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Ocean and Coastal Management in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's Coastal Program

Approved in 1978, the Rhode Island Coastal Management Program establishes a comprehensive program for managing coastal resources, primarily at the state level.  The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) was created by the Coastal Resources Management Act of 1971, one of the earliest pieces of state coastal management legislation. The CRMC is empowered with overseeing Rhode Island's Coastal Program, which includes planning, policy, permitting, enforcement, and coordination responsibilities as well as issue identification and policy development for all uses affecting the coastal zone—including federal activities through the federal consistency process.  Rhode Island’s coastal zone encompasses the entire state, although the inland extent of the Coastal Program's regulatory authority is generally 200 feet inland from any coastal feature.

The Coastal Program is administered by a council who are appointed representatives of the public and state and local government, and a staff of professional engineers, biologists, environmental scientists, and marine resources specialists.  The Coastal Program also collaborates with other state agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Management, the Office of Administration Division of Planning, the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, and the Historic Preservation Commission, in various aspects of coastal management.

Among new initiatives is a Sustainable Landscapes program that develops approaches to coastal zone buffers for residential and urban settings. The program involves professional landscapers, garden clubs and public homeowners in developing landscape best management practices that preserve natural vegetation along the shoreline. The Coastal Program has also developed several special area management plans to bring multiple partners together and achieve different goals such as facilitating the redevelopment of an urban waterfront, maintaining and improving public access, and habitat conservation and restoration.

Rhode Island’s National Estuarine Research Reserve

Located at the center of Narragansett Bay, the Narrragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 2,353 acres of land on Prudence, Patience, and Hope Islands and 1,591 acres of water adjoining the islands. The Reserve was designated in 1980. While Prudence Island has some permanent and seasonal inhabitants, both Patience and Hope islands are uninhabited. Hope Island is a major rookery for colonial wading birds.  The Reserve partners with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and the Prudence Conservancy to provide educational and volunteer opportunities.

Program Highlights

Rhode Island Marine Resources Aquaculture, Fisheries and Habitat Map Server

Salt Pond Regional Special Area Management Plan

Metro Bay Special Area Management Plan

Links

Rhode Island Coastal Management Program — The website provides information on the Program including information on its permitting, coastal planning and technical assistance programs.

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve — The Reserve’s website provides information on their many research, education, and stewardship activities.

Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology — This program brief describes investments in technology development and research projects for the state of Rhode Island.

Marine Protected Areas — Search for marine protected areas by state, region, or topic area.

Rhode Island Coastal Nonpoint Program Conditional and Final Approval Documents — The Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program encourages better coordination between state coastal zone managers and water quality experts to reduce polluted runoff in the coastal zone. The state received full approval in 2000.

Rhode Island Coastal Program Evaluation (2006) — The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management conducts periodic performance reviews of federally approved state coastal management programs.

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Evaluation (2005) — The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management conducts periodic performance reviews of estuarine research reserves.

Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council: Over 30 Years of Accomplishments in Coastal Management

Contact Information for Rhode Island’s Programs

Coastal Resources Management Council
4808 Tower Hill Road
Stedman Building
Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 783-3370

Narragansett Bay Reserve
55 South Reserve Drive
Prudence Island, RI 02872
(401) 683-6780

 

 

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