NOTE: We post a lot of information on this home page. Please take the time to scroll through and familiarize yourself with our organization. If you like what you see we invite you to visit the other pages of our site for more detailed information .
Citizens' Right to Access Beaches or C.R.A.B., as we are more commonly known, was formed in August of 1996. We are dedicated to educating the PUBLIC on its rights to use and enjoy our beaches for a variety of recreational pursuits. MISSION STATEMENT: CITIZENS RIGHT TO ACCESS BEACHES, C.R.A.B. WAS CREATED: TO RETAIN AND REGAIN PUBLIC ACCESS TO OUR BEACHES. TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE ISSUES. and TO FOSTER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS BY PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING PROPER STEWARDSHIP OF OUR BEACHES AND COASTAL WATERS
Originally C.R.A.B.'s focus was on the problems encountered when the town of Point Pleasant Beach rezoned the beachfront at the southern end of town allowing for residential development in an area that for many years was used as a PUBLIC Beach.
Developers quickly sub-divided the area and declared the beachfront private ... for the exclusive use of the future homeowners. BEACON BEACH, a beloved family beach enjoyed by thousands of beachgoers, was one of the beaches lost to the PUBLIC as a result of the rezoning. Concerned about future loss of PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS, CRAB has turned it's efforts to educating the public of it's rights according to the
PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE.
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JANUARY 13, 2010
- CLICK HERE FOR STATE PRESS RELEASE AND COPIES OF THE SETTLEMENTS
comments and more information to follow in coming days.
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OUR DEAR FRIEND AND MENTOR, DERY BENNETT
who passed away December 15, 2009. Dery's inspirational guidance and support of C.R.A.B. from our formative period throughout the years will always be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU DERY!
Click on the photo of Dery for link to American Littoral Society Page Honoring His life and many achievements.
We couldn't have said it better than his colleagues at ALS "All
of these achievements were realized with courtesy and grace. He never
raised his voice--he didn’t have to--when Dery spoke, people on all
sides of an argument listened. Now, we can only strive to measure up to
his example by continuing on the path he blazed and safeguarding the
advances he made. He is sorely missed. "
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THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR'S DUNE PLANTING PROJECT. SPECIAL THANKS TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS of JERSEY SHORE AIKIAKI (JSA)
PHOTOS OF THE NOVEMBER 15 DUNE PLANTING WILL BE POSTED SOON.
click on Dune Planting Banner for additional information on this year's planting project
click here for a slide show of the 2008 Dune Planting Project
CLICK HERE FOR OUR YOU TUBE VIDEO ON HOW TO PLANT DUNE GRASS
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VISITED WITH US AT THIS YEAR'S FESTIVAL OF THE SEA, SATURDAY SEPT.19, 2009
Todd Reid picks the winning ticket in the 2009 C.R.A.B. Super 50/50 raffle. Last year's proceeds were used to ofset the purchase of our newest beach wheelchair.
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE WHO VISITED WITH US AT THE POINT PLEASANT STREET FAIR ON JUNE 7, 2009 AND SIGNED UP FOR OUR NEW VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP/MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM. WE WILL BE CONTACTING YOU SOON WITH PROJECT INFORMATION.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OUR NEW "VOLUNTEER FREE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT US AT CRABNJ@YAHOO.COM
OUR CURRENT STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS
As part of it's Stewardship Program C.R.A.B. volunteers will install and maintain Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling Stations, provided by the NJDEP at the Mantoloking Bridge Fishing Pier in Brick and at Gull Island Park in Point Pleasant Beach. The Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department is implementing improvements to these valuable waterfront areas.
UPDATE:
THE MONOFILAMENT RECOVERY STATION AT THE MANTOLOKING BRIDGE HAS BEEN INSTALLED. C.R.A.B. HAS PARTNERED WITH PELL'S FISH AND SPORT to maintain the site
click on the Pell's Fish for the PELL'S ONLINE Website
Mantoloking Bridge Fishing Pier
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THE GULL ISLAND RECYCLE SITE IS NOW UP AND RUNNING!
The Gull Island site is co-sponsored by CO SIGN SIGNS
C.R.A.B will now be maintaining the Fishing Line Recycle Bins at the Manasquan Inlet and Loughran Point (pictured below).
