Advisory: State Nudity Laws Enforced at Fire Island (Lighthouse Beach) National Seashore, NY

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A letter now circulating the nudist forums ...

United States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Fire Island National Seashore
120 Laurel Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
February 5, 2013 

To Whom it May Concern: 

Effective immediately, state nudity laws will be enforced at Fire Island National Seashore. While state laws apply throughout the Seashore, the park will focus its public education and enforcement efforts of the existing New York State law at the following federally-owned areas: 

 - Lighthouse beach, from the western boundary of the park to the western boundary of Kismet.
 - The Sailors Haven tract, from Point O' Woods to Cherry Grove.
 - One half mile on either side of the Barrett Beach lifeguard stand.
 - One mile on either side of the Watch Hill lifeguard stand.
 - From the Wilderness Visitor Center to the breach at Old Inlet 

Public nudity has been prohibited in the State of New York since 1984 under New York State Penal Code 245.01. Fire Island National Seashore shares concurrent jurisdiction with the State of New York, which means that state laws can be enforced on federal lands by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. Although the National Park Service (NPS) is focusing its enforcement on the identified areas, the law still applies park-wide, and may be enforced throughout the park. NPS policies favor consistent enforcement of state laws on federal lands, and disfavor the designation of clothing optional areas. Public nudity on Fire Island has resulted in conflicts of use, despite past park management efforts to accommodate clothing optional recreation. On Lighthouse beach in particular, the dense visitation invited by the previously-designated “clothing optional beach” presented not only a visitor use conflict, but created a public safety hazard due to the lack of adequate facilities for trash and human waste, in addition to the heavy recreation on a non-lifeguarded beach. Additionally, Hurricane Sandy leveled the dunes in this area, which increases the visibility of the beach from other public use areas. The sandy over-wash areas left by the storm created added habitat for sensitive species in the area. Finally, park employees have observed an increase in criminal activity in the designated clothing-optional areas, but have been unable to appropriately manage this activity despite significant attempts at education and enforcement. 

Violation of this law is a class B federal misdemeanor, and can result in fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months imprisonment.  

Fire Island National Seashore management recognizes that visitors have come to Fire Island to sunbathe in the nude for many years, and that many responsible and respectful users of this beach have provided support to the park through volunteer efforts over the years. Fire Island National Seashore management is focusing its enforcement only on those areas in which visitor use conflicts are likely—specifically, those areas that are heavily visited by members of the public who are generally not attuned to nude recreation. On all Seashore lands, however, other regulations such as disorderly conduct, creating an offensive condition, public intoxication, and drug and alcohol laws will be strictly enforced. Use and compliance on all park beaches will be monitored throughout the summer, with additional measures being taken as necessary. Should concentrations of nudity and/or lewd and lascivious behaviors increase in other areas of the park and cause similar conflicts with other visitors and/or protected natural resources, then the park may expand its enforcement efforts to other areas. 

Questions about these changes should be directed to Chief Ranger Lena Koschmann
at 631-687-4757 or lena_koschmann@nps.gov. 

Sincerely,
/s/ Lena Koschmann
Chief Ranger, Fire Island National Seashore
O:  (631) 687-4757
Lena_koschmann@nps.gov

Sauvies Island (Collins Beach) in Winter

Collins Beach on Sauvies Island is legally clothing-optional and close to Portland, OR
The arrow above points to Entrance #2, the beginning of the nude beach.

Had the opportunity to head on down to Portland, Oregon a few days ago for a class.  Weather was overcast and generally miserable (threats of rain) but I found myself with lots of free time on my hands and decided to see what conditions were like at Collins Beach.

Collins Beach is within Oregon Wildlife land on the northern edge of Sauvies Island . . . which is located east,  not far from Portland, Oregon on OR 30 . . . right on the Columbia River.  Along with Rooster Rock State Park, these areas are legally-sanctioned clothing-optional areas for nude recreation.  Collins Beach on Sauvie Island, is a long stretch of wide, sandy beach . . . extremely popular during the warmer summer months.  Winter, of course, doesn't lend itself very well to being nude outside, but the beach is there anyway and who am I to argue with a chance to shuck the clothes and roam about nude . . . and legally!

One of the many entrances from the parking area . . . this one #4.
I entered at #2 which leads onto the beach at the beginning
of the clothing-optional area.

Parking at the Wildlife Refuge requires a parking pass . . . $7.50 at several different locations on the island or $22 for an annual pass (which is what I opted for since I always plan on a couple of trips to Sauvies every year).  Once past the entrance signage and down a short trail to the sand of the beach, simply shuck your clothes . . . you are legally-nude now and the wide open expanses of Collins Beach are yours to roam without fear or worry.

Brisk temperatures but not too bad when you are moving.

