Development within CDAs and HREAs

The Lake Michigan shoreline is a beautiful natural resource that residents and tourists enjoy every year.  To protect this resource and still allow for development, the State of Michigan created designated Critical Dune Areas (CDA) and High Risk Erosion Areas (HREA). CDA and HREA are regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) under Part 353, Sand Dunes Protection and Management, and Part 323, Shorelands Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), 1994 PA 451, as amended.

Critical Dune Areas span across 74,000 acres of public and private lands of the Great Lakes shorelines protecting the natural resource of the coastal dune where developmental, silvicultural, and recreational activities are regulated and a permit is required from EGLE under Part 353.  The law was created by the State of Michigan to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the diversity, quality, function, and value of the critical dune and still allow for economic development, multiple uses, and public access to the resource.

The High Risk Erosion Area program created by the State of Michigan identifies shorelines that recede at an average annual rate of one foot per year or greater over a minimum period of 15 years.  Along these shorelines, new structures are required to meet setbacks to protect them from the changing conditions and high rates of erosion of the Great Lakes shorelines.  Before construction can begin in a HREA, a permit is required from EGLE under Part 323.

Point Blue, LLC scientists focus on providing clients with environmental consulting services by understanding environmental regulations and laws.  Point Blue can assist clients with identifying if their property is located within a CDA or HREA, can prepare the permit application to EGLE, and can help clients reduce their environmental impact and still reach their development goals within the regulations of Part 353 and Part 323 of NREPA, as amended.