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SPECIAL NOTE: We forgot to get the names and contact information of some of the participants. We would like to formally thank each one of you and present you with a complimentary C.R.A.B. membership. Please email your contact information to crabnj@yahoo.com. CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION AND PARTICIPATING GROUPS |
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO LEND A HAND IN THE PROJECT. IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE SO MANY POINT PLEASANT BOROUGH AND POINT PLEASANT BEACH STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND COMMUNITY MINDED CITIZENS WORKING TOGETHER (AND SO HARD) TO TRANSFORM THE DUNE. ON BEHALF OF THE PPB ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THOSE WHO MOVED ON TO LOUGHRAN PT. TO CONTINUE THE PLANTING.2009 DUNE PLANTING PROJECT SUNDAY NOV. 15, 2009 11 AM, MARYLAND AVE. BEACH
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2010 SUPER 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Click here to read more.  |
our 12th anniversary 2008 newsletter is now available online
click here for PDF of our 2008 Newsletter
We are awaiting the possible settlement of our Sea Bright Litigation before publishing our 2009 Newsletter.
Please send questions, suggestions, comments to
For Beach Wheelchair information and reservations please send an e-mail to crabnj@yahoo.com or call Ralph at 732-361-CRAB (2722)
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Concerned about ocean pollution....volunteer for a CleanOceanAction Beach Sweep
future additions and updates we are working on:
- expanded and updated links page with links to other organizations (please let us know if you are interested in having your organization included on our links page) as well as links to government and other contact information.
C.R.A.B BUMPER STICKERS 
C.R.A.B. Beach Access/Beach Stewardship Bumper Sticker. Click on Bumper Sticker to view and purchase Bumper Stickers at Zazzle.com ($3.95)
We are currently reconstructing our C.R.A.B. T shirt site. We hope to have it up and running soon. Please check back again.
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RISDEN'S SOUTHERN PARKING LOT and LOCKER FACILITY TO BE PURCHASED and PRESERVED BY POINT PLEASANT BEACH
The Risden's South Parking Lot is now operated by the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach. The Borough has also leased the bathhouse and snack facility to a private company and it will be fully operational this summer. NOTE: THE BATH HOUSE AND SNACK BAR ARE NOT PART OF THE RISDEN'S BEACH ANYONE USING THE BATH HOUSE FACILITIES MUST ALSO PAY A FEE TO RISDEN'S FOR BEACH ACCESS.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME OUT IN SUPPORT OF RETAINING THE PROPERTY FOR ITS PRESENT USE AS A VALUABLE AMMENITY TO PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS!
The Borough Planning Board should be commended for its hard work in arriving at its decision to reject the application. The Borough Council, especially former Council President Mike Loughran, should also be commended for its efforts in negotiating an agreement with the property owners. We at C.R.A.B. would like to thank the Risden Family for deciding to sell the property to the town and again we woul like to commend all who worked so hard to settle this often emotional issue in favor of preserving the property for public use.
Fight for your Rights to the Shore ...Support the Proposed New Jersey Public Beach Access Rules
We have been working with The American Littoral Society (ALS) and several other groups to study and promote the new Public Access Rules.
The State of New Jersey has proposed new regulations aimed at expanding, enhancing and protecting the rights of the public to access the beach and ocean. These rules are a giant step in the right direction for anyone who likes to swim, surf, fish, boat, run, walk, or just sit and sunbathe on the beach. The rules make clear that the Public Trust Doctrine is the law of the shore in New Jersey. The Public Trust Doctrine is a legal precedent dating back to Roman times. It holds that navigable rivers, streams, wetlands, seashores and bays belong to the people. The Doctrine declares that all of us have an unassailable right to access and use the waterfront for traditional purposes such as navigation, commerce, and fishing. A growing body of U.S. case law has expanded that definition to include the assurance of diverse recreational uses, as well as a guarantee of the protection of habitats and natural systems. Through this rule, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is putting the Public Trust Doctrine into action.
These rules will be opposed by beachfront developers, some towns and others who seek to make the Shore exclusively theirs. Strong support is needed from the public, fishermen, divers, surfers and other coastal stakeholders. The Society is preparing formal comments to the state on the rule, but in the meantime has developed a fact sheet to let our members and the public know of our take on the proposal. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET COURTESY OF ALS.
DECEMBER 17, 2007 DEP ADOPTS NEW PUBLIC ACCESS RULES
THE NJDEP ADOPTED THE NEW PUBLIC ACCESS RULES DECEMBER 17, 2007. C.R.A.B. APPLAUDS THE DEP FOR ITS CONTINUED COMMITTMENT TO PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS IN NEW JERSEY
2/08...THE NEW PUBLIC ACCESS RULE HAS COME UNDER FIRE BY MARINA OWNERS AND OPERATORS.
THE NEWLY ADOPTED DEP PUBLIC ACCESS RULES ARE IN DANGER OF BEING WEAKENED BY THE LEGISLATURE!
