AgeOld

Reviving Roots: How an Age-Old Law May Transform the Future of America’s Coastal Shores

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MALIBU, California — An age-old legal principle linked to public access to beachfronts may soon influence the future of coastal management across the United States. As rising sea levels and climate change threaten shorelines, the debate over beach accessibility has rekindled discussions about a law rooted in ancient traditions. The doctrine, known as the Public Trust Doctrine, has its origins in Roman law and implies that certain natural resources, including navigable waters and the land beneath them, are preserved for public use. Historically, it has served to safeguard access to beaches, a principle viewed as … Read more

Maine Surfriders Rally for Reform: A Crusade to Simplify Age-Old Coastal Access Rules

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PORTLAND, Maine — In Maine, the fight for public coastal access has intensified, with the Maine chapter of the Surfrider Foundation leading a spirited campaign to challenge and ultimately reform longstanding and restrictive shoreline access laws. This push aims to balance property rights with public freedom to enjoy the state’s picturesque beaches. For decades, Maine’s coastal access laws have been a complex web of regulations. Unlike in many other states where the public can freely roam beaches up to the high tide line, in Maine, the law restricts access above the low tide line, essentially … Read more