What is the Coastal Zone Management Act?

The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) is a federal law created in 1972 to protect the nation’s coastal areas. The CZMA provides funding and assistance to the states, territories, and tribes to promote the wise management of coastal resources. In Washington, the CZMA is administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology and Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The goals of the CZMA are to protect and restore coastal areas, prevent damage to coastal resources, and improve public access to coastal areas. To meet these goals, the CZMA requires that states and territories develop and implement a Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP). This program includes policies and practices to manage land and water resources, and includes an inventory of the coastal areas and any proposed activities. The CZMA also requires that states and territories create a system of public access to coastal areas and provide protection of coastal resources. Additionally, the CZMA requires that development projects in coastal areas meet certain criteria in order to be approved. States, territories, and tribes that participate in the CZMA receive funding and technical assistance from the federal government. Funding is used to support activities to develop, implement, and enforce coastal management programs. Technical assistance is provided to states and territories in order to protect coastal resources and assure public access to the shoreline. The CZMA is an important tool for ensuring that coastal resources are managed in a sustainable way, so that people can enjoy them without damaging them. By following the CZMA’s criteria, Washington can ensure that its coastal areas are preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.

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What is the Coastal Zone Management Act?

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