Unfortunately, after years of legislative inaction, our legislators are now drafting a series of bills that if passed, in our opinion will seriously weaken the Public Access Rules. The DEP Public Access Rules are at the core of our members access needs whether they are fishermen, surfers, shore divers or beach walkers. Proposed legislation caters to the special interests and will continue to exclude us from major stretches of the coast.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS AND LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU SUPPORT THE DEP PUBLIC ACCESS RULES AS ADOPTED AND URGE THEM TO VOTE AGAINST ANY ATTEMPTS TO WEAKEN OUR PUBLIC ACCESS RIGHTS!
We will soon be posting links to the bills before our legislators that will affect the DEP Public Access Rules.
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The fence blocking access to the southern jetty at the Manasquan Inlet (Jenkinsons) is finally down!
FOR PHOTO OF THE AREA CLICK HERE TO READ OUR 2007 NEWSLETTER
THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAS PUBLISHED ITS NOTICE OF INTENT TO SETTLE APPEAL OF CAFRA PERMIT DENIAL [CAFRA Permit Application Denial File #1525-97-0002.3 (OAL Docket No. ESA 08429-99S).] THIS SETTLEMENT WILL ONCE AND FOR ALL REMOVE THE FENCE BLOCKING ACCESS TO THE SOUTH JETTY OF THE MANASQUAN INLET PROVIDING ACCESS FOR EVERYONE. IN ADDITION, OTHER SETTLEMENTS IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE BOROUGH TO OBTAIN FUNDS TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO THE JETTY. MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ARE PLANNING TO INCREASE ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND WILL BE MAKING ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AREA.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE SETTLEMENT
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE DEP FOR ITS EFFORTS TO RESOLVE THIS LONG STANDING ACCESS ISSUE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE IMPROVEMENTS AND INCREASED ACCESS TO THIS MOST IMPORTANT AREA IN THE COMING MONTHS.
C.R.A.B. HAS SUBMITTED COMMENTS TO THE DEP IN SUPPORT OF THE SETTLEMENT
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR COMMENTS
**UPDATE 11/07- C.R.A.B. IS WORKING TOWARD IMPROVED JETTY ACCESS FROM THE BOARDWALK AND THE INLET PARKING LOT**
We are in the process of scheduling meetings and site visits with the state and the borough of Point Pleasant Beach regarding our concerns and suggestions
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WARNING:
MOST BEACHES ARE UNGUARDED AT THIS TIME OF YEAR AND RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS ARE PREVALENT.
NEVER SWIM ALONE IN UNPROTECTED WATERS. LEARN TO SPOT POTENTIAL RIP CURRENTS BEFORE ENTERING THE WATER. IF CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT REMAIN CALM, TREAD WATER OR FLOAT. CALL OR WAVE FOR ASSISTANCE. DON'T TRY TO SWIM AGAINST THE CURRENT. INSTEAD SWIM PARALLEL TO THE SHORE UNTIL YOU ARE OUT OF THE CURRENT. ONCE OUT OF THE CURRENT SWIM DIRECTLY TOWARD SHORE
REMEMBER:
WHEN IN DOUBT--DON'T GO OUT!
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HELP US KEEP OUR BEACHES AND COASTAL WATERS CLEAN
- ADOPT A "TAKE OUT WHAT YOU BRING IN POLICY"
Bring a litter bag with you and dispose of it properly when leaving the beach If possible pick up papers and other small trash items from your surrounding area as you leave. Set a good example for others to follow
- EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION AND ADOPT A BEST PRACTICES PROGRAM AWAY FROM THE BEACH AND AROUND YOUR HOME
Don't litter, pick up after your pets, use environmentally friendly gardening techniques, don't over fertilize, properly maintain sewer and septic systems, maintain your automobile to reduce drips and leaks. REMEMBER WHAT GOES DOWN OUR DRAINS OR INTO OUR STREETS WINDS UP IN OUR STREAMS,RIVERS, and BAYS ..... AND EVENTUALLY OUR OCEAN.
These are just a few of the things you can do to help. For more valuable tips on nonpoint source pollution control visit cleanoceanaction.org, savebarnegatbay.org , littoralsociety.org, nynjbaykeeper.org
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NOTE: WE HAVE A NEW PHONE NUMBER: 732-361-CRAB (2722)
Citizens' Right to Access Beaches, C.R.A.B. INC. ©1996-2010 All Rights Reserved This page is reviewed and updated bi-weekly. Page update 07/24/2010 |
HOWEVER YOU CHOOSE TO ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE...C.R.A.B. IS WORKING TO PROTECT EVERYONE'S RIGHTS TO CLEAN , SAFE and ACCESSIBLE BEACHES !