I was surprised at the amount of beach showing at this time of year.  Water levels in the Columbia River are at typical low summer rates (plus a low tide).  I suspect that with spring snow melt the river's flow will go up but right now the entire length and width of the beach is accessible.  The beach is in pretty good shape with very little litter.  Kudos to the cleanup crews of both AANR and ORCOBA.

No one on the beach right now (except myself).  I follow a set of dog prints followed by an owner boot prints.  In cooler months it seems that Collins is mainly used by the dog walkers but for those who can enjoy a cold weather nude stroll, Collins should always be on their agenda (if for no other reason than to continue claim and presence of nude recreation on this beach).  Later on during my return stroll I actually had an encounter with dog walkers and they were taken back.  I bemusedly informed them they were on a nude beach and what did they expect.  They turned around and headed back the way they came.  So what.  This is my beach and I intend to lay presence whenever I can.

A freighter's lifeboat deposited into the woods behind the beach
during some long-forgotten storm.

Long-weather-deteriorated breakwaters make for interesting
perspective images. 

Lots of interesting things to see on the beach and on the shallow, sandy bluffs above.  The sand is difficult to walk on in anything less than bare feet.  On the flip side this is wintertime and the sand and water are decidedly cold to bare skin.  The hiking shoes stay on.  Walking closer to the waterline is easier as the sand is packed tighter.

Past the remains of the breakwaters is the part of the beach normally favored by gays . . . Entrance # 2 where I came in at favored as more family-friendly.  The dog tracks continue north without a matching returning set . . . I wonder if I'll run into the owner of that dog eventually.

The end of the nude beach . . .

... and the flip side of that sign inviting everyone to get nude and enjoy.

As I said earlier . . . I ran into an elderly couple walking their dog on the beach.  I guess I surprised them, they not expecting to see anyone nude on a nude beach (really?).  They abruptly turned around and headed back toward the adjacent textile beach from whence they had come.  Sorry to ruin your day folks.

I only had the one day to roam about.  Rooster Rock State Park was next to visit.

Rooster Rock State Park is located east of Portland . . . again, on Hwy 30/84 just past Troutdale.  The eastern section of the park is legally-designated as a clothing-optional beach and there are a lot of nude hiking opportunities and beach areas to be enjoyed.  Sand Island (within the clothing-optional area) shows vast, wide areas of soft sand during the summer months.  The usage fee for the park is $5 for the day . . . from there, drive east (right) to the very end of the parking lot and take the stairs or ramp down past the sign to the clothing-optional area.  The views of the Columbia River Gorge are worth the visit all on their own.

I was just about ready to head on down when it started drizzling with dark thunderclouds coming in.  I decided against going further as most of the trails, beach and Sand Island are inundated this time of year.  I did notice a few brave souls come and go, though.

Article: Strange and Secret Places on the Oregon Coast

Note:  Clothing-optional opportunities on the Oregon coast (especially Hobbit Trail-read further below)?  Rick

Originally published in the Oregon Coast Archives, Apr 7th, 2011

Published March 07

Stairway of 1000 steps at Short Beach

(Oregon Coast) - Oregon's coast is a different animal than the rest of this placid and pristine state. The area is rugged and battered by wind and rain, but it cloisters a load of pleasures and aspects not always obvious. Especially in the springtime, it's a mishmash of weather conditions, amenities you can't find at any other time, places to see with their own identity in this season, and wild, natural wonders to encounter.

In fact, it's recently become nicknamed the "Secret Season," or "Secret Spring."

However, at any time of year, there are places tucked away that will knock your socks off. Off the beaten path of 101, or perhaps even hidden in plain sight, these unusual beach spots are waiting to jolt the explorer with a bundle of features and facets that can create a kind of beach addiction. Once you find one of these strange and secret places, you’ll want to search for more.

Short Beach and its blob

Short Beach, Near Oceanside

One of the state's most enthralling hidden spots lies right next to Oceanside, just west of Tillamook. Look for Radar Rd. along the back road between Oceanside and Cape Meares, and you'll find the refurbished entrance to this stunning beach. Until recent years, the way down here was precarious and slippery, causing many injuries. But locals got together and created a "stairway of 1000 steps," which is heavy breathing-inducing in no time, especially on the climb up, but a heck of a lot nicer than cracking your skull (which a few tourists literally did before this was built).

First, you'll find the bulbous blob at the tide line, resembling the sea stack at Neskowin to the south. Wander here a bit longer, and you may see the waterfall coming from the side of the cliff, which hosts the lighthouse.

Legends abound here. It's said that at extreme low tides, there is yet another tunnel visible (like the one through the cliff in Oceanside). One version of the legend says there may be two tunnels here.

Secret Lincoln City Access

In a town where the beaches are all easily accessed and usually quite populated, there are virtually no hidden spots. But there is one deliciously, extremely clandestine beach access at the northern end of town - even if it doesn't necessarily guarantee you'll find yourself alone on this stretch of sand.

