...to preserve, protect, develop, and restore coastal resources for all Rhode Islanders
CRMC, RI Sea Grant announce shoreline public access educational webinar series
May 20, 2021, WAKEFIELD – The R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and Rhode Island Sea Grant (RISG) will be hosting a series of webinars this summer aimed at informing the public on issues related to shoreline public access in Rhode Island.
The series of three webinars will begin June 1, 2021 with “Shoreline Access 101: What You Need to Know,” featuring CRMC Executive Director Jeffrey Willis, who will explain the agency’s role in identifying and designating CRMC Rights-of-Way to the shore, best uses of shoreline access points, and current efforts by CRMC to improve shoreline access in the state.
“These webinars serve as an introduction to the CRMC’s renewed focus on shoreline public access,” said CRMC Chair Jennifer Cervenka. “It’s clear the public is passionate about this topic, as is the agency, and we look forward to this being the start of a constructive dialog on improving access to public trust resources for all Rhode Islanders.”
Summer webinars will be followed by additional educational opportunities organized by the CRMC and Sea Grant as part of a larger effort to improve shoreline public access, awareness, and education through opportunities like the webinars, and in the future, improved signage and infrastructure, branding and messaging. The CRMC is also working to designate more rights-of-ways in locations throughout Rhode Island, including underserved and urban communities.
“One of the CRMC’s main charges and ongoing efforts is to designate rights-of-way to the shore, but last year especially highlighted the need for more and improved shoreline public access in Rhode Island,” said CRMC Executive Director Jeffrey Willis. “People were trying to get outside and away from crowds, and faced some challenges. It illustrated to the CRMC that our agency must work to designate more points of access all over the state. We look forward to reaching our goal of one right-of-way per every mile of coastline, and continuing to work with our state, local, private and nonprofit partners to enhance existing access points.”
Check the CRMC web site for additional information and resources pertaining to shoreline public access - www.crmc.ri.gov/publicaccess.html, as well as www.shoreline-ri.com. To register for this webinar (RSVPs are required to reserve a space), go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/156000207821. Those who register will be permitted to ask questions in advance of the webinar, and there will also be time at the end of the session for questions and answers.