RI Beach Access Threat

[tlapinski]

I just received the following in an email. If you like to fish Napatree Point, Sandy point, or if you simply fear the loss of any beach access, it would be in your best interest to attend this meeting! I know a similar proposal to black access to these same beaches came along last fall that received zero press. Fortunately that attempt didn’t go anywhere.

The Westerly Harbor Commission is considering banning public access to Rhode Island beaches and ponds (Napatree Point and Sandy Point) under their control.

The idea of restricting beach and any anchorage access is unacceptable to all responsible boaters. If this is one of your recreational choices you may wish to be heard.

Their next meeting is at 6:00pm, Thursday, April 12th at the Westerly Police Headquarters Conference Room, 60 Airport Road, Westerly, RI.

[bart]

You gotta be chittin' me. I would attend but I'm leaving Thursday for my Grandparents 80th Bday bash and won't be home for a week. Thanks for shining some light on this, Toby. Anyone who can, please go. Thanks...

[piemma]

It is interesting to note that access to Napatree point by boat has always been restricted. Kayaks and canoes were allowed.

Great end of the season spot if you are C&R. Way too long of a walk to drag a 30# fish back. Believe me. I have done it. Even if you float the fish on a leash, it's a PIA getting back.

[1dozenraw]

This is boat access or access on foot as well?? Can someone explain a bit more. Thanks.

[tlapinski]

Originally Posted by 1dozenraw

This is boat access or access on foot as well?? Can someone explain a bit more. Thanks.

I am checking into this further today and will advise.

[bart]

You know how it goes...once one thing is lost, then something else will follow...and that very well could be beach access

[Thumper]

Here is an artical from last year: On the Docks: Proposed closures on Napatree Point - THE MYSTIC RIVER PRESS: Mystic River Press: News

[surfflyfish]

edited to the right subject,people leaving garbage around is making those who live in the area decide to shut it down,i said the wrong statement before that. i apologize.

[bart]

Originally Posted by surfflyfish

as we know,the watch hill millionares are doing this to throw us out of the area,they just don't want any fisherman visitors there period.plain and simple;visit the area,have some something to eat,buy a post card and get tha hell out.they can try carefully push and buy the decision.they tried to close all water access even on the WW and just leave it for the hotel area a few years back,but the vote was a no-go.some of those locals there don't even fish,but yeah they also don't want anyone there fishing either.

Can't say I blame the home-owners. People are so friggin' disrespectful down there, especially in the fall. Trash all over the rocks, and I'm not just talking about the actions of sustenance fishermen. Tons of people with VS' and 300 dollar waders parking in the lot....stop being disrespectful and lazy and park on the street! (this post was not directed at the OP, just to clarify)

[tlapinski]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Here is an artical from last year: On the Docks: Proposed closures on Napatree Point - THE MYSTIC RIVER PRESS: Mystic River Press: News

This quote just about sums it all up...

So the same organization that is proposing to close down sections of Napatree Point for the protection of birds and eel grass is driving 4-wheel drive ATVs all over Napatree Point making sure people don't have dogs and obey posted signage.

[1dozenraw]

Originally Posted by bart

Can't say I blame the home-owners. People are so friggin' disrespectful down there, especially in the fall. Trash all over the rocks, and I'm not just talking about the actions of sustenance fishermen. Tons of people with VS' and 300 dollar waders parking in the lot....stop being disrespectful and lazy and park on the street! (this post was not directed at the OP, just to clarify)

Amen.

[Nebe]

The public shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise all the rights of fishery, and the privileges of the shore, to which they have been heretofore entitled under the charter and usages of this State.

State of the Beach/State Reports/RI/Beach Access - Beachapedia

[DZ]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

This quote just about sums it all up...

So the same organization that is proposing to close down sections of Napatree Point for the protection of birds and eel grass is driving 4-wheel drive ATVs all over Napatree Point making sure people don't have dogs and obey posted signage.

Right on with that one Toby. I've always thought that those who are there to protect the plovers have probably killed more plovers than those they are trying to keep out.

