Beach/Fishing Access losses and updates NJ [Archive]

stripermania

10-18-2011, 08:44 PM

They should be more worried about preserving the peoples beach access. What good is clean water if we can't enjoy it?

A New Beach Bill in the Senate
September 29 2011 | Blue Water Task Force, Water Quality,
by Mara Dias

The Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2011 (S. 1582) is a bipartisan supported bill introduced by Senators Lautenberg (NJ) and Kirk (IL) to re-authorize the BEACH Act. The BEACH Act of 2000 set national standards for recreational water testing and authorized state grants to pay for beach monitoring programs. This landmark law was first championed by Surfrider Foundation a decade ago. In the past four years, multiple attempts to reauthorize the BEACH Act have been made in Congress. The House of Representatives has already approved reauthorization legislation twice now, but proponents of these bills have not been successful in securing a place on the agenda in the full Senate. Let's hope that with a sponsor from both parties this year's bill with have more success moving through the Senate. Senator Boxer (CA), the Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which has jurisdiction over S. 1582, has also signed on as a co-sponsor. Join Surfrider in urging your Senators to co-sponsor this bill. Send them an email here.

The Clean Coastal Environment & Public Health Act of 2011 proposes to extend the federal BEACH grants, which are distributed to coastal states to pay for beach water testing programs, until 2015. Unlike the previously submitted bills that were unsuccessful (more info here), this newly proposed legislation does not raise the authorized funding for BEACH grants. The authorized funding level will remain at $30 million, hopefully taking away any budget related objections. In reality, BEACH grant appropriations have hovered under $10 million for the last decade and are not likely to increase in the foreseeable future.

This legislation also calls on EPA to approve rapid water testing methods that produce same-day results and expands the scope of the BEACH Act to include tracking and cleaning up the sources of beach water pollution. Improvements in public notification of water quality data and pollution incidents are also mandated, including a requirement for states to develop and maintain online, searchable, water quality databases.

Additionally Congress has tacked on a few studies that it wants the EPA to undertake as part of this bill including a review of mercury testing protocols in the Great Lakes, research on the long-term impacts of climate change on pollution of coastal recreational waters and a study of the impacts of nutrient pollution and algal blooms on coastal recreational waters with recommendations for pollution management actions.

No companion bill has been submitted in the House as of yet, but Surfrider's Northeast Regional Manager, John Weber, participated in a press event held at the Jersey Shore back in August, where both Senator Lautenberg and Representative Pallone both announced their intent to introduce legislation. See local press.

A press release with a link to the text of this bill is also posted on Senator Lautenberg's website.

DarkSkies

10-19-2011, 08:26 PM

They should be more worried about preserving the peoples beach access. What good is clean water if we can't enjoy it?

Good point stripermania. The thing is, a lot of folks don't care about beach access unless they're in danger of losing it.
And, if we want to talk about access for fishing from the shore, in general, we as fishermen don't seem to care too much about the possible loss of access in more areas than just the beach.

I want to be as vague as possible here because we may have a new thread to keep us occupied in the winter, and that's asking "why people don't care?"
Why people still feel the need to disrespect the property of others?
Why people still feel the need to brag about small areas of fishing activity on the internet?
Why people don't see that their specific behavior, although they are entitled via the Public Trust Doctrine, is what repeatedly is used to rally townspeople and others against them?
They don't want to take ownership of their idiocy and selfishness, yet are among the first to complain when access in a particular area is shut down.

Just this month, we lost another access area in Lacey Township, NJ, because of all the traffic, and disrespecting of neighbors who lived on the fringes of that area. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/images/icons/icon13.png

From the public urination on private property, to the arguing with and being belligerent towards homeowners who just want to have peace and quiet...to the retaliatory actions of leaving fish racks on property....these are all actions that build a case for banning fishermen.

So although I still want to support beach access and help defend the rights of all fishermen. I find myself frequently asking why we are fighting for the rights of some selfish pigs who apparently don't care.... :huh:

Food for thought....

buckethead

04-24-2013, 12:44 PM

Don't know if you folks have been following but there has been some access maneuvering in jetty country. For the first time ever they are going to let the Army Corps of Morons fill the beach and notch the jetties in the Deal area. This is stupid. for proof of that all you have to do is look at Monmouth Beach. Filled in for millions and now it is back to its original state again.

Dark I got this from the average angler site, you can move the thread if it's not ok here.

04.15.13 Deal and Loch Arbor sign on for beach replenishment..... (http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/2013/04/041513-deal-and-loch-arbor-sign-on-for.html)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IiwqMautFw/UWylG7Yr3rI/AAAAAAAAJjU/BPUnNrZMBoI/s640/041513+LARBOR-5.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IiwqMautFw/UWylG7Yr3rI/AAAAAAAAJjU/BPUnNrZMBoI/s1600/041513+LARBOR-5.jpg)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXkKxCtjQfk/UWyq9-RRZfI/AAAAAAAAJjs/k1xqMAU_7pg/s640/041513+LARBOR-9.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXkKxCtjQfk/UWyq9-RRZfI/AAAAAAAAJjs/k1xqMAU_7pg/s1600/041513+LARBOR-9.jpg)

Loch Arbor beach 4/03/13

Well, it's finally here. Beach replenishment, oh wait, nourishment, it's one of the things I hate most when you cross Mother Nature and "smart" humans. Well "Jetty Country" may not be spared the bulldozers and dump trucks and pump ships and pipes any longer. What Sandy did, or didn't do, it has given the Army Corp of Engineers, the NJ DEP, and now the municipalities all the reasons why re-building the beaches now makes sense.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sidQ8lnyq7I/UWylEpE4UUI/AAAAAAAAJi8/rz_5eIspfU4/s640/041513+LARBOR-1.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sidQ8lnyq7I/UWylEpE4UUI/AAAAAAAAJi8/rz_5eIspfU4/s1600/041513+LARBOR-1.jpg)

At 7pm tonight in Loch Arbor was the public hearing and vote on the Resolution # 2013-63, "Authorizing Right of Way to the New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection for beach replenishment in the Village of Loch Arbor." During the meeting we learned Deal has already signed on board.

