Jetty Country will be a parking lot - Want to stop it? Get involved!

[buckethead]

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.

[hookset]

I don't believe the fishermen are going to sit there like sheep and let this happen. This sucks big time. It is the nail in the coffin for beach fishing in NNJ. I already sent my e-mails to Ruben and Thanhauser
.
Public comments can also be submitted by e-mail to
Project Biologist
Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil (Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil)

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



Come on gents you can do this too. Thanks for making it easy buckethead.
Here is a PDF showing the proposals.
http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Portals/37/docs/civilworks/projects/nj/coast/SHtoBI/EtoLA/Feb2014_Plan_Layout.pdf

[finchaser]

The fisherman will do nothing as usual especially if fish arrive. they will assume others are doing for them. I have been to hundreds of meetings through the years and no one except the same small group shows. I posted this was in the works last year and now that there are a few weeks left it will be another to little to late.

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.

[jigfreak]

This is what the Asbury jetty looks like now. Pretty soon all the jetties will be buried or notched most likely buried. This is the worst I have ever seen it.
18070

[jigfreak]

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.

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.





The fisherman will do nothing as usual especially if fish arrive. they will assume others are doing for them. I have been to hundreds of meetings through the years and no one except the same small group shows. I posted this was in the works last year and now that there are a few weeks left it will be another to little to late.

.

Thanks bucket for the heads up. finchaser I remember your thread about losing the beach access in ocean county. I sent in e-mails to those reps. What are you saying here that you are giving up? dark talks all the time about you and the old timers. Don't you have a network of guys you can send this to and ask them to do something? In the other thread about 8th ave it talks about the power of one. From what I read there Joe Pallotto got the flume restoration started almost single handedly and then others finally jumped in.
Sick of seeing fishermen stand around and just talk. On another site there are 3 pages of negativity and impotence and only one guy is really trying to get them to do something. Will we be the same whiners or will we try to do something.
I sent my e-mail in this morning. finchaser can you rally the old timers? We also need the clubs to get involved. Where are the clubs when something like this happens. Haven't seen any input from them yet.

[hookset]

Guys thank you for the outrage. Please send e-mails and let's try to keep this at the top.

[Blazin420]

Email sent this am!!!

[fishinmission78]

email done to both addresses. thanks

[finchaser]

Jigfreak

I never give up just saying don't get your hopes up as most fisherman rely on the other guy who in most cases is non existent. We write and go to there so called public hearings. I already sent your info to 2 clubs( 250 guys) yesterday even before I posted above. We never give up it's always the older guys at meetings the new generation never gets involved they just whine like little girls when things are taken away. They don't understand once you loose it you don't get it back. Were also speaking out about the tip of hook being taken over by Home land security.

[DarkSkies]

Thank you all for getting the ball rolliing people. I thought I would make things easier for people and set up a template letter. These are most of the issues as I understand them. Please bear in mind I whipped this up quickly and may have left some things out.

** The best thing would be to draft the e-mail in your own words, maybe copying some of my sentences or paragraphs as you write it.
If you don't have the time to write your own, feel free to C&P mine.

As some of the others said, we really need to get these e-mails out.
Deadline is March 26!!!!
My thoughts in drafting this were to make it as quick and painless as possible for anyone who fishes the salt. We need real support on this issue, and the comment window is closing rapidly.

Short and simple...All you have to do is C&P what I wrote below, and send it to the e-mail addresses in blue.
Thanks for your support! :HappyWave:











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

and
2. Project Manager
Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil (Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil)

3. 'Davis, Kelly' (Kelly.Davis@dep.state.nj.us), NJFW’s Environmental Review Biologist

A friend of mine posted this....
[We should also be contacting Frank Pallone and Paul Haertel of JCAA. They have not done much at all for us or striped bass. We should be giving them a full court press asking them why. Tell Pallone you will vote against him if this project goes through. Try not to be nasty, but state your strong disapproval and why. He needs to see this is important to us.

those contacts and e-mails.
4.https://pallone.house.gov/contact-me (https://pallone.house.gov/contact-me)


full details
http://pallone.house.gov/ (http://pallone.house.gov/)
Pallone tips - you can only e-mail him by filling out the form. He cleverly refuses to answer e-mail if you are not a constituent. I have found a way around that. Use the following address and zip code if you do not live in the district:]
100 OCEAN AVE N
LONG BRANCH NJ 07740-7128


5. Paul Haertel anglerpmh@aol.com.

http://www.jcaa.org/ (http://www.jcaa.org/)
JCAA
1201 Rt 37 E Suite 9
Toms River, NJ 08753
732-506-6565












Dear _________________________-

My name is __________________________
I live in/fish in New Jersey

I am familiar with the ACOE beach replenishment projects, and see that at times they have benefits.

The Elberon to Loch Arbor replenishment, as stated below, is what I am contacting you about:
"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."

I am completely against this project for the following, sound, sensible reasons:

1. Natural elevation - The area in question, as is most of Long Branch, is naturally elevated to a higher amount than the rest of the shore areas that sustained damage during the Sandy storm in the fall of 2012.

2. Less Damage - As such, that area did not sustain anything near the damage of the other areas. The elevation is higher above sea level thananyoceanside beaches in that whole county.

3. Replenishment not Effective long-term - It is my strong belief that filling in those specific areas is not necessary and will do little to protect against another storm like Sandy. Engineering studies can certainly prove that.

4. Fishing Community Affected - I am a fisherman and fish those areas regularly. The replenishment project, as proposed, will ruin fishing for those of us who fish the beaches there.

5. Economic Impact - As fishermen, we bring hundreds of thousands of dollars into those communities every time we fish there. We stop in the local shops, buy breakfast, supplies, gas, bait, tackle, dinner, and sometimes stay in the area hotels. There are many small businesses that would lose a % of revenue if we stopped fishing there because it was no longer worth coming to.

6. Environmental Impact -
Part of the project language talks about the environmental assessment. I believe this was not given the weight it deserves. Those jetty areas are small vibrant ecosystems unto themselves. There are crabs, mussels, small forage fish, grass shrimp, baby fish, blackfish, seabass, flounder, fluke, striped bass, bluefish, clams, sea horses, and small invertebrate creatures that make a robust link all the way down to the bottom of the food chain.
The creatures that benefit from these jetty areas are many, from the various juvenile species of gamefish that hide there, to the magnificent gamefish that come to feed on the forage, to the thousands of migratory shorebirds that congregate around the jetties to feed on the various types of food.

Covering this over in sand would not only kill all the life on the floor there, that has existed for centuries. It would also turn the areas into a complete dead zone, devoid of life and completely wiping out the vast robust ecosystems that thrive there.


In sum, this replenishment, while it may be your intention for other areas, is not needed in the area in question, will negatively affect the fragile marine environment there, and most certainly cause a negative economic impact to the areas in and around, when fishermen and their families stop coming there.

Please re-consider your support for this specific replenishment.
It has been proven that once this is done, as opposed to the construction of sea walls, that the sand is eventually washed away. The old jetties will come back.
However, it will be years, perhaps a decade, for life to return as it once was, once they are covered over.

Thank you for reading my comments,
Respectfully,

__________________________

[DarkSkies]

I never give up just saying don't get your hopes up as most fisherman rely on the other guy who in most cases is non existent. We write and go to there so called public hearings. I already sent your info to 2 clubs( 250 guys) yesterday even before I posted above. We never give up it's always the older guys at meetings the new generation never gets involved they just whine like little girls when things are taken away. They don't understand once you loose it you don't get it back. Were also speaking out about the tip of hook being taken over by Home land security.

If we had 500 guys like finchaser, we could never lose. Thanks for sharing your point, and for all you have done for fishermen in the past.
What happened to righteous anger, to the spirit of Democracy and the power of public opinion?

It went down the Toilet of Apathetic thinking....:(

[robmedina]

I sent mine in.

[crosseyedbass]

I dont live in jersey but always glad to pitch in. Sent it thanks for making it easy

[seamonkey]

Sent keep us posted on what happens fellas

[surferman]

done thanks

[surfstix1963]

They haven't quite figured out a few storms will pull most of that sand right out of there(job security)the other thing they haven't figured out is you can't fight mother nature.You can't fix stupid......

[bababooey]

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.

I agree with finchaser. You know what they say you can't fight city hall. We are powerless to do anything against the ACOE.

[jigfreak]

^^^^^^Oh wow thats peachy. Would you just give up like that. Well if the burglar is coming in your house and he decides to smash your head with the gun and rape your wife do you say you are powerless to do anything about it because he already got in your house or do you try to fight back?
e-mail sent.

[hookedonbass]

Dude thats a little extreme don't you think? The way I read it he was saying with all the politicians finchaser was talking about it seemed like a done deal. You know how it is they all do favors for each other. There are probably big bucks in those contracts. Think about it. Suck sand from ocean. Dump on beach. Repeat every 2 years. Back up the brinks truck wish I had that contract I would buy South America. The voters and fishermen come last,

[CharlieTuna]

I'll pitch in. Email sent.

[bababooey]

^^^^^^Oh wow thats peachy. Would you just give up like that. Well if the burglar is coming in your house and he decides to smash your head with the gun and rape your wife do you say you are powerless to do anything about it because he already got in your house or do you try to fight back?
e-mail sent.

Cmon be real. Smith and Wesson is my answer to that. Any guy comes in my house other than the mailman or ups guy he's leaving with bullets in him.;)
Sorry if I offedned you I was only agreeing with finchaser. The politicians rule and are not really going to listen to some whining isolated groups of fishermen esp when all that federal money is involved. If you gents think the fight is worth it then by al means try. my .02 only

[storminsteve]

Cmon dude be real. Smith and Wesson is my answer to that. Any guy comes in my house other than the mailman or ups guy he's leaving with bullets in him.;)



You never know about the ups guy women in my office have the hots for the one who delivers there. you might come home one day and find he delivered more than a brown package to your wife!:plastered::HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

I appreciate all the responses,opinions and support. GREAT job on keeping this in the limelight, people. :thumbsup:
I cannot change your mind if you feel it's not worth fighting for.
I can only tell the people out there that I will not give up, and will fight to the last minute for this because it means to much to me. It is a key fishing access battle where we can make a difference, if we try, because of the reasons I mentioned in that letter.

This is a response I already posted elsewhere in response to some of the apathy.......

"It kills me to accept what has become our reality. I know every jetty from raritan bay down through ocean county. Some of them I've even taken a quick nap on those nights when I am too tired but know I might find a fish at the next stop. I have spilled my blood and bashed my body parts on others. They are a part of who I am. When I am fishing a jetty on the night tides I feel alive. http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

I understand the beach replenishment... and the fact that those homeowners with money have precedence over us lowly fishermen. There is no real engineering argument I have heard or could be presented that makes the case for covering those jetties.

I don't have the exact specs.....some of those areas are at least 15 feet above sea level. If you go to the Pier Village area (not the area we're fighting about but the same general area) I think part of that is about 20 feet above sea level. Many parts of long branch (http://viglink.pgpartner.com/rd.php?r=10442&m=1151310072&q=n&rdgt=1394379798&it=1394552598&et=1394984598&priceret=949.95&pg=~~3&k=72b4b138c9bd705d2a9ff6b23d9612ef&source=feed&url=http%3A%2F%2Flink%2Emercent%2Ecom%2Fredirect%2 Eashx%3Fmr%3AmerchantID%3DValleyVet%26mr%3Atrackin gCode%3DFD9073CF%2D1F7D%2DE211%2DBA78%2D001B21631C 34%26mr%3AtargetUrl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Evalleyvet %2Ecom%2Fct%5Fdetail%2Ehtml%253fpgguid%253d8d798e5 6%2Dfde6%2D4f82%2D8da8%2D30098bc3123a%2526item%253 d17939%2526utm%5Fcontent%253d17939%2526ccd%253dIPG 001%2526utm%5Fsource%253dPriceGrabber%2526utm%5Fme dium%253dshopping&st=feed&mt=~~~~~~~~n~~~) and deal went (relatively) untouched by Sandy. If we have another storm that great they will probably be safe again.... by virtue that this is the highest elevation along that area of the county.

It's simply unacceptable to me that while this project doesn't make sense even from an engineering standpoint, there isn't more outrage.
Every year we lose more fishing access. This year, if I had to guess, I would say that NJ fishing access will be down by 50%.
How are we gonna cram the amount of guys who want to fish, in 50% less space? http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/images/smilies/huh.gif

So yes, you're probably right.
We may not stand a snowball's chance in hell of stopping this.....but at one time not too long ago....fishermen got mad enough to do something, instead of some of the idle chatter and apathy I have seen on some of the internet forums........

The reason we're fighting so hard is this is one of the last untouched pristine stretches of NJ beachfront for land based fishermen. Some of that life in that area has been there for decades and survived catastrophic storms.... and still remains a robust and vibrant marine environment. There used to be fish there 9 months of the year..... that has changed with the shrinking biomass."

















** After the Asbury show the other day, I spent some time down among those jetties, taking pics and documenting the height difference from the sea to the street level. In some places it was about 20 feet.

I was sick to my stomach when I saw what they have done so far. If you haven't seen it you owe it to yourself to take a ride down there. It is heart-breaking to see what they are doing. I believe the pictures I will be posting will help to prove our point, that replenishment in this area is not logical or necessary.

Finchaser reached out to some of the fishing clubs. I will be reaching out to others, and have aleady contacted the NJBBA for support. I believe we can make a difference and be heard with the building momentum of support.

Countdown:
15 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
Thanks people!

[vpass]

I emailed them, Thanks for the heads up.

Anyone knows if there is any endangered species living in the jetties?

[buckethead]

vpass I don't think there are any endangered species there but that's a smart angle. There have been many a construction project held up for a singular spotted owl or something like a turtle. Have to look for help from any area we can get it.

[finchaser]

jetty rats

[DarkSkies]

Problem with this is MOST who fish will do nothing and then ***** about the outcome here later..


That is correct. All surf locations are crowded and a mess. There is nothing anyone can do to stop the madness all created by the internet. Hopefully the bass disappear again to weed out some of these spoiled fisherman that just started surf fishing 10 years when the bass population started to grow. Get your bluefish and kingfish rigs out boys just like the past, bass are on their way out.



I purposely look the names out of the above quotes. Not trying to criticize anyone here. However, I am grateful to the guys who posted them. I know when some see words like that... they get angry, However, I have heard those words before. Some of my closest friends have made the same statements.

Rather than getting angry, maybe we could look at ourselves as fishermen, and ask what causes some of us to be so selfish...and apathetic....that saltwater fishermen are not taken seriously by many politicians? In many instances there is no cohesiveness among us as a group.

There are millions of us, a few hundred thousand in New Jersey alone.....and yet it is so hard to find some common ground when issues like this arise....
If we were half as organized, and relentless, as the NRA, we wouldn't have politicians and policy makers walking all over our fishing rights and access rights.

Again, this is just what I have seen trying to fight for access and fishing rights. The same small group of people gets involved, time after time. It was the same for Drag Island....we had to constantly plead for folks to sign that petition.....when there are thousands of us who will benefit from the results.....

I've never begged anyone in my life...that's not who I am...but I am trying to get into your heads, some of ya's who think it's not worth it "to fight city hall"....
I'm trying to get you to ask yourselves....

** How much freedom are you willing to give away...before you finallly decide to try fighting for it?







I appreciate all the responses,opinions and support. GREAT job on keeping this in the limelight, people. :thumbsup:
I cannot change your mind if you feel it's not worth fighting for.
It is a key fishing access battle where we can make a difference, if we try, because of the reasons I mentioned in that letter.

Countdown:
14 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
Thanks people!

[hookset]

^^^^^^dark its always the same small group who get involved. Don't sweat it. I read they will take the public comments seriously this time. Who knows at least we have to give it a shot. Not trying would be like being at the superbowl and forfeiting before you ever played. No point in that.

[hookset]

jetty rats

No way they are endangered. Those suckers are everywhere. At the inlets its even worse.

[porgy75]

done thanks!

[DarkSkies]

Update.....
I have been reaching out to the fishing clubs, the NJBBA, and sending mass e-mails to everyone I know....
We're starting to see some results from that........building some momentum...

Reached out to Tim Dillingham from the American Littoral Society (ALS). Many of you are familiar with the ALS tagging program they run.

Here's a partial response...I'll keep updating as more progress happens:

"Hi Rich - American Littoral Society (Tim Dillingham). Tim agrees with your assessment and your thoughts are in line with previous ALS comments on this ....you can follow-up with Tim directly if you have more questions on this specific issue."








Countdown:
13 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
Thanks people!

[surferman]

thanks for the updates

[buckethead]

This is the outline of the project scope and tentative replenishment. Some has already been done:

Cumulative Impact Placement Projects
(With Elberon to Loch Arbour)
Location of Placement Approximate Duration @ Vol Fill (Acre)*
1 Sea Bright to Monmouth July 2013 - January 2014 2.2 mcy 138
2 Belmar to Manasquan Oct 2013 - March 2014 1.5 mcy 90
3 Long Branch November 2013 - June 2014 3.3 mcy 335
4 Asbury to Avon December 2013 – May 2014 1.2 mcy 55
5 Eberon Loch Arbour October 2014 – October 2015 4.5 mcy 222
2013 2014 2015

note that the 4,5 million cubic yards is the biggest amount for any of the replenishment listed.

[buckethead]

www.app.com (http://www.app.com) 3-11-14


Jetties from Elberon to Loch Arbour are in jeopardy

The stretch of beach from Elberon to Loch Arbour in Monmouth County is a special place to fishermen. While it attracts its fair share of surfers, swimmers and sunbathers, it?s the anglers who prize it most for the excellent bass fishing from the series of jetties, or groins, located there.

Now they are in danger.

For the last several months, the Army Corp of Engineers has been pumping sand onto beaches from Sandy Hook south to Manasquan as part of the Disaster Appropriations Act of 2013 which is funding the replenishment of New Jersey's beaches.

Work has yet to begin on the stretch between Elberon and Loch Arbour as the contract has yet to be awarded. That section offers a different set of problems for engineers due to the number of outflows located along the section and the Army Corp of Engineers is still accepting public comment on the project until March 26.

Capt. Colin Archer, a fly fishing guide and charter boat captain, spoke to me about the situation at last Sunday's Asbury Park Fishing Club Flea Market. He informed me that this part of the project will involve notching the jetties which means beach replenishment will create areas where the ocean will flow between the beach and the west end of the jetty, reducing structure that would normally hold fish and their prey.

"This is the heart of jetty country," said Archer. "Anglers have fished here before I was born and its a place of lore and is special in peoples' hearts. This is a place where you could be away from the crowd and there's a good chance its going to be destroyed."

Capt. Archer knows he can't stop the project but he also knows there are valid reasons why it shouldn"t be done. In many places, he said, sand pumped onto the beaches is already back in the water. Regardless of the outcome, Archer is determined to be heard, and he hopes others join him.

"If you don't speak out about it, no one knows about it. It's all you can do," he said.

As anyone who has spent time on the beaches in Monmouth and Ocean counties can tell you, beach replenishment is a temporary fix at best. Mother Nature usually gets her way.

The Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and Draft Statement of Conformity (DSOC) are available at www.nan.usace.army.mil (http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/). Public comments can be submitted by email to Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil.


John Oswald: joswald@app.com

[buckethead]

Reached out to Tim Dillingham from the American Littoral Society (ALS). Many of you are familiar with the ALS tagging program they run.

Here's a partial response...I'll keep updating as more progress happens:

"Hi Rich - American Littoral Society (Tim Dillingham). Tim agrees with your assessment and your thoughts are in line with previous ALS comments on this ....you can follow-up with Tim directly if you have more questions on this specific issue."