DZ

[piemma]

Another reason to get a boat. Ah for the good old days
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[joe the plumber]

Originally Posted by bart

Can't say I blame the home-owners. People are so friggin' disrespectful down there, especially in the fall. Trash all over the rocks, and I'm not just talking about the actions of sustenance fishermen. Tons of people with VS' and 300 dollar waders parking in the lot....stop being disrespectful and lazy and park on the street! (this post was not directed at the OP, just to clarify)

I so appreciate your words Bart.I remember the 90's when the gate to the Lighthouse was locked...(for the exact reasons you state) allthough we still got in to fish after dark it allways hung in the back of my mind that we were not welcome there,and we knew it was that way because of the actions of people who were just too friggin lazy to walk.....

[bart]

Thanks Joe. I have to admit, I used to be disrespectful at times, I even had my truck towed from a spot..ask T.O....but I was like 23 or something. Now I do everything legal and as respectful as best I can.

People want to blame the sustenance fisherman for all the trash and closures, but the reality is that we're all to blame....

[piemma]

I remember it was 2 days after 9/11 and myself and another guy parked at the gate and were walking in. All of a sudden we had flashlights and weapons in our face.
The local cops asked us what were were doing. Mind you, we are wearing waders, drytops, plug bags and carrying 10' surf rods. I casually mentioned that I was working as a consultant to the Secret Service and FBI on internet credit card fraud.
Finally after some tense conversation we were escorted out to the road and told to "give it a few days before you come back at night".

From then on, I always park in the lot on the hill and hoof it in.

[surfflyfish]

You right bart,some access here in Connecticut back in the days the Old Saybrook area was about completely public. until the pigs arived,leaving massive amount of trash all over the place.now can't find barely a fishing spot,investors took over someones garbage and turned it to treasure.the reply above is absolutely right and can't agree more,(they get sick and tired of the same every year).
Another example why they shut down access to fisherman,was just mentioned in other thread,someone got locked in a parking in a fishing spot down south connecticut,and the arse ended up breaking the gate.basturds.
D.

[Thumper]

I was not able to make the meeting tonight but emailed the contact asking if they had any information about minutes being posted, this was the response:

"The minutes will be posted after they are accepted next month.
The short of it is we have NO intention to close down Napatree or any other area. The restrictions that will be in place are common sense - do not anchor in the eel grass beds and do not trample the piping plovers.
Larry"

Not to sure why they would have a meeting about provisions already in place unless they are planing to step up enforcement, hopefully more information to come.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Thumper

I was not able to make the meeting tonight but emailed the contact asking if they had any information about minutes being posted, this was the response:

"The minutes will be posted after they are accepted next month.
The short of it is we have NO intention to close down Napatree or any other area. The restrictions that will be in place are common sense - do not anchor in the eel grass beds and do not trample the piping plovers.
Larry"

Not to sure why they would have a meeting about provisions already in place unless they are planing to step up enforcement, hopefully more information to come.

Thank yuo for the update - hopefully some people could make it last night...

[tlapinski]

I tried digging up more information on this all week and hit dead end after dead end. Even the CMTA was useless and thery were the ones that originally sent out the email. Unfortunately I missed the meeting as I had a prior commitment that I couldn't break.

[SeaWolf]

my experience with all the Fire Disctrict organizations in SC is that they say what is right, usually, but do what is in the best interest of the NIMBYs, rich property owners, and/or elected officials; not always what the public wants. i always had a problem with sections of beaches that always seemed to be open for the public, even though we know that the nesting, protected birds are on those beaches. funny how the state beaches were always opened, but private and federal lands were closed or nearly closed. most of these protected birds are there by march or april, long before people are enjoying the beaches. and, many of these state beaches are raked early in the morning. those officials driving quads to check on properties are not doing 5-10 mph either, but those of us in 4wd vehicles cannot even access private properties either w/ an escort in front of the vehicle and driving slower than 10mph. it takes one jerk to ruin it for the masses, whom are group into fisherman or the public.

lastly and more importantly, these NIMBYs and their cohorts are loaded w/ money for their cause. they are united, knowledgable, and have lawyers behind them. that goes a long way in court. the public may have more people, but usually just vents w/ words that may not be of fact. that doesn't help in a public debate.

i had always thought that large sections of napatree were private, including a road that went out there once.

[Uncle Rob]

I use to own a small carriage house at Watch Hill many, many years ago. Let me tell you how bad it was with all the people that just did not care.You may be able to stop it this year, but the day is coming when you will not be able to gain any access to that area. I wish I knew what could be done to stop it, but I don't. They just don't want you, me or anyone else there, so sad to loose such a place!