Section Vii Public Access Policies #19-20 & Recreation
SECTION VII PUBLIC ACCESS POLICIES #19-20 & RECREATION POLICIES #9, #21 & 22 Town of East Hampton LWRP Public Access and Recreation Policies #9 &19-22 A. INTRODUCTION Public access to the water and the recreation activity it affords is critical to East Hampton Town's resort economy. The tourist, second home and real estate industries stem directly from the attractions of coastal recreation, which takes place on public beaches and in public waters. Fishing, boating and the myriad of other activities are supported by an array of local enterprises, marina and charter boat operations, boat rentals, fishing tackle and sporting goods shops, which depend on the ecology, natural bounty and scenic beauty of public coastal resources. Maintaining water quality, fisheries productivity, beaches, wetlands, etc. are vital not only for the intrinsic value of the resources, but also for their ripple effect through the economy. The value of public access and coastal recreation goes beyond their economic worth -- it is the primary incentive for visiting and living in East Hampton. Coastal based recreation goes on in every reach of the Town's coastal zone, from passive, non- consumptive pastimes like photography and nature walks, to active, consumptive uses like fishing and hunting. The coast is not only a setting for active recreation, the harmony of nature and vistas of open space are themselves re-creation and relaxation for the mind, healing balm for the frenetic pace of life. The sea and its proximity, the inlets, bays, beaches and marshes attract the eye with unbroken expanses, infusing the spirit. While this LWRP section examines public access and recreational infrastructure, it is important to recall the visual and scenic context of these facilities and their tangible benefits to quality of life.
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