For Release: Thursday, September 9, 2004
DEC Announces Annual Beach Cleanup Effort in New York
Public Encouraged to Volunteer at Local Beaches on September 18, 2004
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today encouraged New Yorkers to help clean up our shorelines and beaches as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, the largest volunteer effort in the marine environment, on Saturday, September 18, 2004.
"New York's ocean beaches, rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands offer magnificent recreational opportunities and are among the most beautiful scenic venues in the State," Commissioner Crotty said. "Help us to keep these prized coastal areas and critical fish and wildlife habitat clean and healthy by joining this rewarding and important cleanup effort."
The International Coastal Cleanup is a volunteer, grassroots effort to remove and document debris from the shores of oceans, streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, and canals throughout the world. In New York State, the event has been coordinated since the 1980s by the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society.
Last year, more than 10,000 New Yorkers participated in the event, helping to remove over 334,000 pounds of debris from 351 sites throughout the State. This year's cleanup will take place at various New York beaches and coastlines on Long Island Sound, the Hudson River, the Great Lakes, and various other waterways.
"DEC works closely with groups like the American Littoral Society to protect and beautify our unique natural resources," Commissioner Crotty said. "This is truly an event that the entire family can be a part of and a unique opportunity to introduce children to environmental stewardship. These efforts, in conjunction Governor Pataki's commitment to environmental cleanup and preservation, will help preserve New York's coastlines for generations."
By recording the amount and type of debris collected, volunteers help present a clearer picture of pollutants affecting our waterways. This is an important step in devising solutions to prevent pollution and protect water quality. Information collected from previous years' cleanups has revealed that nearly 60 percent of all the waterfront debris in New York State is plastic and derives from land-based sources.
The data collected from this year's beach cleanups will be sent to the Ocean Conservancy and included in a national report that is available to legislators, media, and the general public. The information also helps to fine tune educational materials aimed at curbing pollution.
To obtain additional information, a list of cleanup sites, or to volunteer to participate, visit the American Littoral Society website at www.alsnyc.org or call 1-800-449-0790. For assistance in forming a cleanup team of your own, please call (718) 471-2166 or send an e-mail to alsbeach@aol.com.
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