[rpsurf5]

All,

CBB has always been a popular spot for us yakkers to launch. Lately park rangers have been stopping people from launching and saying it is not a legal launch spot. We can not lose this spot and KFA-NY and other groups and individuals are getting involved to try to keep this access.

Thanks to KayakerStan for providing this information below. There is a meeting on Tuesday ,a good showing will help us get on the agenda and do something about this issue. If you fish this area or concerned about keeping access in general, please attend this meeting. Don't assume someone else is doing something about it , get involved. The bigger the showing the better off we will be.

John

Below information provided by KayakerStan :

This can be a first step. If you want to be able to launch your kayak at CBB and other areas around J/Bay I highly suggest you make some time for July 1st. I know it's short notice but if you want to get the ball rolling, your voices heard this is the meeting you should attend. If enough people show up possibly we can get the kayak launch put on the agenda for the next meeting.

JAMAICA BAY TASK FORCE MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2008
6:30 PM AT THE RYAN CENTER
FLOYD BENNETT FIELD, BROOKLYN, NY

AGENDA
Presentations to include Q & A

6:30- 6:35 INTRODUCTIONS

6:35-7:00 GATEWAY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
NPS, DOUG ADAMO

7:00-7:35 ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS UPDATE ON ALL J/B
PROJECTS, LENNY HOUSTON

7:35-8:05 OYSTER RESTORATION IN J/B
DAN MUNDY, JBEW & JOHN McLAUGHLIN, NYC DEP

8:05-8:15 NITROGEN ABATEMENT IN J/B
NYSDEC, NO RESPONSE AS OF DATE

8:15-8:35 OPERATION CLEAN BAY
NPS, JOHN DASKALAKIS

NYS Licensed Guide #4542
http://kayakerstan.tripod.com

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[KayakerStan]

I received an email today from a high official of Gateway National Recreation Area about the Cross Bay Blvd launch area. I am posting a copy of the email here; I am keeping the names and contact number out.

Dear ** *****,

The site you mention has never been an official kayak launch site with NPS, so we are surprised to see it listed with DEC. I have asked our district ranger to look into this. . . so thanks for bringing it to my attention. We will try and find a workable solution and also meet with DEC and our U.S. Park Police about this matter.

One concern the Wildlife Refuge staff has is paddlers accessing the salt marsh islands as that is not allowed. Perhaps you can assist me in letting me know the best way to get our regulations out, or how we could inform paddlers if we started allowing more beach access.

Thank you for your interest,

_________________________________
***************************
National Park Service - Gateway National Recreation Area
***************************
ph. ***********************

This is a very positive step forward. I will be contacting the official during the week to see when I can be granted a face to face meeting. Let me just say this official does have the power to grant us legal access. So that being said I would like to ask everyone to hold off on going to the meeting on July 1st. For 1 thing it's very short notice. If I am unable to get something worked out it just gives us more time, be more prepared to present our case at the next J/Bay Task Force Meeting.

Thank you,

 

[bassknuckles]

Good News from KFA-NY

Yes, the good news has arrived, see below for the email I received. I have taken out the names and contact information. The best part is that they have increased the number of launching spots but you need to get a permit.

I must also thank Stan (kayakerstan)and others who put a lot of time into this. They will be informing the Park Rangers about these new regulations today.

Please remember that The entire Jamaica Bay area is a protected bird sanctuary/ wildlife refuge to many species of animals/ birds. Walking or beaching a craft on the marsh islands is prohibited as it threatens the wildlife in the area. Please stay off the marsh islands and stay below the high water mark.

quote:
07/29/2008
08:41 AM

Dear Mr. ******,

The Jamaica Bay Unit has expanded its launch sites to include hand
launching kayaks and canoes at Cross Bay Blvd, as well as at Mill Basin, the Seaplane Ramp and Plumb Beach. All those launching need to get a "Car-top" boating permit that costs $50 a year from Floyd Bennett Field's Ryan Visitor Center. Expect next season to see a canister to place "float plans" at these locations as well as some safety and regulatory information about responsible kayaking and canoeing in Jamaica Bay. I hope this helps you. Please email me directly for more information or if I can be of any other assistance.

Sincerely,

**** *********

North Shore District Ranger
Gateway NRA, Jamaica Bay Unit, North Shore District
Phone: 718 338 **** - Fax: 718 338 ****
Cell: 347-672-****

 

[rpsurf5]

Great news Rich. Thanks to you, KFA-NY, Stan and everyone else who helped with this.

Is the shorefront east of the subway trestle across from the airport off-limits ?

 

[bassknuckles]

Questions

Ok, Im going to try to answer some questions that I received (Stan and Odin jump in also):

1. Where to I get the permit? At Gateway National Park and the National Park service. Visit the Ryan Center building. Cash and checks accepted between normal business hours.

2. If I already have the permit to launch at Floyd Bennett Field (sea plane ramp) do I also need to get another permit? No, the permit is good for all spots mentioned in previous posts.

3. How long is the permit good for? It?s an annual permit. Note the permit runs on a calendar year cycle so it will expire on December 31 of every year.

3. Do I need a permit for the annual KFS tournament? I do not believe so the permit is waived for this event.

3. Do you need to get a permit after the fishing season (i.e.: before Memorial Day and after Labor Day)? Yes, it?s an annual permit.

4. Can I park on Cross Bay Boulevard and wheel my yak to the bridge launch? Don?t be cheap spend the $50.00.