Are surfers and those fishing required to buy beach badges to gain access to the ocean? A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature aims to clear that up.
That’s according to NJ.com
Those looking to access the ocean for surfing or fishing don’t need beach badged, according to the bill introduced earlier this month.
2019 Public Access Law. Department of Environmental Protection can enforce and protect the right to ensure access to tidal waters and shorelines.
NJ DEP: according to Coastal Zone Management Rules, it’s OK to charge a “fee for use” of outdoor recreation areas, but “no fees shall be charged solely for access to or use of tidal waterways and their shores.”
If signed into law, surfers and those fishing will not have to purchase a beach tag.
Read more from Katie Kausch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Respectfully, making a distinction between those who sit on, fish on or pass through to paddle out seems to run parallel to the virtues of giving tax incentives to EV owners and those building green. There is n virtue. I’m a surfer who loves everything about our beaches. I assume/ hope the fee for badges are used for maintenance and special projects along our waterfront. As for this legislation, I wonder if it solves a particular problem that really doesn’t exist or creates one.
It’s in response to a surfer being arrested in Belmar for surfing without a beach badge (actually arrested for obstruction when he refused to comply with an officer – but the impetus was surfing shouldn’t need a beach badge). Belmar has a law that is specifically in conflict with NJ state law (that admittedly is not absolutely crystal clear) that is based on common law and allows public access and use of the sea. The new law would be very specific and clear: using the ocean or tidal land is supposed to be free to the public. Wheras using the beach can be charged.
Beach badges are a real gimmick, with the amount of property taxes these municipalities collect is unbelievable, how come here in Wildwood or in Atlantic City do not charge for beach tags, how come some cities sell beach tags and others do not, in the state of New Jersey this has been a money grab for years…
Sales of beach tags are a bit of a money grab for homeowners who already pay municipal taxes. I support the communities selling beach tags for all who use the beach. The revenue helps to keep the beaches clean and safe. If you are going to pass through the dunes or cross the boardwalk you should buy a tag. It doesn’t matter if you are sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, surfing, jogging, or walking a dog. If you use the beach, support the upkeep by buying a tag.
Anyway to make money.
Soon, you will be charged to sit in a park?