FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2006

Contact: Rob Volmer
(202) 232-6572
rvolmer@crosbyvolmer.com

ASBPA Encourages Public Access to Beaches in New Jersey

Washington, D.C. – Today, The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) announced that last week it sent a letter to New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, Lisa P. Jackson encouraging public access to all beaches when public funds are used.

“If public funds are used to restore a beach, the public has a right to use that beach,” said ASBPA President Harry Simmons, the Mayor of Caswell Beach, North Carolina. “It’s common sense and the right thing to do. Wide, healthy beaches protect coastal communities from severe weather and also provide millions of Americans with important recreational opportunities.”

The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) was founded in 1926 in New Jersey and has dedicated itself to nurturing the development of scientific knowledge and public policies which promote responsible stewardship of America's coastal resources. Throughout the course of ASBPA’s history, public access to beaches has been an issue of great importance – the letter below states that public investment in our nation’s beaches needs to go “hand-in-hand with public access…”

In response to proposed regulations recently issued by the State of New Jersey, ASBPA sent the attached letter to Commissioner Jackson reiterating the support of public access to beaches when public funds are used.

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ABOUT ASBPA: Founded in 1926, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association represents the scientific, technical and political interests along the coast in an effort to shape national research and policy concerning shore and beach management and restoration. The group strives to engage a factual debate on coastal issues and economics that will foster sound, far-sighted and economical development and preservation of our beaches; thereby aiding in placing their benefits within the reach of the largest possible number of people in accordance with the ideals of a democratic nation.