Wisconsin Coastal Management Program

About Us

Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) is dedicated to preserving and improving access to the natural and historic resources of Wisconsin's Great Lakes coasts. Since 1978, the program has worked cooperatively with state, local, and tribal government agencies and non-profit organizations to manage the ecological, economic, and aesthetic assets of the Great Lakes coastal areas.

Wisconsin Coastal Zone

The boundaries of the coastal zone subject to the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program extend to the state boundary on the waterward side that includes the 15 counties with frontage on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Click here for a map of Wisconsin's coastal counties.

Interactive Story Map

Use this Interactive Story Map to explore a subset of WCMP's past awarded grants (2014-2017 available). Information available includes the grant applicant, award amounths, and project outcomes. This tool may be useful to:

• Understand what types of projects our Program looks to fund
  
• Find projects that may be similar to your proposal 
  
• Learn how the WCMP and its grant program benefit local coastal communities here in Wisconsin
  

View the Story Map here. Subscription not required to use the interactive map.

Program Documents

• A Strategic Vision for the Great Lakes 
  
• Needs Assessment and Strategy 2011-2015
  

Program Objectives

1. To improve the implementation and enforcement of existing state regulatory and management policies and programs affecting key coastal uses and areas;
   

2. To improve the coordination of existing policies and activities of governmental units and planning agencies on matters affecting key coastal uses and areas;
   

3. To strengthen local governmental capabilities to initiate and continue effective coastal management consistent with identified state standards and criteria;
   

4. To provide a strong voice to advocate the wise and balanced use of the coastal environment and the recognition in federal, state, and local policies of the uniqueness of the coastal environment; and
   

5. To increase public awareness and opportunity for citizens to participate in decisions affecting the Great Lakes resources.