Meeting Minutes July 28, 2004 Meeting Over 50 members were on-hand for our mid-summer meeting on Wednesday evening, July 28 at Montauk Downs. Mr. Tom Dess, Superintendent of State Parks in Montauk was the featured speaker. When he introduced Mr. Dess, Eugene Alper, Chapter Chair, made it clear that Mr. Dess is responsible for managing the NY State Parks in Montauk. As Superintendent, it is Mr. Dess’ responsibility to enforce the new interim policy governing surfing at Camp Hero. Eugene reiterated that is was not Mr. Dess’ job to develop park policy. Therefore, Eugene asked Mr. Dess to focus his remarks on how the interim policy will be implemented. Eugene mentioned that over the past year, considerable time had been devoted at chapter meetings discussing the rationale for and the development of the interim policy. Mr. Dess began by emphasizing that surfing at Camp Hero is permitted pursuant to a one-year temporary policy. He highlighted key elements of the interim policy, including: Surfing is permitted at Camp Hero, except after 11:00 AM, during the period from September 6 through November 1, 2004. A special permit is required to park at Camp Hero if your vehicle has a surfboard on/in it. No special permit is required if you walk into Camp Hero carrying a surfboard. Park rangers will be present during the restricted time-frame and will write tickets for those who do not comply with the interim policy. In response to questions from Surfrider members and others present, Mr. Dess added the following: Special permits may be purchased at Montauk Downs. 120 have been sold to date. Signs will be posted at Camp Hero, explaining the rules and restrictions. A map will also be posted to delineate areas subject to the September 6 through November 1 restriction. Surfing at other locations at Montauk Point (e.g., Turtle Cove, North Bar, Ala-Mo, etc) are not affected by the Camp Hero temporary policy. Thomas Muse made a presentation, complete with photographs and drawing, calling for the re-location of the Camp Hero parking lot, away from the bluffs. Thomas indicated that some sections of the bluff are eroding as much as 3 feet per year. He also indicated that the vegetation around the current parking lot is rare maritime bluff vegetation. The current parking lot is located in an environmentally sensitive area and is contributing to the erosion of the bluffs and destruction of rare vegetation. Thomas’ three-point plan calls for: Re-locating the parking lot away from the bluffs. Re-vegetating the bluffs and current parking lot. Constructing safe paths and look-out platforms designed to keep people away from the dangerous bluffs. Thomas asked that Surfrider members make suggestions to him regarding the plan, before he submits it for consideration to the NY State Parks Department. Several students from Westhampton High School presented our Chapter with a check for $1250! The check represents the proceeds from a Battle of the Bands, organized by Classmates United to Restore the Environment (CURE). Cure is a group of energetic high school students committed to environmental causes. Eugene Alper expressed gratitude and appreciation for their hard work on behalf of the environment and for their $1250 gift to Surfrider! Eugene provided the students who presented the check, with one-year paid up honorary memberships in Surfrider as a symbol of our appreciation. Tom Naro clarified the permit requirements for driving on Southampton beaches. He indicated that a Southampton Town permit is required, but a Village permit is not required. Vinny McGann provided an up-date on the controversy over Mecox Bay. For 400 years, Mecox Bay in Water Mill has been opened to the ocean 4 or 5 times per year to avoid brackish water and nourish shellfish important to the local economy. However, some property owners on and around the Bay want to eliminate this practice. The bay has been managed by Town trustees, but the controversy is growing. Roger Feit announced that the recent Rell Sunn surf contest raised funds to help local families that are dealing with cancer related health crisis. A gift of $10,000 has been given to a family who is caring for a family member with cancer. Eugene led a discussion of other topics: Several Army Corps of Engineer projects were briefly discussed; Westhampton beach replenishment project is scheduled to begin in late September, 2004. Shinnecock Inlet west jetty dune replenishment and re-vegetation will be initiated. The borrow site is well off shore. Dredging the south end of Georgica Pond and filling the down draft side of Georgica Jetty is anticipated. Delays continue in the development of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Montauk Point revetment. Members are asked to call the East Hampton Town Board and urge them to limit vehicular parking at Turtle Cove to those with handicap permits. Bill Akin, of Concerned Citizens of Montauk mentioned that the Town Board meets at the Montauk Firehouse at 10:00 AM, the first Tuesday of each month and that venue would be appropriate for making a plea regarding Turtle Cove parking restrictions. Mara Hogan and Thomas Muse will organize a Clean Water Paddle Out for September 12. Bob Casper will organize a beach clean-up for Labor Day Weekend. The clean-up will target the area from the coves west of Camp Hero all the way around Montauk Point. Surf Movie Night! Wednesday, August 4, 7:30 & 9:30 PM at John Drew Theater, Guild Hall, East Hampton. Tickets are only $10 in advance & $15 at the door. Last year’s Movie Night was a sell-out…we had to turn people away at the door! Contact Surfriderli.org to volunteer. We still need some help. Proceeds benefit our Chapter. Music and Dance! Wednesday, August 11, 8:00 PM at Gin Lane Restaurant, 1020 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. $10 admission/cash bar. Contact Surfrider.org to volunteer. We still need some help. Proceeds benefit our Chapter. A date and location for our next meeting will be set shortly. Check www.surfriderli.org for details.