In the 1990's Elberon, Deal, Allenhurst, and Loch Arbor said no to beach replenishment. Over the last 20 years beaches have been filled, emptied, refilled, emptied, and refilled, and groins constructed, notched, reconstructed.....and inlets also.

But "Jetty Country" remained intact. Well maybe not during Phase 1 of the next round of sand pumping, but in a later phase, re-nourishment will happen from the 8th Avenue jetty to Elberon, or to West End.

The Army Corp has told Loch Arbor that they are looking to bring the Village back to pre-Sandy beach profile....yeah right. I hope they aren't going to tell Allenhurst that Wednesday, or already sold that island to Deal.

So beaches will be bigger, drops off more severe, no dunes...because people don't like them, and the famous jetties will be filled in, and yes, trust me, notched. Look at Bradley, Spring Lake and Long Branch, and Belmar too.

I have to say I was disappointed with the turnout from the fishing community tonight. The surfers had some good numbers and good speakers. Former Mayor Bill Rosenblatt talked at length about the 1990's when Loch Arbor and the other towns said no. Capt Paul Eidman from the Anglers Conservation Network spoke as well. In the end the four commissioners all voted "yes". Let the nightmare begin.

Allenhurst hasn't voted on this yet but keep looking as they will be having an upcoming public meeting sometime in the near future.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYGNXEPn-LY/UWylGFtwi8I/AAAAAAAAJjM/uevfKciuKmw/s640/041513+LARBOR-4.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYGNXEPn-LY/UWylGFtwi8I/AAAAAAAAJjM/uevfKciuKmw/s1600/041513+LARBOR-4.jpg)

Bill Rosenblatt

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku0Mujs_J5U/UWylaUlRB5I/AAAAAAAAJjc/gAIahKrr5ao/s640/041513+LARBOR-7.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku0Mujs_J5U/UWylaUlRB5I/AAAAAAAAJjc/gAIahKrr5ao/s1600/041513+LARBOR-7.jpg)

Loch Arbor Mayor Fernicola

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5c4hcGpBo8/UWylEL8_sZI/AAAAAAAAJi0/Jje3TcauMzY/s640/041513+LARBOR-2.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5c4hcGpBo8/UWylEL8_sZI/AAAAAAAAJi0/Jje3TcauMzY/s1600/041513+LARBOR-2.jpg)

Loch Arbor Engineer Peter Avakian

http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/

buckethead

04-24-2013, 12:47 PM

Allenhurst too:

http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/

04.23.13 Vote tonight in Allenhurst on beach replenishment... (http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/2013/04/042313-vote-tonight-in-allenhurst-on.html)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IkyuMI0EU0/UXaipQ_WHsI/AAAAAAAAJmU/i0cm_Tpi5sQ/s640/070512+AHURST-1.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IkyuMI0EU0/UXaipQ_WHsI/AAAAAAAAJmU/i0cm_Tpi5sQ/s1600/070512+AHURST-1.jpg)

Tonight the town of Allenhurst will vote to pass a resolution signing the town up for beach replenishment in Allenhurst. They will join the towns of Loch Arbor and Deal in allowing the Army Corp of Engineers and NJ DEP in unprecedented pumping of sand up throughout "Jetty Country" as it is known to anglers that fish northern Monmouth County.

During the 1990's Elberon, Deal, Allenhurst, and Loch Arbor voted against beach replenishment. Beach replenishment has occurred from Sandy Hook down to Lake Takanassee and from Asbury Park down to Cape May, skipping a few State Parks and towns along the way.

Sadly, the momentum has already shifted and I feel this will happen. Although the initial plan calls for returning the beaches to pre-Sandy profiles, once the light turns green anything can happen. Sand will be pumped in, groins will be notched, natural beach structure will be lost, and the environmental impact in this area be great.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDiFTLRyddA/UMjAWbLwegI/AAAAAAAAHu4/GmcH55z4ROU/s640/121212+MBEACH-3.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDiFTLRyddA/UMjAWbLwegI/AAAAAAAAHu4/GmcH55z4ROU/s1600/121212+MBEACH-3.jpg)

Monmouth Beach "nourishment" 2013

Yes, for a season the beaches will be big, but Mother Nature will do what she wants to do. Just look at Long Branch and Monmouth Beach if you want to see what post beach "nourishment" looks like. Take a walk and don't fall off the steep cuts that are on the beach, and, in the summer be careful when you step, or dive in the water.

"Dunes" have become a dirty word as beach goers and property owners don't want valuable square footage taken up or their views impeded.

Below is a part of the agenda for tonights meeting in Allenhurst-

RESOLUTION #5

A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR AND CLERK TO SIGN CONTRACT ACCEPTING BEACH REPLENISHMENT

Offered By: Seconded By:

WHEREAS, The wind and tidal surge associated with Hurricane Sandy has caused significant damage to the recreational beach facilities along the beachfront as well as beach protection structures along the entire Allenhurst oceanfront; and,

WHEREAS, As a result of this damage, FEMA has developed a plan to replenish the beaches along the coast of New Jersey from Sandy Hook to Cape May; and,

WHEREAS, It appears that the entire coast will be covered by a Federal Grant that should result in little or no cost to each municipality accepting this proposal; and,

WHEREAS, The preliminary proposal requires only public access to the beach every one-half mile of beach front and unrestricted parking in the area of beach access; and,

WHEREAS, Oceanfront property owners will have to grant access to the contractor to apply the sand and to beach visitors who wish to use this beach according to the rules that apply; and,

WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners, after consulting with the Borough Engineer and Borough Attorney have decided that, subject to the final proposal for beach replenishment and an agreement with oceanfront property owners, they agree to commit to this program as required;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Board of Commissioners, that a preliminary agreement be made, subject to a discussion with the oceanfront property owners, where applicable for the acceptance of beach replenishment.

