Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission

Mission/Purpose

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.

Membership

RCWC members are appointed by the Town Council and consists of:

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

Members:

  • Marko Melendy, Chairman, Brunswick Shellfish Committee 
  • Cory Theberge, Vice Chair, Citizen Alternate
  • Sue Stableford, Citizen 
  • Vacant, Conservation Commission 
  • Rachele Spadafore, Citizen
  • Helen Harrower, Commercial Enterprise
  • Jeff Bush, Citizen
  • Douglas Niven, Citizen Alternate
  • Peter Lowell, Parks & Recreation

Town Council Representative

  • Richard Ellis, Town Council Representative
  • Katherine Wilson, Town Council Representative

Meeting Schedule

  • 4th Wednesday of every month
  • 6 p.m.
  • Brunswick Town Hall
    85 Union Street
    Brunswick, ME 04011

Committee Responsibilities

The 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 Shellfish 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.

Committee Staff

Dan Sylvain, Harbor Master

Dan Devereaux, Coastal Resources Manager, Supporting Staff


Annual Reporting

The River & Coastal Water Commission will present to the Town Council on a annual basis.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes


Brunswick Rivers & Coastal Waters Brochure

  1. Guide to Brunswick Rivers and Coastal Waters (PDF)
  2. Simpsons Point Citizens Advisory Council Report
  1. 1 Canoe on Lake
  2. 2 Commission Meeting

Documents

  1. Brunswick Sea Level Rise Report (PDF)
  2. Citizens Guide of Coastal Laws
  3. Harbor Management Plan (PDF)
  4. Maquoit Bay Climate Adaptation Plan (PDF)
  5. MPBL Eelgrass Mitigation Report (PDF)
  1. New Meadows Lake Modeling (PDF)
  2. River and Coastal Waters Commission Charge (4/29/2014)
  3. Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission (PDF)
  4. Typical Moorings Used in Brunswick Waters (PPT)