Public Use and Enjoyment

The Reserve offers shoreline recreation facilities, open space, and a rich maritime heritage and culture. The public’s use and enjoyment of the Reserve depends upon convenient access to its bays, tributaries, coastal beaches and parks, and the quality of its water, habitats, and natural and cultural resources. The Reserve’s many opportunities include swimming, boating, sailing, paddling, fishing, shellfishing, hiking, biking, photography, and visiting vineyards, farm stands, and cultural heritage and historic landmark sites. Commercial fishing, island bay houses, recreational boating, marinas, yacht clubs, boat repair shops, ferries and shoreline parks are some of the facilities and activities that manifest the region's maritime heritage and contribute to its present-day culture. Many partner organizations are responsible for the protection and management of open space in the Reserve. Areas such as the Central Pine Barrens, Fire Island National Seashore, Lido Beach Wildlife Management Area, Sayville National Wildlife Refuge, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, and the Shinnecock Nation Reservation are all significant areas of open space in the Reserve. 

Public Use and Enjoyment issues addressed in the CMP include: 

• Improving Management of Shoreline Access  
• Connecting the Community to the Waterfront 
• Constructing Bike Paths 
• Improving Access at Public Areas and Recreational Opportunities 
• Increasing Open Space 
• Preservation of Maritime Character