News Summary
Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown faces a legal dispute with the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council over unauthorized shoreline restoration efforts. The club’s construction of an illegal seawall brought state scrutiny and subsequent lawsuits, claiming violations of property rights. Environmental advocates criticize the regulatory body’s handling of the situation, raising concerns about illegal coastal developments. As legal proceedings unfold, the impacts on coastal erosion and environmental preservation take center stage for the club and the community.
NORTH KINGSTOWN: Quidnessett Country Club Faces Legal Challenges Over Shoreline Restoration After Building Illegal Seawall
In a heated dispute with regulatory authorities, the Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown has filed a second lawsuit against the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) on September 8, 2025. This legal battle is heating up after the CRMC staff rejected seven different plans intended for shoreline restoration.
The crux of the club’s complaint is that the CRMC has allegedly violated the club’s constitutional property rights, referencing both the Fifth and 14th Amendments. Quidnessett has expressed that their goal is not to expand beyond their current property but to protect the land they have held for a long time. Legal representatives for the club emphasized their commitment to preserving their land amidst growing concerns about coastal erosion.
The Controversial Seawall
To combat rising sea levels, the club took the initiative to construct a 600-foot-long rock seawall in winter 2023, a move that has drawn significant scrutiny since coastal regulations explicitly prohibit such development in our precious environmentally sensitive areas. After issuing several warnings, both from state regulators and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the CRMC ultimately delivered a cease and desist order against Quidnessett in August 2023.
In light of these challenges, the CRMC is gearing up for further discussions and is contemplating additional actions against the club at their upcoming meeting. Environmental advocacy groups, such as Save the Bay, have not missed a beat, criticizing the CRMC for what they perceive as political favoritism displayed towards Quidnessett Country Club.
The club’s initial request for retroactive permission for the seawall was denied back in January 2025. The CRMC staff pointed out that the club’s proposals for shoreline restoration simply did not meet regulatory criteria, leading them to mark the restoration plan as unacceptable.
Legal and Environmental Implications
One of the core arguments Quidnessett is making revolves around the original “Type 1” water classification that limits permanent structures in the area. The club contends that this classification is outdated, citing previous residential and commercial developments close by. The CRMC staff have countered, stating that the installation of the seawall violated state regulations and that the club has shown a reluctance to comply with the Council’s order to restore the shoreline.
As the legal battles progress, coastal erosion continues to threaten the integrity of the 14th hole on the golf course. Continued erosion risks leading to its collapse into the sea, creating a pressing urgency for the club to address these challenges.
The CRMC insists on a natural barrier comprising native vegetation to protect the golf course from the bay, as opposed to constructed sea walls. Yet, Quidnessett has attempted to move forward with a shoreline restoration plan utilizing “TrapBag” technology, which involves a linked geotextile system. However, this method has raised valid concerns due to the use of non-biodegradable materials that do not align with CRMC standards.
The Consequence of Non-Compliance
In addition to the legal wrangling, Quidnessett has already received three fines of $10,000 each for violations related to the seawall and is currently engaged in appeals concerning these penalties. Critics of the situation are becoming increasingly vocal about how ongoing delays in enforcement are creating a concerning precedent for potential violators along Rhode Island’s beautiful coastline.
As all parties gear up for what promises to be a continuous legal tug-of-war, the implications for environmental conservation, regulatory compliance, and community sentiment are becoming more significant. Everyone is awaiting to see how this stormy seas of legal implications will eventually fare in the courts.
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: Quidnessett Is Done Negotiating with State Coastal Regulators
- Providence Journal: Private Rhode Island Golf Club Gets Extension on Plan to Remove Illegal Seawall
- Steve Ahlquist: Two Years Later – Quidnessett Country Club
- GoLocalProv: Save The Bay Backs CRMC Decision to Enforce Removal of Quidnessett Country
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Regulations
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