VOTE: Comm. McLoughlin____; Comm. Bolan____; Mayor McLaughlin____

buckethead

04-24-2013, 12:49 PM

And its final the towns all fell like dominoes.
No more jetty fishing.:(

http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/

04.23.13 And Allenhurst votes.......yes to access for beach replenishment (http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/2013/04/042313-and-allenhurst-votesyes-to.html)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1O-DsguaT8/UXcftTamLYI/AAAAAAAAJms/qiZ_b5BK8ao/s640/042313+AHURST+-2.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1O-DsguaT8/UXcftTamLYI/AAAAAAAAJms/qiZ_b5BK8ao/s1600/042313+AHURST+-2.jpg)

So the meeting started at 730pm, a new police officer was sworn in at 735pm, and they voted yes to Resolution #5 - Accept Beach Replenishment, at 740pm. By 745pm I was out of there.

What they did was vote to allow, give, the US Army Corp of Engineers and the NJ DEP the access they need to do the beach replenishment. That's the first part. Next the towns have to approve the beach replenishment plan that will be presented to them. Imagine a bowling ball on top of a steep mountain. Or imagine a calf walking through the woods towards a hungry pack of wolves. That's what is happening with each yes vote.

At the end of the meeting I was told they opened up the floor for comments. A surfer stood up to make the position against beach replenishment. It kind of reminded me of Nancy Pelosi and her famous quote, " We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it."

Another nail in the coffin of a great natural resource that many people enjoy.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObEHpLEjqfA/UXcftPKXnAI/AAAAAAAAJmk/Pp00aTZ3D-0/s640/042313+AHURST+-1.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObEHpLEjqfA/UXcftPKXnAI/AAAAAAAAJmk/Pp00aTZ3D-0/s1600/042313+AHURST+-1.jpg)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc4nfAjg56c/UXcftQ0FotI/AAAAAAAAJmo/SJsl00k5U7g/s640/042313+AHURST+-3.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc4nfAjg56c/UXcftQ0FotI/AAAAAAAAJmo/SJsl00k5U7g/s1600/042313+AHURST+-3.jpg)

storminsteve

04-24-2013, 05:18 PM

:mad:That is so lame! We will have to buy wet suits and ask urbanfishingman to give us skishing lessons.

cowherder

04-24-2013, 08:33 PM

So beaches will be bigger, drops off more severe, no dunes...because people don't like them, and the famous jetties will be filled in, and yes, trust me, notched. Look at Bradley, Spring Lake and Long Branch, and Belmar too.

I have to say I was disappointed with the turnout from the fishing community tonight. The surfers had some good numbers and good speakers. the nightmare begin.

http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/

Thanks for posting that buckethead. Wish I knew about it I might have gone. Thanks to Colin Archer. I like his blog is is very colorful. Looks like we will have to find new places to fish.

DarkSkies

04-25-2013, 04:58 PM

I see you are a fan of Colin....good guy, have fished for several winters with he, I and a few other nuts being the only ones out there in freezing temps...
One night he even hooked me with a backcast after mugging me....and I didn't throw him in....;)...I realized it was an accident....:laugh:

Seriously, he is one of the good ones out there...no bs, really a good fly fisherman, and cares about fishermens rights and access.....
If just learning about fly fishing, hiring him would be a good choice...he's pretty passionate about it....
Check out his blog, all the info is there....and send him my regards.....:HappyWave:

The thing to realize here, is they are not restricting access....in fact they may now be mandated to make those areas more accessible by accepting federal $$....but the fishing will most certainly suffer....end of an era for sure......thanks for posting buckethead, please keep us up to date if you can...:HappyWave:

DarkSkies

10-01-2013, 06:49 PM

Oct 1, 2013....lost beach access at Sandy Hook....
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?9225-Sandy-Hook-shut-down

Although this is only temporary, I'm posting it here so we can try to document these losses to help raise public awareness.....

Technically, fishermen should be allowed to walk the beaches at Sandy Hook, if they were to park at Sea Bright and walk North....
This may or may not be permitted....as Sandy Hook is a federal park, they may have different rules during the park closure....

Again, under the Public Trust Doctrine, we "should" theoretically have access...but as many fishermen have discovered, it doesn't always work that way....

**Anyone who has updates or different towns and streets to add to this thread...please feel free to post....

This includes "No Parking" areas....
There will be a whole host of streets in Deal that will be "No Parking" by next summer....the plans for that are in the works now...although this will not technically restrict beach access, the parking restrictions will certainly discourage access......

DarkSkies

10-01-2013, 06:54 PM

Oct 2013...lost beach access at Sea Bright.....

With the dredging they are doing, oceanside access to much of Sea Bright is now restricted.
Specifically, you are not allowed to walk or fish some of the dredging areas while they are working,. as it has been deemed too dangerous.

This technically violates the Public Trust Doctrine, but is not without precedent. In times of danger to the public, or where public safety is an issue, towns have, and will continue to, restrict access until the issues are resolved. This was common in certain Ocean and Monmouth County beach areas after Sandy, and the town certainly has the right to do this.

What I would like you folks to do here is to continue to help document parking restrictions, and changes or modifications in NJ beach access. I believe the history of these, will someday become useful when we are looking at how much access we have lost, or are losing.

Thanks for reading....:HappyWave:

DarkSkies

10-01-2013, 07:07 PM

Oct 2013.....

** Lost parking access at Sea Bright....."Something Fishy".
It's no secret that fishermen used to park in the Something Fishy commercial lot, and then would walk across the street and fish the Sea Bright and Sandy Hook beaches.

This was probably illegal, but was tolerated by the managers/owners.
Fishermen doing this did it for years, and were not hassled as long as they were discreet and respectful of the property.....

Since Sandy, this has changed....
**Now there are no parking signs there...and they are towing violators...
I believe the fine is $75 or higher...an old timer I know got ticketed and had to pay it a few weeks ago....
Please don't park there...don't do it.....

