We were honored to host Paul Labovitz, the former Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent, as our final speaker of the 2026 Talking Conservation series. Paul presented “Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline and the Public Trust Doctrine in Action.”
Paul explored how the public trust doctrine shapes access, protection, and stewardship along Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The public trust doctrine is a legal principle that requires the government to protect certain natural resources for the enjoyment of all people.
Drawing on the 2018 Indiana Supreme Court case Gunderson v. State, Paul discussed the ordinary high water mark, the legal definition of the shoreline location given water fluctuations, soil conditions, and the presence of vegetation. The ordinary high water mark has important implications for public access and private infrastructure.
For those who could not attend the event or want to revisit the conversation, a recording of the lecture and highlights from the evening are available below:
We’re excited to continue the series in 2027. Stay connected with Talking Conservation: join the mailing list.
