The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership (MNSP), a collaboration of state agencies, academia, nonprofit organizations and private industry,  was formed in 2008 with the belief that a change was necessary in shoreline development practices in Michigan from high impacting methods that change the natural riparian condition to healthier and sustainable erosion control practices that:

1. Restore/Preserve the ecological function of the shoreline.
2. Effectively stabilize shoreline erosion.
3. Are attractive options to lakefront property owners.

MISSION:
Protecting Michigan lakes through conservation and restoration of natural shorelines. 

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Partnership Objectives: 

1. Train contractors and landscape professionals about shoreline technologies and bioengineered erosion control. 
2. Educate property owners about natural shorelines and technologies that benefit lake ecosystems.
3. Research, demonstrate, and develop natural shoreline technologies that benefit lake ecosystems.
4. Encourage local and state policies that promote natural shoreline management. 

For more information about the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership please contact:

Julia Kirkwood,
Environmental Quality Analyst
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
Water Resources Division-Nonpoint Source Program
MNSP-Chair
(269) 312-2760
kirkwoodj@mi.gov

Erick Elgin
Michigan State University Extension
Water Resources Educator
MNSP-Vice Chair
(231) 928-1053
elgineri@anr.msu.edu 


Contractor Training Questions:
Erick Elgin
Michigan State University Extension
Water Resources Educator
(231) 928-1053
elgineri@anr.msu.edu 
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Contractor Listing:
Alanna VonTersch
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association
lani@mnla.org

Shoreland Stewards Program
Julia Kirkwood
kirkwoodj@mi.gov