A 9-point list on how you can help create a speed limit on inshore tidal waters from Raritan Bay to Cape May. Want to hear the other side of the argument? Visit the NJ Performance Powerboat Club website.
You and any organization with which you are affiliated can do these things to promote a speed limit on Barnegat Bay:
1 – Write the New Jersey Boat Regulation Commission.
This Commission has the power to enact a speed limit within a few months, in contrast to legislation, which would involve many hurdles and much more time. (Note: See the “IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER” at the bottom of this page.)
Roger Brown, Chairman
New Jersey Boat Regulation Commission
C/O NJ State Police, Marine Services Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068
2 – Write and Phone Legislators.
Since the Boat Regulation Commission might not come through, we must simultaneously push for passage of legislation by the State of New Jersey. Both writing and phoning are helpful.
10th District Senator and Assemblymen
(Ocean County north of Toms River):
Hon. Andrew Ciesla
Hon. David Wolfe
Hon. James Holzapful
852 Highway 70
Brick, NJ 08724
Phone: 732-840-9028
Fax: 732-840-9757
9th District Senator and Assemblymen
(Ocean County south of Toms River)
Hon. Len Connors
Hon. Jeff Moran
Hon. Chris Connors
620 Lacey Road
Forked River, NJ 08731
Phone: 609-693-6700
Fax: 732-693-2469
3 – Write and phone the Ocean County Freeholders.
The County of Ocean can help both by passing a Resolution and by putting an enforcement boat on the water.
Freeholder Director John Bartlett
PO Box 2191
Toms River, NJ 08754
Phone: 732-929-2116
Fax: 732-505-1918
4 – Attend legislative hearings.
The other side will have paid professionals at every hearing. We need our side to be there too. Dates will be posted at www.savebarnegatbay.org.
5 – Get your Township or Municipal Governing Body to pass a resolution supporting a speed limit.
A model resolution is posted at www.savebarnegatbay.org.
6 – Get your Township or Borough Governing Body to create on the water enforcement capability.
Some towns have police boats or jetskis to enforce marine laws. If your town does not, you should urge them to get one.
7 – Write Letters to the Editor:
This is a very important way of keeping the subject of a speed limit before the public. The sheer number of our supporters should make this relatively easy to do.
Some addresses:
Asbury Park Press
3601 Highway 66
PO Box 1550
Neptune, NJ 07754
editors@app.com
Ocean County Observer
8 Robbins St.
Toms River, NJ 08753
observer@app.com
Times Beacon
345 East Bay Ave
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
tbletter@app.com
The Sandpaper
1816 Long Beach Blvd
Beach Haven, NJ 08008-5461
beachbum60@juno.com
Brick Times
15 Union Ave
Lakehurst, NJ
BrickTimes@aol.com
Berkeley Times
15 Union Ave
Lakehurst, NJ
berkeleytimes@aol.com
Island Gazette
PO Box 577
Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
theislandgazette@aol.com
Ocean Star
421 River Ave
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
editor@theoceanstar.com
8 – Help us network this issue.
If you can be a contact for any organization or group, please email Save Barnegat Bay at info@dev.savebarnegatbay.org, or phone us at 732-830-3600.
9 – Stay educated by checking the SBB website.
We will post regular updates at www.savebarnegatbay.org on what steps currently need to be taken.
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IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
We need to emphasize certain core points in letters, phone calls, or testimony:
1)A 30 mph speed limit
2)Should apply to all inshore tidal waters, not just certain tributaries
3)In effect from May 1 to October 31
4)In effect seven days a week
5)No exemptions “practicing” or “testing” for a race.
Read Save Barnegat Bay’s testimony before the New Jersey Boat Regulation Commission.
Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions on a speed limit on Barnegat Bay.
