Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2005 Meeting
On November 4, twenty-five activists participated in the autumn 2005 meeting of the Surfrider Foundation, Eastern Long Island Chapter. Rookie Chairman, Tom Naro presided, like a seasoned veteran. This was Tom's first meeting as Chair, after taking over for Eugene Alper, who served as Chair, since July 2003. Tom kicked off the meeting by presenting Eugene with an engraved plaque expressing the Chapter's appreciation for his tireless work on behalf of our beaches and surf spots!
Tom then provided a brief summary of Chapter activities over the past few months:
- Several successful beach clean ups
- Surf Movie Night III, which attracted approximately 400 attendees
- Stephen Talkhouse benefit, featuring Great Caesars Ghost
- New member sign-up initiatives at the Rell Sun Contest and Global Surf Movie Night
- Clean Water Paddle-out, which included attendance by Assemblyman Fred Thiele. (Check out the photo on the Chapter web page. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a photo of the Assemblyman paddling out with the rest of us!)
- And finally, after several years of negotiation, surfing is now legal at Camp Hero!
Eugene provided a re-cap of the process that was spearheaded by our Chapter for obtaining full access to Camp Hero by surfers. He also indicated that the NY State Parks Department received no complaints of conflicts between fishermen and surfers at Camp Hero. This is clearly a major victory for Surfrider! Eugene also reported that the Central Long Island Chapter obtained access for surfers at Democrat Point and Hemlock. He indicated that our next challenge is to obtain surfing access north of the Lighthouse, in Montauk. Eugene would like to initiate discussions with the NY State Parks Department around the end of this year.
Eugene also reported that the Town of East Hampton has continued to ignore unauthorized use of the area directly north of the beach at Turtle Cove, as a parking lot. This is an environmentally sensitive area and use as a parking lot is not consistent with the Town's Plan for Utilization of Turtle Cove. Eugene suggested that Surfrider develop an alliance with other organizations that, in the past have supported our environmental efforts at Turtle Cove, including Group for the South Fork, Trails Preservation Society, and Concerned Citizens of Montauk (CCOM). Jay Levine, who is now on the board of CCOM agreed to encourage that organization's support for Surfrider's position regarding Turtle Cove.
Eugene is seeking additional assistance from Chapter members, to help Surfrider address the challenges north of the Lighthouse and at Turtle Cove.
Tom then updated the Chapter regarding the Army Corps of Engineer's (ACE) plan for the Lighthouse revetment. He indicated that Thomas Muse has sent a letter to ACE seeking a detailed up-date to the plan and requesting that Surfrider be involved in the planning process. A copy of Thomas' letter was distributed at the meeting. Our Chapter is seeking an engineer who might be able to assess the feasibility of re-locating the Lighthouse, as an alternative to the revetment project. Thomas is also seeking input from SUNY Stony Brook on the likely effects of rising sea level on the Lighthouse. Jay Fruin suggested that Surfrider develop a working relationship with the Montauk Lighthouse Historical Society, to formulate a joint plan for preservation of the Lighthouse. He also suggested that we invite a representative of the Historical Society to our next Chapter meeting.
Tim Behringer summarized the controversy in Southampton over local control of beach access. Numerous homeowners who own beach front property east of Shinnecock Inlet, have been working in support of the Brodsky Bill in the NY State Legislature that would provide for the state to control motor vehicle access to all beaches. The Brodsky Bill would restrict vehicular access under the guise of coastal erosion control. Such access is currently controlled by local communities. Surfrider friend, Assemblyman Fred Thiele has proposed a bill that assures beach access remains the province of local communities. An active letter writing campaign seems to have shifted legislative support toward the Thiele Bill. In response, 5 homeowners are suing the Town of Southampton for $50 million for loss of property value. Chapter discussion focused on the need for all beach front communities to include a comprehensive educational program focused on those applying for beach driving permits. The goal is to educate all beach drivers to be responsible when driving on the beach. After much discussion, the Chapter voted to support responsible beach driving and community programs to educate those who drive on the beach, regarding environmental issues.
Vice Chair Mara Hogan initiated a discussion of the Chapter's objective to expand our educational programs in area schools. She is seeking assistance to initiate presentation of Surfrider educational videos and other materials in local elementary, middle, and/or high schools. After some discussion, Victor Curro offered to assist Mara in developing a strategy for expanding our educational programs. (Thanks to Mara and Victor for taking on this challenge!) Mara then provided an up-date on the East Hampton Coastal Legislation. Approximately 6 months ago Surfrider member and attorney, Carolyn Zenk prepared a report and recommendations, on behalf of Surfrider and submitted it to the Town. The Town is currently drafting its legislation, including several of Carolyn's recommendations. The Town will be seeking State approval of its draft legislation.
Tom wrapped up the meeting by mentioning the need to develop a well coordinated telephone tree to advise members of important Chapter events and meetings. He also indicated that the Chapter will be up-dating its cadre of Area Representatives. Those interested in helping with the phone tree or serving as an Area Representative should contact Tom. Finally, the Chapter is organizing a benefit evening either before or following Thanksgiving. Check our Award Winning Web Site for info.
