Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission

Overview

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC) was formed in 2014 to oversee the implementation of the Harbor Management Plan; develop and present recommendations to the Town Council on the usage of the coastline, anchorages, moorings, and related town-owned property. RCWC members are appointed by the Town Council and consists of:

• 1 Commercial Representative
• 1 Member from the Brunswick Marine Resources Committee
• 1 Member from the Conservation Commission
• 1 Member from the Parks and Recreation Commission
• 3 Citizen Representatives

Harbor Plan

This Harbor Management Plan serves to address the growing need for effective management of the Town of Brunswick's coastal and navigable waters. The plan should be considered a guidance document and a tool for the Town, the Marine Resource Committee, and future committees. The plan consists of five major components:

• Inventory: Documents existing conditions within Brunswick's major harbor areas, including (but not limited to): physical features, natural resources, habitats, uses, access points, moorings, and marine infrastructure.
• Mapping: The previous section is supported by mapping of inventoried features. The maps are provided in an appendix to this report and Geographic Information System (GIS) based mapping data generated during this project (e.g. locations of moorings, piers, and access points) have been provided electronically to the Town.
• Primary Goals: Four broad goals are put forth that encompass the overall management objectives presented. These goals can be used as general guiding principles in effective harbor planning and decision making.
• Harbor and Waterfront Objectives: Documents the specific issues and objectives identified through this study. Topics are discussed with reference to successful examples from other towns and organizations and recommendations are provided. The commentary in this section supplements the list of objectives and priorities found in the appendices.
• Harbor Ordinance Updates: The Town's Harbor Ordinance, enacted in 2005, stands to be improved in a number of areas. This section provides draft language for improving the ordinance to follow the recommendations of this plan. Relevant ordinance provisions from several Maine municipalities have been referenced for this section.