The Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Plan

The nation’s coastal zone management program was envisioned by Congress in the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. States and U.S. territories with marine or Great Lakes shorelines were given the opportunity to develop management plans for coastal resources and unique authority to implement these plans.

The Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Plan, describes the Massachusetts vision for its coastal resources and uses, and the steps that the Commonwealth takes to realize that vision. It is a complete overview of the CZM Program and includes CZM’s history, its policies and regulatory role, the agency’s programs and services, and the inter-relationship of the CZM program and other government environmental agencies.

The information that it contains is of use to a variety of coastal constituents, including federal, state and local government officials and agencies, proponents of projects affecting the Massachusetts coast, and interested members of the public. In addition to descriptive information, the Plan includes addresses and contact numbers of CZM staff who are able to provide interested readers with needed additional program information.