At the very northern end of town, between the casino and Road's End State Park, look for the sign pointing to NW 50th amidst the placid neighborhoods. Follow that to its end, where it meets NW Jetty, and you'll find an abandoned gravel "driveway" which winds its way down to the beach. Along the way, there's another tunnel-like path that looks a little like the famed Hobbitt Trail (see this article), although that doesn't seem to lead anywhere.

Down on the beach, it's the only access for about half a mile in either direction. There are some interesting rock features here created by a crumbling cliff, and the sand is pristine and more than a little pleasant.

Near Short Sand Beach (Manzanita)

Just a few files north of Manzanita, you'll find Oswald West State Park. But somewhere between that town and the state park, it's impossible to miss the striking vistas of Short Sand Beach (not to be confused with Short Beach, above) and the cliffs that form half of this crescent-shaped cove.

Pull over on one of the gravel parking spots off the side of the road, and there's the one-mile-plus hiking trail heading down to Short Sand. Walk down this trail a bit, veer to the left - instead of going down to Short Sand - and you'll encounter a totally different set of inclines and cliffs. Giant basalt structures form the various headlands here, with craggy shapes jutting up from the ocean and bundling together.

In one area, the sea boils and tumbles against a hidden cove, with black, jagged spires forming something akin to a creepy, post-apocalyptic cathedral (sort of reminiscent of the "Planet of the Apes" films). Another spot visible from these dangerous cliffs showcases more of the jagged shapes, this time with enormous holes and arches in them. Through these, you can see other headlands to the north.

Be extremely careful here, however. The drop-offs here are sudden and deadly. In fact, it was near here where a famed Hollywood writer and producer – the creator of “COPS” - died a few years ago, after falling off a cliff.

Hug Point

A few miles south of Cannon Beach you'll find Hug Point. A waterfall, several sea caves and a raised, grotto-like tide pool within another cave are all just a precursor to one of the coast's most fascinating spots. Not to mention that always-engaging remnant of a road going around the rocky point.

As you first enter, you'll spot the waterfall immediately to the south of you and a large sea cave. Inside, it's mostly debris and cobblestones, but there are strangely shaped cracks and shapes meandering into its far end. You can wander a little ways inside, and if you look closely you may spot one of the creepy, alien-looking insects that inhabit the large cracks.

On the southern end of this beach there's a point that's normally not crossable unless the tide is sufficiently low enough. In such a case, you'll find another cove and another sea cave. There are more rock slabs to play around on, many of which are surrounded by rich tide pools.

Hobbit Trail

It's so named because the eerie tunnel-like earthen walls that surround you at certain points upon your descent. But it's a place sometimes favored by creative-types from the Eugene area who often construct wildly imaginative structures from the natural objects lying around, like amazing gardens of rocks, things you might find in Japanese gardens, strange rune-like figures from stones or whimsical carvings in the sandstone.

Or maybe is it occupied by gnomes who scurry away from their constructions upon the approach of any human being?

It’s also the coast’s closest answer to a nude beach, where the privacy often afforded here allows some of the more underground culture folk from the valley (OK, we mean the hippies) to trot around au naturelle.

You can find this hard-to-spot trailhead about two miles south of Washburne State Park. There's a breathtaking trail from here that meanders a little over a mile through forestland and the occasional stunning viewpoint, eventually twisting and switching back periodically to wind up in back of the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Vantage Nude Beaches

One of many small beaches (marked by clumps of trees) overlooking
the scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge

Traditional clothing optional desert-terrain lakeside nude beach areas on the shores of the Columbia River in Central Washington State. Located just off the I-90 freeway NW of Vantage, Washington near the famous 'The Gorge Amphitheater.' The nude beach areas are located several hundred yards down the lake beyond the parking lot. Though technically not 'legal' it is a long traditional and accepted nude use area. Follow the popular trail along the lake starting next to the boat launch area. There is a mix of clothed and nude users. Weekends see numerous boaters and hikers. Weekdays are quieter. There are sand dunes, hiking and swimming options. Watch for Rattlesnakes. The DNR property along the lake is leased to a private group who allow nude use as long as everyone behaves and cleans up after themselves. Sheriff Deputies and PUD employees tolerate nude use and don't bother anyone...unless they are given a reason to interfere...so don't give 'em any reasons.

Directions:

• Take I-90 over the Columbia River and up the bluffs to Exit 143, Silica Road and left over freeway.
• Take the next left onto Vantage Road/Frontage Road.  Follow this nicely-paved road four miles down the bluffs to the parking area/boat launch at the bottom.
• A Fish and Wildlife Permit or a Discover Pass is required to park and use the area.  A list of retailers nearby where you can buy a pass is here.
• Park, go thru gate and follow a dry gulch on down.  Nudity is generally tolerated once out of sight of the parking area.  The beaches are a series of small beaches (each marked by a clump of trees).  The first beach is easily noted by a barren telephone pole with a birds nest atop.
• For easier walking, bear left thru the gate to a gravel road and follow that down until you see a beach to visit.

