The Dunewood Fire District  annual election for Commissioner will be  
completed no later than December 9, 2008. Commissioner Vale is  
standing for a five year term.  Any additional nominations will be on  
ballot, along with voting instructions, which will be mailed to all  
community households on November 26, 2008.

The Dunewood Fire District proposed 2009 Budget will be posted on this  
website on October 21, 2008.  Following the posting, comments and  
questions should be directed to Treasurer Larry Lazerwitz.

This handbook has been prepared by the Board of Trustees of the Dunewood Property Owners Association (“the DPOA”) to provide Dunewood homeowners, summer residents and guests with useful information about our community and facilities. Please be attentive to the standards set by the enclosed so we can all enjoy Dunewood as a pleasant, family, summer community for all.THE DPOA

Dunewood homeowners are members of the DPOA. A copy of the DPOA by-laws is available on request from the Secretary. 

1.  Annual Dues 

Each year DPOA members receive notice of annual dues. Since annual dues fund Dunewood’s facilities, programs and services, prompt payment is essential. Only DPOA members whose dues and assessments are fully-paid and their tenants and their off-island guests may use the community’s facilities. 

2.  DPOA Meetings 

Two meetings of the DPOA are held each year, one in the Spring and the other in the Fall. The Spring meeting is usually held on the weekend following Memorial Day; the Fall meeting, at which Board elections take place, is held in late September. Written notice of DPOA meetings are mailed to members at the addresses reflected in DPOA’s records. 

THE COMMUNITY

1. Garbage Collection 

Garbage collection is contracted by the Board of Trustees; regular pickups are made from April through Election Day in accord with a schedule issued each year. At other times, homeowners are responsible for their own garbage disposal. Each homeowner or tenant is responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness in and around his or her garbage rack. 

In addition to regularly scheduled pick-ups there are free bulk refuse collections at the end of May and September on dates to be announced. Individual homeowners are responsible for the removal of bulk refuse at all other times. The accumulation of bulk refuse on private or community property is prohibited from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the event of a violation, refuse will be removed by the Board of Trustees and the cost incurred will be billed to the responsible property owner. 

Recyclable material must be kept in separate containers that are available to all residents at a nominal charge. Garbage cans must be kept securely covered. Tops that are easily removable should be secured by a bungee cord.2. Community Walks: Pedestrians/Bicycles/Wagons 

Although pedestrians have the right-of-way on community walks at all times, they are requested to move to the right when bicycles approach from either the front or the rear. When passing a pedestrian, a cyclist should ring his or her bell to alert the walker, and say “on your left”. All bicycles must be equipped with bells or horns; lights are required for night riding. 

No bicycle riding is permitted on the docks. Bicycles or wagons should not be parked on the docks, the walk approaching the ferry dock, on the walks near the sailing area and the beach entrances. There is a parking area at the bay beach. 

3. Pets 

Pets are welcome in Dunewood, but local laws require all dogs be walked on leashes. No pet may run free on the community walks or on your neighbors’ property. No pets are permitted on the bay and ocean beaches from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All animal fecal matter should be removed and placed in the dog owner’s receptacles only. 

4. Water Supply 

Since the installation of the new and deeper pipes some years ago, we do have year-round water in Dunewood and no longer use individual wells.

It is crucial however – if you are a summer resident and have not winterized your pipes – that you drain them thoroughly when you leave the beach, as any water remaining inside will case them to crack once it freezes. Similarly, in the spring, it is safest to have the water turned on only after the chance of freeze is over.

5. Fire

Fire is the single greatest danger to homeowners and the Dunewood Community.  Fire prevention therefore is of high priority.  In the event of fire, prompt and effective action will help minimize damage and save lives.

Open fires are prohibited by law on Great South Bay beaches.  Our Fire District also prohibits the use of outdoor charcoal grills for cooking.  Only covered gas or electric grills are permitted.  No exceptions are permitted unless pre-approved in writing by the Fire DepartmentHOW TO REPORT A FIRE

1. 1. Call 911
2. 2. Tell dispatcher that you are reporting a fire in DUNEWOOD
3. 3. Give precise location by Walk and house number and, if possible, describe the type of fire.  Be sure guests and renters know your home’s.

