The fundamental thread running through all segments of a Sea Path is the right to walk along the shoreline. Sea Paths are planned, implemented, and managed at the local and regional level through a community-based planning process. As the coastline becomes more developed, the clear statewide trend has been away from allowing informal walking access. The public legally has full use of the intertidal zone in at least 19 coastal states. Every coastal community is different, but in general there is a limited supply of accessible shoreline.
Surveys show that a significant percentage of Mass. residents want enhanced access to the coast.
An organized formal Sea Path can actually promote better management of privately owned shoreline areas in terms of public use by those who do not currently have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities. Municipalities, regional planning organizations, or local organizations determine the need for a Sea Path, and gain financial and technical assistance from DEM's Sea Path Program at the various stages of research, planning, community organizing, negotiation, and management.