Meeting Minutes October 24, 2003 Meeting The Long Island Chapter of Surfrider Foundation met in Water Mill at the Gin Lane Restaurant on October 24, 2003. The focus of the meeting was a presentation by Ms. Carolyn Zenk, Southampton Town Councilwoman & formerly with the Group For the South Fork, an environmental organization. Ms. Zenk discussed the Community Preservation Fund which is an initiative to acquire undeveloped open space, including beaches, for public use. She also discussed other issues such as parking limitations, that make it difficult for the public to access public beaches. She suggested that if the Dunehampton initiative was successful, that there would likely be more parking limitations imposed, further limiting the public's access to those beaches. Dunehampton is proposed to reach from the east side of Southampton Village to the East Hampton Town line. Ms. Zenk also discussed beach erosion and jetties. She indicated that the jetties at Shinnecock should be shortened since they are causing an increase in beach erosion. Further, she discussed the build-up of sand in Shinnecock and the loss of sand at Hampton Bays. Finally, she urged the Long Island Chapter to become more visible and actively work on important environmental issues. She suggested that educational programs and programs such as involving children in planting dune grass and helping with beach clean-up are terrific ways to impact the environment and get good press coverage. She explained that the media like to cover such event and that these types of events would: Attract more members to our organization & more members means more money & a greater impact on the environment. Increase the visibility of Surfrider Foundation, giving us more political clout. Overcome the "surfer stereotype". Eugene Alper, Chapter Chairman, led a discussion of other topics. Eugene made a strong case for dividing the Long Island Chapter into two chapters: one, from Montauk west to Moriches Inlet, the other, west of Moriches. He urged individuals west of Moriches to take a lead role in organizing that group. Interested people should contact Eugene. Our new web site is up and running, thanks to Jay Fruin and Steve Rovery. There is a tremendous amount of content and it is well organized and artisically presented. You can submit pictures for the Photo Gallery. Check it out at www.surfriderli.org. The web site also lists our Area Representatives and other contact information. Because of Steve's hard work and numerous contributions to the Chapter (artwork for posters, shirts, etc) the members agreed to make him our Honorary Member. Members agreed to recommend that the name Spooner's Point be used to designate the point at Camp Hero, in honor of Jimmy Spooner. Eugene provided an up-date on the on-going controversies surrounding beach access & surfing at Camp Hero & North Bar. The Surfing Advisory Committee is working with the NYS Parks Department to assure surfing access at all times. There is an interim agreement to allow surfing at Camp Hero until 11:00 AM, from September through November. However, it doesn't appear that the Parks Department enforced this limitation. Eugene encouraged all surfers to be polite & respectful of the fishermen. " We need to do our best to show them that we can all use the same beach without conflict." The Ditch Plains/Trailer Park septic system is being re-built, away from the beach & trailers are being moved back from the beach. A discussion of driving on the beach resulted in a majority of members endorsing "responsible" beach driving. Finally, the chapter agreed to sponsor a fund raising program for the evening before Thanksgiving. Check out the web site for details!