Official State of Rhode Island Website
Official State of Rhode Island Website
In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. located at the Administration Building, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.
Members Present
Raymond Coia, Chair
Patricia Reynolds
Ronald Gagnon, DEM
Joe Russolino
Steven Izzi
Kevin Flynn
Members Excused:
Michael Reuter, DPM
Staff Present
Jeffrey Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Emily Hall, Coastal Geologist II
Mason Sherman, Marine Infrastructure & Dredge Coor
Laura Dwyer, Education/Information Coor - remote
Ryan Moore, IT
Lisa Turner, Recording Secretary - remote
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Review/Action of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting, 03/24/2026
Council Discussion and Motion:
3. Subcommittee Reports
Mr. Willis reported the following:
4. Staff Reports
Mr. Willis reported the following:
5. Educational Series -- Charlestown Breachway Project – Emily Hall, CRMC Coastal Geologist
6. Applications which have been Out To Notice for 30-Days and are before the Council for Review and Action:
2025-06-017 TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT -- Dredging of the existing sand bar at the mouth of the Narrow River with placement of material onto the adjacent barrier spit. Located in the lower Narrow River/The Narrows.
Sworn in and identified for the record:
Mr. Sherman gave a brief overview of the application stating that the Town of Narragansett was proposing to dredge 41,000 cy near the mouth of the Narrow River to remove sediment migration from the adjacent barrier spit and shoaling in the channel caused by a recent series of coastal storms making the water way to the ocean almost unpassable. Mr. Sherman stated that the Town’s goal is to restore the section of the channel to pre-existing conditions while beneficially reusing the material for beach nourishment and dune enhancement. Mr. Sherman stated that 750 cy of material will be placed in the Town Beach West parking lot to utilize in dune restoration as needed or to utilize on the Town Beach.
Mr. Sherman stated that it was staff’s opinion that no special exceptions were needed for this beach replenishment project in Type 2 waters. Also, the Narrow River Special Area Management Plan (NRSAMP) permits dredging to support existing recreational use.
Mr. Sherman stated that while no objections were received during the public notice period, comments were received from US Fish and Wildlife Service, Narrow River Preservation Association and Save The Bay giving CRMC staff an opportunity to work with the stakeholders, the applicant and consultant to develop a Tidal Monitoring Plan, and a Dune Planting Plan. Mr. Sherman stated that a long-term maintenance plan (required by NRSAMP) and regular surveys of the dredge area will be stipulated in the Assent if approved. Mr. Sherman will also stipulate a pre and post dredge survey to establish existing and post-dredge property lines with filled land remaining titled to the State of Rhode Island for the public trust. Mr. Sherman stated that he proposed 10 additional stipulations in addition to standard dredging and beach nourishment stipulations, all of which have been conveyed to the applicant.
Mr. Sherman stated that he worked alongside with CRMC Coastal Geologist Emily Hall to review the permit and both awaited questions.
Mr. Flynn asked about the placement of the dredge materials. Mr. Sherman stated that 2% of the dredge material would be placed on beach but the remainder would go to the spit The Town Engineer, Mr. Gerhard stated that it is the Town’s intent to use the material to refill the dune if a storm comes.
No further questions.
Mr. Gehard addressed the Council stating that they agreed with Mr. Sherman’s presentation and that they are looking forward to having this project permitted.
Mr. Flynn asked about the timing of the work. Mr. Gehard stated that would work within the normal dredging window.
Public Comment:
Christopher Dodge of Save The Bay spoke to the Council in support of CRMC staff, the applicant and the process stating that Save The Bay remains available for future discussions for the development of the long-term maintenance plan.
Veronica Berounsky, Ph.D., of the Narrow River Preservation Association spoke to the Council in support of the project, specifically mentioning the water level monitoring and species monitoring. Dr. Berounsky stated that that NRPA is available for discussions as well.
Alexander Menzies, President and James Durkin President Pro Tem of the Narragansett Town Council addressed the Council expressing support on behalf of the Town for this project.
Attorney Robin Main spoke on behalf of the Dunes Club, expressing their support for the project explaining that the Dunes Club will provide access for the work to be done. Attorney Main expressed support for the staff stipulations specifically the pre and post dredge surveys.
Nothing further from staff.
Council Discussion and Motion:
Chair Coia did a roll call vote:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Outcome: Motion passed and application is approved.
9. ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn:
Motion: Ms. Reynolds
Second: Mr. Gagnon
Motion to adjourn approved on a unanimous voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner, Recording Secretary
Stedman Government Center, Suite 3
4808 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, RI 02879-1900
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