alternate Link)
The Cape Cod Commission formulated “matrix of adaptation strategies that organizes information on the spectrum of resiliency strategies available to protect an area from coastal hazards, including: physical characteristics; benefits and limitations; where they may be used; and cost of implementation and maintenance.” Showcases strategies and applicable case studies referencing the ways with which varying areas worked to address coastal hazards.
Tipping Point Planner
This planning tool was designed for use as a facilitated data-driven tool for community visioning discussions and public involvement in the decision-making process for natural resources planning and implementation projects, resulting in an action plan, whether the community is nearing or exceeding tipping points, and provides customized education strategies, example policies, and sample ordinances to improve current conditions. Developed by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
Working with Engineers and Contractors on Shore Protection Projects
A description of the standard procedure a professional engineer will follow in a shore protection project and why hiring a professional is a good idea. It also includes suggestions on how to find a qualified engineer and additional resources. Developed by Wisconsin Sea Grant.
Wisconsin Sea Grant’s Coastal Engineering Library
This website features an annotated, illustrated collection of the most popular coastal engineering publications from the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources institutes, including books, brochures, directories of current and past research projects, fact sheets, and posters.
USACE Great Lakes High Water
Background information on Army Corps of Engineers, which can provide technical and planning assistance for flood plain management planning, and the Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office, which forecasts and monitors Great Lakes water levels. Links to additional water level data, permitting information and an overview of federal emergency response plans.
NOAA Hazard-Resilient Smart Growth
This source shares resources that provide a starting point for learning more about hazard mitigation and implementation of hazard resilient coastal smart growth.
NOAA Presentation: Green Infrastructure for Coastal Resilience Michigan-Specific!
Shares various green infrastructure design options for coastal resilience in Southfield, Michigan.