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


Saturday, May 19, 2012

Newsday


Windsurfing, paddleboard OK at state parks

Originally published: May 18, 2012 3:44 PM
Updated: May 18, 2012 7:17 PM
By BILL BLEYER  bill.bleyer@newsday.com
loria Neumair, of Port Jefferson, Paddles on a
Photo credit: Newsday/Ed Betz | loria Neumair, of Port Jefferson, Paddles on a paddle board in Port Jefferson Harbor in Port Jefferson, NY. (May 13, 2012)
Windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding will be allowed at more Long Island state park beaches this summer.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on Friday announced its decision to allow the two sports at ocean beaches where surfing already is permitted. The change is effective June 1.
"We're very appreciative of all the access changes that they were able to create," said Jack Riordan of the Long Island Beach Access Group, which has been lobbying for the changes.
Parks regional director Ronald Foley said "paddleboarding and windsurfing were determined to be forms of surfing because the board is relatively the same and it doesn't have any propulsion. So after discussion with our counsel's office and others, it was deemed that we could allow these activities without changing our rules."
However, kiteboarding is not covered by the new policy, so it is still not permitted.
Last summer the parks agency allowed paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing at Heckscher, windsurfing at Orient Beach, and windsurfing at Wildwood on weekdays during the swimming season.
The changes affect the following beaches:
Jones Beach -- year-round at the west side of West End 2, at Field 10, beyond 100 feet east of the Field 6 picnic area, and at the West End boat basin; at all open parking fields from Oct. 16 through May 14; and west of Field 2 from June 1 through Oct. 15.
Montauk -- year-round from sunrise to sunset at Shadmoor and Hither Hills outside bathing areas; and at Montauk Point Dec. 15 through March 31 from sunrise to sunset.
Robert Moses -- year-round west side of each open field beyond the lifeguard-protected areas and Democrat Point west of jetty; Field 5 year-round on the west side; at Fields 2, 3 and 4 by permit only when fields are closed between Sept. 15 and Dec. 31, during daylight hours only.
"We look forward to continuing to work with" park officials to gain additional access to more remote beach areas accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles and now used only by fishermen, Riordan said. The group would also like access for windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at Caumsett State Park.
The parks agency last year approved car-top launching of canoes and kayaks at Caumsett after a new parking lot near the beach is constructed.
Foley said it would continue to talk with the access group.
Posted by at