:thumbsup: Good job on contacting the ALS dark, we need to hit this from every angle.
We should also be contacting Frank Pallone and Tom Fote of JCAA. They have not done much at all for us or striped bass. We should be giving them a full court press asking them why. Tell Pallone you will vote against him if this project goes through. Try not to be nasty, but state your strong disapproval and why. He needs to see this is important to us.

those contacts and e-mails.
https://pallone.house.gov/contact-me
tfote@jcaa.org





full details
http://pallone.house.gov/
https://pallone.house.gov/contact-me
Pallone tips - you can only e-mail him by filling out the form. He cleverly refuses to answer e-mail if you are not a constituent. I have found a way around that. Use the following address and zip code if you do not live in the district:
100 OCEAN AVE N
LONG BRANCH NJ 07740-7128


http://www.jcaa.org/
tfote@jcaa.org
JCAA
1201 Rt 37 E Suite 9
Toms River, NJ 08753
732-506-6565

[hookset]

Good deal bucket and ds! Nice job figuring out a proxy address bucket. additional e-mails sent.

Pallone screens mail and will not speak to anyone outside his district? What an arrogant prick. I would campaign against the man on that principle alone. Really lame. Don't even get me started on Tom Fote he is one of the pricks who said the striped bass are not in danger. Been saying that for the last 5years and look at the numbers now. F*****G tool.:2flip:

[porgy75]

Thanks guys! I just took the original letter you posted and sent it to the 2 new e-mails. buckethead that is a cool trick with the address lol!

[cowherder]

Done and done thank you fellas. Hope there is enough buzz for them to listen it really would be ashame if they covered them up for no reason.

[DarkSkies]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: To all those who are mad enough to try and do something about this. Thanks for the research and ingenuity, buckethead, and all others.

Remember if you want to compose your own letter, that would be even better. If you want to C&P the one I drafted, feel free. I'm adding those e-mail addresses to the original post so folks have it easy to find and send. It's encouraging that we now have some momentum and the attention of the press. As was mentioned, we now need to focus on Fote, Pallone, etc. Let's try to keep this momentum going, thanks.











Countdown:
12 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
Thanks people!

[DarkSkies]

www.app.com (http://www.app.com) 3-11-14


Jetties from Elberon to Loch Arbour are in jeopardy

The stretch of beach from Elberon to Loch Arbour in Monmouth County is a special place to fishermen. While it attracts its fair share of surfers, swimmers and sunbathers, it?s the anglers who prize it most for the excellent bass fishing from the series of jetties, or groins, located there.

Now they are in danger.

For the last several months, the Army Corp of Engineers has been pumping sand onto beaches from Sandy Hook south to Manasquan as part of the Disaster Appropriations Act of 2013 which is funding the replenishment of New Jersey's beaches.

Work has yet to begin on the stretch between Elberon and Loch Arbour as the contract has yet to be awarded. That section offers a different set of problems for engineers due to the number of outflows located along the section and the Army Corp of Engineers is still accepting public comment on the project until March 26.

Capt. Colin Archer, a fly fishing guide and charter boat captain, spoke to me about the situation at last Sunday's Asbury Park Fishing Club Flea Market. He informed me that this part of the project will involve notching the jetties which means beach replenishment will create areas where the ocean will flow between the beach and the west end of the jetty, reducing structure that would normally hold fish and their prey.

"This is the heart of jetty country," said Archer. "Anglers have fished here before I was born and its a place of lore and is special in peoples' hearts. This is a place where you could be away from the crowd and there's a good chance its going to be destroyed."

Capt. Archer knows he can't stop the project but he also knows there are valid reasons why it shouldn"t be done. In many places, he said, sand pumped onto the beaches is already back in the water. Regardless of the outcome, Archer is determined to be heard, and he hopes others join him.

"If you don't speak out about it, no one knows about it. It's all you can do," he said.

As anyone who has spent time on the beaches in Monmouth and Ocean counties can tell you, beach replenishment is a temporary fix at best. Mother Nature usually gets her way.

The Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and Draft Statement of Conformity (DSOC) are available at www.nan.usace.army.mil (http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/). Public comments can be submitted by email to Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil.


John Oswald: joswald@app.com

I know Colin.....:HappyWave:....he's down on those jetties almost daily. He has a good understanding of what makes sense in that area. Good to see we're finally getting some press relating to the fishermen's perspective. :thumbsup:

[DarkSkies]

I updated the original post from page 1 to include all the addresses folks have suggested, concise and easy to send, highlighted in Blue....
There are some good examples of letters on various internet sites....feel free to copy this or any letter that you are comfortable with.
Remember if you can take the time to write your own letter, it would be more effective.





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

and
2. Project Manager
Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil (Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil)

3. 'Davis, Kelly' (Kelly.Davis@dep.state.nj.us), NJFW?s Environmental Review Biologist

A friend of mine posted this....
[We should also be contacting Frank Pallone and Paul Haertel of JCAA. They have not done much at all for us or striped bass. We should be giving them a full court press asking them why. Tell Pallone you will vote against him if this project goes through. Try not to be nasty, but state your strong disapproval and why. He needs to see this is important to us.

those contacts and e-mails.
4.https://pallone.house.gov/contact-me (https://pallone.house.gov/contact-me)


full details
http://pallone.house.gov/ (http://pallone.house.gov/)
Pallone tips - you can only e-mail him by filling out the form. He cleverly refuses to answer e-mail if you are not a constituent. I have found a way around that. Use the following address and zip code if you do not live in the district:]
100 OCEAN AVE N
LONG BRANCH NJ 07740-7128


5. Paul Haertel anglerpmh@aol.com (anglerpmh@aol.com).

http://www.jcaa.org/ (http://www.jcaa.org/)
JCAA
1201 Rt 37 E Suite 9
Toms River, NJ 08753
732-506-6565














Dear _________________________-

My name is __________________________
I live in/fish in New Jersey

I am familiar with the ACOE beach replenishment projects, and see that at times they have benefits.

The Elberon to Loch Arbor replenishment, as stated below, is what I am contacting you about:
"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."

I am completely against this project for the following, sound, sensible reasons:

1. Natural elevation - The area in question, as is most of Long Branch, is naturally elevated to a higher amount than the rest of the shore areas that sustained damage during the Sandy storm in the fall of 2012.

2. Less Damage - As such, that area did not sustain anything near the damage of the other areas. The elevation is higher above sea level than any oceanside beaches in that whole county.

3. Replenishment not Effective long-term - It is my strong belief that filling in those specific areas is not necessary and will do little to protect against another storm like Sandy. Engineering studies can certainly prove that.

4. Fishing Community Affected - I am a fisherman and fish those areas regularly. The replenishment project, as proposed, will ruin fishing for those of us who fish the beaches there.

5. Economic Impact - As fishermen, we bring hundreds of thousands of dollars into those communities every time we fish there. We stop in the local shops, buy breakfast, supplies, gas, bait, tackle, dinner, and sometimes stay in the area hotels. There are many small businesses that would lose a % of revenue if we stopped fishing there because it was no longer worth coming to.

6. Environmental Impact -
Part of the project language talks about the environmental assessment. I believe this was not given the weight it deserves. Those jetty areas are small vibrant ecosystems unto themselves. There are crabs, mussels, small forage fish, grass shrimp, baby fish, blackfish, seabass, flounder, fluke, striped bass, bluefish, clams, sea horses, and small invertebrate creatures that make a robust link all the way down to the bottom of the food chain.
The creatures that benefit from these jetty areas are many, from the various juvenile species of gamefish that hide there, to the magnificent gamefish that come to feed on the forage, to the thousands of migratory shorebirds that congregate around the jetties to feed on the various types of food.

Covering this over in sand would not only kill all the life on the floor there, that has existed for centuries. It would also turn the areas into a complete dead zone, devoid of life and completely wiping out the vast robust ecosystems that thrive there.


In sum, this replenishment, while it may be your intention for other areas, is not needed in the area in question, will negatively affect the fragile marine environment there, and most certainly cause a negative economic impact to the areas in and around, when fishermen and their families stop coming there.

Please re-consider your support for this specific replenishment.
It has been proven that once this is done, as opposed to the construction of sea walls, that the sand is eventually washed away. The old jetties will come back.
However, it will be years, perhaps a decade, for life to return as it once was, once they are covered over.

Thank you for reading my comments,
Respectfully,

__________________________




.

[dogfish]

E-mails sent. Pallone now knows me as a resident of long branch lol. Saints preserve us if I ever lived in your god forsaken state. A prison sentence would have more freedom.:HappyWave:

[fishinmission78]

Done, thanks. Tom Fote is an A** but I did not say that in the letter tho. One day I will meet him face to face and tell him that.

[finchaser]

Fote is no longer an officer of the JCAA and is useless to contact


Paul Hartel is the president of the JCAA. Paul Handles all issues and attends all meetings and is an avid surf fisherman.

[storminsteve]

Thanks for the updates and action fellas. Looks like we may have a chance for once. I don't fish the jetties as much as some of you but I would sure as heck hate to see them covered in sand. According to what buckethead posted that one project is the most amount of sand for all. 4. something million cu yards of sand. Hella lot!

[DarkSkies]

Thanks to Fin for the correct info. We still need folks to send in e-mails....the comment period is a small window....it will be closed before you know it.
Thanks for reading.








Countdown:
11 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we need your help...
Thanks people!

[buckethead]

Finally a meeting. If you care about the jetties and feel this is wrong you need to show up.

Please join concerned citizens who are meeting 5 pm Friday, March 21st at the Deal Lake flume/8th Avenue jetty in Asbury Park. Groups including the Asbury Park Fishing Club, Deal Lake Commission, surfers, fishermen, swimmers and Deal Lake homeowners are opposed to the notching of jetties as part of the replenishment project

[DarkSkies]

Thanks for that, bucket. Most of the larger fishing clubs have been contacted and should have people there. I'll be there. I spent this weekend going through my mailing list and contacting any other fishing clubs and contacts. If you get an e-mail from me, please try to send a letter. I tried to make it easy to do... all you have to do is click the linked e-mails and C&P the letter. I know some said this would be useless, but now it's looking like we have a shot at turning it around.





.....
Countdown:
10 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.
Thanks people!

[ledhead36]

I cant make it but will send e-mails. Thanks guys and good luck!

[finchaser]

Finally a meeting. If you care about the jetties and feel this is wrong you need to show up.

Please join concerned citizens who are meeting 5 pm Friday, March 21st at the Deal Lake flume/8th Avenue jetty in Asbury Park. Groups including the Asbury Park Fishing Club, Deal Lake Commission, surfers, fishermen, swimmers and Deal Lake homeowners are opposed to the notching of jetties as part of the replenishment project

The Army Corp of morons wants to notch the Deal Jetties like they did in Spring lake. This is another issue besides the Loch harbor/ Elberon. , Even if the Jetties are saved Deal and other towns can still deny access as each town has its own say the state no longer controls access. If towns refuse restoration they can deny access. If they take restoration they must provide access, parking and bathrooms keep this in mind. IMO these towns want to assure access is denied.

[DarkSkies]

Updates....



The Army Corp of morons wants to notch the Deal Jetties like they did in Spring lake. This is another issue besides the Loch harbor/ Elberon.
1. Even if the Jetties are saved Deal and other towns can still deny access as each town has its own say the state no longer controls access. If towns refuse restoration they can deny access.

2. If they take restoration they must provide access, parking and bathrooms keep this in mind. IMO these towns want to assure access is denied.

Finchaser makes some important points here.
What some folks may not know is they have already started to restrict access on many of those streets down there. If you fish there, you may remember it used to be a seasonal thing where the "No Parking" signs went up sometime around May, and got taken down at the end of the summer.

They first started changing this with streets that had the most complaints about fishermen...Pullman, Roosevelt, Garfield etc. If you fish the spring blitzes you might recognize those names.

Since then, they have made permanent parking restrictions on streets in that area.
After the Asbury show, I made some stops and documented each and every street where they have changed the access. Although some streets still have access, if you have not been there in a while, you would be surprised at the amount of access they are closing off. I have documented each example of this and will be posting the pics as I get a chance...

To further support this point, Takanassee Beach Club, which we were promised access to, (Even during construction) has been fenced off by the owner. There was a promise made to us fishermen at a town meeting, that this would not happen. Since the DEP has ceded authority for access over to each town to decide it's own policy, there have been other little losses in access like this.




**For those who only fish Ocean County and feel this doesn't apply to them, I can guarantee you that when they are finished with the replenishment/Sandy restoration of houses from Point Pleasant through Seaside, that of all the little access paths you remember, on the sides of some of those million dollar homes.....some of them will be "missing" (OOPS!) when all is finally put back together.....

That means those great little access paths in Point, Brick, Ocean Beach, Lavalette, Ortley, etc....some of them we will not get put back....and yet there are no fishermen groups protesting or rallying about it....we are just being steamrolled on this, because of the power ceded over to the towns by the DEP.

If, as a fisherman, this doesn't get your blood boiling, I don't know what else will.....
It sickens me whenever I see more access lost, and some, but not enough outrage over it.....
So if you do care, now is the time to act.... before it is too late....
Speak up....speak out....send the e-mails....come to the meeting on Fri....
Thanks for reading...













.....
Countdown:
9 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.
Thanks people!

[hookset]

I have a problem with the folks who put up these giant mcmansions right on or near the beach. then they get sandy relief $$ to rebuild. If you build and test the odds you should be responsible for rebuilding fees. Or build a block or 2 away from the ocean. Sorry for the hijack this gets to me some of those houses should never have been built in the first place.
I will send those additional emails. Thank you buckethead, dark and finchaser. If they accept that $$ they will have to have public bathrooms every half mile or something. I honestly don't think the towns will go for that. Maybe long branch because of the boardwalk and pier village. definitely not elberon and deal

[clamchucker]

emails sent. Keep fighting you will not regret it.

[buckethead]

Thank you for the nice words fellas. Even if you can't attend the meeting as dark said the e-mails are easy. It is worth fighting for and as finchaser said the towns do not want to provide things such as bathroom facilities. I am worried that they could take the beach replenshment and then not provide the facilities. With DEP now having little power over them it is a lot easier for them to get away with murder. That is why we have to keep at it. Let's try to keep this at the top.

[DarkSkies]

Thank you for the nice words fellas. Even if you can't attend the meeting as dark said the e-mails are easy. It is worth fighting for and as finchaser said the towns do not want to provide things such as bathroom facilities. I am worried that they could take the beach replenshment and then not provide the facilities. With DEP now having little power over them it is a lot easier for them to get away with murder. That is why we have to keep at it. Let's try to keep this at the top.

Very well-said, bucket. I don't think some folks realize the magnitude of ths one fight, as compared to the other replenishment areas. This will be the first time in a long time that any work has been done in this area. There will be severe environmental implications and that area will become a dead zone. Most importantly, the work will do nothing to keep the shoreline property in that area safer because of the unique elevation.

**For those who only fish Ocean County and feel this doesn't apply to them, I can guarantee you that when they are finished with the replenishment/Sandy restoration of houses from Point Pleasant through Seaside, that of all the little access paths you remember, on the sides of some of those million dollar homes.....some of them will be "missing" (OOPS!) when all is finally put back together.....

That means those great little access paths in Point, Brick, Ocean Beach, Lavalette, Ortley, etc....some of them we will not get put back....and yet there are no fishermen groups protesting or rallying about it....we are just being steamrolled on this, because of the power ceded over to the towns by the DEP.

If, as a fisherman, this doesn't get your blood boiling, I don't know what else will.....
It sickens me whenever I see more access lost, and some, but not enough outrage over it.....
So if you do care, now is the time to act.... before it is too late....
Speak up....speak out....send the e-mails....come to the meeting on Fri....
Thanks for reading...













.....
Countdown:
8 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.
Thanks people!

[williehookem]

email sent

[finchaser]

As you can see below if a town takes restoration they must provide access. Deal has fought this from day 1 so if the jetties are saved no restoration no access IMO. the rich do not want access and their dollars get Politian's elected

Bill requiring public access for NJ beach repair projects moves forward

Brent Johnson/The Star-Ledger By Brent Johnson/The Star-Ledger
March 18, 2014 at 6:50 AM


TRENTON — For decades, visitors up and down the Jersey Shore have run into the same infuriating problem: not enough parking spaces, bathrooms, or even ways to get onto the beach.

But a bill inching its way through the state Legislature is intended to change that.

The state Senate Environment and Energy Committee voted 4-0 today to approve a measure (S183) that would require beach repair projects receiving state funds to provide easier public access.

The measure has the support of environmentalists who have fought to open larger portions of the 130-mile coastline to swimmers, surfers, and fishermen. They say the time is right to take up the prickly subject, with towns relying on state, federal and local funds to repair beaches battered by Hurricane Sandy.

"It’s public dollars for public projects," said Stacy McCormack, an official with the American Littoral Society, an advocacy group focused on the issue. "It’s not public dollars for projects the public will never reap the benefits of."

Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, went so far as to say that if the measure were to become law, it would "double the amount" of beach that would be accessible to the public.

"This will allow more access to beaches that belong to all of us," Tittel said.

But the measure has a long way to go, and its fate is uncertain. It now goes to the full Senate, while companion legislation in the Assembly is still in committee. Even if both Democrat-controlled chambers eventually approve the bill, there is no assurance it will be signed by the Republican governor

Last year, the Senate and Assembly passed a similar measure, and although it did not include a provision requiring public access, Gov. Chris Christie vetoed it.

Beach access has long been a ticklish issue in New Jersey. Currently, there are no public restrooms in Bay Head. Parking in Mantoloking has a two-hour limit, and spaces are equally scarce in Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach and Loveladies and North Beach sections of Long Beach Township.

During Gov. Jon Corzine’s administration, the state mandated uniform beach access standards for the entire Jersey Shore, but those rules were struck down after a court challenge.

Then, in 2012, the state Department of Environmental Protection passed regulations that allowed towns to decide individually what level of access was appropriate.

"The governor is continually using money to bring tourism to the Jersey Shore after Sandy, to draw people in, to let them know we’re open for business," McCormack said. "But if people can’t actually get to the beaches, I’m not sure what they’re going to do."

Initially, the bill passed today would have only encouraged projects to provide public access. But after testimony from McCormack, the committee amended the measure to require greater beach access.

"Everybody agrees that access under the common law of New Jersey is an absolute right," said state Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex), the committee chairman, said.

As Smith put it, "Our problem, to be candid, is the (state Department of Environmental Protection)."

He said the original bill did not include the access requirement out of fear that if the state "absolutely mandated" public access, some projects would not get finished.

Larry Ragonese, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said Sandy hit just a few weeks after the department’s new access rules were signed, adding that over the past 18 months, the state and beach towns have been "focused on recovery and not access."

He also noted that since Sandy struck in the fall of 2012, Loveladies has provided access to the beach, fishermen can get to Garfield Terrace in Long Branch, and a new fishing pier has been added in Cape May.

In addition, Ragonese said, the department has provided grants to 10 towns to develop new ways to get to the beach. "We have been dedicated to ensuring there is a viable Shore for people to access, and continue that massive effort," he said.

[DarkSkies]

^ Thanks for that, Fin. This isn't over yet........



Countdown:
7 days Left.......
Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.
Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[buckethead]

This isn't over yet........



No it isn't. From the Asbury Sun- this project if it goes forward will be a nightmare. Total $134 million and rising. For that kind of money you could build seawalls in the lowest areas. Would be much safer and long lasting. Let's go folks keep writing those e-mails and be at the rally fri 5pm.
Pallotto is rallying the troops we can't let him down.

http://asburyparksun.com/group-to-rally-against-loch-arbour-elberon-beach-reple/

GROUP TO RALLY AGAINST LOCH ARBOUR-ELBERON BEACH REPLEN
NOURISHMENT PROJECT WILL RUIN JETTY COUNTRY, ORGANIZER SAYS

By Jill Bartlett


Concerned citizens, fishermen, residents of Deal Lake and area stakeholders will gather Friday to protest against a 3.5 mile beach replenishment project that stretches from Loch Arbour to Elberon.