Last fall, I met a high ranking member of one of the fishing clubs one night when taking a break from fishing....he confided to me he had picked up a tremendous amount of garbage that night....one such load being a bag of bunker heads that someone had left in the Something Fishy lot....:beatin:.....they were probably fishing the river, got back to their vehicle, and left it there instead of bringing it home.....

Each time trash like this is found, you folks may have seen me or other members here rant about it.....
We're not just doing it to hear the sound of our voices...we know what the consequences are from folks leaving trash around where it's not supposed to be...and have seen our access taken away, specifically the Rumson and Oceanic Bridges, and other areas....because of inconsiderate and sloppy fishermen.

That's why I will continue to crusade against this...
Woe to the fishermen I find doing this at night, who think it's no big deal....this is one of the biggest issues that causes us to lose acceess each year.

Whether the Public Trust Doctrine says we deserve to have fishing access, towns and business can easily restrict our parking access....and this effectively restricts our fishing access, without them violating our rights......

** Please remember this the next time you see someone littering at the end of a street, bulkhead, jetty, or National or State Park...please don't turn a blind eye, to the littering of others.....
Thanks for reading......

DarkSkies

10-24-2013, 05:38 PM

Press Release- www.stripersandanglers.com (http://www.stripersandanglers.com)

Oct 21, 2013 - More Restricted Fishing Access in Ocean County, NJ

It was recently reported to http://www.stripersandanglers.com/ that there is now more enforcement of restricted back bay fishing areas in Ocean County. Fishermen previously had conditional access to these areas. There has always been a confict fishing bulkheads, marinas, and areas adjacent to them when they bordered private property areas.

The Public Trust Doctrine is supposed to protect public access. In recent cases where private property rights came into play, the rights of the private property owners usually prevailed.

A significant landmark victory in that area had been the winning back of fishermen access rights at Shoreham Beach, LI in 2012...

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?990-Brookhaven-bans-fishing-at-Shoreham-Beach

In NJ, these issues of access Vs Public Trust had been handled by the DEP. A decision was made in 2012 to hand over some of these decisions to local government, with a final DEP oversight. What this implied to some was that the DEP would ultimately have less say in these matters. This became a cause of concern for fishermen and outdoors enthusiasts.

During the week of Oct 20, this was made even more clear as fishermen were twice ticketed for fishing a local Ocean County marina area, as reported by a local fisherman.

The first time 7 fishermen were ticketed, with the penalty being $175 for each violation.

The second time 6 fishermen were ticketed, with the penalty being $175 for each violation.

This is being put out there as a public service to those who think their rights are protected under the Public Trust Doctrine, and to remind all fishermen that fishing access is not guaranteed.

DarkSkies

10-24-2013, 05:46 PM

As I mentioned in posts 5 and 6 above, the local police are now enforcing "No fishing or trespassing" signs. Some of these cases have steep fines attached.

In the past, there had sometimes been an understanding that police would leave local fishermen alone, as long as they were respectful and not littering.

At the current time, more of these no tresspassing signs are being taken literally. My hope here is to raise awareness so that more fishermen are not penalized.

IMO there is not much to be gained by protesting these specific cases, as fishermen access in some areas has become secondary to property rights.
In many instances we have done this damage to ourselves by our selfish and littering behavior.

I am not naming the most recent marina as there is no sense in drawing attention to it.
If you fish in Ocean County regularly,, you will probably hear of this ticketing campaign before the week is over...

Needless to say, if you are out there fishing an area, and see a no trespassing sign, please take that sign seriously or risk fines and arrest....
Remember that the penalties are now more serious for being caught fishing off of or near railroad bridges or State Property as well.....and some of the local roadway bridges that fishermen like to fish from...

In some cases the fines are $1000 for the first offense for trespassing on State Property.....

Thanks for reading, and please tell your friends.....

storminsteve

10-24-2013, 06:45 PM

Every year its the same thing. We shoot ourselves in the foot. Thanks for the heads up dark.

buckethead

10-24-2013, 10:31 PM

Thank you ds. They are just going to keep squeezing and squeezing until there are only a few places left to fish

cowherder

10-24-2013, 10:40 PM

I think the fishermen being the problem part is the most important. Every time I am out there I see fisherman garbage. what does it take to take your container from clams or worms and throw it in the garbage?

buckethead

12-05-2013, 02:35 PM

The dredging is also killing us. Has anyone seen the surf cams lately? It seems half of new jersey is now covered by flat featureless beaches. What a waste of federal dollars

DarkSkies

01-10-2014, 12:14 PM

Just reported by Finchaser.....

With all the dredging and filling in of NNJ beaches, there is no provision in the DEP for continued beach access for fishermen, bird watchers, etc....the way I understand it,.....anyone other than swimmers.......

I'm sure this is just an oversight and will be addressed through the appropriate channels. However it's something that needs to be monitored closely by us all.

If anyone has further information, please add to this as it develops, and keep us informed.....this is another kick in the teeth to NJ land based fishermen.

finchaser

01-11-2014, 09:37 AM

Our state government is about to vote to fund beach replenishment - the replenishment that was not supposed to be done until each town had provided their MAP (Municipal Access Plan) which only one town, Sea Bright, ever did.
What this means is that the towns will have absolutely no incentive to provide access and the state will have no leverage to force them to do so.

Please send this note to your representatives ASAP.

Here is a link to find your Assemblymen and Senators

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp

Please send this (or your own version of it)
A mention that this issue could cost them your vote in the next election would be a nice touch.

RE: S2600/A3892 - Shore Protection Projects Funding
Dear ______
The bill mentioned above proposes a "prioritization" system which has, in our experience, never been effective in securing the needed public access. I am asking that the Legislature require public access. If public access is not created, or enhanced (such as providing needed parking or restrooms), no Shore Protection Funds should be spent.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone number

fishinmission78

02-08-2014, 11:56 AM

fishinmission78

02-08-2014, 12:04 PM

Please send this note to your representatives ASAP.

