Letter to Acting Director Reynolds of the National Park Service - Prioritize Cleanup Efforts Along Shoreline

Letter

Dear Acting Director Reynolds,

I write to bring to your attention a developing situation in the Great Kills Park section of Gateway National Recreation Area. It has recently been reported that Crookes Point, located in Great Kills Park, is being plagued by a variety of different types of litter that make its use for recreation challenging. I urge you to swiftly remedy the situation as soon as possible, making this area a priority, so visitors can maximize this beautiful park during the summer months.

As you know, Gateway National Recreation Area is a critically important outdoor space for New Yorkers seeking to enjoy activities ranging from going to the beach to fishing, especially during the summer months. According to recent press reports, Crookes Point in Great Kills Park has been affected by a constant stream of litter, including beer bottles, liquor bottles, food cartons and containers, lighters, needles and even dead animals. This waste not only poses the risk of affecting park visitors' experiences; it also has the potential to pose a public health risk. In light of these reports, I urge you to quickly deploy the appropriate resources to ensure that this beautiful and critically important section of the park continues to be clean and safe to use as soon as possible.

I understand that in the current fiscal climate budgets are constrained and, as in the past, I will stand with NPS during the budget process and fight for adequate resources. However, I ask that you prioritize the cleanup and maintenance of the Crookes Point section of Great Kills Park as soon as possible. I look forward to working with you on this important request.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

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