A date and location for our next meeting will be set shortly. Check www.surfriderli.org for details.
Meeting Minutes November 4, 2005 Meeting On November 4, twenty-five activists participated in the autumn 2005 meeting of the Surfrider Foundation, Eastern Long Island Chapter. Rookie Chairman, Tom Naro presided, like a seasoned veteran. This was Tom's first meeting as Chair, after taking over for Eugene Alper, who served as Chair, since July 2003. Tom kicked off the meeting by presenting Eugene with an engraved plaque expressing the Chapter's appreciation for his tireless work on behalf of our beaches and surf spots!
Tom then provided a brief summary of Chapter activities over the past few months:
Eugene provided a re-cap of the process that was spearheaded by our Chapter for obtaining full access to Camp Hero by surfers. He also indicated that the NY State Parks Department received no complaints of conflicts between fishermen and surfers at Camp Hero. This is clearly a major victory for Surfrider! Eugene also reported that the Central Long Island Chapter obtained access for surfers at Democrat Point and Hemlock. He indicated that our next challenge is to obtain surfing access north of the Lighthouse, in Montauk. Eugene would like to initiate discussions with the NY State Parks Department around the end of this year. Eugene also reported that the Town of East Hampton has continued to ignore unauthorized use of the area directly north of the beach at Turtle Cove, as a parking lot. This is an environmentally sensitive area and use as a parking lot is not consistent with the Town's Plan for Utilization of Turtle Cove. Eugene suggested that Surfrider develop an alliance with other organizations that, in the past have supported our environmental efforts at Turtle Cove, including Group for the South Fork, Trails Preservation Society, and Concerned Citizens of Montauk (CCOM). Jay Levine, who is now on the board of CCOM agreed to encourage that organization's support for Surfrider's position regarding Turtle Cove. Eugene is seeking additional assistance from Chapter members, to help Surfrider address the challenges north of the Lighthouse and at Turtle Cove. Tom then updated the Chapter regarding the Army Corps of Engineer's (ACE) plan for the Lighthouse revetment. He indicated that Thomas Muse has sent a letter to ACE seeking a detailed up-date to the plan and requesting that Surfrider be involved in the planning process. A copy of Thomas' letter was distributed at the meeting. Our Chapter is seeking an engineer who might be able to assess the feasibility of re-locating the Lighthouse, as an alternative to the revetment project. Thomas is also seeking input from SUNY Stony Brook on the likely effects of rising sea level on the Lighthouse. Jay Fruin suggested that Surfrider develop a working relationship with the Montauk Lighthouse Historical Society, to formulate a joint plan for preservation of the Lighthouse. He also suggested that we invite a representative of the Historical Society to our next Chapter meeting. Tim Behringer summarized the controversy in Southampton over local control of beach access. Numerous homeowners who own beach front property east of Shinnecock Inlet, have been working in support of the Brodsky Bill in the NY State Legislature that would provide for the state to control motor vehicle access to all beaches. The Brodsky Bill would restrict vehicular access under the guise of coastal erosion control. Such access is currently controlled by local communities. Surfrider friend, Assemblyman Fred Thiele has proposed a bill that assures beach access remains the province of local communities. An active letter writing campaign seems to have shifted legislative support toward the Thiele Bill. In response, 5 homeowners are suing the Town of Southampton for $50 million for loss of property value. Chapter discussion focused on the need for all beach front communities to include a comprehensive educational program focused on those applying for beach driving permits. The goal is to educate all beach drivers to be responsible when driving on the beach. After much discussion, the Chapter voted to support responsible beach driving and community programs to educate those who drive on the beach, regarding environmental issues. Vice Chair Mara Hogan initiated a discussion of the Chapter's objective to expand our educational programs in area schools. She is seeking assistance to initiate presentation of Surfrider educational videos and other materials in local elementary, middle, and/or high schools. After some discussion, Victor Curro offered to assist Mara in developing a strategy for expanding our educational programs. (Thanks to Mara and Victor for taking on this challenge!) Mara then provided an up-date on the East Hampton Coastal Legislation. Approximately 6 months ago Surfrider member and attorney, Carolyn Zenk prepared a report and recommendations, on behalf of Surfrider and submitted it to the Town. The Town is currently drafting its legislation, including several of Carolyn's recommendations. The Town will be seeking State approval of its draft legislation. Tom wrapped up the meeting by mentioning the need to develop a well coordinated telephone tree to advise members of important Chapter events and meetings. He also indicated that the Chapter will be up-dating its cadre of Area Representatives. Those interested in helping with the phone tree or serving as an Area Representative should contact Tom. Finally, the Chapter is organizing a benefit evening either before or following Thanksgiving. Check our Award Winning Web Site for info. A date and location for our next meeting will be set shortly. Check www.surfriderli.org for details.
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