WHAT TO DO WHEN AN ALARM SOUNDS

1. 1. Check to determine that fire is not located in your own home
2. 2. Discontinue the use of all water at your home (washing machines, dishwashers, hoses, sprinklers, showers)
3. 3. Turn off water heater
4. 4. Clear all obstructions from the walks in front of your house.
5. 5. Follow the instructions of the Fair Harbor Fire Chief and deputies.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE IN YOUR HOME

1. 1. Vacate all occupants immediately and call 911 as recommended.  If you use your fire extinguisher remember there are no more than 30 seconds of foam in most household extinguishers. 
2. 2. Do not re-enter the fire area under any circumstances.   Go to your pre-arranged family meeting place.

Every household should have two rehearsed escape plans for vacating your house, one for day and the other for night when all are sleeping.  Make sure your pre-arranged meeting place is a safe distance away from the house.  

RECOMMENDED FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• • Smoke detectors located in or near each bedroom (new batteries every year)
• • Two ABC-rated fire extinguishers
• • One long handled shovel
• • Two 50-foot garden hoses (front and rear of house)
• • Pail of sand near outdoor grill
• • Spark screens and chimney caps for all fireplaces and wood stoves

PERIODIC HOME INSPECTIONS FOR FIRE SAFETY

• • Batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced each spring.
• • Fire extinguishers should be charged and read “green.”
• • Electrical wiring, hot water heaters, electrical cords and other equipment should be checked by a licensed electrician every other year.
• • Propane gas tanks should be stored outdoors.  Large propane tanks should be placed on concrete, hooded and chained to house.
• • Kitchen exhausts, fireplace flues and dryer exhausts should be cleaned.

DO’s AND DON’T’s

• • Do have an active garden hose and available bucket of sand when outdoor grilling.
• • Do cut back brush at least three feet from house.
• • Do extinguish cigarettes and matches very carefully, indoors and out of doors.
• • Do remove fire-hazardous and combustible materials, such as brush and scrap lumber from under and around house.
• • Do inform all guests, renters, baby sitters of house address, use of electrical equipment and grills and emergency fire procedures.
• • Do check ashtrays and upholstered furniture for smoldering ashes or cigarettes. 
• • Don’t store flammable material under your house.
• • Don’t leave food unattended while cooking on stoves or grills.
• • Don’t leave lit candles unattended.
• • Don’t smoke in bed.

6. Medical

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

1. 1. Call 911
2. 2. Give dispatcher precise location and description of medical  emergency.

IN A NON EMERGENCY

The Medical District provides seasonal, non-emergency physician services. There is a small charge for services. Dates, days and hours are posted on the Doctor’s Office that is located just east of the Fair Harbor firehouse. 7. Deer 

Deer are lovely animals, but they also carry ticks which spread Lyme disease, invade garbage cans and eat our plants. While the law protects them from harm, they should not be fed. In the interest of their health, children should be kept away from the deer. To combat ticks, the DPOA arranges, as appropriate, tick deterrent measures. 

YOUR HOUSE

1. Construction 

During the summer months, Dunewood residents and their guests are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their Dunewood homes. For this reason, no construction is permitted on weekends or holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. No construction is permitted during July and August. If emergency construction is necessary, the DPOA President should be contacted. 2. Noise Abatement 

Because houses are in close proximity, noise is easily transmitted. In consideration of your neighbors residents are urged to keep the volume of their radios, television sets and other noise making devices at a reasonable level. Except for community functions, loudspeakers should not be installed or used out-of-doors. 

3. Rental Rules and Guidelines 

Restrictions and covenants in Dunewood deeds prohibit group occupancy. The DPOA strongly condemns group rentals and has so advised the local real estate agents. Please remind your renting agent of these regulations.

Groupers will be denied all DPOA privileges, including the use of tennis courts, bay beach, sailing area, boat slips and docking facilities. The DPOA will pursue all available legal remedies to enforce this policy. We urge all DPOA members who rent to include the following language in the lease: 

“The premises are rented to ‘one family’ defined as follows: One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, exclusive of household servants. A number of persons, not exceeding three (3), living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, though not related by blood, adoption, or marriage shall be deemed to constitute ‘one family’. The selling of shares and subletting is prohibited.” 

