The Essex Partnership assisted in preparation of an updated management plan for the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR), one of 27 national reserves managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The partnership coordinated and facilitated stakeholder focus groups regarding research and monitoring, education, coastal training, and stewardship. We also facilitated discussions of a senior executive Advisory Committee focused on policy issues such as program administration, public access and recreation, and facilities planning. Based on input from the focus groups and Advisory Committee, the Partnership prepared an updated management plan which will guide management decisions over the next ten years.