Vantage Nude Beaches at EveryTrail

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NAC Action Alert - California Parks

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                     NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
                           ACTION ALERT
**********************************************************************
                   http://www.naturistaction.org
**********************************************************************
Copyright 2012 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible for its content.
Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or redistribution of this message, provided
that it is reproduced in its entirety and without alteration.

DATE       :  August 31, 2012
SUBJECT:  California
TO           :  Naturists and other concerned citizens

Dear Naturist,

This is an Action Alert from the Naturist Action Committee. NAC is asking for your immediate involvement in an effort to have the State of California create officially designated areas for clothing-optional recreation in state parks.

ACTION SUMMARY

   1. Attend a meeting of the California Park and Recreation Commission on September 28.

   2. Contact the Commission in writing.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION

The California State Park and Recreation Commission is NOT the same thing as the State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The Commission has specific authorities and responsibilities which are defined in California law. Those include the approval of general plans for units of the State Park System, classifying units of the System, establishing general policies for the guidance of the Director of State Parks in the administration, protection and development of the System, and recommending to the Director a comprehensive recreation policy for the state.

In the wake of the recent scandal involving the California Department of Parks and Recreation, NAC is looking for the appointed State Park bureaucracy to assert some leadership. The Commission has the authority and the responsibility to establish general policy and to recommend policy to DPR, and that’s what NAC is seeking.

ACTION 1: ATTEND COMMISSION’S PUBLIC MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 28

If you’re in the southern California area, NAC requests that you attend a public meeting of the State Park and Recreation Commission that is scheduled to be held in Santa Monica on Friday, September 28, 2012.

   DATE: Friday, September 28, 2012
   TIME: 9:00 a.m.
   LOCATION:
     Annenberg Community Beach House
     Garden Terrace Room
     415 Pacific Coast Highway
     Santa Monica, California 90402

The Commission’s agenda and public notice of the meeting are available at:  http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=936

The naturist issue is not on the agenda for the meeting. Regardless, we need to let the Commission know of our concerns and our expectations. Members of the public will have an opportunity to give brief statements during the public comment portion of the meeting. Whether you speak or not, your presence at the meeting is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to lend support to the message of naturists. We seek the setting aside of areas for clothing-optional recreation in State Park units.

There are few items on the meeting agenda for September 28, and the meeting is likely to move quickly. Please plan to be at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica no later than a half hour before the start of the meeting. Those who wish to speak must sign up to do so before the meeting commences.

NOTE: The Commission has not met since January 27, 2012. NAC was there for that meeting, and with your help and participation, we’ll make a significant showing at this meeting, too. However, at this rate, your next chance to address the Park and Rec Commission may be in late May of 2013. Don’t miss your opportunity to make a difference in September!

If you’re planning to attend the meeting, please contact:

  NAC board member Allen Baylis
  rab@baylislaw.com
  (714) 962-0915

or NAC executive director Bob Morton
  execdir@naturistaction.org
  (512) 282-6621

ACTION 2: WRITE TO THE COMMISSION

If you’re unable to attend the meeting, you can still help. NAC asks that you write to the Commission. Send your comments by e-mail, fax or surface mail. Those who will be at the meeting on September 28 are also encouraged to write.

WHO SHOULD WRITE?

NAC is requesting ALL NATURISTS and other concerned individuals to contact California officials on this important matter, regardless of your place of residence. California understands the importance of out-of-state visitors who come to enjoy the state’s beaches, lakes and streams. The opportunity to provide diverse recreational opportunities applies to those visitors, as well as to California residents. While all are encouraged to make their voices heard, the participation of Californians is, of course, particularly important.

Send a letter, a fax or an e-mail. Phone calls will likely be ineffective in this specific context.

     California State Park & Recreation Commission
     PO Box 942896
     Sacramento, CA 94296
     FAX: (916) 654-6374
     Louis Nastro, Assistant to the Commission
     E-MAIL: LNastro@parks.ca.gov

Send a copy to:

     California Department of Natural Resources
     Natural Resources Agency
     1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
     Sacramento, CA 95814
     FAX: (916) 653-8102
     E-MAIL: secretary@resources.ca.gov

NAC encourages you to send copies of your faxes and paper mail to:

      NAC, PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903.

Send copies of your e-mails to: CA@naturistaction.org

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

When you write:

   a) Be polite.

   b) Be known. Give your name and address. If you are a California resident
       or a frequent visitor to California, be sure to point that out.
       Anonymous letters have very little impact.

   c) Be focused. Keep your correspondence brief and on target.

   d) Be positive. Remember that we’re trying to ENCOURAGE the Parks
       Department to do something. Please do not take a scolding tone.

   e) Be clear. Say that you SUPPORT the designation of clothing-optional
       areas in units of the State Park System.

   f) Be sure to make a request that your correspondence (letter, fax, e-mail)
      be included in the permanent public record of the California Park and
      Recreation Commission meeting of September 28, 2012.

