September 2019
Stabilizing Coastal Slopes on the Great Lakes
Stabilizing Coastal Slopes on the Great Lakes is a 16-page publication that discusses shoreline erosion and slope stability. This fact sheet covers topics including visible indicators of erosion and slope instability, management of surface water runoff, groundwater seepage, evidence of soil creep, improving slope stability, and determining a safe setback distance. The publication also has a list of references related to each topic for readers who are looking for additional information. Stabilizing Coastal Slopes on the Great Lakes was published by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute and authored by experts from the Institute, Western Michigan University, and the University of Wisconsin. The publication is available online to download for free.
Audience
This publication is designed to help property owners, community officials, and land managers to understand the factors and coastal processes that impact bluff stability and the management practices that can be used to increase bluff stability and resiliency.
Decision Support
This publication breaks down technical information to clearly explain how coastal processes impact bluff stability and best management practices that can be used to mitigate erosion. The fact sheet is intended to help users make informed decisions about coastal property management. Stabilizing Slopes on the Great Lakes offers background information about how surface water and groundwater can be managed to increase bluff stability and basic slope stabilization strategies for improving coastal resiliency.