The Shifting Shores Symposium: Adapting to a Changing Western Lake Superior Coast is a collaborative event exploring shoreline changes along the Minnesota and Wisconsin coasts and how those changes affect coastal communities, ecosystems and management decisions.
Over a day and a half, professionals from diverse disciplines will gather to examine shoreline change trends, evaluate how traditional shoreline hardening affects ecosystems and communities, and learn about shoreline regulations in both states. Through expert presentations, hands-on activities and small-group discussions, participants will explore case studies of nature-based alternatives to traditional shoreline structures.
Participants will learn approaches they can apply to coastal management and connect with local researchers, practitioners and community leaders working to strengthen Lake Superior’s coastal resilience.
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Event details
Dates: March 11-12, 2027
Times:
- March 11: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with optional social from 5 to 7 p.m.
- March 12: 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Location:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kirby Student Center
Kirby Rafters and Garden Room
1120 Kirby Dr.
Duluth, MN 55812
Registration is anticipated to open in late 2026 and close on Feb. 24, 2027. A registration fee will apply.
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Participants and audience
The symposium is open to anyone interested in shoreline resilience, with a primary focus on land managers, researchers, regulators, tribal representatives, and industry professionals in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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Planning team
- Adam Bechle, Wisconsin Sea Grant
- Melissa Burke, Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Catie Geib, Lake Superior Collaborative
- Ilena Hansel, Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District
- Karina Heim, Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Stephen Janasie, Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District
- Jake Kolanowski, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program
- Clinton Little, Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program
- Madison Rodman, Minnesota Sea Grant
- Lydia Salus, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program
- Hilarie Sorensen, Minnesota Sea Grant
- Matias Valero, Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation District Technical Service Area 3
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Why Minnesota Sea Grant?
Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is developing the symposium to share research and case studies on shoreline hardening along western Lake Superior, its impacts and nature-based alternatives. The event directly supports MNSG’s strategic plan priorities in resilient communities and economies, healthy coastal ecosystems and environmental literacy. By bringing together participants from Minnesota and Wisconsin, MNSG will connect applied freshwater science with decision-makers to support long-term coastal resilience.