Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program

Welcome to the Lake Michigan Watershed sign
Sign designed by Kristi Richard
The purpose of the Lake Michigan Coastal Program (LMCP) is to support coordination and partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies and local organizations for the protection and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources in the Lake Michigan region. Through the LMCP, Indiana participates in the Coastal Zone Management Program with 33 other coastal states and territories to protect, restore, and responsibly develop Indiana's coastal area.

Development of the LMCP will make more than $1 million (based on the proposed 2002 Congressional budget) available annually to implement the LMCP and for grants to communities in northwest Indiana. Examples of how these funds might be used include:

· Protection and restoration of significant natural and cultural resources.
· Programs to prevent the loss of life and property in coastal hazard areas.
· Improved public access for recreational purposes.
· Revitalized urban waterfronts and ports.
· Improved coordination among government agencies in policy and decision-making processes.
· Pollution prevention initiatives, including non-point source pollution into coastal waters.

2006 Annual Report

The LMCP last completed a true annual report in 2001. LMCP staff worked diligently in recent months to compile an annual report for 2006. This document goes beyond just accomplishments and future direction as it provides a wealth of background information on the various programmatic components of the LMCP.

2006 Annual Report (PDF format, 4.5 MB)

The Lake Michigan Coastal Program Final Environmental Impact Statement provides a detailed description of the program and its organization.

Fact Sheet (pdf)
Fact Sheet (doc)
Fact Sheet (rtf)


The Lake Michigan Coastal Program receives input and guidance from the Coastal Advisory Board. the Advisory Board provides a diverse perspective on coastal issues and a close connection between the Lake Michigan Coastal program and local communities and citizens.

Coastal Advisory Board Information

Coastal Program Area

The Lake Michigan Coastal Program is based on a watershed approach. The boundary for the program, the Coastal Program Area, includes those areas that drain into Indiana's portion of Lake Michigan. The Coastal Program Area defines the areas that will be eligible to participate in the program. More information about the Coastal Program Area can be found in Chapter 3 of the Lake Michigan Coastal Program document.

Coastal Program Area (pdf)

Coastal Program Area (downloadable GIS shapefile)

History of Indiana Coastal Program Development
Program Development

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Letter
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Letter
Part I: Table of Contents, Introduction and Part II Chapters 1-4 (5.9MB)
Part II Chapter 5 through Part VI (2.1MB)
Part VII: Public Comments section a (4.9MB)
Part VII: Public Comments section b (7MB)
Appendices (2.4MB)
The Lake Michigan Coastal Program and Final Environmental Impact Statement (22 MB)
The Lake Michigan Coastal Program and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (P/DEIS) The Lake Michigan Coastal Program Scoping Document - June 2001 Executive Summary (5.7 MB) The Lake Michigan Coastal Program Fact Sheet
The National Environmental Policy Act Fact Sheet

For more information about the Lake Michigan Coastal Program, contact:

For more information about the Lake Michigan Coastal Program, contact:

Indianapolis Office:
402 West Washington Street, Room W267
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2782
317/233-0132
317/233-0133 FAX

Mike Molnar
Program Manager
Lake Michigan Coastal Program
317/233-0132
mmolnar@dnr.IN.gov

Jenni Newman
Program Assistant
Lake MIchigan Coastal Program
317/234-3985
jnewman@dnr.IN.gov

Dunes State Park Annex Office:
Indiana Dunes State Park
1600 North 25 East
Chesterton, IN 46304
219/926-9775 FAX

Jenny Orsburn
Program Specialist
Lake Michigan Coastal Program
jorsburn@dnr.IN.gov
219/983-9912

Joe Exl
Coastal Nonpoint Coordinator
Lake Michigan Coastal Program
jexl@dnr.IN.gov
219/921-0863