The president of a local fishing organization says the project will destroy a well-known fishing area called Jetty Country, and a member of the Deal Lake Commission has growing concerns about the sand that is already entering the Deal Lake flume structure from the Asbury Park replenishment project.

At the Friday protest, to be held at the Deal Lake Flume House at 5 p.m., Asbury Park Fishing Club President Joe Pallotto will urge the Army Corps of Engineers [ACOE] not to pump a lot of sand onto the beaches between Loch Arbour and Allenhurst, not to notch the jetties and to be aware of the area around the flume structure, he said.
“This is Jetty Country to the fishing anglers — once they notch those jetties it will be over for the fisherman.”

The roughly 3.5 mile section of beach reaches from Lake Takanassee in the Elberon section of Long Branch and extends approximately 3.5 miles, ending near Deal Lake in the Village of Loch Arbour.

An ACOE report and environmental assessment of the project calls for six existing groins to be modified to allow sediment to pass through.

The modifications, commonly referred to as notching, remove the rocks from the area of the groin closest to the sand so that water can pass through. But they prevent access to the groin during high tides and creates rip tides, causing hazardous swimming conditions, Pallotto said.

Pallotto is the protest’s main organizer, and it is not the first time he has protested against beach replenishment. During the 1990 beach replenishment project that rolled through Asbury Park, Pallotto was employed as the Asbury Park Beach Supervisor and served as a liaison to the Army Corps of Engineers replenishment project. Back then, he warned the sand would back-fill into Deal Lake and cause irreparable harm to the flume structure itself, but no one paid any mind, he said.

The Deal Lake flume structure lies under the jetty that separates Asbury Park’s Northernmost beach from Loch Arbour.
“They thought I was nuts,” said Pallotto.

Pallotto made his stand, protesting against the project and making his case in the local media outlets and to Congressman Frank Pallone.
An $8 million dollar flume extension project was the end result, Pallotto said.

Beach nourishment in Asbury Park is complete and sand is already being pushed up into the flume during high tide, Pallotto said. The replenishment effort, coupled with the sand that was already forced into the Lake by Hurricane Sandy, will make for dire circumstances in Deal Lake’s future, he said.

Don Brockel, chairman of the Deal Lake Commission, said sand from the Asbury Park beach replenishment is already clogging up the flume and diverting sand up into the lake.

“The reason I’m concerned is the Asbury Park replenishment project buried a good portion of the Eighth Avenue jetty in four to five feet of sand [shown above] which will be pushed into the north side of the jetty and thus could clog the flume over the next few years,” Brockel said. “We want to ensure the Corp understands the impact of their plans and provides funds for emergency sand removal in front of the flume.”

Members of the Deal Lake Commission teamed up with the The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to request $6.9 million in federal assistance to dredge the eastern end of Deal Lake that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy, and are still working to get the funds appropriated.
“We would like to note that there is tons of sand in Deal Lake that [the Corps] can have free of charge for their replenishment efforts,” Brockel said.

Renourishment for the Elberon to Loch Arbour Reach will occur every six years for the remaining 32-year period of analysis, the report says. The total project first cost, which includes real estate administration costs and pertinent contingency, engineering and design and construction management costs, is $134,638,000, the report said.

[cowherder]

Very well-said, bucket. I don't think some folks realize the magnitude of ths one fight, as compared to the other replenishment areas. This will be the first time in a long time that any work has been done in this area. There will be severe environmental implications and that area will become a dead zone. Most importantly, the work will do nothing to keep the shoreline property in that area safer because of the unique elevation.




No it isn't. From the Asbury Sun- this project if it goes forward will be a nightmare. Total $134 million and rising. For that kind of money you could build seawalls in the lowest areas. Would be much safer and long lasting. Let's go folks keep writing those e-mails and be at the rally fri 5pm.
Pallotto is rallying the troops we can't let him down.

http://asburyparksun.com/group-to-rally-against-loch-arbour-elberon-beach-reple/

GROUP TO RALLY AGAINST LOCH ARBOUR-ELBERON BEACH REPLEN
NOURISHMENT PROJECT WILL RUIN JETTY COUNTRY, ORGANIZER SAYS

.

At the Friday protest, to be held at the Deal Lake Flume House at 5 p.m., Asbury Park Fishing Club President Joe Pallotto will urge the Army Corps of Engineers [ACOE] not to pump a lot of sand onto the beaches between Loch Arbour and Allenhurst, not to notch the jetties and to be aware of the area around the flume structure, he said.
?This is Jetty Country to the fishing anglers ? once they notch those jetties it will be over for the fisherman.?

The modifications, commonly referred to as notching, remove the rocks from the area of the groin closest to the sand so that water can pass through. But they prevent access to the groin during high tides and creates rip tides, causing hazardous swimming conditions, Pallotto said.

Pallotto is the protest?s main organizer, and it is not the first time he has protested against beach replenishment. During the 1990 beach replenishment project that rolled through Asbury Park, Pallotto was employed as the Asbury Park Beach Supervisor and served as a liaison to the Army Corps of Engineers replenishment project. Back then, he warned the sand would back-fill into Deal Lake and cause irreparable harm to the flume structure itself, but no one paid any mind, he said.

The Deal Lake flume structure lies under the jetty that separates Asbury Park?s Northernmost beach from Loch Arbour.
?They thought I was nuts,? said Pallotto.

Pallotto made his stand, protesting against the project and making his case in the local media outlets and to Congressman Frank Pallone.
An $8 million dollar flume extension project was the end result, Pallotto said.

Beach nourishment in Asbury Park is complete and sand is already being pushed up into the flume during high tide, Pallotto said. The replenishment effort, coupled with the sand that was already forced into the Lake by Hurricane Sandy, will make for dire circumstances in Deal Lake?s future, he said.



I read that thread here in the nj fishing forum about Joe Palloto and the jetty. E-mails sent. Give em hell guys!:kicknuts: :clapping::clapping:

[jigfreak]

Cmon gang Pallotto is a force of nature. He may not be as young as he used to be but theres still fire in the belly. Lets give this whatever we can spare. Either write a quick letter or get to that rally. Pallotto doesn't give up easily.

[finchaser]

I know Pallotto since 1972 was with him the other day and he still has fight. But lets be real the Jetty thing is a double edge sword the Deal home owners association joins forces with a fishing club to save jetty row. Deal hates fisherman, surfers and swimmers. They save the jetties and avoid restoration being pushed on them which allows them to prohibit access and parking like they originally said when DEP left all of the above up to each individual town. The other 2 towns (Locke Harbor and Elberon want to stop access as it's where all the snag and drop goes on in the spring. Many streets there are already no parking. IMO there's a fox in the hen house.

[hookset]

I know Pallotto since 1972 was with him the other day and he still has fight. But lets be real the Jetty thing is a double edge sword the Deal home owners association joins forces with a fishing club to save jetty row. Deal hates fisherman, surfers and swimmers. They save the jetties and avoid restoration being pushed on them which allows them to prohibit access and parking like they originally said when DEP left all of the above up to each individual town. The other 2 towns (Locke Harbor and Elberon want to stop access as it's where all the snag and drop goes on in the spring. Many streets there are already no parking. IMO there's a fox in the hen house.

Sorry big guy but whats with the all the debbie downer attitude? This is like a chess game where the kid is playing the grand master. You know the grand master will always have the advantage. I am hoping the kid will win. There is a weird alliance I will agree with you on that. Surf fishermen aligned with homeowners. What choice do we have? I have to work late fri and earliest I can get there is 7pm which it will prob be over by then.

I read all the time on here dark talking you up for all you did for the fishermen. I don't care if peta gets involved or if all the flamers who live in asbury are there it's still people standing in support isn't it?
Why the negativity all of a sudden? It almost seems like you are against people standing up to the DEP. Are you going?

[finchaser]

I'll be there just stating facts this has nothing to do with DEP it has to do with towns objecting to a federal replenishment program to stop beach access. We have been tricked many times . Like at the last fluke meeting we all voted against option three which was to be stricken from the vote and they rammed option 3 down our throats without a vote. Deal has hated fisherman since the 70's including taking us to court, and now they are our friends just warning people something isn't right here. I have been fighting these fight for over 40 years, way before all this internet bullsh_t and that has made me wise especially when it comes to government. Most public hearings like the one on the 26th listed with such short notice are after the fact to blow smoke up our as_'s. From what I understand the contracts have already been awarded. By the way in case you don't know the workers doing all the replenishment are from Louisiana. We spoke to a bunch of them when they filled in Manasquan and they told us they will be here for the next 1 to 2 years alternating workers until they fill in Sandy hook to Manasquan Inlet which is a federal program. Not speaking for Joe I think he realized this and called in the media as we have done in the past like redoing the flume.


Want to say I'm negative fine I'm not a rah rah person I always call a spade a shovel and always will. In this day and age everyone is all gung ho on the internet and never show up for meetings and when things go bad they blame the other guy or the commercials. Deal backing the Asbury club sends up red fags as far as a large group of us are concerned. Also if the bass pin bunker against the beach on Friday except for a few of the old timers and the media no one would show at the rally.

[buckethead]

I think we are all going for the same thing here. The quandry is we may need to join forces with a group that hates us the homeowners.
finchaser you made some good points but I would ask you in all the battles you have been it was it ever easy? Did the groups that marshalled together always have the same agenda? Politics is a dirty business. I recall the old saying politics makes strange bedfellows. It seems like we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. It seems to me the best course of action is to join forces in support of Joe. If the homeowners jump in for their own personal gain there is nothing that can be done. Considering the alternatives - no access and untouched jetties or full access and sand filled beaches with no life in them - I would choose the no access and untouched jetties option. Those are my .02 for what it is worth.

[ledhead36]

I recall the old saying politics makes strange bedfellows. It seems like we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. It seems to me the best course of action is to join forces in support of Joe. If the homeowners jump in for their own personal gain there is nothing that can be done.


makes sense to me thanks for the updates please keep us posted with what happens. Hope this gets some news coverage

[finchaser]

Just brought this to everyone's attention so we don't bring a knife to a gun fight so to speak

No there never easy but its easier to win when your prepared and not blind sided.

Yes Joe and our group have always fought together win or lose.

Just so you know we are fighting for untouched and access which will be hard because the homeowner are against fisherman more than ever because of the snag and drop pencil popper groups in the Deal to Elborne area. Every spring they've ruined property, blocked streets, parked in drive ways ,desiccated in yards, and left fish racks and garbage everywhere . Very few fishermen attended those access meeting when they banned parking in Elboron on streets like Garfield ,Pullman and others.

Well enough explaining I have better things to do.

[finchaser]

Here's the Army Corps report and is what were up against

102 pages, much of which really doesn't adhere to common sense

For those of you who don't know only inlets have jetties, groins are what we call jetties

http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Portals/37/docs/civilworks/projects/nj/coast/SHtoBI/EtoLA/Main_Rpt_21_Feb_2014.pdf

The synopsis:

The recommended plan consists of constructing a 100 ft wide beach berm at an elevation of
+7.3 ft North American Vertical Datum 1988 (NAVD88) (+10 ft Mean Low Water (MLW)) that
includes 2 ft high storm cap designed at an elevation of +9.3 ft NAVD88 (+12 ft MLW).
Approximately 4,450,000 cubic yards (cy) of sand from the Sea Bright Borrow Area (SBBA)
will be used to construct the beach berm. Six existing groins will be modified to allow sediment
to pass through and prevent sediment impoundment. Sixteen existing outfalls will be modified as
a result of the beach berm construction. Renourishment for the Elberon to Loch Arbour Reach
will occur every six years for the remaining 32-year period of analysis at an expected volume of
660,000 cy per renourishment cycle.


FWIW, am I wrong in thinking that "Sediment Impoundment" means to keep in one spot which is a good thing http://files.stripersonline.com/images/smilies/headscratch.gif

All of this from what I understand has been approved as this is a federal program

[DarkSkies]

Finchaser lays it all out here in black and white......:thumbsup:


Here's the Army Corps report and is what were up against

http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Portals/37/docs/civilworks/projects/nj/coast/SHtoBI/EtoLA/Main_Rpt_21_Feb_2014.pdf

The synopsis:
The recommended plan consists of constructing a 100 ft wide beach berm at an

1. elevation of +7.3 ft North American Vertical Datum 1988 (NAVD88)
2. (+10 ft Mean Low Water (MLW)) that
3. includes 2 ft high storm cap designed at an elevation of +9.3 ft NAVD88 (+12 ft MLW).

4. Approximately 4,450,000 cubic yards (cy) of sand from the Sea Bright Borrow Area (SBBA)
will be used to construct the beach berm.

5. Six existing groins will be modified to allow sediment
to pass through and prevent sediment impoundment. Sixteen existing outfalls will be modified as
a result of the beach berm construction.

6. ** Renourishment for the Elberon to Loch Arbour Reach
will occur every six years for the remaining 32-year period of analysis at an expected volume of
660,000 cy per renourishment cycle.

All of this from what I understand has been approved as this is a federal program


Folks, not only do they intend to do this once, but will continue it for the next 32 years!
The projected estimate of doing this for this segment alone, (as I understand it), is $134 million over that period.

A. The key point to be made, is that (Most of) this area needs neither a sea wall, NOR beach replenishment....it is at a higher elevation than others.....this verifiable fact is mentioned nowhere in the ACOE report...
It's also simple logic that if we have another storm the size of Sandy, or even half that, all that replenished sand will be washed away......money spent for nothing as it will not protect the houses. IMO given these facts, a sea wall in the areas that were affected by Sandy, makes the most sense in the long run. Others have suggested this and I agree.

B. "Sediment Impoundment" : Deal Lake is already being filled with sand, as this project, partially covering the Deal Lake flume on the Asbury 8th Ave Jetty.....is starting to impact that breachway. IMO despite the ACOE claims, notching the jetties/groins will not resolve this.....

C. Environmental and Ecosystem Damage:
anyone with basic construction knowledge will remember that the 8th ave jetty served an ecosystem purpose, to allow herring to get in and out of Deal Lake to spawn. The sand remediation will change this by making the level of the beach, higher than the level of the lake....there is no way the herring will ever be able to get into that lake again...solely by playing around with sand levels alone....

I know that most folks are mostly concerned about fishing implications...as am I....but if you take away all the life in the ecosystem....we all suffer long-term as that rich robust environment...clams, mussels, snails, jetty invertebrates, crabs, and small forage and gamefish species that make their home in that area..and migrate through the breachway (herring)...will be severely impacted, and likely never come back to their prior robust health......











**There are times in one's life, when there is a wrong..... pending "down the highway".... that is so poorly thought out, and so mis-conceived....you would feel compelled to fight against it.
This, folks, is one such example. To recap...

1. This will ruin the ecosystem there.
It will likely be the end of the herring spawning there. We are now restricted from fishing herring because the numbers are so low...can we afford to lose another spawning area for the herring?

2. It will cause a vast dead zone/ wasteland, in what is now a rich and unique ecosystem...that previously went untouched for decades....

3. Most importantly, it will not be as effective against major hurricanes and storms as they claim....

It will ruin fishing, for many of us who fish the beaches. At times, we are not able to see the importance of these little battles....I submit to the folks reading this, that it is one of the most significant access battles we are now facing along the NJ Coast.....looking back in time, others will see this....


Drag Island was an important access battle, yet we had to plead and plead for folks just to put their signatures on a simple petition. All of the listed fishing clubs in NJ were contacted, yet few showed support, and got involved.
It seems to be the same here.....
The same few people (and clubs) getting involved, many others sitting on the sidelines.......

**We may lose, or way win....
It's up to you to decide which group you're in.....:thumbsup:

Will you try to send an e-mail, or go to the rally on Fri?
Or will you sit on the sidelines....and let Joe and others do the hard work....and then complain about it, when you finally see the devastating result it will have on NJ fishing opportunities and access, if we do lose?

Thanks for reading...:HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Update........
I'm sending out more e-mails today. I don't care if you reply to me or not, not necessary.....though I do thank you all for the kind words in the replies I have been getting from some of ya's....:HappyWave:

We're still asking folks to send those e-mails.....
Even if you just choose one name and send it, it can make a difference. In the e-mails I'm sending to folks out there, I have tried to make it easy....all you have to do is C&P....it won't take more than a few minutes of your time.....thanks for any effort you can provide.....:thumbsup:
















Countdown:
7 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.







from the Asbury Sun - By Jill Bartlett

Concerned citizens, fishermen, residents of Deal Lake and area stakeholders will gather Friday to protest against a 3.5 mile beach replenishment project that stretches from Loch Arbour to Elberon.

The president of a local fishing organization says the project will destroy a well-known fishing area called Jetty Country, and a member of the Deal Lake Commission has growing concerns about the sand that is already entering the Deal Lake flume structure from the Asbury Park replenishment project.

At the Friday protest, to be held at the Deal Lake Flume House at 5 p.m., Asbury Park Fishing Club President Joe Pallotto will urge the Army Corps of Engineers [ACOE] not to pump a lot of sand onto the beaches between Loch Arbour and Allenhurst, not to notch the jetties and to be aware of the area around the flume structure, he said.
“This is Jetty Country to the fishing anglers — once they notch those jetties it will be over for the fisherman.”

The roughly 3.5 mile section of beach reaches from Lake Takanassee in the Elberon section of Long Branch and extends approximately 3.5 miles, ending near Deal Lake in the Village of Loch Arbour.

An ACOE report and environmental assessment of the project calls for six existing groins to be modified to allow sediment to pass through.

The modifications, commonly referred to as notching, remove the rocks from the area of the groin closest to the sand so that water can pass through. But they prevent access to the groin during high tides and creates rip tides, causing hazardous swimming conditions, Pallotto said.

Pallotto is the protest’s main organizer, and it is not the first time he has protested against beach replenishment.

During the 1990 beach replenishment project that rolled through Asbury Park, Pallotto was employed as the Asbury Park Beach Supervisor and served as a liaison to the Army Corps of Engineers replenishment project.

Back then, he warned the sand would back-fill into Deal Lake and cause irreparable harm to the flume structure itself, but no one paid any mind, he said.

The Deal Lake flume structure lies under the jetty that separates Asbury Park’s Northernmost beach from Loch Arbour.
“They thought I was nuts,” said Pallotto.

Pallotto made his stand, protesting against the project and making his case in the local media outlets and to Congressman Frank Pallone.
An $8 million dollar flume extension project was the end result, Pallotto said.

Renourishment for the Elberon to Loch Arbour Reach will occur every six years for the remaining 32-year period of analysis, the report says. The total project first cost, which includes real estate administration costs and pertinent contingency, engineering and design and construction management costs, is $134,638,000, the report said.


2. Joe Pallotto's rally is tomorrow, Deal Lake Flume house at 5pm. Please show up if you care about access.....every person coming is important....this is your chance to be heard.
Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[jigfreak]

32 years of replenishment is insane. They might as well put us in jail for 32 years. Never in our lifetimes will the life come back there. We have to fight this gents.

[buckethead]

2. Joe Pallotto's rally is tomorrow, Deal Lake Flume house at 5pm. Please show up if you care about access.....every person coming is important....this is your chance to be heard.
Thanks people! :HappyWave:

Thanks for keeping this at the top dark. The flume house is at the East end of Deal lake. It is a small structure right where the flume starts. For folks driving there it is right between the 8th ave jetty parking lot and the part where the E end of Deal Lake meets the street. Right on ocean ave. Between the edges of the lake bordered by ocean ave and ocean place. You can park in the Asbury jetty lot or on the street. Be aware of any parking signs or restrictions. Hoping the press will be there we really need to get this out. We must fight this by any means necessary.

