The Lacey Reporter
by Gavin C. Rozzi · April 13, 2015Last week, one of Lacey Reporter’s top stories was about the state plan to introduce a $3 entry fee for boaters entering Island Beach State Park via the walkway near the popular Tices Shoal area of the Barnegat Bay, opposite of Lacey. Many readers took to not only our comment section, but also our social media pages to make their voices heard on this controversial new plan.
We tracked down Kelly Czupkiewicz, an area activist who is leading an effort to stop the fee with a petition that has already gained over 200 signatures as of press time.
“I am really seeking to eliminate the $3 fee for boaters, and keep the park free for all walk-ons and bicyclers, regardless of what entry point they use. In my opinion all NJ beaches should be free. If other states are capable of this feat, NJ is too. If this starts with keeping something that is already free, free – then so be it. This year it’s $3, next year it’s $3.50.” said the organizer to TLR.
Her petition makes the following argument to State officials:
If Island Beach is free to pedestrians who walk in via the front entrance or by bicycle, why is it different for boaters who walk on from a different entrance? Drivers can park feet away from the park and then walk in that way. What difference is it if you’re anchoring?
In order to avoid paying, many ‘alternate routes’ will be created through the dunes, compromising them.
Boaters will now be charged $3 to access IBSP’s outhouses – causing much potential for additional waste at the spot.
Ironically, boaters are some of the more capable swimmers who probably need lifeguards less than most folks who drive on. Some boaters actually have to swim from their boats through the bay in order to even get to the beach to cross over to the ocean side.
If a person feels they need lifeguard supervision, they are many (read: nearly all) beaches where they can find an abundance of lifeguards. If they feel unsafe at Tice’s, they should go to a beach where they feel safe.
People pay to enter the park in cars because their cars will be taking up parking spots. Boaters are not taking up these spots.
People also drive to Tice’s Shoal – and are just as much at fault for any trash at the spot. If trash at the spot is a problem, littering should be more strictly enforced. Enforce the rules that you have before you create more difficult to enforce rules.
Many other states have free beaches or beaches where you can swim at your own risk. Most of these states have waters far more dangerous than NJ. If NJ is incapable of free beaches, maybe state spending needs to be examined more thoroughly.
Many boaters also buy the yearly car pass, buggy pass, or both. Is it fair to be charged 3 times for the same beach?
Do you agree with Kelly? You can view & sign her petition here and share your views in the comments. Our poll is also still open on this issue.
https://laceyreporter.com/petition-seeks-to-halt-tices-shoal-park-entry-fee-plans/
