The first annual Great South Bay Society ‘Bay Cleanup’ was held Saturday, September 22, 2007. The event was a great success on all accounts. Many members of the community attended, as well as a strong turnout from several local organizations: Amityville Fire Department, Unqua Yacht Club, Kiwanis Club and others. In total, over 150 energetic volunteers participated in the event.

 

The group managed to haul roughly 60 cu. yds. or 8 tons of trash and debris from Sand and Gilgo Islands (Islands east of the Amityville Cut).  The amount of debris collected amazed many individuals involved in the event.  Working as teams, the effort moved along expeditiously and the group managed to clear the targeted areas quicker than scheduled. Everyone seemed to have a great time and an overwhelming and well-deserved sense of accomplishment.

 

The Great South Bay Society plans to continue this community event on an annual basis. Even with the tremendous efforts from those involved, the group only managed to make a small dent in the large amount of debris that exists on the Islands. The contributions and help from the community have been overwhelming and very much appreciated. With any luck next year, the group hopes to double its attendance and impact.

 

 

The Great South Bay Society is organizing a cleanup effort on September 22nd (rain date September 29th)

Saturday, September 22nd 2007 Bay Islands Cleanup

The Great South Bay Society is organizing a cleanup effort on Saturday September 22nd (rain date September 29th). We will be conducting cleanups of the islands to the south of Amityville (Gilgo & Sand Isl).

 

Transit to and from the islands will be available. If you wish to use your own boat this is encouraged as well.  Please let us know if you will be needing transit or if you are taking your own boat.

 

MESSAGE TO PARTICIPANTS:

            The goal of this day is to cleanup as much trash from the islands as possible. We encourage a good time while doing so, but this is a work effort. We will have refreshments after the exercise but will not supply any alcohol. It is your discretion to bring your own for the after-party.

 

            The islands that we aim to clean are often environmentally fragile and physically harsh. You need to be careful of the trash that you are picking up as not to injure yourself.  Gloves will be provided, but caution should be taken. These islands are filled with bugs of various sorts. Please take precautions to use bug/tick spray; we will have a supply on hand with the boat captains if this is needed. Additionally, you will be getting wet, sandy, muddy…. You should think to wear clothes that will be appropriate for the conditions (light long sleeves, pants, water walkers, boots..) Bring an extra pair of clothes for the party afterwards if you will not be able to get home in between.

 

Other things to note:

-          Should you see hazardous waste or bio-hazard waste, do not collect it. Alert your landing zone operator.

-          Insects (greenfly, mosquito, ticks…) use insect spray. Please bring your own, we will have some for those without it.

-          Tides, wakes, wind; for those of you using your own boats, be careful where you anchor and be mindful of the conditions. All boat owners should be cognizant of the conditions and are responsible for their possessions and vessels.

 

SCHEDULE:

           

Captain’s meeting Thursday September 20th 7:00pm: Yacht Service Marina, Ocean Ave. Amityville

All those looking to participate should attend. All boat captains are strongly encouraged to attend.

 

Clean up day: Saturday September 22nd

8:30am: Gather at Yacht Service in Amityville (Ocean Ave, Amityville)

9am – 10am: Transit to islands from Yacht Service Boatyard, Ocean Ave, Amityville

9am - 2pm: Pickup and collection

2pm - 3pm: Transit to mainland

3pm: food, refreshments, raffle, announcements

 

TIDES:

Amityville, 9/22/2007 (http://www.noreast.com/tidesnew/)

 

Low 01:50 AM

High 06:49 AM

Low 01:53 PM

High 07:13 PM

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

 

VHF Channel 82 will be monitored

Todd Brice cell: (646)-775-8064

Joe Sidor cell - (917) 697-2926

Mike Babich cell - (516) 805-3528

Dave Hager cell - (516) 313-2600