How You Dune? Coastal Dunes Past, Present & Future - Capitol Connection webinar

Dunes are dynamic. They are strongest when they are able to move freely up and down our coasts over the course of decades and centuries. And when the world around them changes, so do they.

That much was clear in a Michigan State University mapping project. Researchers compared decades-old photos of dunes to new pictures taken in the exact same spots. They found that many dunes were locked into place by development and fauna, putting their ecosystems (and our enjoyment of them) at risk.

The suffering of many dunes systems stands in contrast to the findings of another MSU project, which mapped out peoples' perceptions of dunes. The love for them ran deep. Locals and tourists alike saw dunes as places to have fun at and be respectful toward, as places of community, nature and economic power.

These two distinct maps—of photos and of personal perceptions—were the latest in a years-long project between MSU geography professor Al Arbogast, MSU sustainability professor Robbie Richardson, their student researchers and Tom Zimnicki, Michigan Environmental Council alumnus and current policy director at Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Maps tell stories, and the cartography created by these leaders tells the tale of dunes past, present and future. These maps are meant to spark change in how our people and governments protect their beloved coastlines. So, what can we do?

Join Arbogast, Richardson, Zimnicki and Environmental Council President & CEO Conan Smith as they discuss their findings and what it all means for the future of a Michigan icon.

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The Capitol Connection webinar series is generously sponsored by: 

Steve & Judy Dobson