Through the committed actions of Rhode Islanders, Narragansett Bay is cleaner and healthier today than it was in 1975. But as we turn the corner to 2025, Narragansett Bay faces persistent challenges that threaten a swimmable, fishable Bay accessible to all. Save The Bay urges Rhode Islanders to support three initiatives in the coming year to face these challenges and to invest further in Rhode Island’s most important natural resource.
First, Save The Bay urges support of federal, state, and local efforts to respond to climate change. Climate change is the single greatest threat to Narragansett Bay because it will affect virtually every aspect of the Bay as we know and enjoy it. Coastal communities are struggling with erosion. Salt marsh habitats are at risk of being submerged before they can adapt. Public access points are being compromised. Inland waterways are flooding neighborhoods and bringing new sources of pollution downstream. Infrastructure built for the environment of the past – roads, bridges, wastewater treatment facilities, recreational facilities – will not survive in their current form.
Projects are underway and in planning stages to relocate infrastructure from shorelines, restore floodplains and improve stormwater management. However, they urgently need funding. While recent “green bonds” have provided some financial support, the need for stable funding far outstrips available resources.
Second, Save The Bay believes that 2025 will be the year when the long-anticipated Coastal Resources Management Council reform will become law. CRMC is on the front lines of dealing with climate impacts alongside other challenges like shoreline access and offshore wind. Their small but mighty staff of scientists and engineers do great work, but decisions are still made by a politically appointed council whose members are not required to have expertise in coastal law or science… Click to read the full article.