[surferman]

You should try to get as many press people as you can. Like the asbury park press john oswald, al ristory, the nj local news. Here is another number for the press.
Brian Donohue "Ledger Live" at the Star ledger.
number is 973-392-1543
email is
Bdonohue@starledger.com

I called it and left a message, e-mail as well. I will be there lets make this thing big!

[seamonkey]

Thanks surferman I just called him and left a message. Hopefully he will have so many of us calling him that he knows it is not to be missed. Great work guys!

[DarkSkies]

You're all doing a great job. Wish we could get these postive responses and activity on all the fishing web sites.
For anyone going down there tomorrow, these are the directions:
From NNJ:
about an hour or less

From SNJ:
about an hour or less


The flume house is at the East end of Deal lake. It is a small structure right where the flume starts. For folks driving there it is right between the 8th ave jetty parking lot and the part where the E end of Deal Lake meets the street. Right on ocean ave. Between the edges of the lake bordered by ocean ave and ocean place. You can park in the Asbury jetty lot or on the street. Be aware of any parking signs or restrictions. Hoping the press will be there we really need to get this out.

**Someone suggested that I use 100 Ocean Pl
Loch Arbour, NJ 07711
as the approximate destination for those who are plugging it into your GPS. Just remember that as buckethead said the flume house is on the EAST Side of the lake, less than a few hundred feet from the ocean.


I did a quick phone interview with Joe Pallotto (rally organizer) this morning. He told me there will be a big banner there, at around 4:45 PM or earlier, with the words "Save Jetty Country!! - No Jetty Notching!!"

If you have trouble finding it, just look for the crazy fishermen standing around with serious looks on their faces....:fishing: :HappyWave:....This is a pic of the flume house for anyone who needs further motivation, or directions.

18088

[hookedonbass]

Awesome! list of groups so far - Bradley Beach, Berkeley, Shark River and Asbury Park Fishing Club, Clean Ocean Action, Surfers Alliance, Deal Lake Commission and hopefully Rep. Frank Pallone.
I'll be there. Lets keep this at the top!

[Shorelady]

I copied the information from the minutes of the Town meeting of Allenhurst Feb 11. See everyone tomorrow, Friday
11. Notching jetty. The Borough Engineer has been requested by the DEP to provide a technical report on why the Borough objects to the notching of the jetty. The Board authorized Mr. Avakian to prepare the report.

[finchaser]

so whose all going

[dogfish]

Looks like y'all have the makings of a good old fashioned protest rally. Press coverage will be key. Think what you will say when they ask you why you are there. I would be there if I didn't live 4 states away. Knock em dead fellas.:kicknuts:

[fishinmission78]

I wont be able to make it but have sent e-mails. I saw that thing about the press and called e-mailed yesterday as well. Good luck gents and thanks for everything.

[DarkSkies]

Sorry big guy but whats with the all the debbie downer attitude?....
I read all the time on here dark talking you up for all you did for the fishermen. I don't care if peta gets involved or if all the flamers who live in asbury are there it's still people standing in support isn't it?
Why the negativity all of a sudden?

You people don't want to listen to me.....I gave him the nickname Old Grouchy Basstid for a reason. It's not an act, he's like this every day....;)
Killie has another name he calls him....."Black Cloud Bob" :scared:
We all owe finchaser a debt of gratitude for the fighting he has done for our fisheries and fishing access...:clapping::thumbsup:...but that doesn't take away from the fact that he is a grouchy SOB (Not all the time.....only when he's awake :kiss: :HappyWave: )
He is who he is...crusty, curmudgeonly, not politically correct, crabby, grouchy, covered with barnacles....you get the picture.......:thumbsup:
So no one here should be surprised at his grouchiness.....:HappyWave:











Update........
There will be some good news coverage today....Joe Pallotto told me John Oswald of the APP will be there, some of the local affiliates said they would cover it.....and almost everyone who covers NJ or the fishing world has been notified.

I have some doubts about Congressman Frank Pallone showing up....been getting some feedback that he has not really responded to the emails some have sent him, just a standard "Thank you for your concerns, I am looking into it" template sent back to those who reached out to him....

It almost seems (to me) that he is trying to avoid us, has aligned himself with this project, and doesn't want to face the facts that it won't work for this area....as he has many constituents living there who have pressed him to do this. I still hold hope that he will show up....

Thanks people for all your effort. See ya's there!










Countdown:
6 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Save the Jetties rally is today Deal Lake Flume house at 5pm. Please show up if you care about access.....every person coming is important....this is your chance to be heard.
Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[storminsteve]

You people don't want to listen to me.....I gave him the nickname Old Grouchy Basstid for a reason. It's not an act, he's like this every day....;)
Killie has another name he calls him....."Black Cloud Bob" :scared:


Aww turn that frown upside down! Happy dance for finchaser.:HappyWave:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2-EGNKzUAQ&list=PLbpi6ZahtOH6G8SJ44P-lok4-Kqv1-8Fx&feature=inp-em-H32-01

[finchaser]

You people don't want to listen to me.....I gave him the nickname Old Grouchy Basstid for a reason. It's not an act, he's like this every day....;)
Killie has another name he calls him....."Black Cloud Bob" :scared:
We all owe finchaser a debt of gratitude for the fighting he has done for our fisheries and fishing access...:clapping::thumbsup:...but that doesn't take away from the fact that he is a grouchy SOB (Not all the time.....only when he's awake :kiss: :HappyWave: )
He is who he is...crusty, curmudgeonly, not politically correct, crabby, grouchy, covered with barnacles....you get the picture.......:thumbsup:
So no one here should be surprised at his grouchiness.....:HappyWave:

If your going to quote Killie I'm referred to as Doom and Gloom because he says I call it like I see it no sugar coating.

SS thanks for the OGB theme song appreciate it

[buckethead]

There are several letters stating that sand is the worst option. finchaser and dark have said it and I agree. Seawalls have been discussed but dismissed as too costly. Folks should realize that by the time this project is done 32 years from now the cost per mile for sand replenishment will be estimated at $100 million per mile. Yes folks I read that number yesterday. Although it is an estimate, can we afford to spend $100 million dollars per mile when there are better alternatives?

Shark River sent a letter discussing lengthening the jetties and making T's at the end. I think that would be much more reasonable and it does make sense. When you think of some of the Pacific tropical islands that are in storm paths they do not suffer as extreme damage because some of them have atolls, or the reefs ringing them. If they made all the jetties into tjetties that could work. It would definitely cost less than $100 million per mile, and less than running a seawall all along the NJ Coast which a lot of property owners seem to be against. There are several viable alternatives out there folks, and many of them are better and less costly than the sand replenishment.

This is part of the shark river letter:

"We feel that a better, more effective, and longer lasting option would be to extend the jetties, adding "T's", aka breakwaters, at their ends to absorb the impact of the waves and to trap the sand. We also believe that there must be a robust, stabilized dune system to protect the homes. This is science that has been proven to work unlike the current method that quickly washes away and also acts as a “ramp” to help send storm surge into homes and businesses.

It has been proven in places like Long Beach Island and Long Beach NY that a proper system of dunes offers the best shore protection from catastrophic damage. Quoting from a NY Times article By Mireya Navarro and Rachel Newer on December 3, 2012, “The smaller neighboring communities on the barrier island [of Long Beach] — Point Lookout, Lido Beach and Atlantic Beach — approved construction of 15-foot-high dunes as storm insurance. Those dunes did their job, sparing them catastrophic damage while [the neighboring town of] Long Beach suffered at least $200 million in property and infrastructure losses, according to preliminary estimates.”

Longer jetties would dramatically curtail the northern movement of the sand and the T's would help trap it there. The T’s would also help protect the new beach and dunes by deflecting the power of the incoming waves. The T’s are another word for “breakwaters”, in effect long heaps of rocks placed parallel to the shore to intercept waves. Over 6,000 have been built in Japan with great success.

The current science claims that the north sides of the jetties will lose sand more than the south side. A simple observation shows that this is true, but the overwhelming anecdotal evidence, and simple common sense, shows that far less sand washes away with the jetties there then it does when there is nothing in place to stop it.
Robert Dalrymple, a civil engineer at the University of Delaware Sea Grant program says groins [jetties] may have a place: "Robbing of sand [movement of sand from the north side of one jetty to the south side of the next] will not happen when you fill the groin fields with sand before you use them. You don't make sand [bluffs broken down by waves to form beaches] with these devices, but they can protect sand pumped in from elsewhere.” By extending the jetties more sand will be held in place on both the north and south sides."

[buckethead]

I haven't done the research on who is getting all these contracts. I read that some company with Louisiana workers has the bulk of this leg of the project. Often when these are bid out it is one company that gets most of the pie. If any folks have investigative reporter skills I suggest you do some digging.

I would bet any amount of money that somewhere along the line, the company getting most of the work has campaign ties to either a local politician or federal congress person. It is that person or persons who is on the committee to approve these funds. As you may know Congress has all these special appropriations committees. Do the research and you might find something that stinks, not just the mud they are pulling from the bottom of the ocean. If they recommended sand replenishment over putting in seawalls, or extending the jetties there has to be a reward there somewhere to the dredging companys. It doesn't follow logically that they would spend more money to have ineffective solutions. There has to be some financial agenda or reward that we don't know about. I don't know if Pallone is getting any kickbacks or campaign contributions from this but he should be investigated as well.

[seamonkey]

Wow this is eye opening. The rally is 100 miles from me and I can't make it. I do want to help though have done my best to send the e-mails. Also I found congressman pallone's number on his site.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140
How about instead of e-mails we just blast his office with calls telling him you are against the jetty notching and sand filling? It can't hurt and might help if we pester him so much that he will know we are not happy with him. I will call and report what happened. Good luck guys and thanks to all the soldiers out there!:clapping:

[finchaser]

I haven't done the research on who is getting all these contracts. I read that some company with Louisiana workers has the bulk of this leg of the project. Often when these are bid out it is one company that gets most of the pie. If any folks have investigative reporter skills I suggest you do some digging.

I would bet any amount of money that somewhere along the line, the company getting most of the work has campaign ties to either a local politician or federal congress person. It is that person or persons who is on the committee to approve these funds. As you may know Congress has all these special appropriations committees. Do the research and you might find something that stinks, not just the mud they are pulling from the bottom of the ocean. If they recommended sand replenishment over putting in seawalls, or extending the jetties there has to be a reward there somewhere to the dredging companys. It doesn't follow logically that they would spend more money to have ineffective solutions. There has to be some financial agenda or reward that we don't know about. I don't know if Pallone is getting any kickbacks or campaign contributions from this but he should be investigated as well.


Always out of state companies IMO political favors to contributors. the Point pleasant canal was just repaired by a Wisconsin company. Got to cost a fortune to fly workers back and forth monthly. plus they get room and board in some cases. The Louisiana guys are staying on the dredge.

Planning to do beach replenishment for 6 years has got to tell you it doesn't work never a permanent fix. all it does is protect homes in places they never should have been built but those homeowners fill the political campaign pipeline.

[finchaser]

Big turn out I'll let Dark do what he does best, write a novel. I forgot to post yesterday besides our individual emails the guy's in my club that do all the access research and write letters almost on a daily basis, helped compose this letter on behalf of our 120 club members. This explains alternative solutions beside burying everything in sand

The Opinion of the Shark River Surf Anglers on Beach Replenishment and Jetty Notching in Monmouth County New Jersey, March 20, 2014

We, the 120 members of the Shark River Surf Anglers out of Belmar NJ, are united in voicing our strong opposition to the current proposed New Jersey Beach Replenishment Rules as specified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District in their report dated February 2014:

ATLANTIC COAST OF NEW JERSEY,
SANDY HOOK TO BARNEGAT INLET
BEACH EROSION CONTROL PROJECT,
SECTION I - SEA BRIGHT TO OCEAN TOWNSHIP:
ELBERON TO LOCH ARBOUR REACH
DRAFT INTEGRATED HURRICANE SANDY
LIMITED REEVALUATION REPORT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Available for public download at:
http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Portals/37/docs/civilworks/projects/nj/coast/SHtoBI/EtoLA/Main_Rpt_21_Feb_2014.pdf

Many of us have had our homes damaged, even destroyed, by Hurricane Sandy. We understand that the shore needs to be protected; however, we strongly believe that the current plan is not the most effective, either in protecting homes or in cost effectiveness.

As extremely active surf fisherman we spend many hours on the beaches from Sandy Hook down to Long Beach Island and are very familiar with the effects of the past 18 years of beach replenishment in its current form. We feel that a better, more effective, and longer lasting option would be to extend the jetties, adding "T's", aka breakwaters, at their ends to absorb the impact of the waves and to trap the sand. We also believe that there must be a robust, stabilized dune system to protect the homes. This is science that has been proven to work unlike the current method that quickly washes away and also acts as a “ramp” to help send storm surge into homes and businesses.

It has been proven in places like Long Beach Island and Long Beach NY that a proper system of dunes offers the best shore protection from catastrophic damage. Quoting from a NY Times article By Mireya Navarro and Rachel Newer on December 3, 2012, “The smaller neighboring communities on the barrier island [of Long Beach] — Point Lookout, Lido Beach and Atlantic Beach — approved construction of 15-foot-high dunes as storm insurance. Those dunes did their job, sparing them catastrophic damage while [the neighboring town of] Long Beach suffered at least $200 million in property and infrastructure losses, according to preliminary estimates.”

Longer jetties would dramatically curtail the northern movement of the sand and the T's would help trap it there. The T’s would also help protect the new beach and dunes by deflecting the power of the incoming waves. The T’s are another word for “breakwaters”, in effect long heaps of rocks placed parallel to the shore to intercept waves. Over 6,000 have been built in Japan with great success.

The current science claims that the north sides of the jetties will lose sand more than the south side. A simple observation shows that this is true, but the overwhelming anecdotal evidence, and simple common sense, shows that far less sand washes away with the jetties there then it does when there is nothing in place to stop it. Robert Dalrymple, a civil engineer at the University of Delaware Sea Grant program says groins [jetties] may have a place: "Robbing of sand [movement of sand from the north side of one jetty to the south side of the next] will not happen when you fill the groin fields with sand before you use them. You don't make sand [bluffs broken down by waves to form beaches] with these devices, but they can protect sand pumped in from elsewhere.” By extending the jetties more sand will be held in place on both the north and south sides.

The current design, quoted from the above listed Army Corps report, which we disagree with, states that “Six existing groins will be modified to allow sediment to pass through and prevent sediment impoundment.” We strongly believe that sand should be impounded, retained in position as much as possible, not quickly carried away.

Another important point that has not been discussed is the offshore environmental impact. The Shrewsbury Rocks and the Elberon Rocks are in serious danger of being significantly covered over by replenishment sand.

Following the original replenishments in the 1990’s and early 2000’s large sections of the Shrewsbury rocks filled in with the sand that had been pumped onto the beach. This resulted in serious damage to the fragile and unique benthic environment that had previously supported a diverse aquatic community (go ask any party boat captain that worked that area). We feel that this cannot be allowed to happen again. The sand has to be held in place. We can't afford to lose any of the dynamic fish nurseries that are the rock structures just off the targeted beaches.

An additional advantage to extending the jetties would be that when replenishment is required in the future the vast majority would be on the north sides of the jetties only. This means that the square yardage of sand required would be far, far less, likely around half as much. Also, because the sand is being held in place, replenishment would be required far less often.

Financially, over time, using a method to trap and hold the sand would save the taxpayers money. This money, in the form of sand, is currently washing away in huge amounts during even the smallest weather events, and through the natural northbound direction of the littoral currents. Right now as you read this the sand is being pushed north by every wave, ultimately into the shipping channels off the tip of Sandy Hook. If you visit the end of Sandy Hook you will see that the location of the channel, once close to one half mile from the shore, is now only around a football field away. This is due to the massive growth of the east point of Sandy Hook out into Raritan Bay by the accumulation of replenishment sand. This movement and depositing of sand into the Earl and Sandy Hook Channels will require significant additional, virtually unending, dredging work at the cost of millions upon millions of taxpayer dollars.

While we understand that the shore should be protected, it is our opinion, backed by the experience of lifetimes spent on the beaches, that the current methods are not the most efficient, nor are they the most cost effective. In fact they seem to be designed to create a vicious cycle of constant replenishment at enormous taxpayer expense and great detriment to our fragile littoral environment.

Sincerely,

The Shark River Surf Anglers Members and Executive Board
Greg Hueth, President
Ken Morse, Vice President
Sal Loffredo , Treasurer
Darryl Zarichak, Secretary

[DarkSkies]

If your going to quote Killie I'm referred to as Doom and Gloom because he says I call it like I see it no sugar coating.



Yup...how forgetful of me...:beatin: I forgot Killie has 2 names for you....
"Gloom and doom" when you're standing or fishing next to us....
"Black Cloud Bob" when you're not there and we can speak more freely...:laugh: :kiss:
I know some in the surf fishing community probably have some choice names for me as well.....it's a good thing I have thick skin.....
:HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Update:
A Decent start......

There were quite a few different groups represented at the Asbury Flume today.....
surfers, fishermen, (and fisherwomen - Shorelady and others...:HappyWave:)
Homeowners, the American Littoral Society...members of the Deal Lake Commission..Surfrider Fundation....some of the most well-known of the surf fishing icons..Joe Pallotto and Sr members of the Asbury Club....Shel E. Caris.....Capt Colin Archer (the Average Angler), club reps from Asbury, Shark River, Berkeley, and a few other clubs.....

Chumbucket, John Amato/aka Johnnycakes, Sudsy, Gene Amato of FishOn Plugs, Nick of Luna Lures, Dan the Tinman, Mark Ballotto, Capt Paul Eidman/aka Paulyfish.....many other well-known figures in the surf fishing community...,and some who may not be well-known, but were there just the same.....

Good coverage by the press...John Oswald....News 12...etc.....

All coming together for a common cause....divergent in our interests, united in our resolve to not let this happen and explore other alternatives....

Although apathy reigns supreme among many fishermen today......one of the most remarkable attendees was a guy I know from another site, and who has been instrumental in helping us raise awareness for Drag Island..Tidewalker.....the first time I got to put the name to the face,,,,
What was remarkable was....he probably drove the furthest distance to get there....about 90 miles from the Philly area.....When I think of all the excuses and "Let Joe do it" attitudes I hear from some fishermen out there......the effort this guy made was outstanding and deserves special mention....:clapping: :clapping:.........

The meeting was short but positive and opened some dialogue for further talks.
Whether this is enough to stop this project, honestly..... still remains to be seen........












**IMO without more support, there is no way we can make more headway..and we will most likely fail.......many of us are determined to keep at it anyway....make no mistake...we will not give up until the last minute.....
For all the talk about Frank Pallone.... although he lives and works within 5 miles of the rally site and was invited by dozens of e-mails, he did not show up.......(Joe told me they did have a phone call earlier in the day, so we'll have to see how that develops)......

[DarkSkies]

Video - I shot some fantastic video interviewing some of the key figures.....

Unfortunately, I can't escape my googan ways...and made an unforgivable blunder....I haven't used that video cam in over a year and forgot how to record....ending up with only one video of the 7 that I "thought" I shot......there are times in your life that you wonder how much you can goof up in one day...this was one of those times.....

