Adopt a Rhode Isalnd right-of-way
 

The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) is looking for
partners in every coastal city and town in the state to promote public access to
the shore at CRMC-designated Rights-of-Way (ROW) through its adopt-an-access
program.

"The CRMC encourages all Rhode Island's municipalities to participate in this
worthwhile program," said Michael M. Tikoian, CRMC chairman. "In addition to
their status as CRMC rights of way, these areas have additional protection from
development and will be maintained access points to prime fishing spots, to be
enjoyed by all. We hope many more cities and towns will make this a priority."

The adopt an access program was started in 2005, prompted by the Rhode Island
Saltwater Anglers Association's adoption of two CRMC-designated ROW in
Barrington and Middletown. The success of these two programs is the impetus for
expansion.

Bob Moeller is the chairman of the public access committee of RISAA and said
they became involved in preserving and protecting ROW three years ago "because
we noticed that access started to disappear in neighborhoods."

RISAA is targeting "CRMC designated ROWs that are good fishing locations, as
well as those access areas that may need a little additional help."

RISAA is a statewide organization with more than 5,000 affiliated clubs
throughout New England and more than 20 statewide including the Narragansett
Saltwater Fishing Club, the Narragansett Pier Saltwater Fishing Club,
Narragansett Surfcasters, Weekapaug Surfcasters, and the Rhode Island
Sportsfishermen.

People typically contact RISAA "when they feel someone is trying to infringe on
a ROW," said Moeller. Moeller has seen ROWs impeded with hedges, boulders, and
other measures to obscure them or restrict parking access.

"There are many, may other ROWs that are not CRMC designated. We are trying to
preserve what is a constitutional right of Rhode Islanders," said Moeller.
"The right to fish or gather shellfish is a constitutional right for Rhode
Island," said Moeller.

As Article I Section 17 of the Rhode Island Constitution states, the public's
constitutional rights to use the shore include, but are not limited to, fishing
from the shore, swimming from the shore, passage along the shore, and even
gathering seaweed.

If you want to adopt a ROW, CRMC will provide the signage free of charge. These
multi-language signs outline a code of conduct for the public which include
respecting private property rights, no trespassing, no illegal parking and no
littering.

At the existing sites in Barrington and Middletown, RISAA has agreed that its
members will remove trash and make regular visits to the sites.
Kevin Cute, CRMC marine resources specialist said of the ROW, "They really do
need advocates" and said the reason for expansion "is because it worked so well
in the towns of Barrington and Middletown."

Any groups, neighborhood associations, or individuals who would like to partner
with CRMC to promote public access to the shore at a CRMC-designated ROW should
contact Cute at 783-3370.

CRMC-designated rights-of-way in South Kingstown are: Statice Drive, Dawn Drive,
Daybreak Drive, Ocean Avenue (all paper streets south of Green Hill Pond leading
to the beach).

Rights-of-way in Narragansett are: Knowlesway extension, extention of Pilgrim
Avenue, Calef Avenue, Black Point (on appeal), Bass Rock Road, Conanicus Road,
Conant Avenue Road end, Foddering Farm Road extension, Hazard Avenue Road end,
Newtown Avenue Road end, Pettaquamscutt Avenue, South Ferry Road, Wandsworth
Street extension.

Rights-of-way in Charlestown are: breachway and East Beach Road.
Rights-of-way in North Kingstown are: Settlers Rock, Scotch Beach Road, Scup
Rock property, Conneymus Road, Coast Guard Road, Andy's Way, West Beach Road.
For specific information on any of these sites, you may also contact Cute at the
CRMC.

To contact RISAA, e-mail Moeller at Moeller@RISSA.org or call RISAA at 826-2121.

thanks mike! Hows the arm?

Vic,
Much, much better. Back to normal.