Meeting Minutes November 5, 2004 Meeting About 50 Surfrider members started preparing for the Holiday Season by attending our Fall Meeting on November 5th at Gin Lane Restaurant in Water Mill. After a brief get-together at the bar, Eugene Alper called the meeting to order and announced that the Long Island Chapter was about to present an $800 college scholarship to Max Spooner. Max is the son of Jimmy, who passed away too young, in 2003. The Chapter also presented Jesse, Max’s brother with a new surfboard, similar to his Dad’s favorite board, signed by many of our Chapter members. Eugene then asked Thomas Muse to review the status of his proposed plan to re-locate the parking lot at Camp Hero, re-vegetate the tops of the bluffs and generally improve the environmental condition at Camp Hero. Thomas asked members to complete a questionnaire and led a discussion regarding his plan. Selected comments and questions regarding his plan addressed: Alternative parking locations. Construction of a “lookout” to enable surfers to check-out the waves without standing on eroding cliffs. Safety and environmental concerns. Many members complimented and thanked Thomas for his work and commented that his effort demonstrates to State Park officials that surfers are committed to protecting the environment, enhancing our parks and preserving our shore line and beaches. Eugene introduced Kevin McAllister, Peconic Baykeeper. Kevin provided an overview of the Baykeeper program, an environmental advocacy group that focuses on clean water and habitat protection. There are 120 Baykeeper programs in the United States and the programs’ environmental objectives are similar to those of Surfrider. Kevin’s talk addressed four topics. Dockers Marina in East Quogue. This planned marina development project calls for extensive dredging of virtually un-spoiled wetlands for construction of a new 60 slip marina. Such dredging would destroy valuable and diverse bay bottom habitats and invite boat traffic that will introduce pollutants and contaminants to the bay. Kevin urged Surfrider members to join him in opposition to this development project. Sand replenishment. Kevin explained several problems associated with sand replenishment projects. For example, use of incompatible sand often contributes to more rapid beach erosion, increased turbidity (sand suspended in the water), and compacted (cement-like) sand on the beach. Shore hardening. These projects interfere with the natural ebb and flow of beaches and dunes, often causing increased beach erosion along the down-drift coast. Beach nourishment. These projects focus on building and protecting dunes and beaches with natural vegetation. Clearly, the focus, work and objectives of the Peconic Baykeeper are consistent with the programs and interest of Surfrider. Eugene shifted the discussion to the Chapter’s fledging education program and introduced Joe Warren of Southampton College. Joe has agreed to spearhead our education initiative, using materials already developed by Surfrider Foundation. Joe indicated that he intends to focus on education initiatives in local schools. However, to be successful, Joe needs volunteers to work with him. Please contact Joe today at ( Joe.warren@liu.edu ) to offer your assistance. Vin Zorbo and Gary Ventura provided an up-date on the Army Corps’ beach re-nourishment program & discussions related to Westhampton beaches. Gary indicated that important progress has been made with the Army Corps and they are now willing to listen to alternative strategies for preserving the beach. A landmark meeting has been scheduled with the Army Corps to discuss the range of options available to preserve Westhampton beaches. As a footnote, Gary and Vin were able to get “No Littering” signs posted at Shinnecock beach. Eugene led a discussion of other topics important to our beaches and Chapter. Turtle Cove. Parking is being monitored 20 hours per week by the East Hampton Marine Patrol. Unfortunately, that leaves extensive amounts of time that parking is not monitored. Eugene asked for volunteers to assist him in working with the Town on issues that effect Turtle Cove. Membership Growth. 89 new members were added to our chapter during the past 4 months. This represents the largest percent increase of any Surfrider Chapter. Eugene thanked those who helped expand our membership and then asked for a volunteer to work with Mara Hogan to manage our membership data base. Over the past year, Mara and Tom Narro have constructed an electronic data base. Additional help is needed to maintain and validate membership data. East Hampton High School has organized a Surf Club that assisted the Chapter in a beach clean-up during October. Bob Donohue and Bob Casper discussed on-going concerns regarding the fence and beach revetment at Montauk Trailer Park. Apparently the Trailer Park is developing plans for a permanent beach hardening project. The two Bobs, plus Lenny Green, and Jay Fruin agreed to monitor Trailer Park activity for the Chapter. Camp Hero. The 2 month period of restricted surfer access has concluded. Eugene reported that there has been no negative feedback regarding surfer access at Camp Hero. A meeting with the State Parks Department has been scheduled for early 2005 at which surfer access will be discussed. Eugene reminded us the Chapter is committed to obtaining full access for surfers at Camp Hero for 2005. A date and location for our next meeting will be set shortly. Check www.surfriderli.org for details.