We recommend you meet your prospective tenant before signing a lease. A copy of this Handbook should be made available to your tenant. 

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS

1. Our Beaches 

The bay beach and our ocean beach are our most valued natural resources. The ocean beach has a constant erosion problem, without special care and constant diligence it is in danger of being lost. It is important to protect our dunes. Always use the walks provided for access to the beach. Snow fences have been installed to slow dune erosion and have helped in building the beach elevation. Walking on the dunes or in the snow-fenced area is strictly prohibited. 

Please help keep the beaches clean. Use the waste receptacles provided. Eating and drinking non-alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach, but please remember to clean up. If you see refuse which others have left behind, take the few seconds necessary to place it in a receptacle. Be thoughtful of your neighbors at the beach. Keep the volume of radios low so as not to disturb others.  The use of earphones and headsets are strongly recommended. 

Ball playing and frisbees are permitted to the extent that such activities do not disturb other beachgoers. When playing active games, please find an area away from sunbathers.BUILDING FIRES ON THE BEACH IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. 

Swimming, particularly in the ocean should be approached with extreme caution since tides and currents are often hazardous. Swim only in designated areas and only when lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguards are stationed at both the ocean and bay beaches during the summer season. Even when lifeguards are present, however, children always must be supervised by adults. Lifeguards oversee the safety of swimmers and enforce beach regulations. They are authorized to expel from the bay or ocean beach swimming areas any person/s not abiding by beach regulations. Bay beach regulations are posted at the bay beach. 

2. The Dunewood Swimminq Proqram 

In addition to providing life guards, the community sponsors a swimming program in July and August which follows the guidelines established by the American Red Cross. Instruction is available to all age groups, from beginners through advanced levels. A Junior Life Saving and Water Safety course is also available. Registration for classes (July and August) is held on the first days of each month. Classes begin on the first Monday following the 4th of July weekend. 

3. Tennis 

Dunewood’s two tennis courts are the private property of the DPOA. Only DPOA members, their renters and their off-island guests may use the courts. During the summer of 2006 all DPOA members were issued new access cards to enable their entry. It is their responsibility to pass these cards on to their renters. Should a card be lost, the DPOA will issue a new card at a cost of $45 to the recipient. These cards may not be loaned to others.

The following are Dunewood rules for use of the courts:

1. 1. No play permitted before 8 A.M.
2. 2. Children may not use the courts as a playground.
3. 3. All players must wear tennis sneakers.
4. 4. Six game sets are the standard.
5. 5. If four or two players do not choose to play a set, rallying is limited to thirty minutes.
6. 6. A five minute warm-up time applies when there are people waiting.
7. 7. Guests are limited to play after 11A.M. and are restricted to two sets per day if there are others waiting to play.
8. 8. Posted time allocations must be observed.
9. 9. DPOA may change and /or suspend these rules at any time.
10. 10. Courtesy at all times is required.
11. 11. Pets, carriages, bikes, roller blades or skateboards are not permitted at any

       time.

1. 12. Smoking is prohibited.
2. 13. No more than two people from the same house may be on the courts at the   same time except during guest and family time. The is always a restriction of 

      four people maximum from the same house.

4. The Dunewood Yacht Club 

The Dunewood Yacht Club is drawn from the communities of Dunewood, Lonelyville, Fair Harbor and Saltaire. Both sail and power boat owners are active participants in the club’s activities. 

The Yacht Club sponsors an excellent sailing program during July and August. Classes in beginning, intermediate and advanced sailing instruction, racing, boat handling and windsurfing are offered. Private instruction and boat rentals are also available. While registration times may change, registration for classes is usually held from July 1st to 3rd. Applications for membership are mailed on or about June 15th. In addition to the sailing program, the DYC sponsors an annual regatta, a fishing contest, a beach party and other special events. Contact the Commodore for further information. 