Additional talking / writing points:

   1) This is NOT just about San Onofre State Beach. Although that beach was the first State Park unit at which DPR killed its policy for managing clothing-optional recreation, it has not been the last. Ticketing for mere nudity in State Park units has spread throughout the entire state of California. A unified policy is exactly what the Commission is responsible for creating, but the present lack of a comprehensive statewide policy threatens ALL clothing-optional areas in California State Park units. Consider the implications for Black’s (Torrey Pines), Gaviota, Bonny Doon and many others.

   2) Parks Department policy against clothing-optional recreation is completely out of sync with public sentiment and the expressed preferences of California residents. A public opinion survey on this topic was commissioned in 2009 by the Naturist Education Foundation and was conducted by the prestigious polling firm of Zogby International. In that statewide poll:

   79 percent of Californians believe people should be allowed to enjoy nude sunbathing on a beach or other location that is designated for that purpose.

   60 percent of Californians say that they are not offended by the nonsexual nudity of others.

   62 percent of Californians agree that the California Department of Parks and Recreation should exercise the legal authority it presently has to designate clothing-optional areas in state parks.

   View details of the 2009 NEF California Poll:   http://www.naturisteducation.org/nef.ca.poll.2009/

   3) Former officials of the Parks Department attempted to justify their vendetta against clothing-optional recreation by saying they were “doing the will of the people.” That was clearly no more true than many of the other deceptions for which those same officials were responsible.

   4) For thirty years, the Department’s Cahill Policy allowed a means to manage for clothing-optional recreation in units of the State Park system. The nullification of the Cahill Policy has left the department with no statewide policy to address a form of recreation that’s obviously popular with the public. It’s the duty of the Commission to address matters of policy.

   5) Officials of the Parks and Rec Department have pointed to lewd behavior as a reason for prohibiting nudity. In doing so, they have confused simple nudity with lewd behavior. Rangers presently have the authority and responsibility to stop lewd activity, and naturists encourage them to exercise that responsibility appropriately. However, that specific authority is separate and different from the legal authority the Parks Department has to establish areas for clothing-optional recreation.

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Action Alert on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee.

   http://www.naturistaction.org

Select "Alerts" and find this NAC Action Alert under Current Alerts.

PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is the volunteer nonprofit political adjunct to The Naturist Society. NAC exists to advance and protect the rights and interests of naturists throughout North America. Fighting for the clothing-optional recreational use of public land is expensive. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you.

After you've made your plans to attend the Commission meeting on September 28 and/or contacted the officials at the Commission and the Natural Resources Agency, please take a moment to send a donation to:

   NAC
   PO Box 132
   Oshkosh, WI 54903

Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/

Thank you for choosing to make a difference!

Naturally,

Allen Baylis
Director
Naturist Action Committee

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Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton       - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis       - rab@baylislaw.com
Board Member Charles Harris     - carlopianoforte@gmail.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick  - naturist@sunclad.com
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NAC Action Alert - Seattle, WA

**********************************************************************
                     NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
                           ACTION ALERT
**********************************************************************
                   http://www.naturistaction.org
**********************************************************************
Copyright 2012 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible for its content.
Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or redistribution of this message,
provided that it is reproduced in its entirety and without alteration.

DATE       : September 1, 2012
SUBJECT : Seattle Parks Survey
TO           : Naturists and other concerned citizens

Dear Naturist,

This is an Action Alert from the Naturist Action Committee. NAC is asking you to participate in the ongoing effort by naturists and others to establish an officially recognized clothing optional beach in Seattle, Washington.

A MESSAGE FROM NAC BOARD MEMBER MARK STOREY

A skinny-dipper friend of ours has pointed out to me that Seattle Parks & Recreation has a new online survey out. While taking it, I found three opportunities to say that I favored Seattle Parks’ establishing a clothing-optional beach. This is an easy opportunity for naturists and their allies to speak up.

Please take the five minutes needed for the survey, and be nice. When the Naturist Action Committee and the Body Freedom Collaborative met with Parks officials not long ago, officials made clear to us that they needed to know that there were actually a large number of people interested in nude beaches. Here's a chance to move in that direction. People living in and near Seattle, WA are especially encouraged to take the survey, but others can, too.

The survey is at the following URL:

     http://seattleparkssurvey.com/SPR1/SPR1logn.htm

NAC NEEDS YOUR HELP TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!

The Naturist Action Committee works for the clothing-optional recreational use of public land. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you.

