New York State Parks Join In Annual International Beach Cleanup

ALBANY, NY (09/19/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today announced that state parks across New York will participate in a state-wide beach cleanup on Saturday, September 20, 2008 as part of the 22nd Annual Intercoastal Cleanup.

"State Parks is proud to participate in the Annual Intercoastal Cleanup and join in the global effort to protect and care for our waterways and increase awareness and appreciation of our coastal environment," said Ash. "I want to thank the many volunteers across the state for taking an active role in the stewardship of our public lands and for working to ensure that our natural resources are preserved for future generations."

Developed by the Ocean Conservancy in 1986, the Annual Intercoastal Cleanup is the world's largest one-day volunteer effort to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways. The mission of the annual cleanup is to identify sources of debris, to change behaviors that cause pollution, and to increase public awareness and appreciation of the coastal environment. The data gathered from the cleanup is used to educate citizens on the sources and extent of marine debris. Events take place throughout the United States and in over 90 countries around the world.

The annual coastal cleanup is coordinated in New York by the American Littoral Society, a national, non-profit environmental organization concerned with issues that effect the coastal environment. In 2007, over 9,300 volunteers cleaned and documented over 143,406 pounds of debris at 285 sites along 677 miles of New York State shoreline. Volunteers include local environmental groups, schools, scout organizations, private corporations, and civic associations.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks, 35 historic sites, and 77 developed beaches. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.

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The following is a list of state parks participating in the 22nd Annual Intercoastal Cleanup. For more information please visit www.nysparks.com or contact the park office.

Finger Lakes

Seneca Lake State Park

Genesee

Hamlin Beach State Park

Jefferson County

Southwick Beach State Park

Long Island

Belmont Lake State Park

Robert Moses State Park

Jones Beach State Park

New York City

Empire Fulton Ferry State Park

Niagara

Beaver Island State Park

Fort Niagara State Park

Four Mile Creek State Park

Woodlawn Beach State Park

Lake Erie State Park

Palisades

Nyack Beach State Park

Saratoga/Capital District

Grafton Lakes State Park