FR 2021-03201

The document announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pertains to the evaluation of Indiana's Lake Michigan Coastal Management Program. A public meeting is scheduled to take place virtually, where stakeholders and interested parties can provide their comments and feedback. Here is a detailed look at the contents and implications of this notice:

Summary of the Document

The NOAA's Office for Coastal Management is set to conduct a public meeting to evaluate Indiana's management of its Lake Michigan coastal areas. Participants are encouraged to submit written comments by April 16, 2021, and to attend the virtual meeting on April 7, 2021. This event aims to gather public input concerning Indiana's adherence to national coastal management objectives and its use of funding provided under the Coastal Zone Management Act.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues and concerns surround the document, primarily regarding its content and accessibility:

1. Date Discrepancy: There is an error in the document stating the year for the meeting as 2020 instead of 2021, which could lead to confusion about the actual date of the meeting.

2. Accessibility Challenges: The registration link for the meeting is not user-friendly, potentially making it challenging for people to register due to the complex URL. Additionally, the requirement for online registration and technology to participate might exclude individuals without internet access or those who are not tech-savvy.

3. Privacy Concerns: The document notes that comments become a part of the public record and cautions that personal identifying information might be publicly accessible. This could deter people from participating if their privacy concerns are not adequately addressed.

4. Support for Participants: There is no guidance on what participants should do if they encounter technical issues or if miscommunications occur during the virtual meeting.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the document serves as an important tool for ensuring transparency and public involvement in the evaluation process of a significant environmental program. The meeting provides a platform for residents, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to influence the management of Indiana's coastal resources.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The impacts on specific stakeholders are varied:

• Environmental Advocates: Those invested in Indiana's environmental health may view this as a crucial opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions.

• Local Residents: Individuals living near Lake Michigan may have direct interests in the management of the coastal areas as it could affect their communities, property values, and quality of life.

• Indigenous Tribes and Local Governments: These groups might be significantly impacted by coastal management decisions and therefore have an interest in participating and providing their unique perspectives and data.

Overall, while the document reflects positive intent by engaging the public, the identified issues could serve as barriers to effective participation. Addressing these concerns could help ensure that the process is as inclusive and comprehensive as possible, allowing for a diverse range of voices to contribute to the decision-making process.