The Council meets monthly and makes decisions to sell or rent state tidelands.
Then, in 1864, the Legislature created the Board of Riparian Commissioners, the earliest predecessor to the current Tidelands Resource Council.
Under this act the United Companies were authorized to reclaim and erect wharves and other improvements in front of any of their lands adjoining Kill Van Kull or any other tidewaters, and "when so reclaimed and improved to have, hold, possess and enjoy the same as owners thereof" subject to certain provisions.
After the O'Neill decision, legislation was adopted that required title studies and surveys of the state's tidelands.
A "good-faith discount" is offered to landowners who bought their property without knowing portions were claimed by the state.