7deadlyplugs
12-08-2009, 05:12 PM
This was sent to me in an email by a fellow fisherman. Print sign, send, pass it along.
Governor David A. Paterson
Executive Mansion
2978 Corning Tower
Empire State Plaza
Albany, N.Y. 12242-0001
Dear Governor Paterson;
I am writing to express my opinion about surfing at New York State Parks: particularly Montauk State Park.
Surfers have been pressing for more and more access to New York State Park beaches, and although we do not wish to argue against reasonable access for any legitimate user group, surfing access must be given careful consideration because unlike Star Gazers, bird watchers, swimmers, hikers, and other groups, surfing presents special problems involving conflicts with other user groups. This is particularly true of potential conflict between surfers and surf fishermen. Surf anglers cast out lures that have hooks, and surfers glide in towards the beach into the zone with hooks.
Surf fishermen have enjoyed considerable access at State Park beaches since early in the 20th century. We have respected that access by paying for permits, using the parks’ resources respectfully, participating in beach cleanups, and working with New York State Park officials on Long Island through the Fishing Advisory Board that was established in 1978 and has enjoyed a remarkable record of achievement in preserving access, protecting the parks, providing ideas and manpower to assist the parks, and lobbying for money to sustain and enhance what has been described as some of the best beaches in the world. During these many decades surf anglers have not only built a long tradition of peaceful use of the beaches but have also made significant contributions to Long Island State Parks.
Surf anglers have been frustrated in recent years by the inability of authorities to protect their permit rights against infringements by surfers, and with the creation of a saltwater fishing license in addition to established permits for four wheel drive use and night access, anglers are beginning to wonder why fees have increased while usable fishing rights have been diminishing. Surfers do not have to endure a financial burden of fees and licenses yet have been responsible for the loss of angler access rights clearly stated on these permits. This does not make sense to anglers and many wonder why they should purchase the new saltwater license given these facts. Freshwater anglers have purchased a license for many years and they have received benefits such as stocking of fish, a lack of commercial fishing pressure, construction of many boat launch ramps and docks, enforcement of fisheries rules and laws, and the creation of a great deal of new unmolested access. Saltwater anglers wonder what they will receive for the new license they will be forced to purchase.
Each year, hundreds of anglers make trips to Montauk for the fall run. Many come from hundreds of miles away and they bring money that they spend on motels and hotels, restaurants, parking lot fees, gasoline, vehicle repairs, local tackle shops, and party and charter boats too. This influx of money provides a significant boost to the local economy each autumn. However, ongoing conflicts with surfers has discouraged these trips at an accelerated pace.
As surfing has proliferated in recent years, complaints about their activities have risen. Local residents have complained to police about nudity in parking lots as surfers change from wetsuits to street clothes in the open. Although some surf anglers also use wetsuits, we somehow seem to find ways to change out of public view. Conflicts have also increased and police reports provide a record of belligerence and conflict. Recent conflicts at Gilgo State Park and Montauk’s north side attest to the reality that conflict between surfers and other user groups is real and must be dealt with.
In order for surfers to enjoy appropriate access without denying the rights of surf anglers, the State must administer surfing access carefully. The record is clear and undeniable. The only way access for surfers and surf anglers can be safe, legitimate, and controlled is to separate the two user groups. There are several ways to achieve this goal. Perhaps the easiest way is to allow access at different locations. At Montauk the surfers already enjoy access throughout the south side and the point leaving the north side as the only unfettered access for surf anglers. Keep in mind that surf fishermen do not use this access during the winter months. The north side of the point tends to be calmer, but winter storms frequently provide good waves for surfers. Thus, surfers and surf fishermen may also be separated by seasonal use.
The surf fishing community urges you to consider all of these factors as you strive to develop a clear understanding of these two sports and how serious conflict may be avoided while providing meaningful access for surf anglers who pay significant fees to use this access. Please keep in mind surfers only need waves, while surf anglers need bottom structure, tides, bait, gamefish migrations, and unfettered access to those brief seasons in time when there a confluence of all of those factors.
