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Charlevoix County planning commission asks staff to research EGLE high-risk erosion mapping
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to ask county planning staff to study the Michigan EGLE process for designating High Risk Erosion Areas (HREA) after commissioners described recent shoreline bluff loss and said mapping could help townships set setback policy.
Chairperson Nancy Ferguson convened the Charlevoix County Planning Commission on March 6, 2025, where commissioners voted for staff to research the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) High Risk Erosion Area (HREA) mapping process.
Pam Grassmick told the commission she had reviewed EGLE's mapping and found no HREA designations for Charlevoix County. She cited visual evidence from recent high-water events, including areas where about 30 feet of shoreline was lost in a single storm and houses sat at the bluff edge, and asked whether the county could initiate HREA mapping for townships such as Peaine and St. James.
Commissioners discussed local examples, including significant erosion observed at Fisherman's Island State Park, and noted that some islands and township officials are reconsidering shoreline setbacks. Planning Director Kiersten Stark said she would investigate the EGLE process and report back so the Commission could decide whether to request that the Board of Commissioners contact EGLE.
Motion: Commissioner Pam Grassmick moved that Planning Department staff research EGLE's HREA mapping process for Charlevoix County and report to the Commission; Chair Nancy Ferguson seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: HREA mapping identifies shoreline segments that have lost specified amounts of land to erosion and can inform setback and land-use decisions by townships and the county. Commissioners said having mapped data could aid municipal decision-making and ordinance updates.
What comes next: Staff will research EGLE's procedures and return findings to the Planning Commission so members can consider approaching the County Board or individual townships.
