This resource is intended to highlight the individuals, organizations, and companies with goals aligned with the mission of Rhode Island Coastal Access. Those listed here are in no way directly responsible for the development or maintenance of this website.
To directly donate or support those listed, please visit their links below.
Lawmakers & Elected Officials
Jesse Pugh — Narragansett Town Council Member (D)
A longtime ally in keeping beach access accessible for all, Council Member Pugh continues to play a critical role in the fight for the Point Judith Avenues, and the creation of the new Coastal Access Improvement Committee in 2021.
Patrick Murray — Narragansett Town Council Member (D)
Serving his third term has been an ally in keeping beach access accessible for all, working often with fellow Council Member Jesse Pugh on advocacy and solutions.
Terri Cortvriend – State Representative (D) for RI District 72
As a State Rep serving Middletown and Portsmouth, Cortvriend has been a proactive member in protecting beach access. Alongside Filippi, introduced legislation of House Bill H7755 in 2020 to prevent prosecution of passage along the shoreline within 10’ of the most recent high tide, later also co-sponsored by Fogarty, Craven, McEntee.
Blake Filippi – House Minority Leader & State Representative (R) for RI District 36
As a State Rep serving Block Island, Charlestown, Westerly, and South Kingstown, Filippi co-wrote and introduced H7755 with Cortvriend (D) and continues to advocate for coastal access as a bipartisan issue.
Alana DiMario — State Senator (D) for RI District 36
Serving with a platform based on equality, civil rights, and environmental protection, DiMario has also voiced her support in ensuring Rhode Island's beaches remain accessible.
Regional Non-Profits
DISSOLVED 2024 — Clean Ocean Access
An environmental 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization local to Newport, RI, focused on improving ocean health — with goals to eliminate marine debris, improve coastal water quality, and protect and preserve shoreline access.
Action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities.
Surfrider Foundation: RI Chapter
Local chapter of the national Surfrider Foundation, with a mission of protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network.
Involved in beach cleanups, Rise Above Plastics / Ban the Bag campaigns, year-round water testing, and effective beach management and access initiatives.
Save The Bay
Started in 1970 as a grassroots organization, Save The Bay is an independent, member-supported, nonprofit organization with a mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay of Rhode Island through advocacy, education, and habitat restoration and adaptation.
Our vision is a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to all.
Ocean Recovery Community Alliance
The Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA) envisions a future where our coastlines, oceans and waterways are trash-free. Our mission focuses on providing opportunities for people to give back to their communities in a meaningful way by organizing cleanups; building a community alliance of individuals, organizations, agencies and businesses united by a desire to act as stewards of our world’s coastlines, oceans and waterways.
ORCA strives to exhibit certain organizational values in the process of executing our mission, including: Respect, Integrity, Gratitude, Honesty and Transparency.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Audubon maintains nearly 9,500 acres of natural habitat across Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Many of our refuges are open to the public and have groomed trails for hiking and nature study.
By conserving these open spaces, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, along with its members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Rhode Island.
The Nature Conservancy in RI
A global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive, with a mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world.
Local Businesses
If you know of a local business who is taking strides to help protect public coastal access in Rhode Island, submit their name for consideration.
Contributors
Thank you to everyone who has contributed funds, time, and material to the development and maintenance of this web resource. Including but not limited to:
Shawn Aceto
Cate Brown
Caroline Contrata
Conrad Ferla
Dom Cerio
Sue Cornacchia
Nate Merrill
Jonathan Nash
Edward Renehan
Michael Rubin
James Underwood Jr