Yours very truly;
__________________
Governor David A. Paterson
Executive Mansion
2978 Corning Tower
Empire State Plaza
Albany, N.Y. 12242-0001
Dear Governor Paterson;
I am writing to express my opinion about surfing at New York State Parks: particularly Montauk State Park.
Surfers have been pressing for more and more access to New York State Park beaches, and although we do not wish to argue against reasonable access for any legitimate user group, surfing access must be given careful consideration because unlike Star Gazers, bird watchers, swimmers, hikers, and other groups, surfing presents special problems involving conflicts with other user groups. This is particularly true of potential conflict between surfers and surf fishermen. Surf anglers cast out lures that have hooks, and surfers glide in towards the beach into the zone with hooks.
Surf fishermen have enjoyed considerable access at State Park beaches since early in the 20th century. We have respected that access by paying for permits, using the parks’ resources respectfully, participating in beach cleanups, and working with New York State Park officials on Long Island through the Fishing Advisory Board that was established in 1978 and has enjoyed a remarkable record of achievement in preserving access, protecting the parks, providing ideas and manpower to assist the parks, and lobbying for money to sustain and enhance what has been described as some of the best beaches in the world. During these many decades surf anglers have not only built a long tradition of peaceful use of the beaches but have also made significant contributions to Long Island State Parks.
Surf anglers have been frustrated in recent years by the inability of authorities to protect their permit rights against infringements by surfers, and with the creation of a saltwater fishing license in addition to established permits for four wheel drive use and night access, anglers are beginning to wonder why fees have increased while usable fishing rights have been diminishing. Surfers do not have to endure a financial burden of fees and licenses yet have been responsible for the loss of angler access rights clearly stated on these permits. This does not make sense to anglers and many wonder why they should purchase the new saltwater license given these facts. Freshwater anglers have purchased a license for many years and they have received benefits such as stocking of fish, a lack of commercial fishing pressure, construction of many boat launch ramps and docks, enforcement of fisheries rules and laws, and the creation of a great deal of new unmolested access. Saltwater anglers wonder what they will receive for the new license they will be forced to purchase.
Each year, hundreds of anglers make trips to Montauk for the fall run. Many come from hundreds of miles away and they bring money that they spend on motels and hotels, restaurants, parking lot fees, gasoline, vehicle repairs, local tackle shops, and party and charter boats too. This influx of money provides a significant boost to the local economy each autumn. However, ongoing conflicts with surfers has discouraged these trips at an accelerated pace.
As surfing has proliferated in recent years, complaints about their activities have risen. Local residents have complained to police about nudity in parking lots as surfers change from wetsuits to street clothes in the open. Although some surf anglers also use wetsuits, we somehow seem to find ways to change out of public view. Conflicts have also increased and police reports provide a record of belligerence and conflict. Recent conflicts at Gilgo State Park and Montauk’s north side attest to the reality that conflict between surfers and other user groups is real and must be dealt with.
In order for surfers to enjoy appropriate access without denying the rights of surf anglers, the State must administer surfing access carefully. The record is clear and undeniable. The only way access for surfers and surf anglers can be safe, legitimate, and controlled is to separate the two user groups. There are several ways to achieve this goal. Perhaps the easiest way is to allow access at different locations. At Montauk the surfers already enjoy access throughout the south side and the point leaving the north side as the only unfettered access for surf anglers. Keep in mind that surf fishermen do not use this access during the winter months. The north side of the point tends to be calmer, but winter storms frequently provide good waves for surfers. Thus, surfers and surf fishermen may also be separated by seasonal use.
The surf fishing community urges you to consider all of these factors as you strive to develop a clear understanding of these two sports and how serious conflict may be avoided while providing meaningful access for surf anglers who pay significant fees to use this access. Please keep in mind surfers only need waves, while surf anglers need bottom structure, tides, bait, gamefish migrations, and unfettered access to those brief seasons in time when there a confluence of all of those factors.
Yours very truly;
__________________