Foundations of Minnesota’s Coastal Zone Management Program

Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is a voluntary partnership between federal and State government to address coastal issues and support the protection, restoration, and responsible development of coastal communities and resources. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management administers the program for 34 participating coastal states and territories.

State partners follow basic requirements set forth in the Coastal Zone Management Act. State programs have flexibility for unique programs that best address their coastal challenges and regulations. By leveraging both federal and state expertise and resources, the program strengthens the capabilities of each to address coastal issues.

National Coastal Zone Management Program | America’s Coasts: Vital and Protected

 
 
Background of Minnesota's Coastal Program
Background: The Federal CZM Program was created through passage of the CZM Act of 1972. Since approval of Minnesota’s program in 1999, remarkable results have been achieved. This unique federal-state partnership provides a proven basis for protecting, restoring and responsibly developing the nation’s important and diverse coastal communities and resources.

We exist to support coastal communities and the natural environment. There are 26 cities and towns, four counties, three Tribal governments with treaty rights and interest in the coastal area, and one Treaty authority agency.  We provide technical assistance and strategic grant funding to coastal management partners to collaboratively protect, enhance and restore water, wildlife, and way of life.

Minnesota’s program is a network of existing land, water, cultural and resource management policies and authorities The Program is administered through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources.

Annual, cooperative agreement between the State of Minnesota and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Coastal Management (NOAA)provide funding and technical support for coastal management in Minnesota.  The DNR and networked partners provide a 1:1 match for federal coastal zone funding received. [M(1]

We have been operating for 25 years.  Minnesota’s program was approved by NOAA in 1999.  Since then, we’ve been working in partnership with coastal communities, state agencies, Tribal governments and agencies, and organizations to advance coastal management in Minnesota.
Get to know us better
Our work is driven by the Coastal Zone Management Act and the mission of the DNR. Six focus areas are constant and foundational to our program operations:

  • habitat,
  • water quality,
  • coastal hazards,
  • public access,
  • community development, and
  • coordination and public involvement.
Our vision: The state’s coastal places and spaces are healthy, resilient, and sustainable; everyone can use and enjoy them.

Our mission: Empower and support leaders and professionals in the work they do to manage Lake Superior’s coastal areas.

Our goals:

  • We deliver the highest quality services possible to ready the coastal area for climate impacts and coastal hazards; clean up streams and rivers; protect unique coastal habitats; enhance public access to Lake Superior and its tributaries; and foster sustainability and resilience.
  • We continually improve how we make grants and engage with partners and collaborators.
  • The team operates at its max potential.
  • Our financial resources are stable and sound. We have an eye towards growth.
Major components of the program
More information about Minnesota’s coastal area

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