The objectives of the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) are:

• Improve coordination and implementation among state and local agencies
• Strengthen local government capabilities
• Provide a strong advocacy voice for balanced uses of coastal resources
• Increase public awareness of Great Lakes Resources
  

Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) WCMP contact is Travis Olson

Implementing partners include UW-Extension (lead state agency), NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (lead federal agency), Department of Natural Resources, City of Superior, Douglas County, and UW-Superior. A NERR will bring a research and education center of national importance to northern Wisconsin.

Coastal Natural Hazards WCMP contact is Kate Angel

Natural Hazards were the backbone of the WCMP when it was created due in part to high lake levels in early 1970s.  Natural hazards continue to be a priority for the WCMP.  

• Since 1994, WCMP has been updating methodologies and data to understand, visualize and develop mitigation measures to deal with shore erosion in the Great Lakes. 
• Current work focuses on developing and implementing shoreline and bluff erosion policies for Wisconsins coasts.  The WCMP seeks to accomplish this through expanding technical tools, providing education and outreach, and cooperating with coastal communities and other agencies. 
• WCMP coordinates with partners (DNR, Sea Grant, Wisconsin Emergency Management, UW-Madison) through the Coastal Natural Hazards Work Group. 
• WCMP coordinates with other federal partners with interest in shore erosion such as Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and others.

Great Lakes Beaches  WCMP contact is Mike Friis

• Partner with U.S. EPA, state and local agencies to implement the Beach Act of 2000. 
• Support for Great Lakes WATER Institute and DNR investigations of "Cladophora" (374 KB, pdf) nuisance algae at Lake Michigan beaches.
• Support for county investigations of sources of bacterial contamination at Lake Michigan beaches.

Wisconsin Harbor Towns Association (WHTA) WCMP contact is Mike Friis

• Formed to organize and implement a long-range marketing plan focusing on Wisconsin harbors. The marketing plan will include a brochure, web page, video, memberships in a Great Lakes promotional organization targeted at the cruise industry.
• Focus on the emerging Great Lakes cruise ship market, recreational boating and associated leisure travel.
• Committed communities include:
• Racine, Milwaukee, Port Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Algoma, Sturgeon Bay, Green Bay and Marinette. Membership is expected to include Kenosha, Kewaunee, Oconto, Washburn, Bayfield, LaPointe, Belle, Ashland, and Superior.
• Update the Wisconsin Great Lakes Public Access Guide.