LIBAG, Long Island Beach Access Group: January 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

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