Next week we will be meeting at the LaQuinta Hotel, 10 Aero Rd, Bohemia

Members and friends

Our speaker this week was Sean McGuinness, Superintendent of the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS). This national park is like no other, in that it encompasses whole independent communities. These communities are part of the mainland townships of Brookhaven and Islip, yet they fall within the boundaries of the national park. FINS works closely with the various communities when they have needs that must be addressed, but FINS takes a cooperative role rather than a primary role. As a result of this close cooperation with the towns and communities it has a very complicated role. 

The Sunken Forest is a part of the park that is accessible to visitors but there are no residential buildings. This very interesting section has a very dense canopy and even on the brightest days it is usually cool and relatively dark on the floor of the forest. There is walkway about 5 feet above the forest floor and visitors are not permitted to get of the walks. The wildlife in this section is very diverse and it is a favorite visiting spot for school outings.

There is also a wilderness area that allows no mechanized activity, even the park service's own chain saws are not permitted to be used.

The park service maintains this facility on minimum funding about $3.5 million per year. Concessions such as the restaurant at Watch Hill and the snack bar at Sailors Haven do contribute to the park's revenues by paying a percentage of sales to the park as well as maintaining there own infrastructure.

The island and the adjacent mainland property in the Mastic area was originally owned by William Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The Floyd home is in Mastic and it is also part of the FINS and it is open to the public as well.

When Robert Moses was riding high he was arguably the most powerful man in the tri-state area, having a mandate to build the region. He built bridges tunnels, parks and numerous roadways. Some of his accomplishments were admirable, but when he came to Fire Island he wanted to build a highway down the spine of the island. This would have destroyed the communities, the Sunken Forest, and the wilderness area. LIMBA's founder Paul Townsend objected, and built a coalition that was able to convince the US Congress to create the park. It was one of the few defeats that Moses was ever dealt. The Fire Island we have today is the result of that good leadership.

 Have a nice weekend. Ernie Fazio

register on line  www.limba.net

Opportunities to Sponsor a LIMBA breakfast are available

Time &; and Day; 8:30-9:30 AM Friday (registration opens at 8:00) 
Place -

Our meetings are usually held at the La Quinta Hotel located at 10 Aero Dr, Bohemia, 631 881-7800. Some meetings are held at Holiday Inn 3845 Veterans Memorial Hwy Ronkonkoma Hotel Phone # 631 585-9500

   Fees are $15 for members and $25 for non members.

About LIMBA
LIMBA is the only forum that meets on a weekly basis since 1966, discussing Long Island's strengths while working to define the ways that we can function even better. We have enlisted the most influential people on this island to help inform the public of problems, possibilities and opportunities. LIMBA is deeply grateful to them for the time they give to the organization.

LIMBA's current goals;
1) New Ferry systems to Connecticut  (Shoreham to New Haven) "Homeland Security Access to Long Island" Gerry Fitzpatrick, Chair of Ferry Technology Committee
2) A 3rd track on the LIRR mainline to accommodate freight and reverse commute. John Howell, Chair of Rail Transportation Committee
3) The "East End Reliever," a combined rail and express highway on present LIRR    right-of-way
4) Repowering Long Island's least efficient electric power plants, Repowering, will double the power output of each plant and reduce emissions by 90%. We also support the opening of Spagnoli Rd and Caithness power plants because they are efficient, combined cycle power plants in lieu of repowering old plants.

Check website for other programs under "calendar" Long Island Midsuffolk Business Action (www.limba.net)

If you wish to be removed from this email, see below
RSVP on tape 631 757- 6663 or info@limba.net
Ernie Fazio, Chairman

Our speaker tis week is Sean McGuiness, Superintendent of the Fire Island National Seashore. Under the leadership of  founder Paul Townsend LIMBA was instrumental in getting the US Congress to create the Fire Island National Seashore. Our speaker is the current superintendent. and will give us an overview of this outstanding recreational facility. Please join us.  This meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn located at 3845 Veterans Memorial Hwy. The following week we return to LaQuinta

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