The NPS engaged both the public and other governmental agencies in evaluating the environmental effects and benefits of limited beach manipulation. According to Spirtes, there was overwhelming public support for approving the projects that would improve storm damage protection to houses and communities, provided that the projects could be done in a way that protected or enhanced the environment, the recovery of endangered species, and recreational opportunities while not resulting in the construction of new buildings and structures in the project area.

        Spirtes said, the projects will allow communities to improve storm protection in a way that is consistent with the National Park Service's mission of preserving Fire Island's natural resources unimpaired for future generations while providing for their use and enjoyment. "This plan isn't a longterm solution and doesn't meet everyone's needs, but is a reasonable approach that provides time to work with communities to adopt a better and more collaborative science-based decision-making process that will be used for making future shoreline management decisions."

        The NPS plan will remain in effect and allow the permitting of a limited number of closely supervised sand manipulation projects pending the completion and approval of the US Army Corps of Engineers Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point Reformulation Plan, or until December 31, 2005, whichever comes first. The Corps plan is expected to provide a comprehensive analysis to identify and evaluate long-term solutions for storm damage reduction along Long Island's South Shore. These short-term shoreline stabilization projects will be paid for by the local communities and financed at their own taxpayers' expense. Beach scraping projects could begin within the next week.

        Fire Island is a narrow barrier island located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay on the south shore of Long Island, New York. Established in 1964 for the purpose of conserving and preserving for the use of future generations relatively unspoiled and undeveloped beaches, dunes and other natural features, Fire Island National Seashore includes within its boundaries 17 communities and two incorporated villages with 4,100 homes and year-round population of 400 residents. Fire Island hosts 2.2 million visitors a year and, according to a recently released report by the Suffolk County Legislature, contributes an estimated $67 million to the local economy. Under Public Law 88-587, the National Park Service is charged to "administer and protect Fire Island National Seashore with the primary aim of conserving the natural resources located there." Information about the seashore is available on-line at www.nps.gov/fiis or by calling (631) 289-4810.