Here is a link to find your Assemblymen and Senators

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp

Please send this (or your own version of it)
A mention that this issue could cost them your vote in the next election would be a nice touch.

RE: S2600/A3892 - Shore Protection Projects Funding
Dear ______
The bill mentioned above proposes a "prioritization" system which has, in our experience, never been effective in securing the needed public access. I am asking that the Legislature require public access. If public access is not created, or enhanced (such as providing needed parking or restrooms), no Shore Protection Funds should be spent.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone number

Thanks for that finchaser. I c&p your letter and sent it to reps for district 9 which is seaside park.
This is the link for the reps e-mail If you live somewhere else like north of seaside park you could send it to district 10 but I believe dist 9 would be the best way to get heard.
Please send a letter if you can about access and ibsp access. This is lame. We are going to have nowhere left to fish.The link below should take you to their e-mail addresses so its easy to send.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectRep.asp

District Representatives

Senator Connors, Christopher J.
Assemblywoman Gove, DiAnne C.
Assemblyman Rumpf, Brian E.

RE: S2600/A3892 - Shore Protection Projects Funding
Dear ______
The bill mentioned above proposes a "prioritization" system which has, in our experience, never been effective in securing the needed public access. I am asking that the Legislature require public access. If public access is not created, or enhanced (such as providing needed parking or restrooms), no Shore Protection Funds should be spent.
Also the Army Corps of Engineers is slated to fulfill beach replenishment at Island Beach State Park. This project allegedly will take 9 months. This will negatively impact tourism and revenue for the state and should be shortened if possible. thank you.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone number

Monty

02-08-2014, 01:57 PM

Just read that ibsp will be having some replenishment from A23 on South. Work begins in 2 weeks some of the equipment is already there.
This is supposed to take up to 9 months. I'm not buying my pass till I see how effed up this will be.

They are not going to stop until they bury and kill everything near the Jersey beaches and completely *uck up the fishing for us. Unreal how screwed up this is. I was thinking at least Island Beach will go untouched and I'll fish there at night. Nope, completely screw up the complete jersey shore. Bury everything.

cowherder

02-08-2014, 07:18 PM

It seems like we can't win. I will send an e-mail and let them know about the access problems and that we are sick of it. thanks finchaser & fishinmission for keeping us informed and making it easy to send.

clamchucker

02-13-2014, 10:00 AM

I emailed them as well. Thank you finchaser and fishing mission. The official press release-

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a contract to repair the Superstorm Sandy-damaged north jetty of Barnegat Inlet, state officials announced Monday.

According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the contract was awarded to Agate Construction Company of Clermont, Cape May County, for $7.6 million to repair approximately 740 feet of the jetty on the north side of the inlet that was battered by Sandy.

The project is expected to begin later this month and be completed by the fall, state officials said.

The storm caused the displacement of stone along the 740 feet being repaired.
The repair work will involve rebuilding the cross-section of the jetty using existing capstone, supplemented with additional capstone, corestone, slushed concrete and stone-filled mattresses.

"This project will bring much-needed stabilization of the jetty at Island Beach State Park, and should be the final piece of the post-storm restoration of our state park, which the Christie Administration has been fully committed to since Superstorm Sandy," DEP Commissioner Martin said in a statement. "This is part of the overall coastal repair and restoration effort along the entire New Jersey coast being done by the Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the DEP, that will result in a more resilient state shoreline."

The north jetty is a popular fishing location for local anglers, who often catch blackfish and striped bass from the rocks. The repair project will mean the jetty, and the beach just to its north, will be closed for the duration of the project, though all access points for four wheel drive vehicles will remain open.

"While we recognize the jetty is a popular fishing destination, it is imperative that the jetty area be closed to all go park-goers for their own safety during this project," said Mark Texel, State Park Director for the DEP. "Ultimately, we will have a stronger jetty that will best serve Barnegat Inlet and the south end of our park, and jetty fishing can resume."

The Barnegat Inlet north jetty was first constructed in 1940 and raised in elevation in 1974, the DEP said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the inlet and several of the smaller channels surrounding it last July in order to ensure safe navigation.

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=2395604)

finchaser

02-17-2014, 04:52 PM

Repairs Planned for Barnegat Inlet's North Jetty
Toms River Patch article today. Barnegat Inlet North jetty will be closed for fisherman for the 2014 seasonThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a contract to repair the Superstorm Sandy-damaged north jetty of Barnegat Inlet, state officials announced Monday.

.........According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the contract was awarded to Agate Construction Company of Clermont, Cape May County, for $7.6 million to repair approximately 740 feet of the jetty on the north side of the inlet that was battered by Sandy.

The project is expected to begin later this month and be completed by the fall, state officials said.

The storm caused the displacement of stone along the 740 feet being repaired.
The repair work will involve rebuilding the cross-section of the jetty using existing capstone, supplemented with additional capstone, corestone, slushed concrete and stone-filled mattresses.

"This project will bring much-needed stabilization of the jetty at Island Beach State Park, and should be the final piece of the post-storm restoration of our state park, which the Christie Administration has been fully committed to since Superstorm Sandy," DEP Commissioner Martin said in a statement. "This is part of the overall coastal repair and restoration effort along the entire New Jersey coast being done by the Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the DEP, that will result in a more resilient state shoreline."

The north jetty is a popular fishing location for local anglers, who often catch blackfish and striped bass from the rocks. The repair project will mean the jetty, and the beach just to its north, will be closed for the duration of the project, though all access points for four wheel drive vehicles will remain open.

"While we recognize the jetty is a popular fishing destination, it is imperative that the jetty area be closed to all go park-goers for their own safety during this project," said Mark Texel, State Park Director for the DEP. "Ultimately, we will have a stronger jetty that will best serve Barnegat Inlet and the south end of our park, and jetty fishing can resume."

The Barnegat Inlet north jetty was first constructed in 1940 and raised in elevation in 1974, the DEP said. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineersdredged the inlet and several of the smaller channels surrounding it (http://brick.patch.com/groups/summer/p/repairs-set-for-barnegat-inlet-bay-channels) last July in order to ensure safe navigation.

