Special Area Management Planning

The Coastal Zone Management Act defines a special area management plan as a comprehensive plan that consists of guidance for natural resource protection and reasonable coastal-dependent economic growth along with a detailed and comprehensive statement of policies; standards and criteria to guide public and private uses of lands and waters; and mechanisms for timely implementation of specific geographic areas within the coastal zone. Additionally, special area management plans provide for increased specificity for improved protection of life and property in hazardous areas, guidance to address sea-level rise, and support government decision making.

DCRM administers one special area management plan in the CNMI, the Saipan Lagoon Management Plan (SLUMP). For more information on the project, please follow the link here or see our current projects tab.