Since the videos are now only showing in my head....:kooky: I'll try to recreate a synopsis of each and post to the best of my recollection........Suffice to say, I am a freaking idiot..:bucktooth:..with boundless capacity to screw up...I am so disappointed in my failings at times....:beatin:




**Stay tuned, folks....this isn't over yet.......:thumbsup:

[finchaser]

these were posted from some where else by more disgruntle fisherman

1) Pallone is NOT the "friend of the fishermen" that he claims to be in his propaganda.
If he were, he wouldn't be the spear point for beach replenishment in it's current (proven failed) manner, nor would we have lost so much of our fluke quota to NY this season.

Remember that come election time



2) Who will win this battle of the giants?

The ACOE has the evil, crooked and corrupt politician Pallone on their side and the surf fishermen are only armed with their surf rods and reels...

[dogfish]

Our fishermen had problems here that could only be resolved when Governor Patrick went to the feds. This sounds like it is a federal issue because that is where the money and decisions are coming from. Perhaps your Governor would be willing to do the same?

[DarkSkies]

2) Who will win this battle of the giants?

The ACOE has the evil, crooked and corrupt politician Pallone on their side and the surf fishermen are only armed with their surf rods and reels...

Dogfish, thank you for making that point above. See the quote from finchaser. While discussing this, Finchaser suggested that this could only be won at the federal level with a lawsuit. He may be right. Feds have much more power than the state....If we can't find a strong compelling legal reason to stop them, we may not be able to do much more.

I support our Gov Christie, but so far he has not proven to be a strong supporter for fishermens rights. We did get a response from him Re: Drag Island, but I believe that was mostly because the State stood to lose millions in construction delays if we were to proceed in court as we implied we would.

**JMO....we won at Drag Island because there were underlying legal reasons (Public Trust; and Wetlands Remediation Policy). This caused them to come to us before any fights were started, and make an offer to continue access) When someone makes an offer to you before you have even started the court process, you know they were quaking in their boots and had a lot to lose....

**Sadly, that is not the case here, and we need more support and alliances, or this movement will end up dead in the water.






Strategic Analysis:
IMO, to win this, we will need to
1. Double up on the support numbers we have now.
2. Apply more pressure at the State and Federal leve (this is a Federal project with federal funds)
3. Possibly a lawsuit at the Federal level, maybe related to Environmental issues.

4. Strategic Alliances with other User Groups - (ALS, Surfrider, Homeowners, Deal Lake Commission). All of you out there, who moan and complain about environmentalists, should remember that although there are hundreds of thousands of saltwater fishermen in NJ, (some estimates at over a half million for NJ alone) there was a relatively small % of that who showed up yesterdaY.....the only way to get action, may be to join forces with groups like the ALS (American Littoral Society) to strenghen the numbers. There are just not enough fishermen out there willing to get involved and take a few minutes of their time. Remember that if you start criticizing.... if you see an ALS/ Environmental Group alliance in the future.

[finchaser]

Pallone is backing the project got to protect pier one supporters, final approval is the 26th. You can't compare an old bridge to multi millionaire's homes that house political contributors .

Locke harbor is 2 blocks wide and they get something like 100 million in aid for this

[hookedonbass]

I went and thought it was worthwhile. I know you said it was at the federal level. However it seems that Pallone even if he is crooked is someone that should be pressured. Lets make those phone calls and bother the hell out of the guy! If you are not mad enough here is a video Beach Rich Fish Poor by Art Nelson it is pretty strong in what is shows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4N22tarcr4#t=26

[fishinmission78]

Pallone is backing the project got to protect pier one supporters, final approval is the 26th. You can't compare an old bridge to multi millionaire's homes that house political contributors .

Locke harbor is 2 blocks wide and they get something like 100 million in aid for this


I went and thought it was worthwhile. I know you said it was at the federal level. However it seems that Pallone even if he is crooked is someone that should be pressured. Lets make those phone calls and bother the hell out of the guy! If you are not mad enough here is a video Beach Rich Fish Poor by Art Nelson it is pretty strong in what is shows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4N22tarcr4#t=26

Nice video hooked on bass. finchaser I agree. Pallone is a dirtbag. Snake oil salesman. I tried to e-mail him before I saw that address you guys posted and you can't even get in e-mail contact with him unless you live in his district. He is all about the $$ and votes. He tried to run for Senate in 2013 and lost. I think he's going to retire after this term. If not we should make sure he never gets elected again. Im sorry I missed the rally yesterday thanks to all those who went. I will call his office on Monday. I guess I will have to lie and say I live up there to get someone to listen to me. If 1000 of us made those calls maybe the ****** would pay attention.

[hookedonbass]

Thanks that video goes back to 1994- 1997 and different jetties but it still is true. As for pallone I have to agree. He knew it was important to us and he sent a lackey to read a statement. Total political propaganda - Yes my fellow americans I heard you and feel your pain. Total BS!!!!!! If he heard us why didn't he show up personally if he only lives down the road?

[finchaser]

Yesterday



http://theaverageangler.blogspot.com/2014/03/032114-great-turnout-at-jetty-country.html

[buckethead]

We can't let up and have to keep asking for real answers to our questions and at the same time raising issues about the reasonableness of a method (pouring sand on jetties and notching) that has not proven effective at any nj area they have tried it on.
Good turnout at the rally. The ACOE said they will give prompt attention to the sand that is filling in the flume and $1mm was earmarked to help dredge deal lake. Pallone did not show up. The statement read by his rep sounded conciliatory but full of political doublespeak. I don't trust it. Good job to everyone who was there.

[buckethead]

Some nice press coverage that we got-

http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2014/03/protesters_complain_beach_replenishment_may_damage _waterways_ecosystems.html#incart_river_default


ASBURY PARK : Not everyone is a fan of the beach replenishment, touted as protection for shore communities against coastal flooding and storm surges

Environmental and civic groups expressed concern that an U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project could harm coastal waterways at a protest at the Deal Lake Flume House on the border between Asbury Park and Loch Arbour on Friday evening.

"Replenishment is good in some aspects, but it's fearful for all of us," Deal Lake Commission Chairman Don Brockle said. "There is more sand on Loch Arbour and Allenhurst beach than there's ever been in my lifetime."

Brockle said the extra sand isn't always a good thing, it can clog waterways outflow to the sea and harm fragile coastal ecosystems.

"I came down to look around because I knew they've had done some replenishment," Brockle said. "I walked out and I was shocked to find a pile of 5-foot sand at the end of my jetty. When I went out further, the flume was half filled."

The Deal Lake Flume is an 85-year-old tube allowing water to flow between Deal Lake and the Atlantic Ocean.

"Our concern is making a freeflowing flume out to the ocean," Brockle said. "We have thousands of people who could be flooded in the matter of moments. We need to be able to control the flow."

Deal Lake is Monmouth County's largest lake, with seven municipalities bordering it: Asbury Park, Ocean Township, Neptune Township, Deal, Allenhurst, Interlaken and Loch Arbour.

The flume has failed before, causing the lake to flood during high tides and inundating parts of the surrounding boroughs, Asbury Park Fishing Club president Joseph Pallotto said.

"It flooded in the 1990's," Pallotto said. "The tides came up and it rained for eight days straight, the flume couldn't handle all the water."

Pallotto was also concerned about the beach replenishment's effect on marine life.

"All of this involves all of our fishermen, all the surfers, all the beachgoers, all the people who live on Deal Lake," Pallotto said. "It's a shame all the sand they've dumped out there have killed all the crabs, mussels and star fish, so the fish can't come in here and eat anymore."

The flume acts as a spawning conduit for herring. The lake's largemouth bass, popular with anglers, depend on the herring for feed, and the adjacent jetties that extend into the Atlantic Ocean are popular destinations for striped bass fishermen.

"Making sure the fish can get back up into the lake in the spring time is what we own, that is what the public owns and that is what these agencies ought to be taking care of," Tim Dillingham, Executive Director of the American Littoral Society, said.

The protesters also expressed alarm at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to notch several of the Atlantic Ocean jetties to allow sand from replenishment to flow northward.

"All it does is create rip tides on either side of the jetty," Pallotto said. "It creates danger for people swimming and it does no good, the sand just washes up to Sandy Hook anyway."

The jetties, also called groins, are rocky outcroppings built to slow beach erosion. Where they have become submerged, they form a habitat for stripers, fluke and blackfish.

Notching would remove stones at the base of the jetty, which could deny anglers and other beach goers the ability to walk out on them.

Former Loch Arbour Mayor Bill Rosenblatt said not enough was known about the impact of notching jetties to justify the project.

Rosenblatt said other options should be explored for the Loch Arbour to Elberon coast.

"The governor and everybody else is talking about dunes and multiple projects, so let's do it," Rosenblatt said. "This is not an area where one size fits all. This is too unique an environmental, ecological and recreational resource to have somebody blindly fool around with it."

[seamonkey]

"The governor and everybody else is talking about dunes and multiple projects, so let's do it," Rosenblatt said. "This is not an area where one size fits all. This is too unique an environmental, ecological and recreational resource to have somebody blindly fool around with it."

That seems like an important part of the plan. Different options are needed. I don't know the area well but wish you continued success. I will call Pallone's office again on Monday and ask him what he actually will do besides talk about it.

[DarkSkies]

Update........
As mentioned this is a federal project. We may need to appeal to higher levels, or find some way to start a lawsuit with the Environmental damage/Herring migration being the focus.


There is a call for us to barrage Congressman Pallone with phone calls during the last days of this comment period. The reason to do this -- he has been a strong supporter of beach replenishment. I am not giving his statements credibility any more. He has lost all credibility with me. His actions are consistently different than the statements he puts out.


**Action plan - Call Congressman Pallone Mon-Tue March 24-25.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

1. Tell him you are a fisherman.
2. If you want to say you live in his district and feel he doesn't represent fishermen, that's an option as well.
3. Ask why he has not considered other options for beach replenishment.
4. Give your strong opinion that sand replenishment has not proven effective in NJ.
5. Ask him what concrete progress we the registered voters can expect of him as this goes forward.

Of course, you will not get to speak with him. But you can register your strong disapproval of his current stance and position.

**We need to do this, not by the dozens of calls, but hundreds of calls, to make a difference.
Get the word out to your friends who fish the salt....the clubs are already on it and will be making the calls.....
Don't think that your one call won't make a difference...it's exactly this kind of thinking that causes elections to be lost.....








Countdown:
4 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls this Monday and Tuesday....this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140


Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[plugginpete]

It's a toll call for me but what the heck I will call in on Monday. Good luck fellas. Show them they cant push you around.

[Shorelady]

Has anyone counted the number of homes, Retreat houses and beach clubs in the area from Elberon to Loch Arbour? I tried today and came up with 50 to 60. From what the ACOE states in the 102 page document 2 homes were destroyed in the area? Uhmmmm... So if my math is correct 134 millions dollars to provide a nice beach for Mc-Mansions, private clubs and retreat houses. That would be a cost of about 2 million dollars of sand per building. I'm sure the folks throughout the country would love spending their tax dollars for a nice beach for a Mc-Mansion.
Most of this area is well above Sea level and other than structures ON THE beach, there was not a lot of damage. Someone please correct my figures on the number of buildings on the beachfront if need be. (had a heck of a time counting them. Hold off on this project until it is better thought out.

[finchaser]

Pallone only accepts calls from his district

[DarkSkies]

Pallone only accepts calls from his district
(thank you....see below)


Update........
There is a call for us to barrage Congressman Pallone with phone calls during the last days of this comment period. The reason to do this -- he has been a strong supporter of beach replenishment. I am not giving his statements credibility any more. He has lost all credibility with me. His actions are consistently different than the statements he puts out.


**Action plan - Call Congressman Pallone Mon-Tue March 24-25.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

1. Tell him you are a fisherman and voter.
2. If you want to say you live in his district and feel he doesn't represent fishermen, that's an option as well.
3. Ask why he has not considered other options for beach replenishment.
4. Give your strong opinion that sand replenishment has not proven effective in NJ.
5. Ask him what concrete progress we the registered voters can expect of him as this goes forward.

Of course, you will not get to speak with him. But you can register your strong disapproval of his current stance and position.

**We need to do this, not by the dozens of calls, but hundreds of calls, to make a difference.
Get the word out to your friends who fish the salt....the clubs are already on it and will be making the calls.....
Don't think that your one call won't make a difference...it's exactly this kind of thinking that causes elections to be lost.....








Countdown:
3 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls this Monday and Tuesday....this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[ledhead36]

I find it hard to like pallone. He has never done anything for the monmouth county folks who get flooded in the back bays. His wife is an official at the EPA and I highly doubt they like fishermen. I called today, gave my name said I was against it. Kept it respectful. Good luck.

[storminsteve]

made the call thanks!

[buckethead]

Called and they took my info. Let's try to be positive and hopeful. This replenishment will only benefit a select few. We should try to focus on that.

[DarkSkies]

Update:
Thanks for the calls people. Made mine as well.
Shorelady did some research :HappyWave: These are some numbers we came up with as we discussed the research she was doing:

Interesting numbers....
1. There are between 50-60 houses that are in the immediate area......
2. If you look at this initial phase of the replenishment, $134 million budgeted for that area alone

3. On a dollar/house basis, that project will cost roughly $2.3 - $2.65 MILLION dollars, per HOUSE, for the year 2014 alone. Although those houses are high-end, the value of the project in the first year alone, is probably more than the value, of all of those "potentially affected" houses, combined.

4. Moving forward on a 32 year replenishment cycle, it will end up costing around $100 MILLION per mile of beachfront that is "replenished"
Welfare for the rich.....is there anyone else besides me who has a hard time swallowing that? http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif

5. The most interesting fact of all......during hurricane Sandy, I believe only 2 houses along this stretch, were severely damaged.......
Who among us, is okay with the certainty, that over $350 million will be spent to protect 60 houses, when only 2 of them were damaged severely, plus Deal Casino, due to the unique higher elevation of this area (highest Ocean side area above sea level and mean storm surge in Monmouth County.









Countdown:
2 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls this Monday and Tuesday....this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140
1. Tell them you are a fisherman and voter.
2. I got confirmation that they are taking calls from outside his district on this. If you want to say you live in his district and feel he doesn't represent fishermen, that's an option as well.
3. Ask why he has not considered other options for beach replenishment.
4. Give your strong opinion that sand replenishment has not proven effective in NJ.
5. Ask what concrete progress we the registered voters can expect of him as this goes forward.

**Register your strong disapproval of his current stance and position.
We need to do this, not by the dozens of calls, but hundreds of calls, to make a difference.
Don't think that your one call won't make a difference...it's exactly this kind of thinking that causes elections to be lost.....

Thanks people!

[cowherder]

I called today and told them I don't think pallone is doing enough for fishermen. They said he is talking with the acoe so well see what happens. I am not sure how he can do anything for us if he is all for beach replenishment. I went to his website and there is the guy standing on the jetties talking about how much of en envoronmentalist he is. Kind of ironic considering he is now supporting something that will cover them over. I don't think you have to live in the district they took my info.

[surferman]

Called and talked to them too. Don't think you have to live there the guy did not ask me where I live. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

[plugcrazy]

I called too. Told them they should be careful they do not kill herring or someone will hit them with a lawsuit.

[seamonkey]

Made my call thanks for everything guys

[jigfreak]

done

[crosseyedbass]

Did it. Best wishes hope it works

[DarkSkies]

The ACOE said they will give prompt attention to the sand that is filling in the flume and $1mm was earmarked to help dredge deal lake. Pallone did not show up. The statement read by his rep sounded conciliatory but full of political doublespeak. I don't trust it. Good job to everyone who was there.
Thank you for reporting that. They were at the jetty yesterday removing some of the sand. Some people view that as a victory. I realized that at the rally, they knew this would be a legal point they were vulnerable on, and immediately were told from someone higher up to fix it. Their procedures and methods are not lawsuit-proof, and the removing of that sand, which on the surface looked like a conciliatory move, was really designed to prevent litigation.


I called today and told them I don't think pallone is doing enough for fishermen. They said he is talking with the acoe so well see what happens. I am not sure how he can do anything for us if he is all for beach replenishment. I went to his website and there is the guy standing on the jetties talking about how much of en envoronmentalist he is. Kind of ironic considering he is now supporting something that will cover them over. I don't think you have to live in the district they took my info.
This is so hypocritical, and typical. I was talking to Sudsy yesterday about it. It is laughable. He is neither a friend to environmentalists nor fishermen.


I called too. Told them they should be careful they do not kill herring or someone will hit them with a lawsuit.
This is sharp thinking, good point. A lawsuit could be pushed, but it will cost a tremendous amount of $$. I was going to start a thread asking fishermen who would be willing to donate some $$ to the cause, but I know the result already....the same few will contribute, and the majority will stand on the sidelines.
I'm not through exploring the lawsuit option yet, talked to an attorney who is a fisherman, yesterday.
Although it looks daunting, I'll keep you folks posted on the developments.






Update:
Thanks for the calls people. Made mine as well. My 2nd call yesterday was more detailed. I asked simple questions about alternatives to sand replenishment. The staffer who answered my call said he was not aware of any alternatives. This, despite the Shark River Letter, and scores of other letters, which clearly point out several possibilities.

Moving forward on a 32 year replenishment cycle, it will end up costing around $100 MILLION per mile of beachfront that is "replenished"
Welfare for the rich.....is there anyone else besides me who has a hard time swallowing that? http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif

**The most interesting fact of all......during hurricane Sandy, I believe only 2 houses along this stretch, were severely damaged.......
Who among us, is okay with the certainty, that over $350 million will be spent to protect 60 houses, when only 2 of them were damaged severely, plus Deal Casino, due to the unique higher elevation of this area (highest Ocean side area above sea level and mean storm surge in Monmouth County.









Countdown:
Last Day Today.......

1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls this Monday and Today....this is your last chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

1. Tell them you are a fisherman and voter.
2. I got confirmation that they are taking calls from outside his district on this. If you want to say you live in his district and feel he doesn't represent fishermen, that's an option as well.
3. Ask why he has not considered other options for beach replenishment.
4. Give your strong opinion that sand replenishment has not proven effective in NJ.
5. Ask what concrete progress we the registered voters can expect of him as this goes forward.

**Register your strong disapproval of his current stance and position.

Don't think that your one call won't make a difference...it's exactly this kind of thinking that causes elections to be lost.....

Thanks people!

[albiealert]

I called. We don't have anything like this. Access is not that great where I fish. I can't imagine them paying 100 million a mile and not having a protest about it though. Thanks for the work and updates.

[nitestrikes]

Done

[surferman]

Called as well thank you guys for all you did.

[bababooey]

You know you guys are probably going to lose. No way to fight those property owners and all the federal dollars falling from heaven. I called anyway for moral support. Dark if you ever decide to ban me I want credit for this.:HappyWave:

[Shorelady]

IT AIN"T OVER..... From the AP fishing club today... KEEP THE LETTERS GOING!!!!





Joe Ercolino (https://www.facebook.com/n/?profile.php&id=100003102014724&aref=121849916&medium=email&mid=99d0bc0G5af335180284G743483cG96&bcode=1.1395854994.Ablv7n3TgOaFYzJu&n_m=judyseger22%40gmail.com)
1:29pm Mar 26


Another small victory!

Just received this email from Howard Ruben ACOE:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District is hereby announcing a 15-day extension of the public comment period on the Draft Integrated Hurricane Sandy Limited Reevaluation Report and Environmental Assessment (DEA) 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.

That means you have until April 10, 2014, to submit comments to

Howard Ruben and Jenifer.E.Thalhauser
Project Biologist Project Manager
New York District Corps of Engineers
Attn: CENAN-PL-E
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278-0090
(917) 790-8723 (tel:%28917%29%20790-8723)

Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil
Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil

[jigfreak]

^^^Great news need to keep the pressure up. Maybe someone could contact these people. What they are doing to all the jetties is killing all the marine life these folks are talking about. May be some sort of legal angle there.


