Restore the Shore Information

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Restore the Shore: Town of Ogden Dunes 

DO YOU REMEMBER: "Shrimp Boils, Dancing, Rain Gutter Races, Sand Sculptures, Sunsets, Body-Surfing, Crinoid Hunting, Bonfires, Hobie Cats, Beach Strolls, Fireworks, Sand bars...."

HELP MAKE THEM REAL AGAIN

Please join the community effort to save and replenish our beach. Your donation directly supports the current legal endeavor that seeks the following:

  1. Maintain and enhance our shore protection system (in progress)
  2. Provide near-term sand restoration for a more normal beach (coming soon)
  3. Develop and implement a long-term plan for a natural and substantive beach with the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for years to come

All homeowners are asked to contribute as they can, however, the following levels are suggested:

  • $2500 for north Shore Drive residents
  • $1000 for south Shore Drive residents
  • $300 for all other town residents

Please make your check out to: The Town of Ogden Dunes and note ""Restore the Shore" in the memo line. Place in the Water Department Mail Box. All contributions are tax deductible.

We are all in this together for the beach community of Odgen Dunes.

Burns Harbor Breakwater and ArcelorMittal Bulkhead block the natural flow of sand to the Portage Lakefront. Sand continually leaves the Portage Lakefront Beach and is not replaced leading to erosion and then transferring the problem west to Ogden Dunes Beach.

Burns Waterway entrance and OD Beach erosion over time

If you wish to use a credit card, you can also make an online donation through The Porter County Community Foundation. Please specify the "Ogden Dunes Community Fund" as the preferred fund and designate "Restore the Shore" under "Please make my gift in honor of."

Questions and answers about donating to Restore the Shore:

Is this a second request?

This is a continuing request and will be so as legal expenses continue. Restore the Shore benefits all Town homeowners and currently has only 20% participation.

Has the Town received any wins from Restore the Shore efforts?

One important win was permit approval to place stone boulders in front of the seawall. This protects town property as well as homes on Shore Drive.  

Are Restore the Shore funds being used to provide rocks/boulders in front of homes?

No. The full cost of the boulders is individually paid for by the homeowner that chooses to participate. The boulders to protect the town accessways to the beach have also been paid for by the adjacent homes. Restore the Shore funds only support the Town’s legal pursuit.

Why aren't the National Park, State of Indiana, Federal agencies like Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA etc., and the Port of Indiana helping?

The town’s current legal action was initiated to allow homeowners to protect their houses, as well as to hold these government agencies responsible for the sand starvation and failing to replenish sand on the beach as decreed.  

Are the funds donated to Restore the Shore tax deductible?

Yes.

Additional Documents