Strengthening the north jetty, state officials said, is especially important because it protects Island Beach State Park, one of New Jersey's last significant remnants of a barrier (http://www.bizrate.com/barrier/index__af_assettype_id--4__af_creative_id--3__af_id--[AFF-ID]__af_placement_id--[AFF-PLACEMENT-ID].html) island ecosystem and one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier (http://www.bizrate.com/barrier/index__af_assettype_id--4__af_creative_id--3__af_id--[AFF-ID]__af_placement_id--[AFF-PLACEMENT-ID].html) beaches on the north Atlantic coast

storminsteve

02-17-2014, 06:01 PM

Repairs Planned for Barnegat Inlet's North Jetty

.........According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the contract was awarded to Agate Construction Company of Clermont, Cape May County, for $7.6 million to repair approximately 740 feet of the jetty on the north side of the inlet that was battered by Sandy.

The project is expected to begin later this month and be completed by the fall, state officials said.

. The repair project will mean the jetty, and the beach just to its north, will be closed for the duration of the project, though all access points for four wheel drive vehicles will remain open.

"While we recognize the jetty is a popular fishing destination, it is imperative that the jetty area be closed to all go park-goers for their own safety during this project," said Mark Texel, State Park Director for the DEP. "Ultimately, we will have a stronger jetty that will best serve Barnegat Inlet and the south end of our park, and jetty fishing can resume."

I had to read it twice to make sure I was really seeing it. They will still be able to drive on the beach but not fish the inlet? Guess we will have a lot of company at Sandy Hook that sucks!!!!!!!!!!!:burn:

jigfreak

02-24-2014, 12:03 AM

Don't know if any of you folks were out this weekend but I took a ride from Manasquan to Sea Girt. The beaches as we know them are history. Today the excavator was in front of St Alphonse retreat and pushing sand around the jetties. O the big bass that used to be caught in that area at night. Now it will be flat and sterile. Gave me a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach just looking at it and thinking back to the good memories.

bababooey

02-24-2014, 11:43 AM

Might be time for some of you to think about getting a boat. If all the replenishment goes as planned it looks like the fish will travel about 1/2 to 2 miles off the beach. A little far for a kayak? but certainly do-able for small craft.

hookset

02-24-2014, 12:02 PM

Today the excavator was in front of St Alphonse retreat and pushing sand around the jetties. O the big bass that used to be caught in that area at night. Now it will be flat and sterile. Gave me a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach just looking at it and thinking back to the good memories.

I bet half the newbie fishermen out there don't remember fishing at St Alphonses. Fantastic structure and a natural flow of bait in close every year. Then that guy had to take a dump in the priests private bathroom and blow it for us all. I was there that day but didn't hear about what happened until we were home and got a phone call about it. Its amazing to me how one or a few selfish dudes can ruin it for all. Now with the replenishment all the crabs, mussels, and sea life that brought those bass into those pockets at night will be wiped out. Sure they will come back but that will take time. I agree it makes me sick.

Monty

02-24-2014, 12:43 PM

Now with the replenishment all the crabs, mussels, and sea life that brought those bass into those pockets at night will be wiped out. Sure they will come back but that will take time. I agree it makes me sick.

Makes me sick also, unreal how stupid all this replenishment is. It a waste of money and basically wrecks the surf fishing in jersey for the foreseeable future.

buckethead

02-24-2014, 01:17 PM

I bet half the newbie fishermen out there don't remember fishing at St Alphonses.. I agree it makes me sick.

Makes me sick also, unreal how stupid all this replenishment is. It a waste of money and basically wrecks the surf fishing in jersey for the foreseeable future.

Agreed. I feel the same way about loss of jetty and habitat as this Indian felt about seeing the trash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epCKjaStFu0

ledhead36

02-25-2014, 08:35 PM

I hear you guy. I don't know if you all care about the bay as much as the beach but we lost access there too. Lawrence harbor because of the lead, some areas still fenced in. Pebble beach because of the trash and guys drinking and pizzing on the street. Also remember when you pizz on a bulkhead the urine smell stays a long time. Aberdeen down by the dump now has no parking signs. Keyport the pier is good but I hear they might start restricting access by the old abandoned building/hotel area. Keansburg and the Port monmouth area are ok because of the pier and public beaches but they can be less good fishing-wise. Belford and Leonardo get crowded when the blues come in and every year I worry about them tightening things up because of the navy pier security. All we need are the late night fires, tire burnings and leaving the beer bottles and bait boxes all over and the people will start complaining to the police and mayor.

DarkSkies

02-26-2014, 07:04 AM

I agree with what you people are saying here, and feel the same way. I spent many years of my life fishing the bay/estuary waters and exploring all the creeks to see which ones contained life, at what point in the season. Ruined quite a few pairs of sneakers walking around in the muck looking for tapeworms, trapping killies and other small forage fish....

I think some folks have so little disregard for these areas because the fishing is seasonal. By that I mean that the fish are there in numbers for a month or two in Spring and Fall (for most shore or pier fishermen). When the fish are gone most fishermen move on. Some of them feel it's OK to litter or act like idiots. The disrespect I have seen toward bay and river area homeowners is sad (even if you are fishing at 2am and having loud conversations with each other, I still consider that disrespect as it encourages those folks to put access restrictions in place).

I could go on and on about this, but I'll try to be brief. :)

Many of these access restrictions could have been prevented.

One more area back there is the Highlands Jetty, to the West of the Harbor. Used to be great fishing there....too many drunken idiots out on the rocks at night, someone got hurt, sued the owners, and now it's fenced off......IMO these bay access losses, and the ones in front, like the St Alphonse one mentioned, are killing our access and making it more critical to be discreet about the ones that remain.