5. Dockinq Facilities 

The DPOA owns and maintains the community’s dock, boat slips and bulkheads. The ‘L’ dock provides 10 reserved boat slips, 3 to 4 visitor’s slips and 2 slips reserved for the Dunewood Yacht Club boat. Additional boat slips are available west of the ferry dock. The dock is also used for water taxis and fishing. Due to water traffic, swimming off of the dock is not permitted. 

1. The Board of Trustees has adopted the following rules governing use of the community’s docking facilities which the Dockmaster, appointed by the Board of Trustees, is empowered to enforce: 1. Assignment of boat slips is limited to DPOA Members owning boats and may not be sublet, transferred or used by any boat other than the boat assigned.
2. 2. The assignment of available slips will be made only after submission of boat registration numbers, proof of insurance and the docking fees. 
3. 3. Annual docking fees are proposed by the Dockmaster, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. 
4. 4. Priority of assignment, transfer of slip assignment and seniority is established from the date of written application. The Dockmaster maintains the waiting list for slips, which is available to any DPOA member. Seniority is not affected by transferring from one slip to another. Longevity in the DPOA has no bearing on seniority. Loss of seniority for any reason will result in return to the bottom of the waiting list. 
5. 5. If slips are available, renters may be assigned spaces if they meet the conditions set forth in Paragraph 2. The availability of slips for renters will not be confirmed prior to June 1st in order to accommodate DPOA boat owners. Renters do not acquire seniority. 
6. 6. To ensure that space is available and to discourage unauthorized docking, Dunewood residents expecting guests who will use the visitors’ docking facilities should notify the Dockmaster in advance. The Dockmaster reserves the right to notify appropriate authorities in the event of unauthorized docking. 

In addition to the above, the following regulations will be strictly enforced:

1. 1. No boat longer than 32′-0″ or wider than 12′-0″ will be permitted to moor at the Dunewood docking facilities because of our limited space. No exceptions, therefore, can be permitted. 
2. 2. Boats assigned slips west of the ferry dock are also subject to height restrictions regulated by existing deeds and covenants on file with the Board of Trustees. Property owners planning to purchase boats are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations prior to purchase. No accommodation will be made for a non-complying boat. 
3. 3. No overnight sleeping on boats is permitted. 
4. 4. No electrical hookups or generators are permitted. 
5. 5. No discharge of waste is permitted. 
6. 6. No boats will be permitted to be stored at the Bay Beach between May 1st and October 15th. 
7. 7. BOAT SPEED INSIDE THE FIRST POLE IS LIMITED TO 4 KNOTS AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. 

The Dockmaster has the authority, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to alter, amend or modify any regulation when in the best interests of the community or the public safety. The decisions of the Dockmaster may be appealed in writing to the Board of Trustees.

Keep your Handbook accessible. Provide a copy to your renters and guests as appropriate. 

Enjoy Dunewood to the fullest!

DPOA Board of Trustees

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FIA Summer Wrap-Up for FI Tide

For those new to the Fire Island Inlet – Montauk Point shore protection project (FIMP) or not involved in day-to-day developments, progress seems agonizingly slow. To those closer to the process, the pace of events this year has quickened and a successful conclusion is in sight.

The reason for the progress is simple: active involvement by our political representatives. Here are some examples:

