AMERICAN SHORE & BEACH

Annual coastal summit:the association organizes and presents an annual policy conference, held each spring in washington, dc. The event includes policy presentations and discussions both on capitol hill and in hotel meeting rooms, meetings with other coastal groups headquartered in washington, and events to allow coastal constituents to interact with their members of congress and staff.

Publication of shore & beach and "coastal voice" e-newsletter:the association publishes the quarterly shore & beach magazine (a peer-reviewed technical journal) and the monthly "coastal voice" e-newsletter, to provide members with regular updates of association activities and coastal news. Both publications are distributed to all members as a benefit of membership.

Blue flag beaches:as a national operator for the international blue flag program, the association administers the program that awards beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators annually based on a significant but attainable set of operations criteria covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services in the continental u.s., alaska, and hawaii, as well as supports sites in reaching criteria compliance.

Chapter conferences:the california chapter of american shore and beach preservation association (csbpa) did not hold any conferences in 2024, but members participated in regional and national events regarding coastal management. The texas chapter of the american shore and beach preservation association held luncheon business meetings with presentation by local, state and federal partners to allow for networking and collaboration with local sponsors, consulting firms, and coastal stakeholders. The meetings were held along the texas coast and were intended to bring together to learn from each other and technical experts in texas.the mid-atlantic chapter of the american shore and beach preservation association held multiple events on specific-topics to aid in the transfer of information, science and technology amongst peers and colleagues. The events included topics related to the multitude of coastal environments along the mid-atlantic coastline of the united states.

Legislative advocacy and interation:the association works with an advocacy firm to ensure beach issues are fairly represented in congress; to educate legislators and staff on beach processes and dynamics; to work with other coastal organizations on behalf of legislation benefiting national coastal concerns; and to forge new coalitions with federal agencies whose interests intersects with coastal concerns.

Scholarships and awards:the association offers a variety of awards each year; honors can include: - top restored beaches, to spotlight communities that have successfully managed their shorelines; - corps of engineers awards, for outstanding project efforts; - friends of the asbpa, to honor lawmakers and others for their service on behalf of coastal issues; - a lifetime achievement award, to spotlight the long-term contributions of an individual to coastal issues and research; - project awards, for long-term beach management successes; - student awards & scholarships, to recognize outstanding academic achievements in coastal research and study. - other awards as circumstances arise.

Membership:membership in the association is open to all who are interested in the protection, restoration and management of the shores and beaches of u.s. Bays, harbors, oceans and great lakes. A majority of the membership is made up of coastal practitioners: engineers, scientists, planners, public officials, and others engaged in some phase of the management and operation