Please take a moment to send a donation to:

   NAC
   PO Box 132
   Oshkosh, WI 54903

Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation:

http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/

Thank you for choosing to make a difference!

Naturally,

Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee

---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton       - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Mark Storey        - storey98@aol.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick  - naturist@sunclad.com
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Historic Pictures from Black's Beach, California

Clara's Historic Naturist Photo Albums

Images from the past commemorating the passing of Black's Beach Granny.

Vantage and Moses Lake Potholes maps

A couple of spots for those craving sun and some free time in their skin. These popular spots are located in Eastern Washington, close to Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities area and Yakima. 

The traditional nude beaches area of Vantage (from the Inner Circle website)

This beach has had a fairly active nude use, especially in the past year. It is a more centrally located site which helps a bunch for those of us living over here in a more reasonable Washington climate! As always, use proper Naturist ideals and pack out all your trash plus a little if it is there! It is possible according to some rumors that there may be a permanent composting toilet installed this year! This area is generally used by small groups who wish time to themselves but larger groups (see SLUGS under Washington travel clubs) do from time to time have outings here!

Moses Lake Potholes (from the Inner Circle website)

This near Moses Lake beach has had fairly active nude use over the years. This is another area where if you want you can find a very secluded spot for just yourself or you may meet some of the travel groups here for an outing! The area is frequented much by people from the SE corner of Washington so if you live in that area, you could very easily meet your next door neighbor here! This map is one which we first used to find a place for ourselves out here! The area up at the "deserted end of the lake"!

Maps and descriptions from the Inner Circle website.

Collins Beach on Sauvies Island: Inundation

Some aerial photos of Collins Beach on Sauvies Island.  Just ain't no sand exposed to enjoy at all with these abnormally high river water levels.  Credit goes to Lewis Clark for these images.

From the USGS Water Resources site here

Eugene, OR-Nudie Rock posted No Trespassing

Photo from Nude Tribe (net) - Enjoying Nudie Rock

A comment on my Clothing Optional Map notes that on a visit to Nudie Rock along the McKenzie River in Eugene, OR that the entire area has recently been posted with No Trespassing signs.

Sauvies Island Parking Fees Go Up

ODFW has increased the parking fees for parking on Sauvies Island, including parking at Collin's Beach, the clothing-optional one.

Effective for 2010, the annual pass is $22 and a daily parking pass is $7.    Passes can still be purchased at the store as you come onto the island . . . or at the 7-Eleven south on Hwy 30 in Lindon.

I may not like the increased fees but if it helps to fully fund Deputy Weaver's replacement and continued law enforcement on the beach, I can live with it.

NAC Advisory: Black's Beach Rumor is NOT TRUE

NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE

ADVISORY

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http://www.naturistaction.org

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Copyright 2010 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its entirety and without alteration.

DATE : January 8, 2010
SUBJECT: Black's Beach Rumor is NOT TRUE
TO : All naturists

Dear Naturist,

This is an advisory from the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) concerning an INCORRECT RUMOR about Black's Beach in San Diego County, California.

Torrey Pines State Park, which is often referred to, informally, as "Black's Beach," is still clothing-optional. A rumor has been circulating recently that nudity is no longer permitted at Torrey Pines State Park. THE RUMOR IS NOT TRUE.

The unfounded "news" has been circulating by word of mouth and online via e-mails, social networking sites and message board postings, under titles like: "Blacks Beach Officially No Longer a Clothing optional Beach" and "Blacks Beach is No More." THE RUMOR IS NOT TRUE.

CALIFORNIA DPR WEB SITE

The rumor seems to have arisen from a flawed reading of the Web site of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. A portion of the text on that Web site describes a 10-mile hiking trip from Scripps Pier to Torrey Pines State Beach and back. The text says: "This beach hike begins at Scripps Pier, passes along Torrey Pines City Beach, known locally as Black's Beach, once swimsuit-optional, now enforced suits-only."

The text is correct, but please note that it refers to Torrey Pines CITY BEACH, and NOT to Torrey Pines State Park. The City Beach is located south of the State Park. Despite their respective official names, both the city beach and the state beach are popularly called

"Black's Beach."

Some have asserted that the DPR Web site's reference to Black's Beach has changed recently. NAC's check of Internet archives reveals that the text at the center of the rumor has not been changed.

THE END, A DECADE AGO, OF NUDITY AT TORREY PINES CITY BEACH

After years of clothing-optional use, the City of San Diego declared in 1999 that nudity would no longer be accepted on the City portion of the beach. Lifeguards daily established the boundary between the City beach and the State beach by setting out orange traffic cones and (initially, at least) a amall sawhorse with a makeshift sign that said: "NUDITY LINE."

In 2002, City lifeguards stopped putting out the cones and the sign, because a concern had developed among some officials that the sign might be seen as endorsing or designating nudity on the other side of the line. The ban on nudity on the City Beach only, remains in effect.

