Coastal Management

DIVISION: Policy, Planning and Science
GENERAL PHONE NUMBER: (609) 633-2201
FAX NUMBER: (609) 292- 4608
WEB SITE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The program is comprised of a network of offices within the department that serve distinct functions yet share responsibilities that influence the state's coast. The primary offices responsible for implementing the state’s Coastal Management Program are the Coastal Management Office, the Division of Land Use Management and the Bureau of Land Use Compliance and Enforcement.

Through this networked program, the department manages the state's diverse coastal area that includes lands along the tidal rivers in the northeastern counties of the state, 127 miles of Atlantic coast, back-bay areas and the bayshore, and tidal rivers and tributaries along the Delaware.

The office administers the federal Coastal Management Grant and conducts the planning and program enhancement tasks of the Coastal Management Program. In addition, the office coordinates the state’s participation in the federal Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program. Office staff develops and implements long range planning projects involving coastal resource issues, and coordinate their efforts with complementary programs having similar interests and initiatives in the coastal area.

The office does not have specific local government assistance programs, however, many of the projects and initiatives implemented by staff are designed to benefit counties and municipalities. Recent projects and initiatives include the development of a Public Access Guide, a primer on the Public Trust, a boat shrink wrap recycling program, the Clean Marina Program, and workshops on specific topics such as coastal hazards, relevant regulations and enforcement issues, wetlands protection, and beach, dune, and shoreline stabilization. Additionally, staff is available to provide technical assistance to municipalities, counties or non-governmental organizations engaged in coastal initiatives.

MONETARY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:

None

PERMITTING RESPONSIBILITIES:

The program includes the Division of Land Use Regulation and the Bureau of Coastal and Land Use Enforcement which have permitting and compliance authority in the coastal zone. The office does not review or issue permits.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE:

“Public Access in New Jersey: The Public Trust Doctrine and Practical Steps to Enhance Public Access”
New Jersey Clean Marina Program Materials
Additional links to coastal information such as wetland maps, historical surveys and aerial photography, beach profile data, water quality and other coastal data can be found on line.