Protecting Offshore Habitats while Rebuilding New Jersey Beaches

Long Beach, NJ. Photo credit: NOAA FisheriesBy Karen Greene, Sandy Hook Habitat Conservation Division Field OfficeThe State of New Jersey has 130 miles of sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. These beaches are constantly eroding, as waves and wind move the sand around. To protect local communities from storm and flood damage and to provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the Jersey shore, the Federal, State and local governments must regularly replenish the supply of sand.

For decades, the US Army Corps of Engineers has been dredging sand from "borrow areas” in the Atlantic Ocean and placing it on beaches. Local communities also shore up beaches by trucking in sand or dredging sand from back bays.

NOAA Fisheries’ Habitat Conservation Division has a role in these projects. We provide advice on the best ways to rebuild depleted coastal beaches while conserving important living marine resources. We recommend ways to minimize impacts to important offshore habitats that might be impacted by sand mining to restore these coastal areas.

We’ve been working with the Corps and the State of New Jersey on beach re-nourishment and shore protection since the 1980s. We’ve consulted on various projects in northern Monmouth County, on Long Beach Island and in Ocean City. Since Superstorm Sandy, we’ve been providing suggestions for ecologically responsible ways to replenish decimated beaches and bayshores along the entire New Jersey coast, Delaware Bay and Raritan, and Sandy Hook Bay.With demand high, the Corps and the state have stepped up efforts to find more sources of suitable sand offshore in State waters and on the Outer Continental Shelf. Offshore shoals and ridges provide good sources of sand. They also happen to be valuable habitat for fish and other species. Shoals are dynamic features that attract a diversity of marine life. They produce a variety of bottom types and foraging opportunities for finfish, like summer flounder, bluefish, bonito and false albacore and bottom dwelling organisms. Finfish tend to congregate around shoals and ridges. They also provide guiding features for coastal migratory species such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles and tuna. Many of these areas are also important habitat for surf clams. However, sand mining can alter the bathymetric contours (depths and gradients) of shoals and ridges.

Our staff works with the Corps to help identify and evaluate options for reducing impacts to these ecologically rich habitats. Some options may include simply maintaining the vertical relief (elevation) of shoals and ridges, avoiding areas of high quality surf clam habitat and conducting ongoing monitoring to assess changes to ocean bottom conditions due to the dredging activity. Where we can, we also support the research of other agencies and academic institutions. Through further study, we can learn more about the functions and habitat values of offshore shoals and ridges and the effects of sand mining on these special areas.

https://www.nero.noaa.gov/stories/2014/protectingoffshorehabitats.html

[DarkSkies]

IT AIN"T OVER..... From the AP fishing club today... KEEP THE LETTERS GOING!!!!





Joe Ercolino

1:29pm Mar 26



Another small victory!

Just received this email from Howard Ruben ACOE:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District is hereby announcing a 15-day extension of the public comment period on the Draft Integrated Hurricane Sandy Limited Reevaluation Report and Environmental Assessment (DEA) 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.

That means you have until April 10, 2014, to submit comments to

Howard Ruben and Jenifer.E.Thalhauser
Project Biologist Project Manager
New York District Corps of Engineers
Attn: CENAN-PL-E
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278-0090
(917) 790-8723 (tel:%28917%29%20790-8723)

Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil
Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil





Thanks Judy for that sharing that positive development. :HappyWave:
We have to try to press everyone we know to keep sending e-mails in.

We can't lose sight of the prize.....if this replenishment happens for this area, which has been untouched by replenishment for 3/4 of a century, and survived 75 years worth of the worst storms with minimal damage, due to the rock groins that are already in place.....
It will become a dead wasteland for fishing......almost a century's heritage existing as it was, sturdy system of rock groins and rock breakwaters and sea walls, as opposed to an inefficient system of sand replenishment that needs constant fixing......and doesn't survive past the next noreaster.....





Which is more effective?
1. The rock jetties, seawalls, and breakwaters that have withstood the test of almost a century's worth of storms?
2. Or sand that shifts with each storm and has to be constantly replenished?

Send those e-mails folks!....the new countdown starts tomorrow....
Thanks to Judy for her effort....and thanks to all who helped...to those who didn't .....now is your chance.....

[jigfreak]

Good news thank you. Feel a little better now. If you sent an e-mail you can always keep pestering that rat bassta** pallone by calling. I'm sure his people are going to get so tired of hearing from us they may eventually say hey mr pallone please do something to deal with these pita callers.

[cowherder]

:headbang:Boom goes the dynamite! Thank you thank you shorelady! Let's keep this going and get those emails out!

[DarkSkies]

I'll post it again so folks don't have to go digging through the thread....

Update...
Extension till April 10...
There are some good examples of letters from various clubs and groups....feel free to copy this or any letter that you are comfortable with.
**Remember if you can take the time to write your own letter, it would be more effective.


*******************
Action Plan E-mail: Send e-mail to
1. Project Biologist
Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil (Howard.Ruben@usace.army.mil)

2. Project Manager
Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil (Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil)

AND
3. Kelly Davis - NJFW's Environmental Review Biologist
Kelly.Davis@dep.state.nj.us


Dear _________________________-

My name is __________________________
I live in/fish in New Jersey

I am familiar with the ACOE beach replenishment projects, and see that at times they have benefits.

The Elberon to Loch Arbor replenishment, as stated below, is what I am contacting you about:
"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."

I am completely against this project for the following, sound, sensible reasons:

1. Natural elevation - The area in question, as is most of Long Branch, is naturally elevated to a higher amount than the rest of the shore areas that sustained damage during the Sandy storm in the fall of 2012.

2. Less Damage - As such, that area did not sustain anything near the damage of the other areas. The elevation is higher above sea level than any oceanside beaches in that whole county.

3. Replenishment not Effective long-term - It is my strong belief that filling in those specific areas is not necessary and will do little to protect against another storm like Sandy. Engineering studies can certainly prove that.

4. Alternatives - There are other alternatives, such as groin extensions, T-forming of more groins, strengthing the rock breakwater and sea walls, which have proven most effective for that area during the last 75 years. These options offer a better value for dollar spent and do not need to be maintained as often as with sand.

5. Fishing Community Affected - I am a fisherman and fish those areas regularly. The replenishment project, as proposed, will ruin fishing for those of us who fish the beaches there.

6. Economic Impact - As fishermen, we bring hundreds of thousands of dollars into those communities every time we fish there. We stop in the local shops, buy breakfast, supplies, gas, bait, tackle, dinner, and sometimes stay in the area hotels. There are many small businesses that would lose a % of revenue if we stopped fishing there because it was no longer worth coming to.

7. Environmental Impact -
Part of the project language talks about the environmental assessment. I believe this was not given the weight it deserves.

A. Those jetty areas are small vibrant ecosystems unto themselves. There are crabs, mussels, small forage fish, grass shrimp, baby fish, blackfish, seabass, flounder, fluke, striped bass, bluefish, clams, sea horses, and small invertebrate creatures that make a robust link all the way down to the bottom of the food chain.
B. The creatures that benefit from these jetty areas are many, from the various juvenile species of gamefish that hide there, to the magnificent gamefish that come to feed on the forage, to the thousands of migratory shorebirds that congregate around the jetties to feed on the various types of food.
C. This replenishment could also seriously affect the migration of herring and other fish in and out of Deal lake.
D. Covering this over in sand would not only kill all the life on the floor there, that has existed for centuries. It would also turn the areas into a complete dead zone, devoid of life and completely wiping out the vast robust ecosystems that thrive there.


In sum, this replenishment, while it may be your intention for other areas, is not optimal for the area in question, will negatively affect the fragile marine environment there, and most certainly cause a negative economic impact to the areas in and around, when fishermen and their families stop coming there.

Please re-consider your support for this specific replenishment.
It has been proven that once this is done, as opposed to the construction of sea walls, that the sand is eventually washed away. The old jetties will come back.
However, it will be years, perhaps a decade, for life to return as it once was, once they are covered over.

Thank you for reading my comments,
Respectfully,

__________________________


************************
**Action plan - Call Congressman Pallone - until April 10.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

1. Tell them you are a fisherman.
2. If you want to say you feel he doesn't represent fishermen, that's an option as well.
3. Ask why he has not considered other options for beach replenishment.
4. Give your strong opinion that sand replenishment has not proven effective in NJ.
5. Ask them what concrete progress we the registered voters can expect of him as this goes forward.

Register your strong disapproval of his current stance and position.














Countdown:
15 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140


Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[basshunter]

I called this morning. The guy answering sounded tired and crabby. Come on its early in the day no need to be crabby. Maybe they are getting tired of the phone calls and we are getting to them.

[BassBuddah]

I called. Dark you should contact LIBBA, Willy Young and MSA. They could lend some support in this as well. Good luck and keep at it. Let me know if there is anything else we can do.

[nitestrikes]

Call made emails sent. Agree with BB you need some reinforcements. The only thing some of these politicians understand is numbers of fishermen. Otherwise they will walk all over any small group.

[seamonkey]

I called this morning. The guy answering sounded tired and crabby. Come on its early in the day no need to be crabby.

lol Does anyone know if finchaser took a part time job answering the phones? I called too. Cmon gents lets keep the pressure up.

[cowherder]

^^^^ If finchaser sees that he will send the mafia hitmen to your house! I called today too. It does seem they are tired of taking the calls. Good! I never got a response back from my email to the acoe did anyone else get a response?

[storminsteve]

lol Does anyone know if finchaser took a part time job answering the phones? I called too. Cmon gents lets keep the pressure up.

haha lol! The bears are grouchy when they're done hibernating for the winter. Maybe he just came out of hibernation.:)
No I did not get any response at all from the army e-mails. Will try again.

[stripercrazy]

I called as well. x2 on willie and libba they should be able to help.

[DarkSkies]

Update...

Extension till April 10...
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
14 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[Shorelady]

From the AP Press today
ENVIRONMENT

Deadline extended on jetty public comment

Habitat in danger


By John Oswald

@oswaldapp

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has extended the deadline for public comment on the beach replenishment project scheduled for the stretch of beach between Elberon and Loch Arbour. The new deadline is April 10.

The section of coastline, known as “jetty country” for the groins that have been in place there for nearly a century, is a favorite spot among anglers, divers, and surfers and would be effectively destroyed if b uried under millions of tons of sand. In addition, the replenishment plan calls for “notching” a number of jetties, which entails knocking off the back of the jetty and allowing the ocean to flow between the beach and the jetty. Supposedly, notching allows for sand to move evenly a long the beach. There, is however, no hard data that this actually occurs.

Chris Gardner, a public affairs specialist with the Army Corp of Engi*n eers said the extension was given because a num*ber of stakeholders have asked for more time to review the document and submit comments. Among those stake*holders making the request were the Asbury Park Fishing Club, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Conserve Wildlife New Jersey, and the Surfrider Foundation.

“I think they’re going to look into the situation a little closer about notching the jetties,” said Joe Pallotto, president of the Asbury Park Fishing Club. It was the Asbury Park Fishing Club that organized a protest rally against the beach replenishment project at the Deal Lake Flume last Friday. The flume will be another victim of the project as dumped sand clogs the outlet, making it impossible to control water levels in the lake, which leads to flooding in nearby communities. At the same time, the flume becomes impassable for herring and shad that attempt to come into the lake from the ocean to spawn. Joe Woerner of the Surfrider Foundation and a resident of Asbury Park w as also at the rally. In his comment letter, Woerner expressed his concern about the lake, the dangerous surf conditions created by notching the jetties and the continuing access problems with beaches receiving sand.

“Public monies for towns that do not provide public access is an inappropriate use of those funds,” said Woerner. He hoped the project would have been stopped for that reason alone. Stakeholders are clamoring for a meeting with the Army Corp of Engineers to explain that beach replenishment is not a one-size fits all solution to the problem of storm erosion and beach loss. In this case, a unique marine environment is in danger of being lost forever.

[Shorelady]

This was in the Trenton Times today. It was really edited, I think for saving space. This is a small group I belong to that focuses on Kayak launch accessibility.

Pumping sand onto beaches increases water hazards

We were pleased to see coverage of the recent protest in Asbury Park on the Army Corps of Engineers beach project (?Asbury Park protesters complain beach replenishment may damage waterways, ecosystems,? March 22). The work is mostly pumping huge volumes of sand onto beaches from Sea Bright to Barnegat Inlet.

Although it claims benefits to recreation, sand pumping creates hazards for all water users.
The ocean bottom is changed to one where deep water and beachfront collide. This abrupt bottom change with more shore-break waves means increased injury for swimmers, surfers and kayakers in the near-shore water.

The pumped-in sand on the beach, back from the water?s edge, becomes a high cliff that could trap people at high tide. In some locations, this stops people from reaching the water. We believe beachgoers, especially with small children, should avoid any beach that was recently replenished.

We fear the work annihilates the fish and other aquatic life in these areas. In short, all recreation suffers.
We are wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on work that does little good, but great harm.

The cost/benefit analysis justifying the project was done in 1988 and is now based on the ridiculous assumption that no changes have occurred to coastal buildings after Sandy. Nonsense! Many buildings are being raised and modified to withstand future storms. In the next major storm, structural damage would be far less and the analysis from 1988 is no longer valid.

The millions of dollars wasted for pumping sand would go further on more appropriate measures. Let?s not waste our scarce resources. The New Jersey coast, and all the many users of it, deserve much more.
-- Ross Kushner,
Allenhurst
The writer is coordinator for the Coastal Kayak Anglers Association

[DarkSkies]

Update...

Extension till April 10...
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
13 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Just a heartfelt thank you to Judy/aka Shorelady...for all the effort she has been putting into this.
It's a group effort, the efforts of all are important....but IMO Judy deserves special mention......

She has lived in that area all her life....her family was involved in fishing tackle and sporting goods way back before most of us were a gleam in our fathers' eyes....

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?7692-Stripers-then-and-Now-Reprinted-with-permission-of-ShoreLady


The amount of effort she has been putting in....researching boring PDFs, littoral current and sand deposit studies, old articles that have relevance today, etc...has been above and beyond.....it is the points of light like Judy...that help to galvanize support from others...and help us all to shine as one bright light of truth....

Although the truth may not even give us a fair shot here...because we are dealing with an 800lb gorilla who has lied to us before..the ACOE.....the little things that some are doing out there...give us traction and help to make the playing field less daunting as we fight the big schoolyard bullies, who have been taking our lunch money, for years....:thumbsup: :clapping:

[DarkSkies]

Update...

Extension till April 10...
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
12 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[Shorelady]

APP Letter to editor published today.
Another perspective to the plan

Beach replenishment costly, creates dangers

This is in reference to the news story, “Save the jetties ral­ly planned for 5 p.m. today,” March 21.

We were pleased by cover­age of the protest in Asbury Park on the Army Corps beach project. Their work is pumping huge volumes of sand onto beaches from Sea Bright to Bar­n egat Inlet.

Although they claim recre­ational benefits, their sand p umping, as we see now at Mon­mouth Beach, creates hazards for all water users.

T he ocean bottom changes to one where deep water and beachfront collide. This abrupt bottom change with more “shore-break” waves means in­creased injury of swimmers, surfers, and kayakers in these places.

The sand, back from the wa­ter’s edge, becomes a cliff where people are trapped at high tide . In many locations, this stops anyone from even reaching the water. Folks with children should avoid areas re­cently “replenished.”

This work also annihilates the fish and other aquatic life in these areas. All recreation suf­fers.

The half-billion dollars wast­ed on this project only covers the work as far as Manasquan. It will eventually continue to Barnegat Inlet, which could double that figure.

The sand pumping will be re­peated every six years until 2048, and just the Sea Bright to Manasquan section costs $300 million. Nearly $100 million of it will come from the taxpayers of New Jersey.

The project cost/benefit analysis from 1988 is used on the ridiculous assumption that no changes occurred to coastal buildings after Sandy. Non­sense! Many were raised and modified to withstand storms. In the next one, structural dam­age would be far less and the analysis from 1988 is invalid. Why is it used?

The millions of dollars used pumping sand would go farther on more appropriate measures. Let’s not waste our scarce re­sources.

Ross Kushner

COORDINATOR, COASTAL KAYAK ANGLERS ASSOCIATION ALLENHURST

[Monty]

T he ocean bottom changes to one where deep water and beachfront collide. This abrupt bottom change with more ?shore-break? waves means in*creased injury of swimmers, surfers, and kayakers in these places.

The sand, back from the wa*ter?s edge, becomes a cliff where people are trapped at high tide . In many locations, this stops anyone from even reaching the water. Folks with children should avoid areas re*cently ?replenished.?



Great letter, and if the above is true in a few areas the people who suggested this and ok'd it should be put in jail for reckless endangerment (if that is a law), (sheer stupidity and corruption withstanding).
I have stepped and fallen into a covered jetty "hole", fell over 3 feet deep. And have have seen in person the "cliffs".
So these people who approve the pumping of this so called "beach replenishment" never have to go back and see the hazards its created? Or maybe a before and after under water pic of the sea life?
I still find it unbelievable the amount of "beach replenishment" that has already been completed. This "last stand" in my mind is way to late, but still wort while.

[surferman]

So these people who approve the pumping of this so called "beach replenishment" never have to go back and see the hazards its created? Or maybe a before and after under water pic of the sea life?

I think its all about the politics and the dollars. Thanks shorelady and everyone else.

[DarkSkies]

Extension till April 10...
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
10 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[jigfreak]

Sorry to be so negative but pallone and memandez were pushing beach replenishment back in 2011. Do you think there will be alternatives considered at any acoe meeting? not.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej5ajDVIfAY

[jigfreak]

another pallone video. Here hes talking about the seabright and mon beach replenishment. Totally different animal than jetty row. This guys a hero hes not going to listen to fishermen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1cEWoQwRoc

[porgy75]

Sorry to be so negative but pallone and memandez were pushing beach replenishment back in 2011. Do you think there will be alternatives considered at any acoe meeting? not.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej5ajDVIfAY

Did you see how they looked at the guys protesting this? like they were little children! I think Joe Werner said it best "they provide some access they don't affect adequate access. And the rules that the Christie administration is putting across will reduce the access."
They then went on to blame the state govt for access problems. If they are involved aren't they responsible too?

[rockhopper]

I called today and said they are not supporting the fishermen and are greedy and must be taking bribes. The guy who answered was not too happy to hear that. He did thank me for calling before he hung up on me lol. thank you shorelady and every one else.

[DarkSkies]

Extension till April 10...
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
10 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[albiealert]

I will call for the cause. Thanks for the heads up.

[storminsteve]

Sorry to be so negative but pallone and memandez were pushing beach replenishment back in 2011. Do you think there will be alternatives considered at any acoe meeting? not.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej5ajDVIfAY


Did you see how they looked at the guys protesting this? like they were little children!
They then went on to blame the state govt for access problems. If they are involved aren't they responsible too?

Melendez and Pallone look like they should be sharing each others hotnutz after slathering them with grey poupon. Elitist liberal tools. Hooray for the surfrider guy. I called today. Think they are getting tired of these calls. Good

[DarkSkies]

Update:
Extension till April 10...

At some point they will probably set up a public meeting with the USCOE. These letters and phone calls are a good practice run for those who will be there.....let's try to keep this pressure on, folks, thanks to all those who are helping. :thumbsup:
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
9 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

Update:
Extension till April 10...

At some point they will probably set up a public meeting with the USCOE. These letters and phone calls are a good practice run for those who will be there.....let's try to keep this pressure on, folks, thanks to all those who are helping. :thumbsup:
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
8 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

To those who have read this, who are having trouble caring, or understanding the significance of this move, to all of us who fish the surf......
Some thoughts.......for those who have fished Montauk.....

