Coastal Resources Management Program

The mission of the Pennsylvania Coastal Resources Management Program is to protect and enhance fragile natural resources utilizing a comprehensive approach to managing complex resource needs in its two coastal areas. The Lake Erie coastal zone features beautiful Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania’s only “seashore” and an international shipping hub with an unique maritime history in the City of Erie, which is enjoying an economic and cultural renaissance. At the opposite end of the state, the Delaware Estuary coastal zone has transformed from its industrial past into a showcase for urban trails and the world’s largest freshwater port on the longest undammed river system on the Atlantic Coast.

What's New

The Coastal Resources Management Program recently completed development of its draft Section 309 Assessment and Strategy (FY2021 – FY2025). This voluntary assessment encourages the program to strengthen and improve its activities within nine enhancement areas on a five-year basis. A 30-day public comment period was announced in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on April 10, 2021. The draft document is currently available to view from DEP’s eLibrary. The previous Section 309 Assessment and Strategy (FY2016 – FY2020) is accessible under the Program Reference Documents page.

The Coastal Resources Management Program has finalized the technical report related to side scan surveys and the mapping of freshwater mussel populations in the Delaware Estuary. Information about the project and a link to the final report are available in the New Initiatives and Technical Projects section.

Contact Us

For more information, call the Coastal Resources Management Program at 717-772-4785 or e-mail at ra-epcoastalzone@pa.gov. During teleworking conditions, e-mail is the preferred method of contacting the program.