by Kate Kimmel
The Nassau County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to amend the county’s beach ordinance to comply with the Endangered Species Act.
The changes prohibit beach parking and horse riding between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. during sea turtle nesting season, which runs from May 1 through Nov. 1. The board also strengthened the “Leave No Trace” ordinance by allowing county officials to confiscate and dispose of personal property left on unincorporated county beaches between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Although the amendments are aimed at protecting sea turtles, that issue drew comparatively little discussion during public comment. Many speakers focused instead on camping restrictions, reduced horse riding hours, vague language in the ordinance, and crime in parking areas — particularly at American Beach.
Concerns from American Beach
Several American Beach residents voiced concerns about the parking lot near Burney Park, citing a recent alleged sexual assault there. Resident Beverly Smith said such incidents show why parking should be banned at night year-round, not just during nesting season. Others warned that banning camping elsewhere on the island would make American Beach the only location where people could camp at night.
Some residents accused the county of neglecting their community. Carolyn James called American Beach a “dumping ground” for unwanted activities, while Marsha Felts said the board does not treat its residents as full Nassau County citizens. James Staton criticized inconsistencies and spelling errors in the ordinance and urged the board to involve the community in drafting such measures. “Please speak to us,” he said. “Think about our community.”
Horseback riding objections
Horseback riding operators also opposed the new restrictions. Robin Allen, owner of Amelia Horseback Riding, said the prohibition during certain hours would prevent sunset and sunrise rides, which she said generate most of her business. She argued that horse hooves could not be more harmful than tire tracks for turtles. Stan Putter, owner of Happy Trails Walking Horses, voiced similar concerns.
Councilman John Martin countered that the ecological expert advising the county said horse hooves are actually worse than tire tracks for nesting sea turtles.
Other objections
Residents Mike Laninski and Mark Dawkins objected to the ordinance’s 12-page length, noting that similar ordinances in other counties exceed 300 pages. Laninski accused the county of trying to “circumvent the federal government.” Commissioner A.M. “Hupp” Huppman responded that the longer documents include extensive federal data that accounts for most of their length.
Board’s response
The board acknowledged residents’ concerns but ultimately sided with the ecological expert, Huppman said. Commissioner Allyson McCullough added that the amendments were primarily intended to consolidate rules and that content changes could be considered later.
kkimmel@nassaunewsline.net
