Friday, September 2, 2011

Ogunquit Conservation Commission Cleans Up

OGUNQUIT—
On Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 9:30 a.m., the Town of Ogunquit’s Conservation Commission will host its seventh annual Ogunquit Beach, Dune and River Clean-Up Day.
As in past years, volunteer citizens, tourists, Ogunquit Selectmen, Town Manager, and others will join Commission members to rally at 9:30 a.m. at the Main Beach Bathhouse to form sectional teams to spruce up the length of the dunes, beach and riverside from the Main Parking Lot to the Moody Car Park.
The Commission is pleased to have the assistance of the six-member work force from Laudholm Farm’s International Volunteers for Peace. Thanks to Judy Cohen, this year’s group will consist of helpers from France, Greece, Romania, Croatia and So. Korea.
Clean-up efforts will result in removal of amounts of litter and refuse: bottles, cans, broken glass, clothing, beach chairs, damaged lobster traps, rope, metal, driftwood, etc.
Refuse will be bagged, separated as to recyclables and deposited at the dune crossovers for pickup in the afternoon by the Ogunquit Public Works Department.
Further protection for the dunes will commence in the spring, when new fencing will be installed along the face of the dune. Fencing is vital to curtail pedestrian traffic plus reducing refuse on the dunes, actions, which are extremely detrimental to the health and development of the dune system. People walking and camping on the dunes destroy the beach grasses that are essential to dune stability, growth and movement.
Beyond adding a handsome back-up to the beach, coastal sand dunes are nature’s way of protecting significant river estuaries (such as the Ogunquit River Estuary), which provide essential habitat; breeding and nesting ground for aquatic species, shorebirds and animal wildlife, plus sanctuary for Endangered and Threatened species and plants.
The Conservation Commission is greatly appreciative of the assistance and cooperation provided by Town Manager, Tom Fortier; Public Works Department Director, Steve Shepard; Fire Chief Ed Smith; Ogunquit Lifeguards, and the many Ogunquit citizens who gave of their time and efforts planning this event.
Snacks and refreshments will be offered at the completion of the cleanup. Greening of Ogunquit Tote Bags will be available for donation.
An open invitation to assist in the clean up is extended to all who enjoy and appreciate Ogunquit’s immaculate beach and surroundings, recently voted (for the 2nd year) the Number One Beach in New England in a NECN poll! Come on down and give us a hand!