Plum Island beach Clean Up

[Plum Crazy]

I am extremely disappointed in the interest in this.
This is the first time in many, many years they have even allowed us to do this.
When I was told we could only have 5 trucks on the beach I thought we would have to say 'sorry' to many people.
We now have 2 pick up trucks.
Mine and Tattoo's.
We have a re-evaluation coming up in less than 2 years.
That decides weather we have continued access or not.
Every little bit helps. We need to show them we care and we need to do that in numbers.
I just can't believe we fought for 5 trucks and can only get 2
Please people if you can spare even a half an hour to fill bags we will pick them up.
No need to drag them out as in the last few years.
Anything and everything you can do to ensure the safety of our access to the Refuge will be greatly appreciated.
They need to know we care. PLEASE?
Our access is always in trouble.
Step up and help us now.
We need a show of good faith.
20 minutes, an hour or all day.
We need your help.

[LeCounts1099]

If I wasn't stuck in Yuppie Manhattan Bob & P.C... I'd be there to help in a heartbeat!


For N.Y.ers reading here (i.e., you dumb know- nothings like me!)... the BAG "Bass Beach" clean- up in Bayside Queens is 3 weeks from now!-- that's where you can do YOUR part!

(Though I wonder who these cretins are exactly... who leave trash behind after fishing in a beautiful area? )

[tattoobob]

Most trash on this beach is wash up from boaters and there is a river north of PI and the current sweeps around the Island and all sorts crap washes up. of corse there are a few doosh bags that leave there trash.

[Plum Crazy]

In all reality you can't place the blame on fishermen or beach goers.
The stuff comes in twice a day with the tides.
I'd say most of it comes from anywhere but the beach.
My guess is allot comes from big boats and most of it is just washed down the river and ends up here.
That is not to say that we do not have our share of slobs enjoying their day at the beach, but in general this is just everything the cat dragged in during the winter storms.
I tend to get a little over emotional about slobs on the beach.
I have no qualms confronting them.
But we really only can do what we can and that is show up for these things and get in thier face.
The general public is unbelievable!
I have found that the fishermen care more and will do more.
Not in this case.
I have had about a 2% response to this clean up. It's killing me.
Let me tell you this story and you can decide for yourself how far I will go to ensure our access.
I was just walking on Salisbury with a few empty bags, picking up trash. The dumpster was only a few yards from me.
This man and woman were walking their dog, they were heading off the beach.
I had a long way to go.
The man walks up to me and says "nice job you are doing here, while you are at it take this" he hands me his bag of dog poop!
I think I was slack jawed for 10 minutes!.
He was only a few yards from the dumpster.Going off the beach!
If I wasn't with my respected organization I think I would have had a mental breakdown.
But nope. I was cool. I offered him one of my trash bags and invited him to help us.
He turned me down flat. He had other things to do.
I wonder how he will feel in a few years when his dog can't crap on the beach anymore.
One other time I was fishing a stiff east wind in spotty rain.
I was there since 4 AM.
I was in heaven because I figured there will be no beach goers on a day like this.
STOOOPID ME. 10 AM and here they come.
With their silly umbrellas.
One family of about 5 comes down bringing everything but the kitchen sink.
They lasted about 15 minutes. Their umbrella turned inside out about 3 seconds after they tried putting it up.
They packed up and left.
They left the broken umbrella too.
I trudged over picked up their broken umbrella and followed them to the parking lot.
I got to their car and said "hey you forgot your umbrella"
He said "ya, it's trashed"
I said " "well if it's trash why did you leave it here on the beach? Do you always leave trash on our beach?"
He had no answer for me. He stood there dumbfounded.
I told him I would be more than happy to take HIS trash home and dispose of it myself.
He snatched the broken umbrella from me threw it in his car and slammed the door.
Hmmm I said to myself, these are the rich yuppies trying to stop ME from fishing my beaches. Hmmmm.

[Plum Crazy]

Man that was a long tirade. I don't even want to read it.
Sorry

[LeCounts1099]

PC... I know exactly the type of which you write about above...


And it's the most infuriating thing you'll ever see! Nature is indeed many idiots' waste disposal dump!


We feel your pain!

C'mon N. Bostonians / N. Shore guys-- get down there & help out please!

[Plum Crazy]

Thanks Le Counts.
I have moved beyond the infuriation and focus only on what I can do.
I'll tell ya one thing though, I sleep very well after a day of beach cleaning.
It is food for my soul.
It gives me a chance to give back to something I love so much and get so much from.
I don't get so angry at the crap on the beach anymore. I just pick it up.
I have cleaned many beaches from Plum to Race in the last 10 years and I have heard every excuse known to man as to why people can't do it.
Hell I even worked every clean up one year in a leg cast.
I paid dearly each night, but it was worth it.
I have lost many hours of payable work time and sacrificed family and friends.
All to save our access. For me and for the future.
All I know is that when they close the beach for good it will not be because I didn't try.

[GooGoo Man]

I just saw this thread for the first time, I will be there with my son (7 yrs. old) & my wife, I also have a red ford f-350, if it is needed I would be happy to be the 3rd truck.

[tattoobob]

Martian and others, this clean up was for the refuge,

along with us fishermen there were boys and girl scouts and a church group I am sure there were a few concerned people that just wanted to help out. remember all help is welcomed

There wasn't really a big announcement about the clean up until it was put on 3 fishing forums or there wouldn't have been many fishermen either we have the MBBA to thank