Many anglers take their fishing access for granted but that’s not the case with some Long Island organizations, in particular LIBBA and Montauk Surfcasters Association. Both groups work closely with the state and Suffolk County, conducting joint beach cleanups several times a year. There are also a couple of fishing clubs that have been conducting their own beach cleanups for a number of years, relying on their own club members, members of other fishing clubs, and anyone else willing to volunteer their efforts.
The Bayside Anglers Group Ltd. is holding its 22nd Annual Little Neck Bay “Bass Beach” Clean-Up beginning at 9 a.m. this Saturday, April 15. With support from NY City Dept. of Parks and the NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, bags, gloves, rakes and shovels are provided for volunteers attending this event. All volunteers and their families are welcome, and it is a good opportunity to teach kids a lesson in community service.
This is a “rain or shine” event, so dress accordingly. The Harris Corporation provides volunteers with food and drink, and all participants are entered in a free raffle for prizes including tickets for trips with The Angler Fleet of Port Washington, and other fishing and non-fishing goodies from Fisherman Depot of College Point and other supporters from the community. Bass Beach is accessed by walking to the southern end of the bay along the bicycle path adjacent to the Northbound Cross Island Parkway. Sign-in tables will be located at the foot of the 28th Ave. overpass. For detailed directions and further information go to www.baysideanglers.com or contact club president Joe Oliveri at: [email protected]
The Striper Surf Club, Inc. in cooperation with Long Island State Parks, is holding its’ 16th Annual Spring Beach Clean-up at Jones Beach State Park, on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Participants should meet at the Field 10 parking lot (Fishing Piers) on Bay Parkway. The parking fee for Field 10 will be waived for those informing the collector that they are participating in the clean-up.
Coffee and donuts will be served, and lunch will be provided for all participants after the clean-up. This is an all-weather event, so dress appropriately. Long pants and shirts sleeves are suggested for volunteers who think they may venture into tall grass or wooded areas.
In the past, this clean-up has drawn volunteers from the Boy Scouts, LIBBA, CCA, Mid Island Surfcasters, Montauk Surfcasters, Bayside Anglers, Farragut Striper Club, Gateway Striper Club, High Hill Striper Club and others who just wanted to give back to the environment. have participated.
