Coastlines 2007: On the Water—A Letter from Former CZM Director Susan Snow-Cotter

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1200617-626-1240 (fax)
czm@state.ma.us

Contact Us
About Us
Site Policies

Last Updated:

Mass.Gov Home Page

State Government

State Online Services

Search

Back to Table of Contents

On the Water...

It’s 6:30 a.m. From my rowing shell, I see the sun’s first rays sparkle on the waves as I look out to the Harbor Islands and the Boston skyline. The fresh smell of salt air is more invigorating than a cup of coffee. With my fellow rowers around me, the feeling of being part of a team while sharing the special magic of the sea is undeniable. This is why from April through October, two days a week, you can find me at rowing practice in Hingham Harbor before I go to work at the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).

Managing the coast, like rowing, requires both balance and teamwork. In a shell, pull too hard in one direction and you’ll end up in the harbor (not a pleasant prospect at 6:00 a.m. with a water temperature of 50 degrees!). At CZM, pull too hard in one direction and you lose the perspective needed to balance environmental protection with wise coastal development. So whether the issue is wind farms in ocean waters or residential development along an eroding coast, CZM welcomes all parties and their opposing viewpoints to work together toward fair, balanced solutions. We consistently take into account what is good for the environment—present and future—while understanding the needs of people who live along, enjoy, and prosper from the sea.

This edition of Coastlines celebrates our connection to the coast by focusing on recreation. Many of the talented people on my staff have written articles on their favorite coastal activities—surfing, fly fishing, bird watching, beach combing, and beyond—along with “getting started” tips for all ages and levels of interest.

And whether you want to swim, sun, picnic, or paddle, if the coast is involved, we can help you get there. Through photos and maps, our full-color (and fun!) Coast Guide (www.mass.gov/czm/coastguide/index.htm) and Online Viewer of Coastal Access Sites (www.mass.gov/czm/access/products/access_locator.htm) show the way to many interesting places to explore along the shore.

From improving water quality to planning for vibrant and viable harbors to protecting coastal property from storm damage, CZM helps the communities and citizens of the Commonwealth build their future around coastal resources. And since each of us at CZM has our own personal connection to the coast, working here is a true privilege. Thanks for your support, and please don’t hesitate to contact us with how we can better help you to enjoy and protect the Commonwealth’s coastal zone.

Susan Snow-Cotter (1961-2006)

Former Director, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management

Photograph courtesy of Lindsey Buchleitner