• Both Brookhaven and Islip Towns have worked with the island communities in support of the 2008 self-help projects. Islip, in particular, has taken the lead with state and federal emergency management officials. The hope is that, should the short-term projects be quickly wiped out by a severe storm, they may qualify for grants to rebuild if a declaration of a disaster is forthcoming.
• Even more significant, all five affected townships (the above plus Babylon, Southampton and East Hampton) have joined forces in support of FIMP and asked the New York State agencies involved to meet with them. The Supervisors noted in a letter to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that “the south shore towns will ultimately be the recipient of beneficial or negative outcomes of the plan.” They made it clear they want DEC to consult with them on key decisions.
• The Congressional delegation has also weighed in heavily on the side of getting the FIMP project completed. Congressman Tim Bishop organized a tour of Fire Island beaches by Army Corps and Interior Department officials on July 19. It was an opportunity for island residents to point out that there are three Fire Islands – the recreational beaches at each end, the communities and the Wilderness Area, and it is not reasonable to expect that all three can be managed under a single set of environmental guidelines. Mr. Bishop said he intends to make sure decisions are made in a more timely manner than they have been. If field level managers can’t agree, he thinks their bosses should be required to make the decisions for them, and sooner rather than later. He made the same point at the FIA summer meeting and met with involved agencies in County Executive Steve Levy’s office to make it again.
• On July 27, Congressman Steve Israel compared Great South Bay to the Mississippi River near New Orleans. He has told mainland constituents as well that a Katrina-type storm would devastate Long Island and can’t be allowed to strike an unprotected coast here. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Israel is well-positioned to help secure FIMP funding.
• At Fire Island Pines on August 2, Senator Chuck Schumer repeated his strong support for the 08 community projects as well as for the FIMP. As the leader of his party’s fund-raising effort in the Senate, Mr. Schumer will be able to call on his colleagues to support the project.
• Senator Hillary Clinton has been otherwise engaged recently. But she has shown her support in the past, including by inviting County Executive Levy to testify before the Environment and Public Works Committee, which reviews Corps projects and of which she is a member.
• State and county legislators have also shown support for the communities. Assemblywoman Ginny Fields is a regular at FIA’s summer meeting and works hard for Fire Island. The same is true for Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington and our two state Senators, Owen H. Johnson and Caesar Trunzo.
• Agency executives are feeling pressure from our elected representatives. The Assistant Secretary for Fish & Wildlife and Parks, Lyle Laverty, has shown he is open to discussion about allowing for more protection of the community areas of Fire Island. Mr. Laverty was the senior DOI official on Congressman Bishop’s July 19 tour. His counterpart from the Army, John Paul Woodley, led a similar helicopter tour in mid-April this year. It is clear from numerous comments that the Corps of Engineers dreads the prospect of a major storm hitting the Long Island coast without adequate shore protection in place after a $25 million study and two decades of planning effort.

In the middle of all this is the Fire Island National Seashore. Theirs are the “boots on the ground,” to coin a phrase, and the managers know the park can’t be successful until the beach erosion issue is settled. The details of how it is resolved may be less important than residents and managers reaching agreement on a path forward.

Some see Albany as the biggest remaining problem – specifically DEC and the Department of State (DOS), which can label the FIMP “not consistent” with state coastal policies. FIA needs someone with good contacts in Governor Paterson’s office to point out that it is the new DOS policy proposals that need to be looked at. So far they seem more concerned with implementing the views of regional offices of Department of the Interior than what is best for Long Island or the Fire Island National Seashore.

Locally, DEC seems OK with both the 08 community projects and the FIMP. But recently letters from James Tierney, Assistant DEC Commissioner and, separately, from regional managers of Interior, seemed to ask the Corps of Engineers to rethink key parts of the FIMP yet again, after years of study and delay. They seem to want the Corps to adopt an approach based on “withdrawing support from traditional methods of shore protection.” FIA sent a strongly worded letter to the Commissioner stressing that, in FIA’s view, there is no scientific support for such a policy; it is not a policy in place in any other state, so far as FIA is aware; and it could make possible a Katrina-like disaster on Long Island.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior has asked the Corps of Engineers to embark on a new study “of the impact of inlet dredging” on Fire Island. An August 7 Newsday article reported Senator Schumer’s strongly adverse reaction to the idea: “The letter seems to say ‘go back to the drawing board and study what would happen to the whole Seashore area without any dredging’,” Newsday quoted the senator.

Separately, Interior Department officials responded in June to a February 2006 request by the Corps of Engineers for a reaction to the Corps FIMP “alternatives.” The department said it didn’t have enough information to reply to what the Corps had sent, and requested the Corps instead “evaluate” a plan to provide a lesser level of protection to the Fire Island part of the FIMP project than to other areas. It is questionable, to FIA at least, if the Corps has authority to do that. It seems the mid-level Interior officials know their own bosses would not be prepared to take the political heat for recommending something that could result in such disastrous consequences for the region.

And the five town Supervisors made it very clear in their August 11 meeting with DEC and DOS, FIA is told, that no community area within the FIMP project is to receive a lesser level of protection than any other.

