For Release: Thursday, August 10, 2006
DEC Reopens Oyster Pond Boat Ramp
Completed Construction Work Will Expand Launch Opportunities at Site
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced the reopening of the Oyster Pond Boat Ramp in East Marion, Town of Southold. The work at Oyster Pond expanded the launch ramp by approximately 90 feet into the Sound and erosion control work was also done at the site.
"The construction work done at this site will greatly expand the opportunities for people to launch their boats year-round and during various phases of the tide cycle," said Commission Sheehan. "As part of Governor Pataki's commitment to increasing access to the Long Island Sound, the Oyster Pond Boat ramp offers outdoor enthusiasts a permanent facility where they can enjoy activities such as kayaking, boating and fishing."
On July 1, 2006, DEC also opened a new boat launch facility along the Mattituck Creek, approximately 16 miles from the Oyster Pond site, in the Town of Southold. The property was operated as Petersen's Marina until it was acquired by the State in November 2005 for $2.25 million from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The 3.5-acre parcel has 635 feet of frontage on the west side of Mattituck Creek Inlet, just south of the Long Island Sound, in the Town of Southold. The work done at Mattituck included the creation of a temporary boat launch ramp and parking for approximately 20 vehicles with trailers.
In coming months, DEC will be implementing additional habitat, recreational and operational improvements at the Mattituck facility. The 2006-07 State Budget approved by Governor Pataki included $500,000 for projects that include: establishing a permanent boat slip and a kayak launching area; developing a kayak trail in Mattituck creek; parking for up to 60 trailers and additional vehicles; removing a derelict barge; removal of bulkheading and planting a tidal wetland habitat in its place; and interpretive signage.
The hours of operation for the Oyster Pond facility are 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Mattituck Creek facility is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Mattituck ramp is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
