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There is a proposal under consideration for the Pennsylvania Coastal Resources Management Program (CRMP) to expand its Lake Erie Coastal Zone boundary delineation to one of a watershed-based boundary line. This dedicated web page serves to provide an overview of that proposal, the PA CRMP responsibilities and information relevant to this consideration.

The CRMP is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) established in 1972, as a way for Ocean and Great Lakes states to manage their coastal resources and balance economic development with environmental conservation. The Pennsylvania CRMP, established in 1980 by a gubernatorial executive order, serves to protect and manage the state’s two established coastal areas -the Great Lakes and the tidal Delaware River Estuary.

The PA CRMP provides technical guidance, staffing and grant opportunities for coastal communities to better manage their coastal resources. The CRMP priorities and grant funding criteria are further outlined here with eligible grant applicants including political subdivisions, authorities, non-profit organizations, schools, colleges and universities. The type of projects available for funding include minor construction, land acquisition, plans and studies, outreach, environmental education and research. For some examples of the type of projects and work the Pennsylvania CRMP has conducted and its partnerships click here.

The interest to expand the Lake Erie coastal boundary is being driven by several recent considerations: A motion passed by the local Lake Erie Advisory Committee for the Pennsylvania CRMP to study and consider an expanded watershed boundary; the emerging knowledge and recognition of the hydrological connection that watershed lands have to the water quality of Lake Erie; and recent changes to the Pa Fish & Boat Commission’s Steelhead Stamp Program (Act 40 of 2009) allowing fishing license monies to be used to conduct headwater stream restorations that could be matched or partnered by CRMP resources in an expanded boundary.

The current and proposed coastal zone boundary map can be seen here by clicking on the hyperlink. The proposed boundary delineation would encompass all watersheds within Pennsylvania that flow into Lake Erie as seen here. Furthermore, the expanded boundary area would seek a federal designation that would enable CRMP grant funding of minor construction, public acquisition and restoration type projects to occur beyond the currently eligible area.

The PA CRMP will publish information on the Lake Erie boundary consideration to this dedicated web page as it becomes available.

If you have question regarding this proposal and would like to speak with someone in the program to discuss, send email or provide comments, please use one of the options listed here.

Jeff Dewey
E-mail:jdewey@pa.gov
Telephone: (717) 772-5619
Coastal Resources Management Program Main Office: 717-772-4785

Links for more Information:

CRM Sample Projects
Boundary Expansion Presentation (PDF)
Boundary Expansion Map