Trash plans at beaches raise stink
Residents are debating local carry-out policy
Seacoast residents are bracing for the influx of summer tourists bringing their cash -- and their trash -- to New Hampshire's 18-mile coastline.
After a rash of complaints last year from residents about trash buildup at beaches, there is continued debate about the state's carry-in, carry-out trash policy and its use at selected beaches.
Some residents said smaller state-run beaches, such as North Hampton State Beach, seem to be less well cared for than Hampton Beach.
''I've had promises from the state that this year will be different and cleaner," said Don Gould, chairman of the North Hampton selectmen. ''The past few years, people felt the state wasn't maintaining our beach but certainly milking the parking meter income. I understand there's a lot of tourism down there at Hampton Beach, but that doesn't excuse discrimination."
One reason for optimism on the trash issue is the appointment last month of a new state supervisor for Seacoast beaches and parks, Brian Warburton. A Hampton selectman for nine years, the lifelong Seacoast resident is viewed as someone who will respond to local concerns. Warburton is now reviewing the needs of different beaches.
''We're a state that thrives on tourism, and we want people to have a great experience and come back," he said. ''Many people also live here year-round, and we want them to continue to be proud of where they live and work."
New Hampshire was one of the first states to eliminate trash barrels and mandate a carry-in, carry-out trash policy in state parks more than 15 years ago. Allison McLean, director of the state Division of Parks and Recreation, said the program is considered a success and has now been adopted in more than 50 percent of park systems across the country. Yet McLean recognizes the program isn't flawless, as do many residents.
Jerry Dignam, a Hampton resident for nearly 50 years, went before Hampton town government last summer to complain about beach litter and the state's trash policy. The state then placed six barrels on Hampton's North Beach, which Dignam estimates is half of what is needed.
''It might work for parks in the woods, but what a silly concept for the beach," said Dignam about the carry-in, carry-out policy. ''Some mother drives up to Hampton from Lawrence or Lowell with two or three kids, one in diapers. She's not going to carry banana peels, egg shells, and used diapers back home to Lawrence just because there isn't a barrel at the top of the stairs to the beach."
Several town beaches have adopted the state trash approach, including Seabrook, Rye, and New Castle's Great Island Common. Officials of Seabrook and New Castle said the approach works, for the most part. Protests by Rye residents last year brought barrels back to Wallis Sands and Cable Road town beaches, but officials remain concerned that barrels are not a good solution everywhere.
Trash barrels were removed from Bass Beach in Rye several years ago when the town discovered nonresidents unloading garbage as they traveled Route 1A.
John Moynahan, chairman of the Rye selectmen, said the town will place barrels at Wallis Sands and Cable beaches in June, but noted beach trash collection runs about $300 a month with barrels filling quickly, especially on weekends. Rye still encourages the carry-in, carry-out method.
Sally Costa, who lives across from the popular surfing spot at Bass Beach, understands the town can't shoulder the cost for disposal abuse, but still yearns for a tidy beachfront.
''When they first took the barrels, people were leaving trash right where the barrel was," said Costa. ''Like they thought the barrel was going to appear and the trash would jump into the barrel by itself."
Recently, Costa asked nonprofit Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation of Greenland to include Bass Beach in its beach cleanups. Blue Ocean started monitoring Rye's Jenness State Beach in May 2001 and has expanded cleanup initiatives to other Seacoast beaches.
Other help is in the works. McLean is excited about legislation that created the Hampton Beach improvement account two years ago. The capital improvements fund receives anything greater than $1.25 million in annual Hampton meter revenue. An anticipated balance by fiscal year-end along with state funding would be used to repair Hampton's decaying seawall and replace railing at the Hampton Seashell complex.
Hampton Beach is one of the top three draws among all New Hampshire state parks and beaches, generating $930,000 in meter and parking fees from July 2004 to May 2005.
The state will use general funds to improve smaller beaches, McLean said.
''We're certainly aware of situations that existed in the past," said McLean, referring to litter on the beaches. ''I think we're prepared to make sure our parks are the best they can be."
