LIBAG, Long Island Beach Access Group: 2016

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

For Immediate Release: 12/20/16 Contact:
George Gorman | george.gorman@parks.ny.gov | 631-321-3403
UPCOMING LONG ISLAND STATE PARK PERMITS FOR 2017 SEASON
(Babylon, NY...December 20th , 2016) The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the following permits will be on sale beginning, January 1 for the upcoming 2017 season..

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE BEACH VEHICLE SURFING PERMIT
Requirements:
Fee of $65.00, $110-Out of State, Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License
Permit is ONLY valid for daylight Surfing at:
Hither Hills and Napeague (Year round)
Robert Moses (Democrat Point) - April 1 - December 31, hours vary & Fields 2, 3 & 4 from September 15-December 31
Sold at: Babylon Headquarters - Permit Office (beginning January 3rd) and Robert Moses
Permits are only sold January 1 – March 31 and the Tuesday after Labor Day - December 31.

NIGHT SPORT FISHING PERMIT
Requirements:
Fee of $30.00, $55-Out of State, Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License and DEC Marine registry is required
Permit is valid for fishing after sunset only from April 1-December 31, except where noted
Valid for:
Captree - Main field, Overlook and Captree Drawbridge (north side only – 24 hr access)
Jones Beach - Fields 6, 10, West End 2, West End Boat Basin, West End Dock Area (24 hr access) & Green Island (24 hr access)
Hither Hills - Except Memorial Day to Labor Day Montauk Point - Lower Parking Lot ONLY
Robert Moses - Field 2, Field 3 September 15 to December 31 (24 hr access), Field 4 April 1 to June 23 (7pm-7am) and September 15 to December 31 (24 hr access)
Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3 (24 hr access) Wildwood – Main Field
Sold at: Babylon Headquarters - Permit Office (beginning January 3rd), Jones Beach, Montauk Downs, Robert Moses, Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow and Wildwood
Permits are only sold January 1 – March 31 and the Tuesday after Labor Day - December 31.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE BEACH VEHICLE FISHING PERMIT
Requirements:
Fee of $65.00, $110-Out of State, Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License and DEC Marine registry is required
Permit is ONLY valid for fishing at: Hither Hills (Year round)
Montauk Point (Year round) Napeague (Year round)
Robert Moses (Democrat Point and Sore Thumb) - April 1 - December 31, hours vary
Sold at: Babylon Headquarters - Permit Office (beginning January 3rd), Jones Beach, Montauk Downs, Robert Moses and Sunken Meadow
Permits are only sold January 1 – March 31 and the Tuesday after Labor Day - December 31.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE BEACH VEHICLE SURFING PERMIT
Requirements:
Fee of $65.00, $110-Out of State, Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License
Permit is ONLY valid for daylight Surfing at:
Hither Hills and Napeague (Year round)
Robert Moses (Democrat Point) - April 1 - December 31, hours vary & Fields 2, 3 & 4 from September 15-December 31
Sold at: Babylon Headquarters - Permit Office (beginning January 3rd) and Robert Moses
Permits are only sold January 1 – March 31 and the Tuesday after Labor Day - December 31.
CAMP HERO FISHING PERMIT
Requirements:
Fee of $40.00, $75-Out of State, Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License and DEC Marine registry is required
Permit is valid for fishing after sunset only at Camp Hero State Park, April 1 - December 31.

Sold at: Babylon Headquarters - Permit Office (beginning January 3rd) and Montauk Downs Permits are only sold January 1 – March 31 and the Tuesday after Labor Day - December 31.
STARGAZING PERMIT
Requirements:
Fee of $30.00, $55-Out of State – Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License Required Permit is valid for Stargazing only January 1 - December 31at:
Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6
Hither Hills - Except July & August
Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot
Robert Moses - Field 2
Gov. Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3
Wildwood – Main Parking Lot
Sold at: Babylon Headquarters-Permit Office (beginning January 3), Jones Beach, Montauk Downs, Robert Moses, Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow and Wildwood
Permits are only sold January 1 – March 31 and the Tuesday after Labor Day - December 31.
REGIONAL DIVING PERMIT
Requirements:
Fee of $65.00, $110-Out of State, Vehicle Registration and Divers Certification card required. Valid for:
Caumsett-Fisherman’s parking lot only – 24 hr access
Jones Beach - East End of Field 10 only, 24 hr access
Orient Beach – 8am to sunset
Robert Moses - *Democrat Point (four-wheel drive needed to access this area, hours vary)

