Developing a Coastal Management Program for Illinois (ICMP)

Overview

In November 2004, Illinois announced it would seek application into the National Coastal Zone Management Program. A total of 29 coastal states and five island territories have developed CZM programs representing more than 99.9 percent of the nation's 95,331 miles of oceanic and Great Lakes coastline. While Illinois' 63 miles of Lake Michigan coastline represent a small fraction of our nation’s coastline, they contain one of the largest population, cultural and economic centers in the country. Nearly 6 million people live in Cook and Lake Counties and there are over 20 million visitors per year to the Chicago lakefront alone as one of the state’s prime economic attractions.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has been designated as the lead agency for program development and administration. An initial ICMP kickoff meeting with lakefront municipalities, government agencies and officials took place on January 25, 2005 at Gillson Park in Wilmette. Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn and officials from the IDNR addressed the state’s decision to seek application into the program, discussed key resource issues the program may address, and provided an overview of Illinois’ coastline and features. State Representative Harry Osterman expressed his commitment to support this program through the state legislature stressing the importance of this program to the state and it's positive impact on the shoreline. Representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) discussed program requirements and the steps needed to get program approval. Other State officials included Senator Susan Garrett, Representative Julie Hamos and Representative Karen May.

The IDNR developed a questionnaire which was distributed at the kickoff meeting and which was sent to numerous interest groups and interested parties.  Responses to the questionnaire served to develop the list of general issues and geographic areas meriting ICMP attention.  The questionnaire responses have also been sorted by issue as a reference to be used by TAGS in developing issue papers.

• Waukegan City Hall Council Chambers, July 26 and November 15, 2005
• Heller Nature Center in Highland Park, July 27 and November 16, 2005
• Loyola University Chicago Lake Shore Campus, July 28 and November 17, 2005
• East Side United Methodist Church (110th and Ewing) September 15 and November 14, 2005

The primary objectives during the municipal meetings and workshops were to establish an ICMP Boundary and Framework, and to further define the areas which merit program attention. The IDNR also requested assistance from the municipalities and workshop participants by participating on a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) in preparing an Issue Paper on each area identified as meriting attention in the ICMP. Over 100 individuals signed up to participate in at least one of the 13 areas identified.

Key IDNR staff assigned to developing the ICMP and preparing the necessary documents for program approval are:

Todd Main, ICMP Program Manager - Todd is a senior policy advisor with the IDNR Director's Office.

Frank Pisani, P.E., ICMP Program Development - Frank is the Research/Planning Engineer within the IDNR, Office of Water Resources.

Michael J. Chrzastowski, ICMP Coastal Resource Coordinator - Mike is the Senior Coastal Geologist with the Illinois State Geological Survey.

What will be the purpose of the ICMP?

The Coastal Management Program was established under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. It is a voluntary effort under which Illinois is applying to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for federal funding and program approval. The purpose will be to support and coordinate partnerships among local, state and federal agencies, and local organizations, to share information on coastal care efforts and to preserve, protect, restore, and where possible, enhance the coastal resources in Illinois.

Many federal, state, and local agencies manage resources in the coastal region of Illinois. That will not change, as the fundamental roles of the agencies will remain the same. The ICMP will encourage coordination of agency efforts in the coastal region to streamline government processes and may provide opportunities for federal, state, and local stakeholders to cooperatively identify priorities for the coastal region and to implement local projects to address those priorities.

What the ICMP will NOT be:

It will not be a zoning document. It will not be a restrictive plan that threatens to take local control from local communities. It will not create any new laws or new burdensome regulation. It will utilize existing statutes, regulations and authorities to satisfy federal program requirements.

How can the ICMP benefit coastal communities?

Upon ICMP approval, Illinois will be eligible to receive approximately $2 million per year, which will fund a grants program to implement local projects. Local and state agencies and non-profit organizations would be eligible to apply for and receive funds. A few examples of how other States/communities have used these funds include:

• low-cost construction projects such as dune walkovers and boat launches
• planning and creation of beach access points
• reinvigorating economically depressed waterfront areas
• preventing and monitoring beach erosion
• providing technical assistance on shore protection and bluff stabilization
• providing assistance for local planning in coastal areas

The types of activities that can be funded are broadly defined and will be left to the creativity of state and local governments and organizations, as long as the goals of the ICMP are addressed and the projects occur within the ICMP Boundary.

Why participate in this program?

The most valuable outcome will be the creation of a program designed to protect and enhance the natural and cultural resources of our coastline. This program will create ecological, recreational and economic opportunities for Illinois. The ICMP may be able to provide assistance in addressing the following areas, to name just a few:

• Protection of wetlands and other natural resources
• Measures to improve coastal waters
• Planning process for erosion control, utility access and energy development
• Technical assistance on coastal management issues
• Provisions for improving public access for recreational purposes
• Redevelopment of deteriorating and underutilized urban waterfronts and ports
• Educational and interpretative measures
• Engineering studies, designs and reports
• Documentation, monitoring and analysis of coastal land use changes
• Preservation and/or restoration of areas for their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical or esthetic values

What can you do?

The IDNR is asking for your input and comments in developing the ICMP. Please look over the draft program documents and become actively involved in the creation of this program. Provide us with your suggestions and comments. Your interest and input will assist in developing a better coastal management program for Illinois.

Please submit comments to: Todd Main, ICMP Program Manager @ todd.main@illinois.gov or by phone @ 312-814-2751.

Web Links for additional information:

ICMP Press Releases:

November 3, 2005 | September 8, 2005 | July 14, 2005 | May 11, 2005 | November 4, 2004