Coastal erosion in the Indiana Dunes region: promoting sustainable solutions

Coastal erosion is a complex issue caused by multiple factors. Although a natural geological process, erosion along beach coastlines is exasperated by climate change, development, and poor mitigation techniques. Along the freshwater beach of Lake Michigan, erosion threatens vulnerable ecosystems and human-built infrastructure along the coastline. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is an important part of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, managed by the National Park Service and protected for its historical, scientific, and recreational purposes. Boasting a variety of biodiversity, the National Park Service protects and conserves much of the beach area. Of these conservation efforts, it is important to prevent the worsening of erosion along the shoreline, which has the potential to destroy dunes, habitats, and homes. In this paper, strategies employed to mitigate erosion in the Indiana Dunes region are compared and explored. The four most common strategies used by the National Park Service in the Indiana Dunes region includes dredging practices to replenish sand, the use of break walls, plantings of native vegetation to stabilize dunes, and relocation of infrastructure away from areas most vulnerable to erosion. Based on the conclusion of this research, best management practices are proposed. Because there is not just one solution to combatting shoreline erosion, it is recommended that a combination of the techniques mentioned above be used for the optimal outcome. An informational brochure compiles this information to educate citizens and visitors in an accessible way.