Impacts of Coastal Development

Fragmentation of coastal habitats
Road and building construction fragment special coastal habitats that support a diversity of native plants and wildlife. Some of these natural communities are unique to the Great Lakes and many are globally rare. Land disturbance along the shorelines inhibits wildlife movement and can result in a loss of native biodiversity.

Water quality deterioration
Development often increases the amount of impervious surfaces such as buildings, roads and parking lots. These hard surfaces prevent water from soaking into the ground or draining naturally, resulting in increased stormwater and surface water run-off. In coastal urban areas with high populations, water pollution can stem from overloaded septic and sewer systems, resulting in high levels of nutrients in near shore waters.

Conversion of agricultural lands and forests
Sprawling development patterns can consume agricultural and forest land that is economically valuable and provides benefits such as open space, wildlife habitat, watershed protection and scenic beauty. Unique coastal farmland influenced by lake-effect micro-climates is particularly vulnerable to development.

Loss of coastal wetlands
Coastal wetlands provide natural water retention and filtering capabilities and provide important fish and wildlife habitat. Unplanned development often results in draining and filling these ecologically valuable areas.

Impacts on Great Lakes islands
Great Lakes islands contain some of the most unique natural features, plants and animals in the region. Development can destroy these valuable landscapes and result in increased erosion, use conflicts and reduced public recreation opportunities.

Brownfields
A sprawling development pattern can occur at the expense of urban renewal, leaving former industrial sites (brownfields) unused. Successful brownfield redevelopment may reduce consumption of rural open space, enhance existing sites and contribute to economic vitality in urban areas.

Source: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality