Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

September 14, 2005

For Release:Immediate
Press Office:
Wendy Gibson
Cathy Jimenez
518.486.1868

State Parks Takes Pride In Beaches During Annual Cleanup

34 New York State Parks to Participate

(Albany, New York, Wednesday, September 14, 2005. . .) The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro today announced that 34 state parks will participate in a state-wide beach clean up on Saturday, September 17, 2005 as part of the 20th Annual Intercoastal Cleanup. The beach cleanup is recognized as a Take Pride in America event for encouraging volunteerism and stewardship of public lands.

"Governor Pataki continues to be an outstanding steward of our public lands by preserving and expanding open space, creating new recreational opportunities for families to enjoy, and greatly improving quality of life across the state," said Commissioner Castro. "The Annual Coastal Cleanup serves as a unique vehicle through which we can increase public awareness and appreciation of our coastal environment. Because of the commitment and dedication of the many volunteers that are taking pride in our waterfront communities, future generations will have the opportunity to experience New York's majestic waterways for years to come."

The Annual Intercoastal Cleanup is the world's largest one-day volunteer effort, developed by the Ocean Conservancy, to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways, to identify the sources of debris, to change behaviors that cause pollution, and to increase public awareness and appreciation of the coastal environment. Events take place throughout the United States and in more than 87 countries around the world.

In New York, the annual coastal cleanup is coordinated by the American Littoral Society, a national, non-profit environmental organization concerned with issues that effect the coastal environment. In 2004, over 7,700 volunteers cleaned and documented over 215,000 pounds of debris at 312 sites across the state. Volunteers include local environmental groups, schools, scout organizations, private corporations, and civic associations.

"We are hoping for a banner year and looking forward to an impressive turnout on this, our 20th anniversary of the New York State Beach Cleanup," said Barbara Cohen, New York State Beach Cleanup Coordinator, American Littoral Society. "We want to thank all of our volunteers and the organizations involved. Without their support and time, this event would not be possible."

In New York State, 69 percent of the debris found originated from land-based recreational activities such as picnics, festivals and sports events. Liter washed from streets, parking lots and storm drains also contributed to debris. Cigarettes, food wrappers, and caps and lids account for nearly half of all the debris items collected. On the day of the cleanup volunteers are encouraged to wear an old pair of work gloves, appropriate shoes, and comfortable clothing. Garbage collection bags will be distributed to volunteers.

For more information about the Annual Intercoastal Cleanup, contact the American Littoral Society at 800-449-0790 or visit www.alsnyc.org for the list of cleanup sites in New York State.

The 2005 beach cleanup has been recognized as a Take Pride in America event. The Take Pride in America program is a nationwide initiative of the U. S. Department of Interior. The objective of the program is to encourage citizen volunteerism and stewardship of public lands, cultural and historic resources, and recreation areas. Governor Pataki is a member of the Take Pride in America Governors' Council, and Commissioner Castro serves as the Governor's designee for New York State. For additional information on the Take Pride in America program, please visit www.takepride.gov.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 172 state parks, 35 state historic sites, 27 golf courses, 76 beaches, 53 pools and more than 9,000 campsites and cabins. The agency is recipient of the 2003-2004 National Gold Medal State Park Award for best state park system in the country for excellence in park and recreation administration and outstanding service to patrons.

For more information on any of the state park recreation areas please call (518) 474-0456 or visit the web site at www.nysparks.com.

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The following is a list of State Parks participating in the 20th Annual Intercoastal Cleanup day on September 17, 2005:

• Allegany
• Lake Erie State Park
• Central
• Oquaga Creek State Park
• Sandy Island Beach State Park
• Selkirk Shores State Park
• Finger Lakes
• Fairhaven Beach State Park
• Seneca Lake State Park
• Genesee
• Hamlin Beach State Park
• Letchworth State Park
• Long Island
• Belmont Lake State Park
• Jones Beach State Park
• Hither Hills State Park
• Montauk Point State Park
• Camp Hero State Park
• Robert Moses State Park
• Caumsett State Historic Park
• Wildwood State Park
• Orient Beach State Park
• Gov. Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow State Park
• Heckscher State Park
• Captree State Park
• Nissequogue River State Park
• Hempstead Lake State Park
• New York City
• Empire Fulton Ferry State Park
• Gantry Plaza State Park
• Niagara
• Beaver Island State Park
• Buckhorn Island State Park
• Evangola State Park
• Fort Niagara State Park
• Four Mile Creek State Park
• Woodlawn Beach State Park
• Wilson-Tuscarora State Park
• Palisades
• Bear Mountain State Park
• Nyack Beach State Park
• Saratoga/Capital District
• Grafton Lakes State Park