COMMUNICATING TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THE RESULTS OF A STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL DUNE ACTIVITY

Lake Michigan coastal dunes are some of the most striking natural features in Michigan, yet there have been few studies of contemporary dune processes. In addition, little information is available to the general public about dune characteristics and patterns of change. Since October 2000, contemporary coastal dune processes were studied in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park near Muskegon, Michigan. Our study methods included the use of erosion pins, sand traps, ground surveys, microclimate monitoring, and surface condition observations to measure sand transport, dune change, and influential variables. The results show that the foredune experienced annual deposition rates of 1.9-4.8 m³ m^-1 and sand movement is increasing in a local blowout.

From the results of our research, we developed a website on Lake Michigan coastal dunes and an outdoor interpretive display for Hoffmaster State Park. The website makes contemporary dune information widely accessible to Michigan residents, visitors, educators and students. The interpretive display is designed to enhance visitor experiences at the dunes and it is intended to serve as a prototype for other parks along the coast. The website and interpretive display will improve public understanding of Lake Michigan coastal dunes and promote awareness of the effects of human activities on the dunes.

The dunes are widely visited in numerous parks along the coast and there are extensive areas of developed shoreline with private and commercial uses. These human activities have a noticeable physical impact on the dunes. Conveying our study results to the public in accessible and informative formats encourages beneficial human interactions with Lake Michigan coastal dunes.