The Beach belongs to everyone

We want Long Island to be a place where this, and the next generation can surf, windsurf, sail, swim, sunbathe, fish, kayak or just soak in Long Island's Natural Beauty.

Long Island is losing its waterfront and wet lands to private homes at an alarming pace. Beach Access is disappearing right along with it. In addition, many NYS laws concerning Beach Access are archaic at best.

It is not LIBAG's intent to take away any existing rights of NYS Beach users. Only to add to them.

We are fortunate, to be working with the Long Island Regional State Parks Commission towards solutions that would allow all beach user groups equal access to all NYS Parks Beaches, with out excluding or taking away any access rights from any user groups.

The Long Island Beach Access Group is most commonly known for its four core programs;

1- The Beach Access program whose research and advocacy programs support the maintenance and expansion of access to those remote beach locations on Long Island for all users.

2- Also, our Beach Preservation program works to sponsor, participate and encourage those activities that ensure the healthy maintenance of our beaches and barrier islands, such as beach grass plantings.

3- Our Beach Clean-up program works to sponsor, participate and encourage continual beach clean-ups in conjunction with the America Littoral Society. This includes the adoption of Gilgo Beach.

4- But also, Long Island Beach Access Group is known for our Beach Actions program which seeks to encourage and reward proper behavior when enjoying the beaches. This includes following the official rules and regulations of each of the beaches and areas that provide access to those beaches, promoting the “Carry in, Carry out more” philosophy, and in a more informal fashion, instructing people on safe enjoyment of our natural resources.

Remember: it is not LIBAG's intent to take away any existing rights of NYS Beach users. Only to add to them.

LIBAG is honored to work with New York State Park officials, as we continue to connect the Parks to the People.

We look forward to our continued work with New York State officials in order to implement solutions that encourage more diverse use of NYS’s Beaches.

CONTACT US email me libaginfo@gmail.com

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

From May 13th Newsday

More state beaches to allow water sports

May 13, 2011 by BILL BLEYER / bill.bleyer@newsday.com

Photo credit: John Dunn | Jeanne Baumann of Amityville gets some air while windsurfing at Heckscher State Park in East Islip. (Apr. 17, 2011)
State parks officials Friday said they will allow windsurfing and other water sports at four more Long Island beaches.
Ronald Foley, regional director of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said the agency will move to implement the changes, possibly in time for this summer.
His statement came after the advisory Long Island State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend expanded water sports access at Orient Beach, Wildwood, Heckscher and Caumsett. The vote came during a meeting at Bethpage State Park, over the vociferous objections of more than 75 fishermen who said the additional uses would conflict with their sport.
Foley said he will meet with the agency's Fishing Advisory Board, other fishing groups and the Long Island Beach Access Group to determine which areas in each park will be open to the new sports.
The approval will permit these activities:
At Heckscher, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.
At Orient Beach, windsurfing.
At Wildwood, windsurfing, but only on weekdays during the swimming season.
At Caumsett, car-top launching of canoes and kayaks, but not until a new parking lot near the beach is constructed. Windsurfing will be considered.