1. Imagine the USACOE were to come along and decide that it was a good idea to bury the shores of Montauk, simply because of the erosion at the clffs there. What if they said they were going to bury the north and south sides with 4 million tons of sand to stem the erosion and changing shoreline?
2. What if they said that was the best plan, leaving it "as it has been for over a hundred years" was no longer an option?
3. What would you fishermen say to that?
4. How ridiculous would that seem to you?

Well, that is almost what is happening to Jetty Country in NJ.









Brookhaven, LI, was one of the most significant fights in LI access in the last decade. I know, I was there for the meetings.....we won only after large #s of guys said "II'm sick of getting pushed around and won't take it anymore!!!!"

This will be the most significant fight of this decade for fishing and fishing access in NJ.
It's so significant because most of our other oceanside access is now buried,.,,,,this is a unique area that doesn't need sand replenishment.....it will not work.......


We will not win, without your support.....
The next beach may be the one in your backyard.....
And you will want some support for that.,....
If you can't bring yourself to send an easy e-mail, that is already prepared for you....how will that look, when you are asking others to support saving a beach, in your own neighborhood?

Thanks for reading and any help you can give us! http://forums.noreast.com/discussion/images/icons/icon14.gif

[DarkSkies]

Time to post Art's video again....

A video shot by Art Nelson with clips from back in the 90's showing the effects of beach replenishment on the southern Monmouth county beaches....some of the clips show restoration from Spring Lake to Manasquan......

**During Sandy.....that sand and jetty notching protected none of those houses......because by then most of that sand had been washed away.....
After you folks watch the video....make your own assessments....ask yourselves, after watching it....if sand replenishment effectively protects the real estate?....or does it just provide jobs and curry political favor?...you decide.....

Also, do we blindly accept the words of the ACOE, who has lied in federal testimony before?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4N22tarcr4

0:00"This film will prove that you can't be in favor of marine life along the Jersey Shore and sand pumping. You just can't have it both ways. "

5:45 "The Army Corps of Engineers has falsely testified that there is no life to speak of around the shallow structures"

[J Barbosa]

:thumbsup:

[storminsteve]

At some point they will probably set up a public meeting with the USCOE. These letters and phone calls are a good practice run for those who will be there.....let's try to keep this pressure on, folks, thanks to all those who are helping. :thumbsup:
:HappyWave:



I hope if there is a meeting a lot of people will show up. A show of force will go a long way.

[DarkSkies]

Update:
Extension till April 10...

At some point they will probably set up a public meeting with the USCOE. These letters and phone calls are a good practice run for those who will be there.....let's try to keep this pressure on, folks, thanks to all those who are helping. :thumbsup:
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
7 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[cowherder]

Called today

[BassBuddah]

I called as well as resent my original emails. Have not gotten any response from the email as of today. Thank you for the effort. I hope you can get that meeting and make some headway.

[DarkSkies]

^Bassbuddah I haven''t heard of any responses from the USCOE. They are allegedly tabulating the type of comments and categorizing them to see where the most resistance lies. We'll have to hope for the meeting to get any useful dialogue going. I'm trying to approach that meeting (as yet unscheduled) with an open mind. However, I know they have lied and mis-represented themselves before, so my gut feeling is that they are not credible. What they say, is usually different from what they do.

I feel the same about Rep Frank Pallone. I honestly don't feel he will change his position on this as he is the one who lobbied for sand replenishment in the first place. Developer constituents of his stand to make multi millions when this is all done. Some of their properties would be worthless without the guaranteed sand replenishment.





Update:
Extension till April 10...

At some point they will probably set up a public meeting with the USCOE. These letters and phone calls are a good practice run for those who will be there.....let's try to keep this pressure on, folks, thanks to all those who are helping. :thumbsup:
I am sending out e-mails to anyone I have ever met...who has an interest in fishing....asking for support...
Contacting more key groups who may be able to lend an opinion or support.









Countdown:
6 days Left.......
1. Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

2. Make those phone calls......this is your chance to be heard.
Congressman Pallone
(732) 571-1140

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[porgy75]

Thank you for everything guys. I sent the emails lets keep our fingers crossed that they are listening,

[DarkSkies]

Update:
Extension till April 10...
A. At this time I'm grateful to report additional support from some LI fishermen and surf clubs....
B. There are also clubs you may not have seen mentioned on the internet...working behind the scenes. such as NJBBA and several others that deserve recognition here.
Many are actively working to set a meeting date with the USCOE.





Countdown:
4 days Left.......
We're getting down to the wire now....if you haven't sent an e-mail, now would be a good time before it's too late.

1. This will probably be the most significant access/fishermen rights case of this decade for NJ fishermen.

2. It will affect fishermen coastwide because as NJ access is lost, a certain % will seek to fish at other beaches, causing overcrowding in the most popular areas.

3. It's so significant because most of our other beach areas have been filled in.
Jetty Country is the last domino standing.
"Nothing can be done about the attitude of sand replenishment", some folks say...'
That may seem true.....



The below facts are also true:
A. That specific area has existed through the century's worst storms. Most of the properties there were well-protected with the rock jetties/groins and high rock seawalls.

B. The USCOE has consistently mis-represented the truth to people when it gets involved in these projects, citing decades-old data and cleverly avoiding follow up studies to determine change in each area.

C. The tremendous recurring expense of this method brings into question the analysis and integrity of USCOE leaders. There has to be an underlying bias for projects consistenty chosen with poor Cost/Benefit statistics when others have better data and cost effectiveness. At the very least taxpayers should question if they are
1. just doing this for job security
2. If their integrity and impartiality have been compromised by an underlying bias.
Something that is the least cost effective was allowed to continue for so long. This raises questions of ties to political influence peddlling and favoritism. Some towns along the NJ coast have been able to accomplish the same level of protection at 1/10 the cost This lying to the public must not be tolerated going forward.

D. Contesting this area with the USCOE is a win for all fishermen coastwide.
If successful, the arguments here could establish precedent for how coastal storm damage studies and beach protection plans are formulated in the future. That is one of the strongest keys to the significance. It is also one of the strongest reasons the USCOE will fight, lie, and manipulate the truth, as it has done in the past, to prevent these short sighted policies from being discussed.



Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

Thanks people! :viking:

[storminsteve]

Hoping you can get that damn meeting set up already! Would like to see what these army engineers have to say in person.

[DarkSkies]

Update:
Extension till April 10...
A. At this time I'm grateful to report additional support from some LI fishermen and surf clubs....NYCRF, LIBBA, MSA. :thumbsup:
B. There are also clubs you may not have seen mentioned on the internet...working behind the scenes. such as NJBBA and several others that deserve recognition here.
Many are actively working to set a meeting date with the USCOE.





Countdown:
3 days Left.......
We're getting down to the wire now....if you haven't sent an e-mail, now would be a good time before it's too late.

1. This will probably be the most significant access/fishermen rights case of this decade for NJ fishermen.

2. It will affect fishermen coast-wide because as NJ access is lost, a certain % will seek to fish at other beaches, causing overcrowding in the most popular areas.

3. It's so significant because most of our other beach areas have been filled in.
Jetty Country is the last domino standing.
"Nothing can be done about the attitude of sand replenishment", some folks say...'
That may seem true.....



The below facts are also true:
A. One size does not fit all when it comes to beach replenishment.
That specific area has existed through the century's worst storms. Most of the properties there were well-protected with the rock jetties/groins and high rock seawalls.

B. The USCOE has consistently misrepresented the truth to people when it gets involved in these projects, citing decades-old data and cleverly avoiding follow up studies to determine change in each area.

C. The tremendous recurring expense of this method brings into question the analysis and integrity of USCOE leaders. There has to be an underlying bias for projects consistently chosen with poor Cost/Benefit statistics when others have better data and cost effectiveness. At the very least taxpayers should question if they are:
1. just doing this for job security
2. If their integrity and impartiality have been compromised by an underlying bias.

Something that is the least cost effective was allowed to continue for so long. This raises questions of ties to political influence peddling and favoritism. Some towns along the NJ coast have been able to accomplish the same level of protection at 1/10 the cost This lying to the public must not be tolerated going forward.

D. Contesting this area with the USCOE could help for all fishermen coast-wide.
If successful, the arguments here could establish precedent for how coastal storm damage studies and beach protection plans are formulated in the future. That is one of the strongest keys to the significance. It is also one of the strongest reasons the USCOE will fight, lie, and manipulate the truth, as it has done in the past, to prevent these short sighted policies from being discussed.



Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[voyager35]

I don't know if this has been said but you should also raise the issue that the elberon rocks will be affected with the sand replenishment. That whole stretch could become sterile if they bring in that much sand.

[hookset]

^^^^^^Yeah where are all the boat guys on this. Not just a surf fishing issue but the surf guys and the surfers seem to be the only ones in this fight. Where is the rfa?

[Shorelady]

I just went to email Pallone. The website looked different.... He is not standing by the jetty now... Sitting on a boardwalk with a nice Big beach behind him.

[DarkSkies]

Update:
Extension till April 10...
A. At this time I'm grateful to report additional support from some LI fishermen and surf clubs....NYCRF, LIBBA, MSA. :thumbsup:
B. There are also clubs you may not have seen mentioned on the internet...working behind the scenes. such as NJBBA and several others that deserve recognition here.
Many are actively working to set a meeting date with the USCOE.





Countdown:
2 days Left.......
We're getting down to the wire now....if you haven't sent an e-mail, now would be a good time before it's too late.

1. This will probably be the most significant access/fishermen rights case of this decade for NJ fishermen.

2. It will affect fishermen coast-wide because as NJ access is lost, a certain % will seek to fish at other beaches, causing overcrowding in the most popular areas.

3. It's so significant because most of our other beach areas have been filled in.
Jetty Country is the last domino standing.
"Nothing can be done about the attitude of sand replenishment", some folks say...'
That may seem true.....



The below facts are also true:
A. One size does not fit all when it comes to beach replenishment.
That specific area has existed through the century's worst storms. Most of the properties there were well-protected with the rock jetties/groins and high rock seawalls.

B. The USCOE has consistently misrepresented the truth to people when it gets involved in these projects, citing decades-old data and cleverly avoiding follow up studies to determine change in each area.

C. The tremendous recurring expense of this method brings into question the analysis and integrity of USCOE leaders. There has to be an underlying bias for projects consistently chosen with poor Cost/Benefit statistics when others have better data and cost effectiveness. At the very least taxpayers should question if they are:
1. just doing this for job security
2. If their integrity and impartiality have been compromised by an underlying bias.

Something that is the least cost effective was allowed to continue for so long. This raises questions of ties to political influence peddling and favoritism. Some towns along the NJ coast have been able to accomplish the same level of protection at 1/10 the cost This lying to the public must not be tolerated going forward.

D. Contesting this area with the USCOE could help for all fishermen coast-wide.
If successful, the arguments here could establish precedent for how coastal storm damage studies and beach protection plans are formulated in the future. That is one of the strongest keys to the significance. It is also one of the strongest reasons the USCOE will fight, lie, and manipulate the truth, as it has done in the past, to prevent these short sighted policies from being discussed.



Please try to send those e-mails.....
and when you have done it, sound off in this thread, to give others the incentive....
We have some momentum, but if you care about fishing access we still need your help...
**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

I just went to email Pallone. The website looked different.... He is not standing by the jetty now... Sitting on a boardwalk with a nice Big beach behind him.

Judy, I know this is probably not politically correct to say this....I have been a supporter of Rep Pallone in the past. However, I had an eye-opening interview with a homeowner who lives in your/Pallone's district about corruption and the nasty side of beach replenishment and the lucrative windfall it has presented to a select few...I'll be posting that interview when I get a chance....

In the meantime, I'm sorry if folks will take this as negative, but after reviewing all the connections and what's going on behind the scenes, I'm ready to predict that at this point Rep Pallone will not do anything to stop or consider modifying this project.....He may throw platitudes at the public as a pacifying gesture, but nothing concrete will come of it.






**He has been the single most influential force behind Monmouth County beach replenishment. There are financial and political reasons for that. That will not change no matter how many phone calls are made. If we are to win on this issue, it will be on the procedural flubs the USCOE has been getting away with on each project. That remains my focus from now on, until enough resistance is gained that it may be eventually changed. (hopefully before I die we will get to see this...because I will fight for that....until my last breath on Earth....:thumbsup:

Frank Pallone is no longer a "friend to fishermen".

More to come on this, as I get a chance.....
Thanks for reading....opposing comments and opinions are always welcome....:HappyWave:

[hookset]

at this point Rep Pallone will not do anything to stop or consider modifying this project.....He may throw platitudes at the public as a pacifying gesture, but nothing concrete will come of it.
**He has been the single most influential force behind Monmouth County beach replenishment.

....

Hey DS I just read that Pallone allegedly set up a meeting for Joe Pallotto and Greg Hueth with the ACOE. Any thoughts on this. Bogus or what?

[finchaser]

I'll call Greg and ask him

[DarkSkies]

^ Hookset...the group that set that meeting up was the RFA......as I already stated, we cannot count on or trust Rep Frank Pallone any more.
1. He has held the "striped bass gamefish" bill as a ploy to get fishermen support for the last decade....and has made no real progress within Congress.
He can claim he tried, but after almost 10 years that story gets a little old.
2. He was the single strongest force behind beach replenishment in Monmouth county. There is no way he will change his position. When I get a chance I will be posting an interview with a homeowner from his district that details influence peddling and possible corruption.




******************
Update:
USCOE Meeting
**As of this date a meeting has been slated with Joe Pallotto of Asbury Fishing club, Greg Hueth of Shark River Club, and the USCOE...
Meeting date is 4-16-14. This meeting was prompted by the RFA. A big thanks to them for reaching out and making it happen.





Countdown:
FINAL day today!.......
April 10 ---- TODAY is the LAST DAY for all you procrastinators out there
If you haven't sent an e-mail, now would be a good time before it's too late.

1. This will probably be the most significant access/fishermen rights case of this decade for NJ fishermen.

2. It will affect fishermen coast-wide because as NJ access is lost, a certain % will seek to fish at other beaches, causing overcrowding in the most popular areas.

3. It's so significant because most of our other beach areas have been filled in.
Jetty Country is the last domino standing.
"Nothing can be done about the attitude of sand replenishment", some folks say...'
That may seem true.....



The below facts are also true:
A. One size does not fit all when it comes to beach replenishment.
That specific area has existed through the century's worst storms. Most of the properties there were well-protected with the rock jetties/groins and high rock seawalls.

B. The USCOE has consistently misrepresented the truth to people when it gets involved in these projects, citing decades-old data and cleverly avoiding follow up studies to determine change in each area.

C. The tremendous recurring expense of this method brings into question the analysis and integrity of USCOE leaders. There has to be an underlying bias for projects consistently chosen with poor Cost/Benefit statistics when others have better data and cost effectiveness. At the very least taxpayers should question if they are:
1. just doing this for job security
2. If their integrity and impartiality have been compromised by an underlying bias.

Something that is the least cost effective was allowed to continue for so long. This raises questions of ties to political influence peddling and favoritism. Some towns along the NJ coast have been able to accomplish the same level of protection at 1/10 the cost This lying to the public must not be tolerated going forward.

D. Contesting this area with the USCOE could help for all fishermen coast-wide.
If successful, the arguments here could establish precedent for how coastal storm damage studies and beach protection plans are formulated in the future. That is one of the strongest keys to the significance. It is also one of the strongest reasons the USCOE will fight, lie, and manipulate the truth, as it has done in the past, to prevent these short sighted policies from being discussed.



Please try to send those e-mails.....

**We will not win, if more e-mails are not sent...
Every e-mail sent can make a difference.

As mentioned, this is a historic fight. If we don't win user groups other than surfcasters - surfers, bathers, boaters, etc, will be affected.....Grumbling after the fact....will get you nowhere......the time to act is NOW.......
Thanks people! :HappyWave:

[finchaser]

Hookset - I talked to Greg and as I stated to Dark it was Jimmy Donofrio of the RFA who set up the meeting for Greg at his request. The meeting is next Wednesday and had nothing to do with Pallone except him letting them use his office to have the meeting. I will be with Greg tonight and if I find out anything more I will post it.

[DarkSkies]

I just got some disturbing news......

The USCOE meeting, although a positive sign, was part of a larger strategy to pre-empt and eliminate a hearing for the general public.
Joe and Greg are certainly capable of representing fishermen and they are probably some of the best choices to represent fishermen views. Joe has been fighting against politicians all his life and is old-school sharp. :thumbsup:

However, if this was a chess game, I would say we just got put into Check.
Here's a possible scenario....
1. They meet with Joe and Greg.

2. This absolves them from meeting with the general public. It is our constitutional right as citizens to question how our federal tax dollars are spent.

3. They pulled this same charade a few years ago when they covered the Cape May jetties. In that case they agreed to meet with the general public. Not many showed up, but the ones that did, were well-prepared.

4. It didn't matter - The USCOE politely said "thank you for your feedback" at the meeting. It did not address any of the concerns of the folks who were at that meeting.....IMO the Cape May fishermen got screwed royally.

5. Some of us were anticipating a public meeting in hopes of raising dishonesty, false statements, and inadequate research done by the USCOE. The higher ups probably saw all the e-mails coming in and decided it was not in their best interest to meet with fishermen.

6. So they simply decided not to, and only meet with these 2 reps. All the while knowing that several clubs and fishermen advocacy groups were looking for a public meeting.
In the end, they can follow the same path they took in Cape May...
Look Joe and Greg squarely in the eye, shake their hands, say "thanks for your input"....and then go ahead with what was originally planned without making concessions.
They will benevolently say: "Well we did meet with you and thank you for your concerns" while screwing all of us royally by silencing the masses and avoiding the public criticism of their methods that an open-air meeting would have allowed.










** I have been wrong before in my assessments....hope to God I am wrong on this one....
The level and credibility of the info I received, tells me otherwise.

This is classic Army warfare strategy. Without the opportunity for a public meeting or more severe pressure from the RFA and other groups that asked for a public meeting, this is just a dog and pony show....
Again...I sincerely hope I am wrong...I hate to sound so negative after all our hard work..and am rooting for Joe and Greg...:thumbsup::thumbsup:...but my sources are credible....and the way it was explained to me, this fits their previous pattern......

Stay tuned...I'll keep folks posted on this as needed....

[DarkSkies]

Some of the alleged developments already happening....and what fishermen can expect from the towns this year...
(as I mentioned, these are alleged at this point....still waiting for additional confirmation....but this is what's pending so far)....


1. Jetty Notching.....as people who read the docs know, the jetty notching concerns 6 groins/jetties. The mayor of Allenhurst allegedly refused to participate in this notching specifically concerning the "Allenhurst L". He allegedly told the USCOE that he would hold them to strict parking standards and would ticket any USCOE vehicles that deviated at all or violated any township ordinances...if they attempted to notch that jetty.
(In essence, he was (allegedly) ok with sand replenishment but not notching that jetty.)
** I'm still waiting for confirmation on this to confirm accuracy of all the points.
What I reported, is as it was explained to me.


2. No Parking - I was told Deal will move to make all the streets E of Ocean Ave "No Parking". This is credible to me, as I already noticed some of this.....weeks ago when I was down there taking pics/documenting jetty heights and the futility of sand replenishment.
The towns of Long Branch and Elberon will start to put in parking meters for all who want to park near the beach.
** Again, still waiting for additional confirmation, but weeks ago I noticed and started to document this....
For example...the streets of Pullman and Roosevelt, which at one time had seasonal parking restrictions,(being removed at the end of every year) now have permanent "No Parking" signs.

I also documented other streets and areas which only recently have had "No Parking" signs erected, I'll post them in another thread when I get a chance.....
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?8071-Beach-Fishing-Access-losses-and-updates-NJ




This is not looking good, people....and starting to look like what they did to fishermen access in CT.
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?8670-Sandy-Aftermath-Future-of-Beach-Access&highlight=connecticut+beach+access


More on this, as updates develop.....