Permit is sold year round at Babylon Headquarters - Permit Office. Permit is valid April 1 - December 31, hours vary.
CAUMSETT FISHING PERMIT – ONLY 500 PERMITS ARE SOLD Requirements:
Fee of $40.00, $75 Out of State, Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License and DEC Marine registry is required
Permit is valid for fishing at Caumsett Fisherman’s parking lot, April 1 - December 31.
Sold at: Beginning January 3rd at Babylon Headquarters - Permit Office and Caumsett State Park
METAL DETECTOR PERMIT
Permits are $40.00. One can be obtained by sending a letter of request including name, address and phone number along with payment, and a business size self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Metal Detector Permit P.O. Box 247 Babylon, NY 11702
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 65 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

From the Town of Babylon News

Town of Babylon News

Posted on: September 27, 2016

Annual Coastal Clean-Up Day Held at Gilgo Beach

Dozens of dedicated volunteers recently joined together at Gilgo Beach to participate in the annual Coastal Clean-Up Day—a global event that assists the American Littoral Society (ALS) in documenting the waste that washes up on our shorelines. The Town of Babylon Beautification Program joins the Long Island Beach Access Group (LIBAG) and President Ray Eriksen each year to host the annual event. The information collected helps ALS with its ongoing investigation and education regarding the source of litter in our water and how to best eradicate it. ALS promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat while protecting our coasts from future harm. This effort also brings awareness to the importance of keeping our waterways clean and protecting our precious wildlife.

Hundreds of cigarette butts, bottle caps, straws and plastic items were removed from Gilgo Beach, totaling 182 lbs. Many local school districts, students, scouts, athletic teams and residents participated in the initiative. Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez and Councilman Tom Donnelly joined the volunteers at Gilgo and commended them for their time and efforts to help keep the Town of Babylon beaches clean and beautiful. The volunteers will each received Certificates of Appreciation for their community service.

Pictured with the volunteers from this year’s cleanup are LIBAG President Ray Eriksen, Deputy Supervisor Martinez and Councilman Donnelly.

http://www.townofbabylon.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=553

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Volunteers needed September 17th, 9AM-Noon

Subject: Gilgo Beach clean up, Volunteers needed September 17th, 9AM-Noon

LI Beach Access Group

Once again, LIBAG.org is running the ALS (American Littoral Society) Beach Cleanup at Gilgo Beach. We won't be running a cleanup as we usually do simultaneously at the 4x4 Drive on location at Hemlock.

Our table to sign in will be on the parking lot side of the tunnel. Bring yourself and more people too, please.

Here's a link if you want more information of what this is all about. Don't register on their site. Your sign in at our table is sufficient.

I hope to see you on September 17th!! Thanks in advance, Ray and the LI Beach Access Group

New York State Beach Cleanup

Thursday, May 5, 2016

May 7, 2016 Beach Clean up at Gilgo State Park, 10:30AM

Subject: May 7, 2016 Beach Clean up at Gilgo State Park, 10:30AM - REMINDER !!

Hi, I know you already have it on your calendar, but just in case, we're ON for the clean up on Saturday morning.

The area is still closed for access so please either be dropped off or hoof it from the Gilgo Lot. Bags and gloves will be provided.

The clean up will run for approx. 2 hours so don't miss it! We need your help.

Thanks, Ray and the crew from LIBAG!

PS: This is part of NYS's " I Love My Park Day" so let's support it.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Happy New Year

The Long Island Beach Access Group hope you've had a nice Holiday season so far. It looks like Hanukkah Harry and Santa Claus left something behind in their Bag of tricks and toys for us to play with.

We were just alerted from the Long Island office of NYS Parks that the Long Island Beach Access Group's request for 4x4 Surfing access to the East End of Long Island has finally happened!

Effective January 1st, 2016....These are the words from NYS Parks Headquarters in West Babylon:

" Since the 2016 permits have already been printed, the following sticker will be added to the front of the 4x4 surfing permit:

Also Valid Year Round At: Hither Hills and Napeague State Parks

Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year!!