Other boundary markers come and go. Reflecting the continuing official caution for avoiding inadvertent designation, some markers have simply been posts that say: "BOUNDARY" or cones that say: "LINE."

TORREY PINES STATE BEACH

Clothing-optional use remains the norm on a stretch of beach of Torrey Pines State Park about one mile in length. For details, see the Web site of Black's Beach Bares, local naturist stewards of the beach. http://blacksbeach.org

The Naturist Action Committee works closely with Black's Beach Bares, which is affiliated with The Naturist Society and publishes an informative newsletter.

THERE ARE THREATS TO TORREY PINES / BLACK'S BEACH

Despite the falsity of the recent rumor, naturists are justified in being wary of threats to the clothing-optional status of the traditional area at Torrey Pines State Park. For more than thirty years, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has managed for clothing-optional recreation through its Cahill Policy and the Harrison letter that affirmed it. However, recent DPR actions at nearby San Onofre State Beach, make it clear that DPR officials feel they can terminate the Cahill Policy without public input at any time and at any State Park unit of their choosing.

In fact, it's likely that the official heavy-handedness at San Onofre has made the untrue Black's Beach rumor easier to believe.

WATCH FOR INFORMATION FROM NAC

Watch for NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this and other important issues affecting naturists.

PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!

The Naturist Action Committee remains committed to the vigorous defense of the clothing-optional use of public land. Activism on behalf of naturists can be expensive, and NAC relies entirely on the voluntary financial support of people like YOU.

Won't you please send a generous donation to:

NAC

PO Box 132

Oshkosh, WI 54903

Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 (8AM-4PM, Central Time, weekdays) to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/

Thank you for choosing to make a difference.

Naturally,

Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee

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Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis (CA) - rab@baylislaw.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com

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Seattle's nude beaches - Easily show your support WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY!

**PLEASE forward widely and distribute to your networks and friends and urge them to VOTE as well!**

(URGENT: PLEASE click on link below to VOTE TODAY! Many of you still haven't voted yet and we **desperately** need your support at this critical time!)

Happy New Year Everybody!

As many of you have heard, our new Mayor Mike McGinn is set to move in today to his new office. Let's make one more big push to deliver a message to him that will be firm and clear:

Seattle is one of the most body-positive cities in the world and its time that Seattle finally gets some clothing-optional beaches!

UPDATE: Right now our issue is ranked #5 (number 3 a day later) on the top ideas suggested for Seattle at McGinn's site, http://new.seattle.gov . This site was created to hear gather and rank proposals about issues important to local citizens and those who visit alike. Voting on this site is the easiest and most direct way to get this important issue to the attention of Seattle's New Mayor Mike McGinn! Please help us bring this issue to his attention whether you live in Seattle or plan on visiting and want to have the optional of going to a designated

clothing-optional beach!

With recent news coverage about McGinn's support of legalizing marijuana, word of this website has spread and the pot issue and light rail issues have are far and away breaking away from the rest. We need your support and the support of your friends, family members and all of their friends as well to VOTE NOW! SEND THIS message to as many of your supportive networks as possible!

Please vote (you can use up to *3* of your 10 allowed votes (each category gets 10 max votes)) at the Seattle Mayor's new website, Ideas for Seattle:

http://bit.ly/7V61rA

Leaving comments would also be very much appreciated!

Its very quick and easy to setup an account so you can vote!

Description:

Set aside park beach areas for European-style, clothing-optional recreation (sunbathe + skinny dip)

The Greater Seattle Area has long hosted the world's most renowned, colorful, family-friendly and free-spirited clothing-optional cultural events and groups in the world including: The Fremont Solstice Cyclists (17 years), World Naked Bike Ride, Body Pride Ride, Seattle Free Beach Campaign, Gardens Everywhere Bike Parade, Seattle Critical mAss, Hemp Ride, Love Every Body, Seattle Swims rentals at Seattle Parks Department Aquatic Facilities, Sun Lovers Under Gray Skies (SLUGS), Magnuson Beach Bares, Friends of Denny Park, Friends of Secret Beach, Fraternity Snoqualmie, Bare Buns Fun Runs, Nudestock, Body Freedom Collaborative, and Naked Pumpkin Run. Additionally, a handful of shoreline park areas have seen quiet yet significant clothing-optional use for decades. In 2008, after a considerable grassroots public campaign by local skinny dippers, the Seattle Parks Board recommended that the Parks Department look into establishing designated and signed areas for clothing-optional use. Let's make it happen!

Thanks for taking a moment of your time and showing your support in this critical Seattle government transition time!

Very best,

Daniel Johnson

Seattle Free Beach Campaign, supporter

206 369 2661 mobile

http://twitter.com/rawexuberance

Rooster Rock & Sauvies Polar Bare Dash & Splash 5K Run

From Mark with the Rooster-Sauvie Volunteers, as posted in the AANR-NW eNews

The Rooster-Sauvie Volunteers invite you to welcome the Nude Year by running, screaming and jumping into the Columbia river with us!

