I would like to thank all of you who signed this petition. In 4 days, we have gotten over 200 signatures. I see so many familiar names, thanks so much for your support. A little background information: The name The Flats is in reference to a waist deep section of Barnegat Bay, which runs approximately 7 miles long by 1 mile wide. The Flats run along the western coastline of the Island Beach State Park barrier island, from the northern tip at the marina, south to the Sedge Islands. The only access is from the marina area, unless you want to cross 2 miles of deep chop from the mainland. We used to windsurf at The Flats in the 90’s, parking and launching along Bayview Ave, until restrictions were put in place. We then tried to launch from the nearby 14th Ave. Pier, and try to sail upwind through heavy chop to reach the Flats. In 2005, Island Beach State Park acquired the Wheelhouse Marina with Green Acres funding. By 2011, with a couple of buildings demolished, and a couple more set for refurbishing, the marina became a kayak and SUP consignment. Windsurfers and kiteboarders were launching there regularly at a break in the fence. Contention between the state park and launchsite users were hashed out in the first stakeholders meeting in 2012. With the Northern Natural Area coming right up to the marina, the park was generous enough to provide a 5’ access point into Barnegat Bay, while restricting access to the adjoining sensitive prohibited area. Superstorm Sandy wiped out the area in 2012, which by then, on a windy day, windsurfers and kiteboarders would fill the lot. The bulkhead was extended in 2013 to control erosion, while the state posted the area beyond the launchsite closed to all public use. While windsurfers were resilient enough to deal with carrying their sails over a 4’ break in the split rail fence, kiteboarders were prohibited from launching on the beachfront. Both windsurfers and kiters have loitered on the beachfront in the past, but more and more people are using moorings during their down time. Fast-forward 3 years, and the Marina is re-opening, with a re-built pier, and no building on site whatsoever. There are potentially 87 boat slips, and 41 (more like 50) parking spaces. Following another stakeholders meeting in 2016, The State Park conceded from their original plans (7 public spaces), and opened up over half of the parking spaces for public use. But there is now a split rail fence detouring users within a narrow column to carry their sails through to the water. Kiteboarders must either water launch or drift launch- certainly not a place for beginners. The parking lot is certainly wide enough to accommodate trailers, however, windsurfers cannot park trailers there. The original exit onto Bayview Ave has been closed, therefore preventing proper egress from the lot. A-15 When you look at the Island Beach State Park map, you will find lot A-15 about 6.5 miles down. The area has been designated as the Sedge Islands Conservation Zone, mostly to prohibit Jet Ski use and commercial shell fishing. "wind sail” and “windsurf” are also prohibited as indicated in the Conservation Zone Enforcement Agreement.