Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council

In 1971, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation that created the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). The CRMC is a management agency with regulatory functions. Its primary responsibility is for the preservation, protection, development and where possible the restoration of the San Francisco Estuary Partnership. The San Francisco Estuary Partnership is a coalition of resource agencies, non-profits, citizens, and scientists working to protect, restore, and enhance water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in and around the San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary. The Partnership shares information and resources that result in studies, projects, and programs that improve the Estuary and communicate its value and needs to the public. The Association of Bay Area Governments is the home agency for Partnership staff and finances. The Partnership's office is located within the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board offices in Oakland.

In addition to developing coastal management plans and policies and implementing the state coastal regulatory program, the CRMC also has other important functions. It has a coordinating and oversight role for other state agencies and local governments which do not inherently consider coastal zone management issues in their decision-making processes. It has a leadership role in identifying new issues and seeking their resolution. It sponsors coastal zone research that has lead to new initiatives in public trust issues, coastal flooding, hazard mitigation, and special area management planning.

Phone: (401) 783-3370

Sectors:

• Biodiversity and ecosystems
• Coastal
• Land management and conservation
• Oceans

Related Resources:

• Rhode Island Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan - Beach SAMP
• The State of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program - Red Book
• Rhode Island Climate Risk Reduction Act of 2010
• Rhode Island: STORMTOOLS for mapping coastal flooding