Zoning ordinances will prohibit the alteration, including replenishment of beach sand, of the area between the water's edge and high water elevation.
Alteration of the area between the water's edge and high water elevation during times of lower lake water levels can impact natural habitats and lake bottom conditions when water levels rise. Fish species can be negatively impacted when added beach sand covers important lake bottom habitats like gravel, rock, and weed beds. Beach sanding is often futile due to natural shoreline processes and frequently results in the sand burying underwater habitat or being transported to adjacent properties.
1 of 10 Zoning Ordinances around the Lake currently meets this recommended standard - Charlevoix Township
Jurisdictions shaded green on the map below meet or exceed the recommended standard.