Our highlighted initiatives.
While much of the coastal access mission simply depends on the frequent public utilization of existing ROWs, some cases require heightened attention to prevent the erosion — or outright elimination — of public coastal access protections.
These are just a few issues across Rhode Island that we are closely monitoring:
Point Judith Avenues
After decades of use by the public without significant incident, a new debate over parking and its critical role in the effective use of ROWs brings discussions between homeowners and access advocates before the Narragansett Town Council.
Westerly Fire Districts
Longstanding contention over public vs. private access and utilization of beaches in the town of Westerly has brought the quasi-public “Fire Districts” and their role in local government — while promoting potentially conflicting private interests — into sharp relief.
Shoreline Access Commission
Created by the RI General Assembly June 2021 after the passage of House Bill H5469, this 12-member study commission includes legislators, academics, lawyers, interest group representatives, tasked to “Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To Lateral Access Along The Rhode Island Shoreline”.
Rose Nulman Park
After the abrupt closure of Rose Nulman Park in Point Judith due to erosion - a privately owned and operated park, freely open and enjoyed by the public for decades - conversations have reignited around the intersection of public access, private ownership and generosity, and the future of access and funding.