As noted in the June 28 page 1 cover story in NEWSDAY and in the June 27 edition of the NEW YORK TIMES, the NYSDEC is applying for appropriate permits for maintenance and expansion of the Long island Artificial Reef Program.  LIDA is full support of these efforts to create and expand recreational scuba, fishing and other opportunities in our waters.

 

We were advised today the PUBLIC COMMENT phase of the application process with respect to the ARMY CORPS of ENGINEERS will come to a close on JULY 23, 2007.  The NYSDOC public comment phase will end on August 9, 2007.  As we have learned in our successful Secret Beach letter campaign, there is enormous power in communication. It is ESSENTIAL that we as divers express our support for these programs, in writing.

 

I have pasted below "sample letters" to the Army Corp of Engineers and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with addresses and persons to write. I also set forth "e-mail" addresses for the appropriate persons in the letters. If you agree with LIDA's support of this program, please feel free to "cut and paste" these letters, or better yet, write your own letter of support.  PLEASE MAKE SURE TO ADD YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AND SIGN ANY "HARDCOPY" LETTERS. At a minimum. Please at least express your support in e-mails addressed to the persons as listed on my sample letters.

 

We cannot overemphasize the importance of this effort to maintain and expand the artificial reef program. More information can be found at

www.nan.usace.army.mil/business/buslinks/regulat//pnitices/2007.30.pdf

 

PLEASE DO NOT DELAY

SAMPLE LETTERS BELOW (2 LETTERS. PLEASE SEE BOTH)

Thanks

Steve Burke, President, LIDA

====================================

(First letter)

 

US Army Corps of Engineers New York District

Jacob K. Javits Federal Building

New York , NY 10028-0090

Attn.  Richard L. Tomer, Chief Regulatory Branch

 

E-MAIL Cenan.publicnotice@usace.army.mil

 

            Re PUBLIC NOTICE No NAN-2007-30-ERA

 

Dear Mr. Tomer

 

In connection with PUBLIC NOTICE No NAN-2007-30-ERA, please be advised that I strongly support the application by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Marine Resources (NYSDEC) for new and renewed reef permits for Fishing Line Reef (McAllister Grounds), Hempstead Reef, Fire Island Reef, Fisherman Reef (Yellowbar Reef), Moriches Reef and Shinnecock Reef. I further strongly support and endorse the creation of a new site referred to as Twelve Mile Reef.

 

The continuation and expansion of this artificial reef program is of enormous value to the citizens of Long Island and the entire surrounding area.  The benefit to recreational scuba diving, fishing, and other uses of our waters will be beyond measure. The existing reef and similar projects have conclusively demonstrated that establishing such reefs is not only practical, but further that the positive ecological, marine management, recreational, and economic benefits reaped from such programs present one-of–a-kind opportunities to properly preserve and expand the benefits our oceans.

 

Please do all in your power to assure the continuation and expansion of the existing reefs and the establishing of new areas under the program.        

 

 

                                                Very truly yours

 

 

============================================

(Second Letter)

 

NYSDEC Bureau of Marine Resources

Marine Artificial Reef Program

205 North Belle Meade Road -Suite1

East Setauket , NY 11733

Att. Christopher LaPorta

 

E-MAIL cjlaport@qw.dec.state.ny.us

 

         Re: LEGAL NOTICE 15295149

 

Dear Mr. LaPorta

 

In connection with the public notice published in Newsday Tuesday June 26, 2007, LEGAL NOTICE 15294149, NYSDEC Bureau of Marine Resources Artificial Reef Program, please be advised that I strongly support the application by the New York State Department of environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for new and renewed reef permits for Fishing Line Reef (McAllister Grounds), Hempstead Reef, Fire Island Reef, Fisherman Reef (Yellowbar Reef), Moriches Reef and Shinnecock Reef. I further strongly support and endorse the creation of a new site referred to as Twelve Mile Reef.

 

The continuation and expansion of this artificial reef program is of enormous value to the citizens of Long Island and the entire surrounding area.  The benefit to recreational scuba diving, fishing, and other uses of our waters will be beyond measure. The existing reef and similar projects have conclusively demonstrated that establishing such reefs is not only practical, but further that the positive ecological, marine management, recreational, and economic benefits reaped from such programs present  one-of–a-kind opportunities to properly preserve and expand the benefits our oceans.

 

Please do all in your power to assure the continuation and expansion of the existing reefs and the establishing of new areas under the program.        

 

                                                                         Very truly yours