[buckethead]

Rich that is bad news. I want to be optimistic about Joe and Greg's meeting with the acoe. Thank you rfa and let's hope for some real progress. finchaser please keep us posted as well.

[cowherder]

You really did your homework DS. The most in-depth analysis I have seen on any site about this issue. I wish I fished the jetties more and understood the passion you guys have. I don't trust politicians and it seems these guys are of the same ilk. I think it's crazy all they can get away with and how little we can do. Good luck on Wed guys and thank you.

[storminsteve]

Good luck greg and joe. When you are done with the meeting give them a :kicknuts:for all of us.

[DarkSkies]

The USCOE meeting, although a positive sign, was part of a larger strategy to pre-empt and eliminate a hearing for the general public.
Joe and Greg are certainly capable of representing fishermen and they are probably some of the best choices to represent fishermen views. Joe has been fighting against politicians all his life and is old-school sharp. :thumbsup:

However, if this was a chess game, I would say we just got put into Check.

** I have been wrong before in my assessments....hope to God I am wrong on this one....
The level and credibility of the info I received, tells me otherwise.


Again...I sincerely hope I am wrong...I hate to sound so negative after all our hard work..and am rooting for Joe and Greg...:thumbsup::thumbsup:...but my sources are credible....and the way it was explained to me, this fits their previous pattern......
Stay tuned...I'll keep folks posted on this as needed....



** A special thanks to Finchaser here......despite me railing at him for his negativity.....the Ol' Grouchy Basstid called this one, play by play, with extreme accuracy. :thumbsup: :HappyWave:



It is our constitutional right as citizens to question how our federal tax dollars are spent.
Will we be afforded this right, in this case? Probably not.......
Several well- known fishermen groups and fishing clubs asked for a public meeting.
This courtesy was at least given to the guys in the Cape May sand replenishment case.....

Here, that will probably not happen...
I have more to say, but it's all negative....time and time again I have railed on folks here about their negativity......
and right now....I'm sorry to say, I am deeply dissatisfied with what seems to me to be the eventual outcome...:o
That's not to take away from the efforts of Joe or Greg......they are 2 of the most knowledgeable people that anyone could pick to attend the meeting.....

My curse, as I get older, is that I am often able to see the possible outcomes, when things follow a certain path......
I see the possible outcome here, and it's not good...it's like we have been put in checkmate.....
The best we can now hope for, is that they will not notch the jetties in question..
(one of them was already taken off the table, before this meeting was set)

In 10 years, when they are all fully uncovered again, and after another 20 years when it is finally determined this grandiose plan didn't work....the jetties might come back for our children and grandchildren.....as for most of us.....it will be too late and the end of fishing in that area......a vast dead zone..........

What some folks may not understand.....is that all along it was not about a selfish need to fish those jetties......What's more important is that style of replenishment does not work......we were trying to push for alternatives, not only there but to establish a precedent for the whole Coast...

Over the next 3 years, we will have more complaints, from families who don't like the new rip currents, from boaters (most of whom stood on the sidelines on this issue) who will complain that there are no more decent bottom fish in the Elberon Rocks to Shrewsbury Rocks inshore areas...to a host of other probems...









Some who grew up near the beach may remember, that they never had to dredge the inlets, as much as they dredge now...sometimes twice a year for some inlets.....this all ties in to the movement of sand along our coast....and the fact that it moves in different directions in different parts of the coast.....
75 years ago......there was no need for sand replenishment because there were jetties in virtually every coastal town......this replenishment was never fully researched....Despite the mounting evidence pointing to other methods as being more effective......

In the end, this will have been proven to be all about $$, and back-room politics.....
I am so sick to my stomach about what will probably happen I want to wait a while before I post more comments on this publically....











Suffice it to say, I will go on record here as saying that what you may read on other sites about Rep Pallone setting up the meeting, is inaccurate....The RFA is responsible for making this meeting happen..Pallone jumped in at the last minute because he knew it was a publicity op.....

I will be actively campaigning against the November 2014 re-election of Rep Pallone....during the Spring and Summer I will be putting together a series of threads and articles detailing the ties of this type of replenishment to big developers and campaign contributions....and the possible ethical violations as well......

I will try to show as many fishermen as are willing to listen...that Frank Pallone, is no friend to fishermen......does not deserve our support....and want to go on record that this is how I feel, after being a Pallone supporter for many years...
Thanks for reading.....:HappyWave:

[storminsteve]

That sucks! Someone should take a dump on pallones porch.
Read this on the net. Sounds like a political butt licking to me.

"It's the least that Pallone can do considering the thousands of dollars that the RFA contributed to his campaign fund and the MANY thousands of dollars that the RFA raised for Pallone at RFA sponsored fund raisers for his campaign coffers over the years."

[jigfreak]

^^^^^ More like Pallone giving RFA the reach around after a quickie.

[DarkSkies]

** A special thanks to Finchaser here......despite me railing at him for his negativity.....the Ol' Grouchy Basstid called this one, play by play, with extreme accuracy. :thumbsup: :HappyWave:

Some who grew up near the beach may remember, that they never had to dredge the inlets, as much as they dredge now...sometimes twice a year for some inlets.....this all ties in to the movement of sand along our coast....and the fact that it moves in different directions in different parts of the coast.....
75 years ago......there was no need for sand replenishment because there were jetties in virtually every coastal town......this replenishment was never fully researched....Despite the mounting evidence pointing to other methods as being more effective......

In the end, this will have been proven to be all about $$, and back-room politics.....
I am so sick to my stomach about what will probably happen I want to wait a while before I post more comments on this publically....

Suffice it to say, I will go on record here as saying that what you may read on other sites about Rep Pallone setting up the meeting, is inaccurate....The RFA is responsible for making this meeting happen..Pallone jumped in at the last minute because he knew it was a publicity op.....

this is how I feel, after being a Pallone supporter for many years...
..:HappyWave:





I said I would hold off on comments until after the meeting....and I did.....
I'll post the narrative outline of what went on there, straight from the horse's mouth....and thanks to Fin, as always, for the honesty.....

Note:
I'm pretty sure this is correct, exactly as it was relayed to me....
If there are any incaccuracies, feel free to let me know and correct them.......
Thanks for reading....:HappyWave:

1. All the groups mentioned were there. A pretty impressive list of people. For example, the ALS is in a key position to argue the environmental issues and poorly handled research on the part of the USCOE. I have several back and forth e-mails between one of the top ALS directors, Tim, who was most likely the one they sent. I have not posted them before. I may go into detail if I get his permission.
Just to outline things a bit, I find everything Tim said to be credible.
I'm usually not on the sides of environmentalists, but in the correspondence with Tim, I found the reasons and research they did about jetties, compelling and very interesting. IMO it was the best legal argument we had to stop the sand replenishment, and the ACOE ignored them completely.

**I found the lack of research on the part of the USCOE, to be appalling.....and yet.....they arrogantly push on, with no one able to challenge them, not even the ALS?





2. This tells me the issue is bigger than any of us can imagine. It leads me to candidly question when someone makes a statement that claims Rep Pallone was working toward a resolution......simply put, there is too much $$ and political currency involved. The insincerity of Rep Pallone has been apparent to me all through this charade.

I feel badly for any one who is not able to see this....and by the end of the summer I will try to raise awareness to a higher level......
**I learned long ago that winning an argument is pointless if the other party doesn't see or can't understand your point ...one of the key reasons to raise awareness by informing others of the facts, and then letting them make their own decisisons........

3. Notching will be done on all but 2-3 jetties in the area in question.

4. The rocks removed from the notching will be sold.
(I have no idea why this would even be discussed)

5. Rep Pallone said:
"I am 100% against jetty notching but 100% for beach restoration"
(There has been no real cooperation from Rep Pallone, who all along was the biggest push behind sand replenishment. Any comments made asserting his involvement are politically motivated as a way for him to save face among fishermen voters)

6. Who Spoke?- The only people who spoke out (of all the groups) were Joe Pallotto, Greg Hueth, and the guy representing Surfrider Foundation.

7. Lawsuits - They are allegedly not notching the Allenhurst L and 1 or 2 jetties in Deal, because of lawsuit threats by the Gov't in those areas.
(This did not happen because of a call or request from Pallone. Any statement spinning it that way is inaccurate)
I already reported the mayor of Allenhurst threatened them with a lawsuit in a previous post.

8. Start Date... They will be starting the replenishment in this area Oct 1.

9. Replenishment as needed...
For most of the areas it will be a 32 year contract, with 6-10 year intervals for return replenishment as needed.
* For the Elberon/Loch Arbor/Allenhurst areas, they can return 1x/yr for the first 10 years, then every 6-10 years as needed.

10. Break in Action - They may hold up on replenishment in certain areas for the summer because of vacationers.

[buckethead]

All along it was about politics. At least we tried Rich. Thank you finchaser as well.
Next step is to get pallone defeated in november. Let me know what I can do to help.

[finchaser]

Yep ^^^^

[buckethead]

The jetties got some press over the weekend-


Sandy beach project wrecks prime fishing spots, anglers complain


http://imgick.nj.com/home/njo-media/width620/img/monmouth_impact/photo/14803698-mmmain.jpg
Shore fisherman are particularly perturbed by a post-Sandy project's plans to cut off access to rock jetties sticking out into the surf. A fisherman is shown in this file photo. (Star-Ledger file photo)



(http://connect.nj.com/staff/njoapnews/index.html)By The Associated Press (http://connect.nj.com/staff/njoapnews/posts.html)The Associated Press
on April 27, 2014 at 7:38 PM, updated April 27, 2014 at 10:07 PM
More Sandy Coverage (with photo)



Sandy beach work ruins key fishing spots, anglers say (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2014/04/sandy_beach_work_ruins_key_fishing_spots_anglers_s ay.html)


http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/www.nj.com/monmouth/2014/04/sandy_beach_work_wrecks_prime_fishing_spots_angler s_complain.html/44016260/StoryAd/NJONLINE/default/empty.gif/6241567038564d39634a59414472426e?bt=7051&bt=2013&bt=6162&bt=6163&bt=8064&bt=2055&bt=0019&bt=8063&bt=c0263&bt=0084&bt=6165&bt=7032&bt=8156&bt=2027&bt=6057&bt=all&bt=6158&bt=6152&bt=7049&bt=7050&bt=2041&bt=2084&bt=1099&bt=3043&bt=7052&bt=9002&bt=8067&bt=2070&lid=223e173a8ff5e88036ed7dac73229c48&tag0=asbury-park&tag1=monmouth-county (http://ads.nj.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.nj.com/monmouth/2014/04/sandy_beach_work_wrecks_prime_fishing_spots_angler s_complain.html/44016260/StoryAd/NJONLINE/default/empty.gif/6241567038564d39634a59414472426e)


ASBURY PARK (http://www.nj.com/monmouth) ? Not everyone is happy that a massive project is underway to restore the Jersey shore's beaches after Hurricane Sandy.
With the second summer after the storm approaching, fishing groups say the project is wrecking prime fishing spots by smothering parts of rock jetties with sand, destroying a unique angling opportunity that draws thousands of people to the state's shoreline each year.

And they're particularly perturbed by plans to cut off access to rock jetties sticking out into the surf. That work, called notching, is designed to ensure the uniform flow of sand along newly replenished beaches and cut down on erosion, but the anglers say the jetties are irreplaceable spots to catch fish, particularly in communities that limit public beach access.

They want the federal government to find a way to widen the beaches without covering and notching the jetties.
"These jetties, once they're gone, they're gone forever," said Greg Hueth of the Shark River Surf Anglers, one of many groups agitating against the beach project. "What they're doing is filling in all these areas with sand and destroying some of the best fishing areas. Every fish spawns in that area ? flounder, lobsters, bluefish, everything. They're going to fill it all in and smother it to death."

Dan Russo, who fishes in the Asbury Park area, said the nooks and crannies of the rock jetties provide habitat akin to coral reefs for many species of fish. Chris Hueth, another fisherman, says there's a spot in Allenhurst, near Asbury Park, where a jetty was buried in sand by the repair project, wiping out what was a productive breeding ground and fishing spot.
"There's nothing there now," he said. "It's all gone."

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in the midst of a massive project to restore New Jersey's coastline to a condition better than it was before Sandy hit in October 2012. From Maryland to New Hampshire, the storm was blamed for 159 deaths, and New Jersey and New York alone claimed a total of nearly $79 billion in damage.

The project's stated purpose is to protect lives and property, but it also has the effect of maintaining one of New Jersey's most popular tourism attractions: its 127 miles of beaches.

Christopher Gardner, a spokesman for the Army Corps, said the agency has heard fishermen's concerns and will look for potential changes to the project to address those while still ensuring the project works as designed. He also said the impact on fishing areas will be temporary.
"While some habitats and the species in them will be temporarily impacted by the construction of the project, most of the marine life will re-colonize nearby after construction activities are completed and marine populations impacted will return to normal levels over time," Gardner said.

The project involves pumping huge quantities of sand from offshore onto the beaches, which are being widened to 150 to 200 feet.

The notching of the jetties involves removing rocks from where the jetty meets the edge of the beach, creating a flow of water between the beach and the jetty. It's intended to help sand flow along the newly replenished beaches and keep them relatively uniform.

That's something that has long been accepted by coastal scientists as a benefit to the coastal ecosystem, said Tim Dillingham, director of the American Littoral Society. By lessening erosion, notching the jetties should extend the life of the new beaches, making them need to be replenished less frequently. But in this case, there's a unique concern: the tendency of several communities along the Jersey shore to limit public access to the beaches through a variety of tactics, including private ownership of part of the beach and severe restrictions on parking nearby.

"Because this is such a unique place, maybe it's in the best interests to keep the jetties as they are and maybe do the beach maintenance on a more regular basis," Dillingham said.

Joe Pallotto, president of the Asbury Park Fishing Club, said the anglers would accept a compromise in which the beach work could proceed if fishermen retained access to the jetties.
"This is something we've been able to do for decades, and now they're just coming in and taking it away," he said.

http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2014/04/sandy_beach_work_wrecks_prime_fishing_spots_angler s_complain.html

[jigfreak]

Thanks buckethead. Channel 12 ran a segment on this as well last night. Any press is good press.

[finchaser]

Compromise for access to the jetty's what a joke you will have access to the backs they will just bury the fronts like Manasquan or fill in the sides like by the inlet. The contract has been awarded you don't un-award a government contract just my .02

[J Barbosa]

The contract has been awarded you don't un-award a government contract just my .02

Its feeding time :pig: :pig: :pig:

[DarkSkies]

Update courtesy of Finchaser, thanks.

"The battle against the jetty notching and replenishment has continued. Notching is targeted to begin in Oct 2014, and legislators have been engaged with limited results. The fight against replenishment appears to be a lost cause – they are going to do it because the money has been allocated. So we are focusing on the notching in the hopes that when the replenished sand gets washed away, the jetties will be intact. Jerry Taylor pointed out, “they are selling us back the sand they sold us 18 years ago.”

[fishinmission78]

Thank you for the updates. We still have no use of the N jetty, Damn army corps of engineers. all they care about is job security

[buckethead]

Compromise for access to the jetty's what a joke

Not so fast there finchaser.
This was released today, saw it on nj.com. The only thing that seems to me to be a joke is that Pallone announced it jointly with the ACOE. Pallone was the one who was responsible for the replenishment funds in the first place. That guy is a lying sack of _____
(prefer not to use that word in reference to him but that is how I feel)


The following release from Rep. Frank Pallone provides good news for surfcasters along the nothern Shore who had been facing the loss of all their fish-holding jetties to sand replenishment projects:
LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) hosted a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to revisit concerns previously expressed by fishermen, surfers and recreational users regarding the Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment project. Today's discussion followed up on an April 2014 meeting that Pallone hosted with concerned citizens after the Army Corps released their initial draft proposal for the replenishment project.

Originally, the Army Corps had planned to notch six groins, also known as jetties, between Elberon and Loch Arbour. However, in response to the first meeting, the Army Corps presented a revised plan today that will only notch three groins within the project area. The Corps announced that they will not be notching the groins at the end of Whitehall Ave. in Deal, Roseld Ave. in Deal, and Cedar Ave. in Allenhurst.
There was also discussion at today's meeting of constructing shallower notches than originally planned in order to allow access across the notches during low tide. The Army Corps is examining the possibility of that option with the three groins in Deal that will be notched, including Phillips Ave., Deal Casino, and South of Deal Esplanade near Marine Pl.

"I agree with the concerns that many have voiced with respect to notching the groins in this area and the impacts that it may have on recreational fishing," said Congressman Pallone. "This new plan is a compromise with the Army Corps. I want to thank all the fishermen and other residents who took the time to submit comments and voice their concerns throughout this process."

The Deal Lake Flume was also discussed at today's meeting with Congressman Pallone. The Army Corps agreed to install an electronic gate which would allow the outfall to be cleared efficiently if it were to become blocked by sand. All parties agreed that there was no need to extend the Deal Lake Flume farther into the ocean. Instead, there would be improved monitoring of the sand placement by the Corps during the project to avoid any excessive placement of sand in the area of the flume.
Today's meeting also confirmed that the Army Corps will insist that towns maintain existing beach access points and parking areas and will explore the possibility of new access points in the project area from Lake Takanassee to Deal Lake.
The contract for the Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment Project is expected to be awarded in October or November 2014 and work will start soon after, weather permitting.

[storminsteve]

I agree I think Pallone is like a snake oil salesman. Would sell his own mother for a photo op! thanks for keeping us informed and for all the hard work bucket head.

[finchaser]

:don't know why:Forgive me if I don't believe Pallone's smoke and mirror press release

Parking and access were in the original plan to get sand except for Deal every town was for it. Note all the exceptions are in Deal if they get their way little will be done and limited access also probably no parking along entire beach front. Remember towns now have the last say for access and parking including times not the FED's since the DEP relinquished power to the towns and stepped out of the picture. Look at Long Branch and Point Pleasant can't park near the water without paying like $3.00 hour. Pallone and other politicians are rated on what kind of job they do by the money they bring into their district no matter what its for even sand. He lives in Elboron, and needs sand to protect his neighborhood, think of how much access is there and note Elboron gets done first. Rumor has it the contract has already been awarded just waiting on the formal announcement put on hold because of all this bullsh_t.

Pallone the fisherman's friend started way back when in Long branch when he assured the clubs Striped bass would be a game fish coast wide if we voted for him , over 20 years have passed he went from councilman to congress man and he's still playing that card. The jetties are getting buried the only thing is how many will be notched that's the compromise they went from leaving some to maybe just small notches.

The jetties won't be able to be used until all the sand washes away and how deep do you think the water around the jetty will be??? IMO not fishable as most can attest that have seen this before. Go check out Manasquan the sand washed off jetties since the 2014 replenishment but they remain unfishable with numerous sand bars off the fronts and beach including the inlet so there is unfishable access. THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACCESS (which they preach) AND FISHABLE ACCESS.

[DarkSkies]

I know it's politically correct to try to look at the positive in life, but this is a total sham. It's not even about protecting the property owners, from the ACOE's perspective.....they claim it's about preventing beach erosion....that theory is so full of holes you could make Swiss Cheese with it.....
There is no scientific basis for doing what they're doing....and no long-term engineering studies to support that it works.


Needless to say, IMO Rep Pallone held this meeting to shine his tarnished image up for the election posturing.
He's already beloved by homeowners.
This move was the latest in a series to show he is still the "fishermens friend"

This changes nothing. It's a dog and pony show. :kooky:
I will be actively campaigning for his opponent in the November election.