Any fair assessment of developments in 2008 would conclude that a lot has been accomplished and property owner interests have been well represented. And progress will continue. Congressman Bishop has said he plans to bring the agencies together again, before the end of summer.

That will not be, however, until after the Tide stops publishing for this year. FIA‘s work will continue, of course, into the fall and winter, and beyond. To keep members better informed, the Association web site (www.fireislandassn.org) is in the process of being refurbished. In a month or so FIA members will be able to check in regularly for reports.

Jerry Stoddard, President, FIA

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It is urgent that the Department of Interior, the Corps of Engineers, and New York State expedite their efforts to reach an agreement on an erosion project which comes as close as reasonably possible, to replenishing the dune and beach system and the natural and community resources of Fire Island to their condition when the Fire Island National Seashore Act was enacted in 1964. The storm reduction project plan proposed by the Corps, at last year’s Fire Island Association annual meeting, should be approved.

Congress has repeatedly endorsed the FIMP project over almost 60 years.

FINSA requires the DOI and Corps to conserve and preserve the island against erosion, as it was or at least, as of its official mapping in May 1978 , That includes its dunes and beaches, and other natural resources, and Community District properties, in the condition whey were in at that time..

Among the unique resources to be protected from erosion, are the Sunken Forest, a federal wilderness area, fresh water wetlands, and endangered species.

One of the critically important resources that also needs to be conserved and protected is sand. Sand is not dirt. It is a valuable natural mineral resource. Sand is the core of the marine and terrestrial ecology of Fire Island. Its natural values are documented in the scientific and engineering studies commissioned by the National Park Service. Its preservation, restoration, and recycling from offshore borrow areas, when necessary, are essential to prevent a breach of the barrier island system, and flooding of the south shore mainland, which would cause billions of dollars of damage to properties and endanger the safety of its population.

Contrary to its critics, the Corps’ proposed erosion project will not damage the natural values of Fire Island. It will enhance them by recycling compatible sediments from offshore borrow areas.

NY State, under the Coastal Erosion Hazard Area, and Coastal Zone Management Consistency standards, and Tidal and Freshwater Wetlands Acts, has a similar obligation with respect to the resources under its administration. Together with the Department of Interior and the Corps, the State is a public trustee of these resources.

The official mapping by the State & federal government, of the boundary lines of the Coastal Erosion Hazard Area, Federal Dune District, and Community Districts, is evidence of an intent to conserve and protect not only the natural resources of Fire Island, but the properties in the Community Districts,  in the condition they were in as of May 1978, the date of the map referred to in the FINSA.

There is extrinsic evidence that supports the Congressional intent, i.e. the FINS adoption of zoning standards for the Community Districts, the provisions exempting properties from condemnation, if they comply with the standards, & the fact that the villages, and Fire Island property owners have taxed themselves to finance local erosion projects, as the result of the failure of the federal and state governments to meet their obligations

The Corps recommendation that the sand project must also protect wilderness areas, is  also in accord with the intent of Congress, because the wilderness legislation, states that the designation of wilderness status does not preclude repair of the beaches where necessary to prevent or mitigate flooding. Hence although the levels of sand placement may vary in wilderness and developed Community District areas, it is contrary to the Congressional intent to argue that no sand whatsoever should be placed to protect the beaches of the wilderness areas.

The proposed scope of the Corps’ erosion project is in keeping with the intent of Congress, and the state CEHA, and Coastal Zone Management Consistency standards. Those who continue to demand additional studies, or oppose or question the engineering and scientific judgments of the coastal engineers who endorse the Corps’ position, have failed to comprehend the Congressional intent.

The federal and state governments have an obligation to maintain to the maximum extent practicable, the conditions as they existed in 1978, and those governments should have acted to prevent or mitigate the destruction of the beaches and dunes from erosion, but they did not.

It is time to hold them accountable, because the Department of Interior and New York State bear responsibility to protect all of Fire Island’s natural and community resources. Thus they should not only approve but work closely with the Corps – as the enabling act, and other legislation require- to provide this urgently necessary protection.

