Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grants

Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grants have enabled progress toward preserving shoreline habitat, protecting and restoring riparian corridors and increasing public access. These efforts ensure diverse wildlife resources, reduce pollutants in Ohio’s streams and facilitate the enjoyment of coastal and Lake Erie resources.

The Ohio coastal region is highly developed with 2.65 million people living in the eight counties that border Lake Erie. Historically a focal point for commerce, industry and agriculture, Lake Erie and its watershed are also Ohio’s leading destination for outdoor recreation and nature tourism.

In learning to balance diverse economic and environmental interests, Ohioans place great value on protecting the coastal region’s remaining natural areas and enhancing public access.

The Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grants are helping to make significant strides towards protecting Ohio’s critical coastal areas and restoring water quality for present and future generations.

Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grants (brochure in .pdf format) were part of a one time $30 million Congressional appropriation to the Great Lakes States.

The ODNR Coastal Management Program awarded Ohio's portion of the Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grant matching funds in 2001 and approved the re-appropriation of a portion of those funds in 2003.  (See Recipients).

The Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grant program provided reimbursement grants for activities that serve to preserve, protect, and restore Lake Erie's coastal resources. The recipient’s share of total project costs was 20%.

The funds were provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and are administered by the Office of Coastal Management. Projects must be completed within 18 months. Proposals funded under this program were consistent with the Ohio Coastal Management Program (OCMP).

Fundamentals of the Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grant Program

• All projects had to be within the Lake Erie drainage basin (watershed) and had to demonstrate tangible benefits to coastal waters and resources.
• Grants were awarded on a competitive basis using the qualifying criteria described in the request for proposals.
• Other federal funding could not be used as the sponsor's cost (match). However, non-federal match could be in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions.
• Proposals funded under this program are consistent with the Ohio Coastal Management Program under section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act.

Protection of Critical Coastal Areas

The Lake Erie shoreline and its remaining areas of natural habitat are under increasing pressure from development. Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grants are preserving shoreline adjacent to the Marblehead Lighthouse, a cherished Ohio landmark and the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

Restoration grants are also protecting more than 240 acres of wetlands, floodplains and riparian corridors throughout the Lake Erie watershed, a benefit to local communities directly and the state in general.

Water Quality Protection and Restoration

One of the most significant threats to Lake Erie and its tributaries is polluted runoff from urban storm water and agriculture. Protection and restoration of riparian wetlands and floodplains can result in significant benefits to water quality and wildlife habitat. A healthier environment leads to an improved quality of life and a stronger economic base.

More than 4,000 linear feet of riparian habitat along seven Lake Erie tributaries in Ohio are being protected and restored through Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grants.

Erosion and sediment transport downstream into Lake Erie are being reduced using Best Management Practices, stream restoration and bioengineering principles. In addition, the demonstration of these measures along Muddy Creek in Sandusky and Silver Creek in Geauga County creates educational opportunities.

Sustainable Development Initiatives

In order to achieve and sustain a healthy coastal region, Ohio seeks to balance the use and preservation of Lake Erie and its watershed. Sediment transport mapping in the Maumee Bay and Toledo Harbor shipping channel was accomplished through Great Lakes Coastal Restoration Grants. This mapping will be crucial for planning the site location and design of new sediment disposal areas, improving channel maintenance and other management measures.