Publically accessible non-water dependent sites along the Massachusetts coastline created via Ch. 91, The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act

These GIS point show Chapter 91 (The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act) non-water dependent sites along the coast of Massachusetts. All sites have some form of public access. Data were collected from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Waterways Program (mass.gov/dep/water/resources/waterway.htm).

In addition to the physical location, all sites also have hyperlinks to photos and Ch. 91 licenses, as well as a list of amenities. Through Chapter 91, the Commonwealth seeks to preserve and protect the rights of the public, and to guarantee that private uses of tidelands and waterways serve a proper public purpose. Examples the Chapter 91 licensing process include: strolling rights in intertidal areas, pedestrian and waterfront walkways, dinghy docks, public boat landings, public restrooms, public meeting rooms, transient dockage, public water transportation facilities and services, creation of parkland, boat ramps, piers and floats for public recreational boarding facilities, fishing piers, public sailing programs, interpretive display, and interior facilities of public accommodation in private buildings, such as restaurants, museums and retail stores.