SOUTH HAVEN, MI — Beachgoers may be disappointed this summer to find their favorite spot in the sand has disappeared into the surf.

Near-record high water levels and storms spawning large waves have eroded the Lake Michigan shoreline, including some popular Lake Michigan beaches. The stepped-up forces of erosion have prompted some local leaders to consider spending millions in efforts to protect municipal infrastructure, and to preserve the sandy attractions that brings tourists in droves each summer.

Related: Lakes Michigan and Huron set January water level records, could go higher than ever recorded

The city of South Haven is considering more than $19 million worth of work to address shoreline impacts, including up to an estimated $1 million for efforts to keep the beaches in good shape for summer use.

Satellite imagery shows North Beach, left, and South Beach, in South Haven. The shrinking beach is shown from Aug. 22, 2013, to Sept. 22, 2018. Erosion is ongoing on the lake shore. High water and conditions have accelerated erosion impacts in late 2019 and in 2020.

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The city could pursue “beach nourishment” to restore beaches for summer use, according to a report given to the South Haven City Council on Monday, Feb. 3.

“Typically, nourishment is sourced from dredging of navigable waterways, and deposition of sand onto the beach, as it was in 2019 in South Haven,” a report to the council states. "Erosion along the waterfront might have been worse had the nourishment not been completed in 2019.

“Another cycle should be considered in 2020. If channel dredging isn’t needed, the upland sand sources or sand reclamation from beyond the depth of closure could be considered."

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers performed dredging in 2019, South Haven Harbormaster Kate Hosier said.

Erosion is expected to impact marinas and city infrastructure as well. The city received a report on the potential impacts and costs of proposed projects during a Feb. 3 City Council meeting, and also passed a new policy focused on plans of how to operate when facing impacts of high water.

Related: Boating season at South Haven marinas in jeopardy amid high-water concerns

Beaches are seen as a critical part of the tourism industry and help attract visitors to the small beach town, the report states.

South Haven Mayor Scott Smith wrote a letter to Sue Allor, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environmental Quality, to describe the costs the community is faced with and their fears of the impact to the local tourism industry.

“As you can see, we are facing significant cost that is identified," Smith wrote. “However, it must be noted that as a vibrant west Michigan tourist town, the economic damage may be even more significant to the businesses, restaurants and merchants that rely on a steady tourist presence. If the water levels continue to damage the infrastructure, we will most certainly see a loss in tourist revenue.”

The mayor’s letter calls it a “historic and devastating impact” on the community.

Elaine Herbert, co-owner of South Haven’s Yelton Inn, said beaches draw tourists in, but there are many other things people come to the area for like shopping, wineries and breweries, restaurants, parks, trails and relaxation.

Some people might not notice a big difference even if there is less sand and beach leading to the water in some parts of South Haven, Herbert said.

“The breeze still blows over this lake no matter if it’s big or smaller,” she said. “The breeze is still 20 degrees cooler than it is inland.”

The lakefront view from the beaches will be the same, Herbert said, and the sun will still set on the water.

The business owner said she has a different perspective on the city’s infrastructure issues, which she believes will remain for the next decade or more, noting impacts to the river, marina and other infrastructure.

“This is very serious business for us,” Herbert said. “How do we refocus our decades of considering growing, and all these growth ideas, and now reanalyzing our priorities, and realizing the state isn’t going to bail us out here?"

Related: Fixes for record high water levels expected to come with big pricetag for Michigan

Two months after a group of lawmakers asked for an emergency declaration due to shoreline erosion, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office has declined to take action.

Further south along the shoreline, another popular beach spot — St. Joseph’s Silver Beach in Berrien County — has also seen erosion impacts.

Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey said the estimated the size of the beach area has decreased by 40-50% from what it once was.

The size of Silver Beach is reduced, he said, but “it still has a good amount of beach.” Erosion is exposing materials like rebar, steel bars used commonly in construction, in some places. Bailey asks people to be cautious while walking on beaches, he said.

Related: 1 tree, 7 months and 2 photos show drastic beach erosion

Drone photographer Cody Krieger said he remembers Silver Beach years ago as an expansive beach with a sidewalk cutting through it, comparing it to the California coast. Krieger photographed the beach in January and February of 2020 to document erosion impacts.

“Today, waves crash up against the sidewalk at parts,” he said, and the beach is a fraction of the size.

Visitors can check current conditions on Silver Beach and South Haven webcams.

“There’s still a lot of sand down there,” Bailey said, though people may be surprised by how the beach looks compared to other recent visits. “We’re certain we’ll have many many good beach days this summer."

Related: Lakeshore communities say erosion is an emergency. Why isn’t the state acting?

Further south, Lincoln Township officials closed Lincoln Township Beach in late October after erosion impacts left small rocks and dark sand where the beach area once was. Berrien County beach is about 500 feet wide and it’s a popular place in the summers, Township Supervisor Dick Stauffer said.

“People like their favorite beaches, now the park is closed,” Stauffer said. “But there’s no alternative.”

It was closed for safety reasons, he said, and the township won’t be able to open it in the spring.

"There's just no way," Stauffer said.

The future is up to Mother Nature, he said, and if the township spent thousands of dollars to put sand there, the lake will just wash it out.

“The lake will win,” Stauffer said.

More:

Boating season at South Haven marinas in jeopardy amid high-water concerns

Birdseye view of Lake Michigan shore shows impact of erosion

South Haven residents push for lifeguards after rash of Lake Michigan drownings

Lake Michigan swallows structures, puts property owners on edge