Public access to the beach: a selective bibliography

Abstract

The public’s traditional right to enjoy the shore was unchallenged until the twentieth century. The population shift to coastal areas and the subsequent development of coastal lands by private parties has brought both public and private interests into bitter conflict over this prime real estate. The US Federal Government has encouraged public access but has left its implementation to the states. In turn, lack of funds and staff has forced the states to rely heavily on individuals and citizen action groups to find, open, maintain and publicize access. This bibliography identifies sources that can help interested individuals and action groups increase public coastal access while preserving the rights of private property owners.