Access to and use of tidal waterways and their shorelines for navigation, commerce and recreation is guaranteed under the Public Trust Doctrine. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy enshrined the Roman-era doctrine into state law in 2019, months before COVID-19 would seemingly bring unrestricted beach access to a screeching halt as officials closed or limited access to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.
“I’m upset the beaches are closed,” Amy Williams, a Ship Bottom resident who has spent her entire professional career…
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