Polar Bare Dash & Splash 5K Run 
Friday, January 1, 2010
Collins Beach, Sauvie Island at Noon

On Friday, January 1st, the Rooster Sauvie Volunteers will meet at Collins Beach on Sauvie Island. There will be a 5K run at noon, followed by a Bare Buns jump into the river.

Not a runner? No worries! You can choose to just to the skinny dip, or the run, or both!

Go to www.barefootbeachruns.com for more details.

Rooster Rock Polar Bare 5K Run & Plunge
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Rooster Rock Park at Noon

Sign-in starts at 10:30. As with the Collins event, you can choose to run, polar dip, or both! For full details, go to www.barefootbeachruns.com

These events help us promote a safe, family-friendly environment at both of Portland's nude beaches.

Collins Beach on Sauvie Island
A parking slip must be purchased and displayed in your vehicle. The perits can be had at the Cracker Barrel Store on Sauvie Island or the 7-11 just before you cross over to the island.

Rooster Rock State Park Clothing Optional Area
Purchase a parking permit as you enter the park, and then proceed right to the end of the parking area where the clothing optional area begins.


View Collins & Rooster Rock routes in a larger map

Article: State spent over $40,000 to fight nudists

November 25, 2009 5:43 PM

BY CINDY CARCAMO

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

SAN ONOFRE

State officials spent more than $42,000 battling a group of nudists who wanted to keep Trail 6 a clothing-optional beach, California Department of Parks and Recreation documents show.

Also, a public records request for all reports and complaints relating to public nudity at Trail 6 revealed only two written complaints.

A man who identified himself only as Gary enjoys the warm weather in the nude at San Onofre State Beach. Recent documents indicate that the California Department of Parks and Recreation has spent more than $40,000 in legal fees fighting the Naturists Action Committee over the issue. It was also revealed that there have only been two written complaints about the nudists at San Onofre State Beach.

FILE PHOTO: LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

MORE PHOTOS »

Park officials had said a growing number of complaints were one of the factors for banning nudity at Trail 6.

The documents shed light on more than a year of legal wrangling between a group of nudists who want to keep a portion of San Onofre State Beach clothing-optional and park officials who issued a crackdown on nudity in June 2008.

The fight essentially came to a close when the California Supreme Court decided against hearing the nudist group's latest petition.

Allen Baylis, a Huntington Beach attorney who led the fight against the ban said state officials could have saved the legal costs and grief, if they had engaged the public rather than "mandating their point of view."

"They would have saved the state that money if they had simply decided to go ahead and work with us instead of forcing us into litigation," said Baylis, a director of the Naturist Action Committee.

Ken Kramer, district superintendent of the Orange Coast District, said the money spent was well worth it.

"Our approach to this issue transcends dollars and cents," Kramer said. "This is money well spent to make sure we address these concerns. We have the duty to make sure that with this type of increased popularity and visitation that we have a park where all visitors feel welcome and that there is lawful activity occurring."

Kramer said providing a safe and comfortable environment for park employees, an increasing amount of criminal activity in the area and a growing number of complaints were their impetus for enforcing a nudity ban at a 1,000-foot stretch of secluded beach abutting Camp Pendleton.

When asked as to how two complaints about public nudity jived with the claim of a growing number of complaints, Kramer said that the majority of complaints were verbal.

The agency, however, has not documented nor kept track of such verbal complaints, Kramer said.

He did not comment about why the agency did not keep track of verbal complaints.

"It couldn't have been too serious," Baylis said, questioning Kramer's reasoning. "If they took verbal complaints seriously, they would have documented them."

Kramer instead pointed to what he said was an increased level of criminal activity in the surrounding areas of Trail 6.

A document of about 150 criminal incidents for about the last 10 years includes citations and arrests on suspicion of lewd conduct, indecent exposure and sexual assault.

While Kramer stopped short of blaming the nudists, he did say there was a correlation between the two.

"I don't think we can ignore the fact that we have a substantial criminal activity problem where nude recreation is going on," he said.

Baylis, who leads Naturists in the OC, said the data is not reliable.

He points out that the data includes more than just the clothing-optional beach but also surrounding areas, such as the parking lot and areas on top of the bluffs.

In some instances, he said, incidents in the data are doubled and even quadrupled

"They inflated their numbers by the way they counted them," he said.

Baylis said the naturists have helped police the area, which had been one of the few "clothing optional" beaches for decades.

Regardless, Kramer said they are forced to enforce the nudity ban.

"We have to default to protect the interest of folks who abide by the law," he said. "At some point, I'm sure that folks will not comply voluntarily, and we'll be forced to take it to the next level. We'll have to cross that bridge when we get there."