RI Sea Grant — Understanding Rhode Island’s New Shoreline Access Law

Jul 10

*The shoreline at Atlantic Avenue in Westerly shows the seaweed line. New Rhode Island legislation clarifies that the public has the right to use the shore up to 10 feet above the seaweed line.*

July 10, 2023

By Sea Grant Rhode Island — Rhode Island’s shoreline access bill was signed into law on June 26, 2023, and clarifies the public’s right to laterally access the shore up to 10 feet landward of the visible high tide line – the line that is recognized by seaweed, shells, or other debris left by the tide.

State Representative Terri Cortvriend, along with state Senator Mark McKenney and shoreline access advocate Michael Woods, chair of the New England chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, spoke recently in a webinar about the shoreline access bill that is now law.

Below is a breakdown of what this law means, as well as tips for advocates and the webinar sponsored by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and Rhode Island Sea Grant.

Problem 1: Where is the Shoreline?

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shoreline accessprivate propertyprivatizationshoreline study commissionlegislationGov Dan McKeeRhode Island Constitutionbeach accesslateral accesspublic accessRhode Island Sea GrantTerri CortvriendMark McKenneyCRMCS0417

Cate Brown

RI Sea Grant — Understanding Rhode Island’s New Shoreline Access Law

Problem 1: Where is the Shoreline?

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