If they do not, it is high time that the FINSA be amended to mandate such project, in order to save the island, and effectuate the original intent of Congress.

fins-district-boundaries

The Dunewood community meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, September 13th at 12pm on the tennis courts. Rain date is Sunday the 14th.

Additionally, at our Annual Meeting an Amendment to our By Laws will be brought to a vote. The Amendment, which has been discussed at two prior Annual Meetings is now been modified so as to change the $25,000 stated in the sentence below which now appears in our present By Laws to $50,000.

Article VII, Sec. 2 … the powers of the trustees and officers shall be limited with regard to: 

ii. any expenditure in excess of $25,000.

Fire Island National Seashore announced today that a sample of 
mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus (WNV) has been found on Fire 
Island. The National Park Service collected the mosquitoes on July 29 
from a gravid trap on the federal land just west of Fire Island Pines. 
The mosquitoes were from a trap set by the Park as part of its weekly 
monitoring program. Testing was done by the New York State Department of 
Health, Arthropod-Borne Disease Program, in Albany. This program is a 
collaborative effort between the Park and Suffolk County Department of 
Health Services, which announced the positive results on August 14. 
Although there have been dozens of WNV- infected dead birds throughout 
Suffolk County, none of these have been found within the boundaries of 
Fire Island National Seashore. 

The National Park Service works closely with the Centers for Disease 
Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Environmental 
Conser vation (DEC), Suffolk County Vector Control, and local Fire Island 
and Long Island municipalities to determine the best course of action to 
protect residents, visitors and employees of the Seashore. When threats 
to human health (such as the presence of West Nile virus) occur, actions 
to protect the public may include control methods such as applying 
larvicide or spraying. The public will be notified 24 hours in advance 
of any spray event. Information on the date and exact location of any 
spraying can be found on the Suffolk County web site at 
www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health or by calling 631- 852- 4939. Suffolk 
County Vector Control is currently authorized to spray within the Fire 
Island communities, including Fire Island Pines, using ultra low volume 
backpack or truck- mounted sprayers. 

The park is continuing its surveillance program to monitor the severity 
and extent of West Nile virus in the Seashore. As per the Park’s 
standard operation procedures, there will be an amplified surveillance 
in the area where West Nile virus has been detected. 

Mosquitoes can transmit both West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine 
Encephalitis (EEE) from an infected bird to humans and other animals. 
However, mosquitoes are a natural part of a healthy salt marsh ecology. 
The larvae and adults provide food for many kinds of wildlife, including 
other insects, fish, birds, and bats. Some measures taken to control 
mosquito populations, such as spraying insecticides, adversely affect 
the health of fish and other wildlife living in the wetlands. 
Insecticides may also filter very quickly through the soil to the water 
table and could possibly infiltrate the water we drink. Therefore, any 
actions taken to protect human health through the control of mosquitoes 
must be weighed very heavily. 

Residents, visitors and staff are advised to avoid mosquito-infested 
areas. If contact with mosquitoes is unavoidable, it is advisable to 
wear protective clothing and use an effective insect repellent, such as 
one containing at least 30% DEET. Non-DEET repellents (e.g. herbal-based 
sprays) are also effective. (Use much less repellent for children; DEET 
should only be used with extreme caution on children under age 3.) 
People most at risk of becoming ill from West Nile virus are those over 
50 years of age or whose immune system is impaired. Such people are 
advised to stay away from areas with mosquitoes. 

For general information on West Nile virus, please contact your local 
health department. Information can also be obtained from the CDC, New 
Yo rk State or Suffolk County WNV web sites, or one of the park visitor 
centers. 

For more information about Fire Island National Seashore’s mosquito 
program, contact Mike Bilecki, Chief of Resources Management at 
631-687-4760, or Fernando Villalba, Park Biologist, at 631-687-4769. 

For more information about Fire Island National Seashore, visit the 
park’s web site at www.nps.gov/fiis.

A new Dunewood photo site has been created at Shutterfly.  Anyone may access this site, and if you wish, you may post photos or Dunewood-related events.  To view the site, click on the following link: http://dunewoodfireisland.site.shutterfly.com

Contact Andrew Resnick if you have any questions.