Working Waterfronts: An Essential Nexus

Working waterfronts and the waterways that connect them define the culture and character of many of our nation’s coastal communities, large and small. Working waterfronts provide a space for water-dependent businesses to exist and support important jobs in our nation’s coastal zones, and as such represent an important component of the U.S. economy. 1 Working waterfront communities are economically and culturally important and many external forces exist that communities cannot always control or anticipate. An overview of issues and some best-practices will be shared from recent research and presentations at national conferences of the National Working Waterfront Network, focusing on case studies and applications in Michigan and the Great Lakes. Join presenter Mark Breederland, Extension Educator, Michigan Sea Grant and founding member of the National Working Waterfronts Network to learn more about working waterfronts, an essential nexus between the land and public waters.