So, in addition to Robert Moses(Democrat Point) and Gilgo State Park, we now have these 2 new locations. Demo and Gilgo drive-ons will continue to be available from April 1st to December 31st, 2016. And just a reminder, the 4x4 Surfing permit also allows us Parking lot access to closed field #'s 2,3 and 4 at Robert Moses State Park from September 15th - December 31st.

We're thrilled with the news and hope you have a chance to enjoy it as much as we plan to. Pass the word on to your friends.

These are also Carry In/Carry Out areas. Let's continue to be good citizens on the beach. And let's be kind and respectful to others in the water as well.

Any thoughts or questions, let us know!
Thanks for all your support. We'll be calling on you for more, so be ready.

Regards, the LIBAG Crew

LIBAG, Long Island Beach Access Group

Some important reminders:

Read you permit carefully! (You can get it at the Belmont State Park Office until April 30th, as well as Robert Moses Office opposite Field 3) Cost is $ 65.00.

Be sure you ask for the 4x4 Surfing Permit or you will be sold the 4x4 Fishing Permit. They are not the same. The Fishing Permit does not allow use of your surfboard.

Make sure you have ALL the required equipment at ALL times!

This is a Surfing permit. Please bring a Surfboard or 2.

AIR DOWN before heading onto the beach! We saw more stuck trucks this year than we would like to.

AIR DOWN. Not doing so; tears up the beach, and your transmission.

Do NOT leave trash behind - Take out MORE than you took in!

Abide by the speed limit and drive safely.

Be friendly to all other beach users! (Do NOT debate, argue, curse, flip the bird, or "moon" others who may antagonize you... *Note: these are all things that have been pointed out as reasons why surfers should not be on the beach... true or not - avoid confrontations with anyone.)

And for goodness sake, be friendly to other surfers.
Practice good surf etiquette. If you are "new" to a beach, take the time to understand how the lineup works at that beach. Respect and learn from the folks that have been surfing that particular break before you. It will make everyones' day more enjoyable.

So, get down there and enjoy your access to Demo, Gilgo State Park, Hither Hills and Napeague State Parks!!

And please, when we e-mail about clean ups and such, try to show up and lend a hand - it helps!

Looking forward to seeing you this summer !

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

From our friends at The American Littoral Society

From our friends at The American Littoral Society.

The Long Island Beach Access Group cleaned Gilgo State Park, and the Town of Babylon's Gilgo Beach.

Senator Boyle's group cleaned Robert Moses Field 2.

Thank you to everyone who helped this year.

From: Natalie Grant <NYSBC@littoralsociety.org>
To: Natalie Grant <nysbeachcleanup@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 4, 2016 12:07 PM
Subject: THANK YOU!!! 2015 New York State Beach Cleanup Results

Dear Coordinators, Beach Captains and Volunteers,

The American Littoral Society would like to extend its wishes for a happy and healthy 2016 to you and your families!!

We are excited to report that well over 7500 volunteers participated in the 2015 New York State Beach Cleanup. Hopefully our shorelines will continue to show the results of their efforts for a long time to come. Your promotion of this event, contributed to the removal and documentation of 125,544 pounds of trash in 26 New York State counties.

We succeeded in cleaning 250 miles of shorelines and just as importantly, more than 7500 people were educated about the need for a cleaner, healthier environment. New York thanks you!!!

The 2015 data below shows the exact people, pounds and miles as well as the “Dirty Dozen” (the most commonly collected items) from New York State’s shorelines.

Number of volunteers: 7723

Pounds of debris removed: 125,544

Number of miles cleaned: 250.21

Number of bags used: 4715

2015 Dirty Dozen
Debris	Total
Cigarette Butts	54,226
Plastic Pieces	43,199
Bottle Caps (Plastic)	28,673
Food Wrappers (Candy, Chips, Etc.)	27,794
Glass Pieces	25,120
Foam Pieces	25,039
Straws, Stirrers	18,691
Beverage Bottle (Plastic)	15,904
Bottle Caps (Metal)	13,800
Grocery Bags (Plastic	10,706
Other Plastic Bags	10,401
Beverage Cans	8,715