No longer can we count on fishermen to "be cool about it" or "only fish a spot with one or two guys"....the new breed of fishermen thinks it's OK to bring groups of 5 at a time to limited access spots, yammer all night about various things, irritating the homeowners,,,,BBQ at the ends of streets in high end areas...,,dump their fish racks in beach club or private garbage cans.....and some guys out there, wonder why homeowners hate us fishermen. :don't know why:

I know sometimes folks feel it's a downer reading these rants of mine, but it sickens me how much access we have lost, and how much of that could have been prevented with more responsible fishermen behavior. :learn:

DarkSkies

02-26-2014, 07:13 AM

As finchaser has pointed out many times here, as these beach replenishment and shore restoration projects are completed, we are consistently losing access as some of these smaller access paths are not replaced.....only to be lamented by the old-timers and people that fish there regularly......most of the newer fishermen won't even be aware that we are losing this access....that's one of the reasons people reading this were asked to contact their Legislators earlier in the thread.....
S2600/A3892 - Shore Protection Projects Funding

One additional access area that comes to mind is in Ocean County....

It has a pretty bad nickname.....not coined by me...but known by this, just the same.....as "lesbian alley".
Some fishermen are under the impression that the Public Trust Doctrine protects them at all times, and when fishing is allowed, they can behave however they want to.....

**I'll try to come back and go into more detail about some of these abuses, when I get a chance......
This is a good thread. It's right and just to keep the access issues in the forefront.....:thumbsup:

buckethead

03-07-2014, 07:59 PM

Jetty Country is going to be smoothed over like a parking lot in the next few months. Here is your chance to do something to protest it. The ACOE press release has 2 e-mail addresses in the middle paragraphs. State your name, that you fish the area, and why you think it will be ineffective. The clock is ticking folks. I sent my e-mail today. Let's do this before it is too late. We have until March 26.

NEWS RELEASE
BUILDING STRONG
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – NEW YORK DISTRICT
26 FEDERAL PLAZA NEW YORK, NY 10278
WWW.NAN.USACE.ARMY.MIL (http://WWW.NAN.USACE.ARMY.MIL)
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – NEW YORK DISTRICT
26 FEDERAL PLAZA NEW YORK, NY 10278
WWW.NAN.USACE.ARMY.MIL (http://WWW.NAN.USACE.ARMY.MIL)

Contact:
Chris Gardner, 917-790-8007
Christopher.P.Gardner@usace.army.mil
For Immediate Release:
February 24, 2014

Army Corps announces availability of Draft Environmental Assessment for proposed Elberon to Loch Arbour reach of the Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet Beach Erosion Control Project
Public comment period open until March 26, 2014

NEW YORK – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and Draft Statement of Conformity (DSOC) for the Elberon to Loch Arbour reach of the Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet Beach Erosion Control Project, Section I – Sea Bright to Ocean Township and the opening of the window for the public to submit written comments regarding those documents.

With the passage of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, the Army Corps has been given the authority and funding to complete ongoing coastal storm damage risk management projects and studies in the Northeast, including the Elberon to Loch Arbour project, which was previously authorized as part of the larger Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet project but was not constructed. As part of the planning and implementation process for the authorized Elberon to Loch Arbour project, the New York District has updated prior engineering and design efforts, physical surveys, and environmental compliance in putting together the recently completed Draft Hurricane Sandy Limited Re-evaluation Report (HSLRR).

The DEA and DSOC, as well as the Draft HSLRR for the Elberon to Loch Arbour project and associated documents, are available on New York District’s web site at www.nan.usace.army.mil (http://www.nan.usace.army.mil).

Public comments on DEA and DSOC regarding this proposed work should be submitted to:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District Planning Division-Environmental Branch (ATTN: Mr. Howard Ruben) 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York 10278-0090

Public comments can also be submitted by e-mail to
Project Biologist
Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil

and
Project Manager
Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil

Further instructions for submitting comments can be found in the Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment document on the District’s site. Comments received by March 26th regarding the DEA will assist in the agency’s evaluation of the project changes and will be reflected in the project record.
The Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet project is a partnership between the Army Corps and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The proposed Elberon to Loch Arbour project calls for the placement of roughly 4.5 million cubic yards of sand to create a 100-foot-wide beach berm 12 feet above mean low water. The project also calls for the modification of six groins to allow for the movement of sediment and modifications to 16 outfalls to ensure their continued operation after the beach berm is created and to prevent their operation from negatively impacting the newly constructed beach berm.

Pending the Environmental Assessment, required reviews of the Elberon to Loch Arbour Reach Draft Hurricane Sandy Limited Re-evaluation Report and the signing of a Project Partnership Agreement with the DEP, the Corps expects to award the construction contract for the Elberon to Loch Arbour project in summer or fall of 2014.

finchaser

03-07-2014, 11:35 PM

Told you this was coming last year they have been replenishing areas since November. First shot has been done in Monmouth Beach ,Sea Bright, Manasquan and now sea girt. this is I believe a 10 year project to bury from the hook to Manasquan Inlet. Part of the Army Corp of morons job security program. Heard this is a done deal got to protect the rich political campaign contributors.

hookset

04-14-2014, 01:15 PM

In todays star ledger.
www.nj.com

BILL WOULD MAKE PUBLIC ACCESS CONDITION OF SHORE PROTECTION PROJECTS
TOM JOHNSON | APRIL 14, 2014

If public funding pays for project, measure would mandate public access to beaches, waterfronts -- including Sandy initiatives.
New Jersey has 127 miles of beaches along the Atlantic coast, an enticing attraction that helps drive a nearly $40 billion tourism industry.

But many parts of the coastline are off limits to the public -- a circumstance some lawmakers and conservationists are hoping to resolve, if only partially.

The Legislature is moving a bill (S-183), sponsored by Sen. James Whelan (D-Atlantic), that would require any shore protection projects receiving public funding to include public access to the waterfront, an amendment urged by a conservation group in a vote by a committee considering the bill last month.

The issue is a longstanding bone of contention between the state and coastal advocates, who say New Jersey too often restricts access to the waterfront, sometimes because the beaches are privately owned and sometimes because of security concerns related to businesses along the shore.

