Senator Gu Introduces Package Of Shoreline And Trail Access Bills

Charlestown State Senator Victoria Gu along with State Representative Cortvriend introduced a package of shoreline and trail access bills for the 2024 legislative session.

The 2024 bills are meant to build on the shoreline access legislation of 2023. This year, they are focusing on rights-of-way.

The 2024 bills will give the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) and local communities tools to preserve access not just to the shoreline, but also to historic trails and recreational sites.

You can read the text for each bill and track the bill’s progress at the following links:

• S-2185 – Requires written acknowledgment from any buyer of oceanfront or shoreline property that they have been informed of the public’s rights and privileges of the shore.
• S-2641 – Allows for a qualified abandonment of public town roads which grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to a walking/hiking/biking trail as well as for access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.
• S-2634 – Repeals the provisions of § 34-7-4 regarding rights of footway being acquired by adverse possession. Allows historic footpaths to be designated as rights-of way.

If you want to provide testimony on any of these bills, you can:

• Use this form to contact your state representatives and senators: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/support-shoreline-access-bills-s-2641-s-2634-s-2185/
• Send Senate testimony to slegislation@rilegislature.gov and include the bill number in the subject line
• E-mail Senator Gu at Sen-Gu@rilegislature.gov if you’d like to testify in person, and she will send you updates when the hearings are scheduled.

---

Photo of hikers on a Charlestown trail by Cliff Vanover.