Allow night fishing parking at Heckscher State Park

Recent signers:
Remi Drakeford and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

THANKS for all that signed our petition.

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Fishing on Long Island has always been a cherished pastime for many. Over the years, however, access to prime fishing spots has become increasingly restricted, especially for non-local residents. 

The New York Coalition for Recreational Fishing (NYCRF) is advocating for the establishment of a pilot program that allows nighttime parking at Heckscher State Park solely for fishing purposes. Heckscher State Park, situated on the south shore of Long Island, is in a unique position to offer bayside fishing. Here, anglers have the opportunity to catch species such as Striped Bass, Fluke, Weakfish, and Bluefish. These species are not only iconic to the area but are prime targets during the night when fishing is most fruitful.

By providing this access, we will create an alternative fishing spot when other state park beaches are off-limits due to environmental preservation efforts, such as protecting the piping plovers. 

With nighttime security already in place, the establishment of night parking at Heckscher would not require any additional manpower investments and would provide consistent monitoring with other current night parking locations. Establishing this program will benefit the Long Island recreational fishing community and introduce them to the beauty of Heckscher State Park. 

The NYCRF urges the leadership of New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation to consider the potential benefits of this program and work towards implementing a trial run this coming fishing season. Your support is crucial in making this happen.

Please sign this petition to allow recreational anglers access to one of Long Island’s cherished resources.

As always the NYCRF will continue to fight for the Conservation of our marine resources, the Preservation of fishing Access and the Protection of Fisherman's rights.  Please consider becoming a member to help your voice be heard. www.nycrf.org/membership

This petition had 1,077 supporters
Recent signers:
Remi Drakeford and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

THANKS for all that signed our petition.

WE WERE SUCCESSFUL!

Fishing on Long Island has always been a cherished pastime for many. Over the years, however, access to prime fishing spots has become increasingly restricted, especially for non-local residents. 

The New York Coalition for Recreational Fishing (NYCRF) is advocating for the establishment of a pilot program that allows nighttime parking at Heckscher State Park solely for fishing purposes. Heckscher State Park, situated on the south shore of Long Island, is in a unique position to offer bayside fishing. Here, anglers have the opportunity to catch species such as Striped Bass, Fluke, Weakfish, and Bluefish. These species are not only iconic to the area but are prime targets during the night when fishing is most fruitful.

By providing this access, we will create an alternative fishing spot when other state park beaches are off-limits due to environmental preservation efforts, such as protecting the piping plovers. 

With nighttime security already in place, the establishment of night parking at Heckscher would not require any additional manpower investments and would provide consistent monitoring with other current night parking locations. Establishing this program will benefit the Long Island recreational fishing community and introduce them to the beauty of Heckscher State Park. 

The NYCRF urges the leadership of New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation to consider the potential benefits of this program and work towards implementing a trial run this coming fishing season. Your support is crucial in making this happen.

Please sign this petition to allow recreational anglers access to one of Long Island’s cherished resources.

As always the NYCRF will continue to fight for the Conservation of our marine resources, the Preservation of fishing Access and the Protection of Fisherman's rights.  Please consider becoming a member to help your voice be heard. www.nycrf.org/membership

The Decision Makers

Jarett Gandolfo
New York State Assembly - District 7
Monica Martinez
New York State Senate - District 4
Kathy Moser
Kathy Moser
Acting Commissioner, NYS Office of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation

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Petition created on February 19, 2026