For years, conservationists have been lobbying for greater access to waterfront areas, allowing fishermen and others to take advantage of the recreational opportunities along the coast.

With Hurricane Sandy causing massive damage not only to houses, but also beaches and dunes along the coast, the state is expected to ramp up spending for shore protection projects.

The bill is similar to a measure approved by the Legislature in the last legislative session, which was pocket-vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie. That bill (S-2600) only required the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to give priority to projects that included new public access to the waterfront, as well as projects that enhance existing public access.

That provision drew criticism from Stacey McCormack, director of governmental affairs at the American Littoral Society.

McCormack said New Jersey and the federal government are poised spend hundreds of millions of dollars on shore protection projects. “There are significant stretches of the coast where there is no public access,’’ she said.

She argued that it is beyond common sense to spend millions of dollars on projects in which the public has no access to beaches or waterfronts. “Now is the time to address longstanding problems with public access,’’ McCormack said.

Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex), the chairman of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, which advanced the bill to the appropriations panel, initially had reservations about including a mandate to require public access.

“Our problem, to be candid, is DEP,’’ Smith said, worrying that if a mandate was included many worthwhile projects may never receive funding. “Is it better to get something done or is it better to get it right?’’ he asked. “I don’t know the answer on this.’’

Other senators, however, backed the mandate calling for public access to waterfront areas, a position that led the committee to amend the bill to include the requirement.

Beyond the public access requirement, the bill also would require the DEP to establish a priority system for ranking shore protection projects. In the past, Smith noted the agency had such a system, but allowed it to expire.

The legislation also would require all shore protection projects that include a structural component, such as seawalls and other permanent facilities, to also include non-structural components, like sand dunes. Towns with dunes fared much better during Hurricane Sandy than those without these natural barriers.

cowherder

04-22-2014, 07:33 PM

I don't know if this is permanent but thought you guys should know about it.
I fished last night and it was frustrating. First I went to a well known spot, cliffwood beach and the police had the lot blocked off. They weren't letting anyone fish. When I asked them why they said someone lit a fire too close to the parking lot and the neighbors complained. Looks like we are going to lose another spot to the idiots!!!!!:2flip:
I went to another bay area and only had a half hour before I had to go home. One missed hit (yes I was holding my rod ledhead :HappyWave:) and that was it for me. The fishermen out there are getting worse and worse and I think it's time someone does something about it. We should post their pics!

buckethead

04-22-2014, 07:58 PM

Bad news and it will only get worse. I feel if there is another moratorium maybe half these guys will stop fishing. Things will go back to the way they used to be when hardly anyone fished for bass because there were none.

ledhead36

06-25-2014, 11:34 AM

Heads up the Spy House pier in port monmouth will be closed on July 1. Beach replenishment. Took some pics yesterday.

1859618597

buckethead

08-01-2014, 11:08 AM

I was walking some of my favorite beaches this morning at low tide. I think the sand replenishment started a series of bad consequences that was the worst possible decision making process. All it did was cause more sand to move North which it does naturally anyway.
Many of these ACOE folks will retire with 6 figure pensions. This is one of the biggest wastes of taxpayer money that I can remember. For shame that 30 years from now it will be realized that this was a waste. Too late after hundreds of millions of dollars are spent throwing this money out to sea. literally.

VSdreams

08-01-2014, 12:03 PM

hundreds of millions of dollars are spent throwing this money out to sea. literally.

This is a breakdown of the spending I found on the net. $65 millionfor sea bright to long branch alone. Despicable.
18698

Monty

08-01-2014, 12:21 PM

ledhead36

08-01-2014, 02:36 PM

I hear you monty it is crazy with all the federal dollars pouring in. On the other hand I think the bayshore really needs help. They are doing a massive rebuild in the port monmouth area.

$110M Port Monmouth flood control project will ease storm fears, officials sayBy MaryAnn Spoto | The Star-Ledger (http://connect.nj.com/user/mspoto/posts.html)The Star-Ledger
Email the author | Follow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MaryAnnSpoto)
on August 01, 2014 at 1:57 PM

When Mike Finnegan thinks of the massive flood control project that recently started in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, he thinks of what might have been.A project that’s been on the books for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for more than a decade but not implemented because of a lack of funding, the work, he said, surely would have spared him and the other residents in that side of town from the devastation that Hurricane Sandy delivered 21 months ago.
With the $110 million project finally under way, residents, local officials and the federal government are betting that one of the most vulnerable spots of this sprawling Bayshore community in Monmouth County can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
“These flood control systems really work. They really make a difference,” said township administrator Anthony Mercantante. “You can’t get better proof than what we have here.”
The proof, Mercantante said, is the system of levees and pumps installed in the community’s North Middletown section in the 1970s. Sandy delivered storm surges higher than 13 feet, yet homes in North Middletown, which are only 1 or 2 feet off the ground, stayed dry.
In Port Monmouth, however, where there is no flood control system, homes that are several feet off the ground were severely damaged or destroyed. Many residents there are still trying to rebuild after Sandy. Many homes still stand battered and vacant.
http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2014/08/110m_port_monmouth_flood_control_project_will_ease _storm_fears_officials_say.html

J Barbosa

10-06-2014, 10:26 AM

jigfreak

10-06-2014, 11:23 AM

I tried fishing friday afternoon. I knew the surf was probably not fishable so I choose a spot in the back that would be sheltered from the winds.

The long trail leading to the water has been destroyed since Sandy and this was the old sign. People still fished it and the officials looked the other way. We always thought the sign was more for liability purposes in case somebody got hurt along the pathway.

18923

The new sign and a big fence extending into the water blocking access.

18924

Not a favorite spot of mine but any access lost puts added pressure on the remaining spots.

Man That suxx. By the time theyre done closing off all the access we will only be able to fish SH, IBSP, the inlets, and some sedges.
New tourist slogan- Welcome to NJ with open arms. Just don't expect to have a lot of fishing access when you come here. :2flip: