News:Old
From BBPA
Past news articles from the main page are copied here for archival purposes.
[edit] Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight, Friday August 13th
Look to the northeast sky tonight for the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Best viewing times are at the darkest point of the night just before dawn.
[edit] Star Gazer Night, Saturday August 7th
The evening will provide viewers with a guide to the summer constellations, the exciting Perseid Meteor Shower, and the ‘Summer Triangle’: Venus, Mars, and Saturn.
Our new guide this year is Dr. Tim Paglione. Tim is an astrophysicist and professor at York College, CUNY and a Research Associate at the American Museum of Natural History where he helped produce the current planetarium show, Journey to the Stars. Tim studies galaxies that harbor huge clusters of massive stars. These stars live furiously, greatly affecting their surroundings with their winds and radiation, then explode and enrich the galaxy with heavy elements. Their lives are relatively brief ("only" 10 million years or less) so their impact is not only profound but immediate.
- We will meet at Atlantic Beach parking lot (840 Dune Road) ocean side at 8 PM
- There will only be limited parking so try and walk down the beach.
- Bring a flashlight as we have picked a dark night (no moon light) to see the stars better.
[edit] Attention All Oyster Farmers! Oysters are ready for pick up this weekend June 19th and 20th
All new farmers and returning farmers can come and pick up their oyster farm kits this weekend between 2-4 PM Saturday and Sunday at 850 Dune Road ( Gina & Mark Cappiello's).
- This year the BBPA will supply all the necessary equipment with the exception of an anchor or cinder block.
- Each returning farmer will receive some of last year's 1 year old oysters and some of the new baby spat. New farmers will receive spat only).
- We'd like to get everyone in the village involved.
- This project can really make a difference in bringing the oysters back in Moriches Bay.
- The work is easy, fun and rewarding ( and delicious!)
- Oyster are edible after about 1 1/2 growing season. Each farmer can eat 1/2 of what they raise.
Please send an e mail to: Gina@barrierbeach.org to confirm your participation in the program before your arrival on Sat / Sun so we can have your materials ready.
[edit] Beach Comber Walk for Adults and Families, Saturday June 12th at 2 PM
Ever wonder what the marine life is in the surf line of the ocean or bay?
Join Marianne McNamara, a marine biologist from here on the east end, to discuss the natural history of Long Island and the types of marine organisms native to the area. We will collect specimens through beach combing and water seining, identify, and discuss them. The discussion will also include common environmental issues concerning Long Island - hot topics like climate change, pollution, and of course recent increases in jellyfish! We encourage everyone to come with questions and critters they have collected.
NEW MEETING PLACE WILL BE BBPA HOUSE Rain date will be Sunday, June 13th.
[edit] Lots of fun at the BBPA kick off party!
Good friends gathered again for our opening party. A beautiful sunset, a special visit from "Blink" (a charming Screech Owl) of the Quogue Wildlife Rescue Center along with good food made for a nice evening! Thanks Catherine & Mike for a nice meeting & party!
[edit] The Horseshoe Crabs Are Here!
The water warmed up after last weeks big winds and the horseshoe crabs have started their annual spawn at Pike's Beach. Prime watching for the event which features lots of crabs and feeding birds will be on the full moon on Memorial Day weekend during the high tides. NPR radio will be doing a special piece on the horseshoe crab program at Pike's on their Science Friday program. They will be there Friday the 28th at sunset!
- May 25th, Tuesday at 6:34 PM
- May 27th, Thursday at 8:00PM
- May 29th, Saturday at 9:22 PM
Come down to Pike's (Bayside) with your camera at Sunset for a wonderful show of nature!
[edit] Constabulary Party at John Scott’s, Friday June 4th at 7 PM
The West Hampton Dunes Police Constabulary Association's annual summer kick off party at John Scott's Surf Shack is Friday June 4th. Tickets must be purchased in advance. for more information go to the Constabulary's website, http://www.whdpca.org/events
[edit] BBPA Spring-Summer Line Up
We have put together a series of events that we hope will help you and your guests enjoy the beautiful barrier beach and learn more about how special it is.
[edit] Horseshoe Crab Counts Begin May 11th, Volunteers Needed
For the last several years, volunteers of the BBPA have participated in monitoring the Horseshoe Crab spawning at Pikes Beach. The surveys take place during the new moon and full moon each month from mid May through early July. Both important and interesting, the surveys are easy to do and intellectually rewarding. Volunteer for a night or two! Surveying begins on May 11th this year.
Additional information:http://www.NYhorseshoecrab.org/
[edit] BBPA Cocktail Party, Saturday May 15th
Say hello to friends and neighbors at our annual gathering. The party is always fun and informative.
Be sure to join us at the BBPA House at 6 PM on Saturday.
[edit] Oyster Farmers
The oysters that our volunteers farmed last summer have survived the winter up on the North Fork in the creek at Cedar Beach. We will be bringing them ‘home’ to Moriches in early May so that they can repopulate the bay. We are looking for new volunteers and hope that all of last year’s farmers return to collect and taste their work! Details for volunteering for this year's program will be discussed at our May 15th gathering.
More information is available on the Shellfish Farming page.
[edit] Pictures of the beach after March 14th Storm
[edit] Dr. Tom Lyon, Summer Resident of the Dunes, Gives a Helping Hand in Haiti
One thing that is great about the barrier beach is that you can know a fellow beach goer for years by their first name, their kids, their bathing suit. You know if they are a swimmer, which dog, maybe which house is theirs. Often you can go for years and never know what they do for a living. When you see them in the city or at some gathering during the winter the common beach expression is, gee, you look different in clothes!
There are some wonderful people here in the Dunes, and it doesn't surprise us at how vital some of these good people can be.
Tom Lyon is just one of these wonderful people who are making a difference. He and his wife Natalie and their 3 children have been quiet beach lovers for years.
On Jan. 22, Dr. Tom Lyon, physician chief of Orthopedic Trauma at Lutheran Medical Center, traveled with a team of 19 medical and surgical professionals to Hospital Eleazar Germaine on a relief mission to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake.
You can follow Tom's wonderful work in Haiti at [1]
Tom will be returning home on the 30th.
Good job!
[edit] Harbor Seals Take a Sunbath at Cupsogue Park
One of the fun winter activities here on the barrier beach is to see the harbor seals at Cupsogue Park. They are out on a sand bar in Moriches Bay at low tide on nice sunny days. Take your binoculars, check the tide charts Moriches Tide Chart, and drive through the paved parking lot about half way to the inlet. You will see on your right some split rail fencing (for the RV's in summer), pull in there. You will see the seals swimming in the water and sunning out on the sand bar.
For those who can't make the trip out, see some pictures taken last week below. Click on any small picture below to enlarge it.
For more information, click here:Harbor Seals
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[edit] Nor'easter takes toll on beaches
By Michael Wright Nov 17, 09 7:06 PM Southampton Press
High surf accompanying last weekend's storm caused extensive damage at Beach Lane in Wainscott and other East End locations. see all imagesTowering waves battered portions of the oceanfront during last weekend’s intense nor’easter, one of the strongest and longest to hit the area in years, washing away dunes, undermining roads and threatening oceanfront homes and other structures.
In parts of East Hampton, Bridgehampton and Quogue, storm-driven waves erased the beach and ate away as much as 50 feet of dunes.
In Wainscott, the pavement at the end of Beach Lane collapsed into the wash of the surf during the height of the storm on Saturday.
In Bridgehampton, homes along Surfside Drive that once had wide dunes between them and the ocean now peek out onto the beach over narrow bands of dune grass. In Quogue, the sand and dunes were scoured out from beneath the municipal beach pavilion, which now hangs precariously over the thin strip of sand between it and the sea.
“Some places the dunes have eroded to the point that some old foundations are exposed,” said William Mack, a coastal geologist with First Coastal, a coastal development consulting firm in Westhampton. “It was an intense storm. It was a massive amount of wind feeding that massive low just offshore. That generated these extreme wave heights through at least four or five tide cycles.”
Waves on the ocean reached 14 feet high along the beach, Mr. Mack said. Winds from the storm sustained near 30 miles per hour from late Thursday night through Saturday night, according to Richard Hendrickson, a National Weather Service observer in Bridgehampton, and gusted over 60 miles per hour throughout Friday and Saturday.
The area may have been spared even worse erosion because the heart of the storm, remnants of one-time Hurricane Ida, passed to the south of Long Island, so the strong winds stayed out of the northeast and blew against the waves advancing ashore from the southeast, somewhat lessening the strength and speed of their impact.
Mr. Mack said erosion was focused on specific weak spots, where “erosion waves” have kept the sand barriers from building up. Erosion waves are areas where gaps in offshore sandbars allow larger waves to reach the shoreline. Resulting riptides carry sand away from the beach, accelerating erosion. The erosion hot-spots tend to migrate to the west over many years.
Windy weather this summer left beaches in some areas without their usually deep ribbon of protective sand at the outset of the fall and winter storm season. And, after years of relatively gentle winters, this season has gotten off to a turbulent start. Two nor’easters hit in succeeding weekends in October and this weekend’s storm left the area with a severely handicapped beachfront to weather the winter behind.
“We’ve had a good five- to eight-year run where we haven’t had a really bad storm or series of storms,” said Aram Terchunian, also a coastal geologist with First Coastal. “We’ll get beach recovery over the next couple weeks but the problem is, we’re going in to the winter storm season with these very narrow beaches. They are not going to repair to the point they need to be for the winter.”
[edit] November 13th Storm Pounds the Beach
Friday, November 13th 2:30 PM
The Northeaster that has been battering our beach for the last few days has eroded the beach up to the first grass dune.
The tidal surge over washed the first dune during the night.
The leading edge of the storm is passing to the east of us as this report is being written.
Storm is expected to continue for the next several hours tapering off tomorrow.
click on any picture to enlarge / photos taken at 889 Dune Road
[edit] By-law Update
Dear Members of the BBPA,
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the recent voting process and all those who volunteered their time to put it all together. I know how important your time is. Unfortunately, we did not receive votes from 2/3rd's of the membership needed to even find out what our members wanted. We were very close but several people who were eligible to vote, did not, and we had to destroy all the ballots with out counting them. The most important amendment in my opinion was to be able to stagger the election of the board members so programs could continue and new board members could gradually take on the responsibilities.
We will try harder next time.
Yours truly,
Mike Rossi, BBPA President
[edit] Review of BBPA 2009 Activities
Our mission to preserve and protect the barrier beach continued this summer with a number of very successful and well attended programs:
- Over 200 people attended our first star gazing lecture and bonfire on the beach. Our speaker was an astrophysicist working at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC.
- At least 100 turned out for our kickoff Horseshoe Crab lecture and cocktail party. Dr. Matt Sclafani of Cornell Marine, one of the leading experts in researching these 350 million year old creatures spoke to our residents.
- In May and June, a number of our residents volunteered to assist Cornell with their research by counting the Horseshoe crabs that appeared on the shores of our bay during the mating season.
- 25 of our members have now have oyster farms in Moriches Bay spanning the length of the village. Each of the 8,000 oysters we added to Moriches bay can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day when they reach maturity. This is making a big impact in keeping the bay water clean, which helps all of our residents.
- Once again, our marine biology classes for kids received great reviews from both kids and their parents. The classes were led by the staff of the Cornell Marine Aquaculture Extension in Southold. There were morning classes for the younger kids, and afternoon classes for the 9 - 14 year olds. The classes were specially geared for their age ranges and interests.
- Our efforts to reduce the feral cat population preserved life for both the cats and the plovers.
- The BBPA provided a holiday dinner to the crew who were working around the clock pumping sand to renourish our beach during Christmas day.
- We supplied US Fish & Wildlife with a number of more environmentally friendly wooden poles in pilot program to use wood instead of metal poles they've been using for the symbolic string fencing.
- Finally, a number of residents took advantage of the BBPA native species plant program to enhance the beauty of their properties by adding native plants that require no fertilizer, and are deer resistant.
[edit] Update on 906 Property
The BBPA board and village officials have been discussing future plans for the BBPA property at 906 Dune Road, which also includes the Constabulary and the property that extends to Moriches Bay. This topic will be up for discussion at the BBPA general meeting to allow our members to express their opinions on the use of this property.
In the interim, the BBPA has made a number of nice improvements to the kitchen, thanks to Roy Mott and one of our new board members, Joe Albanese. You'll be able to see these improvements at the cocktail party.
[edit] Managing the Deer Population
In the last 15 years the deer population has come back to the Dunes. Currently 15-25 deer roam openly along Dune road. The access to vegetation has increased enough so that the deer can freely multiply, potentially doubling every 2 years.
We have an opportunity here in the village to manage the herd while the numbers are still small.
Dr. Tony DeNicola of White Buffalo Inc. has put forth a proposal to the BBPA of the following:
- Starting in the fall of 2009, prior to the mating season, his team (including a licensed veterinarian) will spay all of the females.
- The cost is based on the actual head count of females and the ease with which they can be darted.
- The cost ranges $500-$900 per deer. Our estimate is that ½ the herd or 15 deer will need to be neutered at a maximum cost of $15,000 to the residents.
A few important facts to note:
- Deer live 12-15 years
- Deer populations can double every 2 years
- Hunting the deer is not possible in the village due to our proximity to the County and State Park
White Buffalo, Inc. is a professional company that has worked in deer population management for 15 years.
This is a humane way of managing the population. Donations to the BBPA will be tax deductable and used for this effort.
- Click here for details The BBPA Will Need Your Help with Funding
[edit] Oyster & Wine Tasting Saturday 10/3/2009
This Saturday, October 10th, from 1pm to 5pm, there will be an Oyster and Wine tasting at the Jamesport Vineyards. There will be oysters from at least 7 different local growers. Live music will be provided by the band Jazz on the Half Shell featuring Cornell's own Kim Tetrault.
All proceeds go to benefit SPAT, the Southold Project in Aquaculture Training.
For the last three years the BBPA has worked with Cornell's SPAT program to bring oysters back to Moriches bay. We started with a single farm behind the BBPA house. Now we have 25 of our residents raising oysters in the bay, spanning the length of our village. Each mature oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. Bringing oysters back to Moriches bay will help preserve it by keeping it clean.
The Jamesport Vineyard is located on Route 25 across from the Harbes farm stand. Directions
This is a great event and we hope to see you there.
[edit] Fall General Meeting & Cocktail Party, Saturday, October 3rd
The BBPA fall general meeting and cocktail party will be held at the 906 Dune Road House on Saturday, October 3rd. The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. and be followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. All members and all those considering joining the BBPA are welcome!
There is no election for Directors this year. In 2008, the current Directors were elected for two years. The critical item for this meeting is the adoption of new by laws to replace the current antiquated set of by laws. The other item on the agenda will be an open discussion as to the future of the BBPA property at 906 Dune Road extending back to Moriches Bay.
The fall cocktail party is always one of our most popular events. It's a great opportunity to get out and meet your neighbors. We hope to see as many of you as possible there.
[edit] Updating our By Laws
Times have radically changed and circumstances are totally different than when the BBPA was incorporated in 1983, to lead the litigation to restore the barrier beach. This predated the formation of the village and it is time to bring the By Laws up to the 21st century and to make them functional for the BBPA today. Now we are focused entirely on the environment and the betterment of line on the barrier beach for all living creatures, including us.
The Board of Directors have worked long and hard to revise the by laws of the BBPA. The proposed changes have been unanimously approved by the current board. The existing and proposed by laws are available here for you to review. You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader view these PDF files. Additionally for those who want to see the exact detail of the each changes in context there is a red-lined copy which shows all of the additions and deletions, which can be a little hard to follow. We recommend that all members at a minimum read the summary of changes.
| Summary of changes | Existing BBPA By-Laws | Proposed 2009 By-Laws | Red lined copy |
|---|
In order to enact these new by laws, two-thirds of the entire membership must vote for them. This means that is is critical that each member household cast a vote, since we could have an overwhelming vote of approval, but we still may not have enough people voting to accomplish this goal of making our by laws more useful and practical. Please do not rely on other member to vote. Ballots are being sent via postal mail to all current members. Please watch for the BBPA envelope in your mailbox. Note: Your dues must be current in order to vote or you must be a charter member still owning property in the village. The vote will be held at our October 3rd general meeting and cocktail party at 906 Dune Road. Your dues must be paid by or at the cocktail party to enable you to vote.
*** The Board of Directors has unanimously recommended that you vote YES to approve the new by laws. ***
[edit] Piping Plover / Symbolic String Fencing Update
From: Steve Papa, U.S. Fish and Wildlife To: Barrier Beach Preservation Association Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 Dear Barrier Beach Preservation Association, Thank you for the contributions you made to the 2009 Threatened and Endangered Species Management Program on the public beach fronting the Village of West Hampton Dunes. Your continued efforts to address the feral cat population as well as your generous contribution of wooden poles, along with the efforts and cooperation of the Corps, their contractor, Cashin Associates, Inc., the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the residents and constables of the Village, helped us achieve higher Piping Plover productivity than last year. Preliminary data collected by the Corps and its contractor, Cashin Associates, Inc., indicates that there were 19 pairs of Piping Plovers which fledged 27 young, for an overall productivity of 1.42 chicks fledged per pair. The beach also supported the New York State listed Least Tern as well as the Federally listed Sea Beach Amaranth plant species. Thanks again and I look forward to working with you in the upcoming 2010 field season. Sincerely, Steve Papa Senior Endangered Species Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Long Island Field Office
[edit] Perseid Meteor Shower
Summer's best meteor shower is the Perseids, which appear to come from the constellation Perseus. Although Perseid meteors can be seen from July 25 to August 18, the shower peaks around August 12. The comet Swift-Tuttle left behind the dusty debris that is responsible for the shower, which can reach 80 meteors an hour at maximum.
Jupiter and Saturn in August
Jupiter is a great observing target for the entire month. The planet reaches opposition on August 14, when it rises at sunset and sets at sunrise, appearing opposite the sun in our sky. A good pair of binoculars or a modest telescope will show four points of light circling the planet over the course of the night. These are the Galilean moons, Jupiter's largest satellites. Sometimes not all moons can be seen because they are transiting in front of or passing behind the giant planet. Jupiter is the brightest point of light in the evening sky.
Saturn is less bright than usual because it is continuing to tilt its rings directly at us, narrowing its width and reflecting less sunlight. On August 10, Saturn's rings are edge-on to the sun. Some observers may see a dark line across Saturn's surface that is the unlit face of the rings. Early next month Saturn will turn its rings edge-on as seen from Earth; however, by that time Saturn will be low on the horizon at sunset, too close to the sun for a good view.
Read more: [2]
[edit] August 2009
Moonless August nights are wonderful for admiring the subtle beauty of the Milky Way, which arcs high overhead during the night. It is anchored in the south by Sagittarius and extends overhead through the Summer Triangle, marked by the bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair. Venus remains in good view as the "morning star," with Mars pulling away from it and moving closer to the orange star Aldebaran. Jupiter puts in its brightest showing of the year, while Saturn fades in the western evening twilight.
- 5-6 Brilliant Jupiter stands to the lower left of the Moon as they rise not long after nightfall on the 5th, and closer to its right or upper right on the 6th. Faint Neptune is nearby.
- 12 The Perseid meteor shower is at its best this morning.
- 14 Jupiter is at opposition. It is brightest for the year and remains in view all night. It looks like a brilliant star at the eastern tip of Capricornus.
- 15-16 Orange Mars is to the lower left of the Moon at first light on the 15th, and closer to the upper right of the Moon on the 16th. The true star Aldebaran, which looks like Mars, is to their upper right.
- 17 Neptune is brightest for the year and remains in the sky all night. It is to the lower left of Jupiter during the evening. You need a telescope to see it.
- 17-18 Venus, the morning star, is below the Moon at first light on the 17th, and to the upper right of the Moon on the 18th.
- 22 The Moon, Mercury, and Saturn line up left to right very low in the west about 30 minutes after sunset. You may need binoculars to see the planets.
- 23 Spica is the bright star to the upper left of the Moon at nightfall.
- 27 Antares, the leading star of Scorpius, is just to the right of the Moon at nightfall.
Find out more about the sky Astronomy
[edit] Learn More About the Barrier Beach
Cupsogue Daily Surfing Report [3]
What causes the tides? [4]
Learn about waves [5]
Why is the ocean salty? [6]
Learn about the surf [7]
The Beaufort Wind Scale [8]
The Littoral Zone [9]
Ocean Regions [10]
[edit] Village Submits Plan for the BBPA Property
In February the BBPA received a plan for a village hall on the BBPA property at 906.
To see the plan click here [[11]]
The village officials commented on their proposal in their monthly meeting this past month. To see their comments: [12]
The board of the BBPA will meet and discuss this topic in our first meeting of 2009 in May. We would like to hear your opinions and suggestions on the plan the village has submitted.
E mail: www.board@barrierbeach.org
[edit] Protect Our Dune
Now that we have our newly pumped sand it is more important than ever to protect our Dunes. This winter the BBPA worked with US Fish & Wildlife and paid to replace the metal poles used to string off our beach with new wood poles. We believe that these will be safer and more biodegradable. In some cases USF&W will not be stringing this year on the North side of the Dune closest to our houses. This is good news for many home owners who will now have direct access to the beach down their own paths.
The beach grass on the dune is our only line of defense against a hurricane. It holds the sand in place against the pounding waves. It is of the utmost importance for each home owner to protect the Dune in front of our houses.
Important Facts to know:
- Beach grass is dormant in the winter, once the spring is here April 1st, it can be killed by merely walking on it and crushing the root.
- Pick your path to the beach and stay on it all season!
- Make your path a curvy line down to the beach, don't give the water a straight shot up the path to your house!
- Make your path as narrow as possible
- American Beach Grass roots run deep! See the picture here, it holds the dune together.
Let's work together to PROTECT OUR DUNE
[edit] Hurricane Bill, Message from Chief Donald P. Zlatniski
With Hurricane Bill passing by, all residents need to be aware of some basic safety concerns. First and foremost is the issue of personal safety. The surf is already dangerous and it will get worse as the storm passes. If you decide to swim, we strongly recommend you go to either Pikes Beach or Cupsogue County Park, where lifeguards are on duty.
It appears we may experience tropical storm force winds. Residents are also requested to secure all outdoor furniture and other loose items. Remember it is the hurricane season and these items should be secured prior to your departure from the village.
We don't expect flooding to be a major concern, but lower areas in the village that have flooded previously might flood again. Any items you have on the ground level in the bay or ocean side should be secured as well. The high tides will certainly be higher than normal.
As always if anyone has a concern, question or problem please call the Police Constabulary 631-288-7811.
Chief Donald P. Zlatniski
[edit] Storm Information On-line
- NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Altantic Tropical Weather Outlook
- NOAA NHC, Hurricane Bill
- National Weather Service Forecast & Advisories
[edit] This Saturday Night, August 15th, Beach Bonfire and Star Lecture
This Saturday night, August 15th, we will have an evening on the beach featuring star gazing and a bonfire. Bring your beach chairs, s'mores and what ever else you like while enjoying an evening under the stars.
Our tour of the evening sky will be guided by Dr. Daniel Y. Gezari of the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Planetarium. Dr. Gezari's full bio can be found on-line here.
At 8:15 p.m., enter the beach at the water pumping station (885/887 Dune Road, near the east end of Dune Lane). You can park your car near there on the road that night. Please place something on your windshied that says BBPA to help the constables know which cars belong there.
We hope to see you there.
[edit] Children's Marine Biology Classes August 17th through August 21st
Cornell Marine will be running our children's classes again this year. Classes will be run for a full week in August. Each morning 10 students, 6-8 year olds, will meet to learn about the natural environment here in the Dunes. Each afternoon 10 students, 9-14 year olds, will meet. Classes this year will include fishing, kayaking, and crafts.
- Sign-up is necessary in advance as space is limited.
- Classes are free to BBPA members, their family, and guests and to our member's renters.
- Classes will be specially geared to our registrants ages and interests so please sign up early!
- Register by sending email to: Gina@barrierbeach.org
[edit] Oyster Farming 2009 Last Chance to Sign Up, June 31st! !
This will be our third year of volunteers raising oysters here at the beach. Each year we refine our program and learn more about how to be successful in producing healthy and delicious oysters.
Why do we raise oysters?
- All of the bays of the south shore of Long Island were once over flowing with oysters. The
famous Blue Point Oyster originated just west of us in the Great South Bay. In the 1990s over fishing, destruction of habitat, and algae blooms killed off most of the shellfish population.
- Shellfish are 'feeder' fish, which continually pump water through their bodies feeding on the
algae. This process is the natural 'cleanser' of the bay water, keeping algae levels in proper balance with nature.
- Shellfish are an important part of the fishing industry here on Long Island that supports our
local restaurants and seafood markets.
- Here in the Dunes we are in a unique position to make a difference. The northern side of
Moriches Bay is closed to shell fishing due to storm water run-off pollution. Our water, because of the tidal flushing, is clean and healthy.
- Last year we successfully raised 10,000 oysters out in the free flowing waters behind volunteer's
houses. The oysters grew quickly to a large size with very little fouling. Our Oyster Program this Year
The best deal on the beach! The BBPA provides volunteers with 500 oysters, equipment, and training to raise the oysters right behind your house or neighbors, on the bay. And the best part is you get to keep 1/2 of what you raise for your own dining enjoyment.
- Volunteers needed. There are 16 'farms' available to BBPA members. Farms need to be in place
by late June, so if you are interested please contact the BBPA.
There is a new part to our program this year. The BBPA will conduct a 'free plant' experiment on
the banks of Swan Island. This is a restoration only project, not for harvest. Oysters in the wild
attach themselves to a hard structure (like a rock or shell) shortly after development where they
will remain for their lifetime. The BBPA has worked with Cornell Marine to produce several
hundred oyster shells with several 'baby oysters' attached to each shell. Volunteers will paddle
out to Swan Island by Kayak and 'plant' each shell in the banks creating an artificial oyster reef.
Over time this should result in a natural return of oysters to Moriches Bay.
[edit] BBPA Cocktail Party Kick Off, June 6th, 6:30 at Pike's Beach
We have planned an exciting kick off to this year's BBPA programs starting with our ever popular evening cocktail event. Come and witness something truly amazing in nature, the peak of the Horseshoe Crab Mating Season on the bay shore of Pike's Beach. Last year over 20,000 HSC's danced in the full moon light and high tide, thousands of shore birds circled and dined on the freshly laid eggs. Dr. Matt Sclafani of Cornell Marine, one of the leading experts in researching these 350 million year old creatures will be on hand to chat with everyone. Matt will be joined by Byron Young one of Long Island's leading photographers and researchers of shore birds. Lots of good friends, good fun and seeing why the Dunes is one of the east coast's best nature preserves.
[edit] Cornell Marine's Popular Junior Biologist Classes Return to the Dunes August 17th thru 21st
This year the classes will be bigger an better than ever. Every morning this week scientists will be on hand to organize interesting classes and experiments with our 5-8 year olds. Every afternoon this week will be dedicated classes in kayaking, fishing and nature for 9-14 year olds. Class space is limited so e mail www.Gina@barrierbeach.org to sign up your biologist / marine adventurer!
[edit] Horseshoe Crab Season Starts May 7th, volunteers needed for this important work
Sunday evening, April 26th on PBS, WNET 13 at 8 pm Crash A Tale of Two Species
A dramatic tale of how the survival of the ancient horseshoe crab is linked to the survival of the migrating birds.
If you watch this you will know why we are doing the counting research, it is a very good piece. Here is a preview from PBS [13]
[edit] Buy Beautiful Native Perenials Through the BBPA
Order and buy plants through the BBPA with your donation
- Great for attracting the birds and butterflys
- A beautiful way to plant our new walking path in the village
- Approved native plants from the NYSDEC
- Deer Resistant and drought tolerant
- click here for details ordering information
[edit] Managing the Wild Cats of the Dunes
The BBPA has had a succesful season with managing the feral cat population here in the Dunes. Over 12 cats were safely captured and neutered. All over wintered safely and in good health. The BBPA placed an ad in the Southampton Press the last 2 weeks and has succesfully found good homes for all! This makes our friends at US Fish & Wildlife very happy as it takes the pressure off the coming plover season!
Please help by making sure all cats that you see are neutered. You can tell if their ear is clipped off on the edge. Contact BBPA if you need help capturing and neutering.
[our ad in The Southampton Press]
To find out more and sign up, click here:Survey Schedule & Details
[edit] Happy Holidays from the BBPA !
[edit] Beach Renourishment is Underway
photos taken December 17th, 2008
Westhampton Beach Interim Project Army Corp Contract Link
click on any picture to enlarge
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[edit] Moriches Inlet dredging is running behind schedule
By Bryan Finlayson Full Story at 27 East
Dec 17, 2008
A major dredging and beach replenishment project that is running behind schedule will likely overlap with the spawning and breeding times of the winter flounder, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has announced. The replenishment project is necessary in order to prevent massive erosion to the east and west of Moriches Inlet and protect costal properties.
“We’re fairly certain that we’re going to be able to move this important dredging project forward,” Mr. Levy said. “That sand is very valuable in order for us to restore our beachfronts.”
The $11 million federally funded project calls for the dredging of the Moriches Inlet and the redistribution of that sand to replenish both Smith Point Beach and Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton. The county’s Illinois-based contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, was scheduled to begin hauling more than 460,000 cubic yards of sand from the inlet on December 1.
[edit] WHD Beach Re-nourishment Article
The Southamton Press has an article about the upcoming WHD Beach re-nourishment project. You can read the article on the 27east.com web site.
The Perlman's provided a picture to help put the erosion in perspective. The impact of the erosion varies considerably along the beach. This picture shows one of the hardest hit areas. If you look closely at the large version of the image, you'll see the layers of sand that have built up in the dune and the extensive root system of the dune grass. While the dune grass can't withstand the scouring of ocean waves, you can see how the dune grass roots, some of which are over ten feet deep, are holding the sand in the cliff. This shows how important it is to have a healthy system of dunes and dune grass. As a reminder please keep off the dunes, we need them to protect our homes.
[edit] BBPA Election
The ballots from the fall election were counted November 1st and the results were that Mike Rossi, Catherine Woolfson, Steve Brenner, Kit Perlman, Lanny Lambert, Rich Agins and Gina Mulhearn were re-elected to the board. New directors elected were Joe Albanese and Rob Terzi. The board would like to thank all who participated in the election and the everyone who volunteered to be involved with our preservation work.
[edit] Oyster Farming Update
November 4th saw the last of our oysters be put down for the winter. We had a particularly easy and good growing season. By moving from the canal near our 906 house to the open waters of the bay we founds that the growth rate was strong and the survival rate was excellent. Thanks to our newest 'farmers' Rick White and Stan Vickers for adding farms behind their houses.
Rich & Carol Agins, Kat Rollin & Rob Terzi, continued their help and support this year with the booming farm pictured here.
Get involved!!!! Its easy, fun, and delicious!
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[edit] Fall in the Dunes
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[edit] BBPA Annual Fall Cocktail Party, October 11th, Save the Date!
The 2008 BBPA Fall Cocktail party will be held Saturday, October 11th. Mark the date on your calendars. We hope to see you all there. The BBPA Fall Cocktail Party is always very popular and a great place to meet your neighbors.
[edit] BBPA Important Election Information on Write In Votes
September 23, 2008
DEAR BBPA MEMBER:
Although all members were requested to announce their candidacies and submit their biographies if they wish to run for the Board of Directors, apparently some potential candidates have decided to ignore this open, orderly process. For the record, the first notice was sent late in July, the second in mid-August, the third at the beginning of September, and the fourth a day or two before the deadline.
It has come to the attention of the Board that additional candidates will be nominated from the floor, to run as write-in candidates, at the meeting on October 11, 2008. Although legal, we believe that it is more fair and ethical and, of course, has been the procedure since the BBPA was revived in 2003, for candidates to publicly announce that they are running and to provide biographies, or at least their names, so all members know they are running and who they are, in advance of the election.
Accordingly, although there are only nine names on the ballot and nine open seats on the Board, this will clearly be a contested election. It is critical, therefore, that each of you votes in this election. Many members have decided not to mail in their ballots because it appeared to be an uncontested election; but, it now becomes critical that all votes be cast and counted. If you have already mailed in your ballot, arrangements will be made at the meeting to permit you to withdraw it and cast a new ballot, if necessary.
Needless to say, in order to vote, you must pay your tax-deductible membership dues of $100 per house on or before the meeting.
If you have any questions, feel free to call me, Mike Rossi 631-288-8171.
We look forward seeing you at the meeting, at 4:30 which will, as usual, be followed by a cocktail party at 5:30, on October 11, 2008.
Board of Directors:
Mike Rossi, President
Rich Agins
Steve Brenner
Gina Cappiello
Lanny Lambert
Kit Perlman
Harvey Rock
Chuck Tabone
Catherine Woolfson
[edit] Beach Erosion
Thursday Sept 25th 2008 Looking from 943 Dune Road
Friday Sept 26 Low Tide
Friday Sept 26 High Tide
[edit] Tracking Hurricanes
Unfortunately the 2008 Hurricane season is in full swing. We remind all home owners to ensure they are prepared for any storms that might make it up here. For your convenience, we are including links to the National Hurricane Center on our home page while there are active storms that could affect us.
- National Hurricane Center Main Page
- NOAA Storm Tracker Hurricane Paths in Atlantic Animated, updated storm tracker for Eastern Seaboard
- NOAAwatch.gov NOAA National Weather Alert page.
[edit] 2008 Summer Children's Classes
Here are pictures from our Summer 2008 series of "Classes for Kids". The classes were very well attended and enjoyed by all.
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[edit] The BBPA lost a good friend this week, Ila Atlas Ozero
Our condolences and warm thoughts are with Ila's husband Brian.
The people we love and who love us, not only make us more human, but, they become a part of us. We carry them around all the time, whether we see them or not, and in some ways we are the sum total of those who love us and those we give ourselves to.
The volunteers of the BBPA will miss their friend Ila.
Brian Ozero served as President of the BBPA from the very beginning of the organization. He and Ila were active in the organization until they sold their home here in the Dunes.Ila was by Brian's side through all his hard work and dedication to the village. They were charter members of the BBPA.
There will be a memorial service held for Ila on Saturday July 19th at noon. For further details please call Brian at 288-2144 or contact Mike Rossi at: President@barrierbeach.org
[edit] Plover & Lest Tern Nest Update, July 9th, 2008
Check out the new chicks here in the Dunes. Click on the 'Bird' link in the 'Sections' area of this page on the left to see pictures of the next generation taken July 8th. Only a few weeks left until these new ones take flight!
[edit] New Native Plant Display Garden
BBPA volunteers installed a new display garden at the SCWA pumping station this week. Plants on display are an array of perennial flowers, grasses, and shrubs that originally grew on the South Shore of Long Island. These plants are lovely, click on our new gardening section to the left for pictures and more information.
Please consider adding these to your garden this summer. Why? It makes the Dunes more of a preserve which will add higher value to our homes It will attract and feed the local wild life (not the deer!) It takes no water or fertilizer and is low maintenance
We have worked with The Hampton Nursery [14] in Hampton Bays to make these plants available to our home owners.
BBPA will be planting around the village to beautify public areas. Contributions to the BBPA for this purpose would be greatly appreciated. Please mark your checks with a memo 'native planting project'
Special thanks to our police constabulary for their contribution to this project!
[edit] Cornell Cooperative Marine Junior Biologist Classes, Sign Up Now!
We have put together a schedule of classes for the month of August. Every Wednesday and Thursday morning there will be fun and interesting ways to learn about our beach. Classes will be $20 per student, per day. Classes are limited to 15 children and registering in advance is a must. There will be a series of 4 classes, each one focusing on a different area of study here at the beach
Wednesday classes are for 6-8 year olds
Thursday are for 9-12 year olds
Join in all four or just one, they'll be interesting and lots of fun!
To Sign Up e mail: Gina@barrierbeach.org
[edit] Oyster Sanctuary, BBPA 1st in Moriches Bay!
Thanks to all the hard work of over 25 volunteers last summer Moriches Bay has its first oyster and scallop sanctuary. On June 17th the Town of Southampton's local baymen (shown here with their furry friend) came to pick up our 10,000 oysters and scallops grown in the BBPA canal and bring them to their new sanctuary near Pond Point. Jon Semlear and the Southampton Trustees, generously donated another 50,000 clams to the sanctuary.
Our project will continue this season. We are looking for bay residents to step up and manage a small farm behind their house. The job is fairly easy and half the oysters that you grow are yours!
We sampled a few and they are just delicious!
SPAT, (small oysters) are ready now and we are looking for 20 homes to volunteer. The BBPA will provide all the necessary equipment and training.
A single shell fish will recycle and clean 50 gallons of bay water a day. Our small effort this past season will clean an amazing 11 million gallons of water this year!
Good for the water, good for the baymen, and all of us who are working to protect the barrier beach
Great thanks to all those who supported the project!
[edit] Horseshoe Crab Counting and Tracking
We have begun the same program as last year this month counting and tagging the HSC for the DEC. The picture on the right here was shot June 2nd, 2008. That night we counted some 3,400 horseshoe crabs at Pike's Beach.
It was really an amazing sight. Thousands of shore birds (even the famous Red Knot) showed up to dine on the HSC eggs. If you have a chance and want to see something really spectacular in nature, join in a count at the next full moon.
Monday June 16th at 8:15 PM Wednesday June 18th at 9:32 PM Friday June 20th at 10:45 PM We meet at the Pike's Beach Bay side parking lot 15 minutes before the count begins.
Cornell is hosting a seminar for teachers on Saturday, June 21st called Green Eggs and Sand. This is to teach high school level teachers a new science / research lesson plan. They will be observing here at Pikes, and BBPA is sharing our house at 906 to hold the lecture.
[edit] BBPA Sail & BBQ in conjunction with Westhampton Beach Yacht Club
Working with Commodore Ed Sergan of the WHBYC we have a tentive schedule for a Saturday event late in July / early August for sailors from the WHBYC to sail here and teach all interested, sailing techniques and safety. Our part of this fun day will be to host a beach party BBQ for all the sailors and their friends. This will be a family affair open to all ages.
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