Conference moira::naturism

    RE: .1
    
    The point is that Moonstone is the ONLY nude beach in New England.
    There is no other beach.
    
    Naturists do NOT just "go running around nude" and naturists do
    NOT "brag about no tan lines".  That is just a myth propagated by
    people who do not understand the naturist lifestyle.  Lack of a
    tan line is nice, but then there are no lines to show how much a
    tan a naturist has.
    
    The point that NENA is making is, NENA helps preserve the natural
    habitats of the local wildlife.  NENA helps erect fences to preserve
    the natural dunes. Naturists, as a whole, tend to be very careful
    about the condition that they leave the beach in because they want
    to be able to return there.
    
    The newsletter in the base note talks about the reasons why there
    is no need to close the beach (though I've never been there so I
    really don't know who is right).  The letter states why leaving
    it (the beach) open will not affect the local wildlife.
    
    Before you flame against naturists who use the beach, you have to
    prove that their facts concerning the beach are wrong.  The newletter
    states NENA's reasons for leaving the beach open.  
    
    The header in your message says, "go nude somewhere else".  
    That would be fine...but where?  There is no other beach that is
    legal in the New England area.

    RE:2
    I agree totally. Don't flame at me without having a resolution to
    help us out with. It doesn't really matter where the nude beach
    is as long as we have one to go to. If you can suggest one to us,
    we are all ears!

    If you were to poll naturists you might find that many think of
    themselves as both environmentalists and nudists. The idea of being
    "one with the world" is not good if the world around you is lousy.
    It is for this reason that Moonstone is so attractive.
    
    If the environment and/or a species in the ecosystem is in any possible
    threat due to human activity in the area, then we should join with
    the people who are helping to save it. If one person is banned from
    the area then all should be.
    
    If there are other factors involved that are intended to infringe
    on the civil liberties of naturists then more action is indicated.
    
    How about a win/win negotiation ? Offer support to the Wildlife
    Service in return for their support in encouraging a new area.
    This would quickly tell us where the concern really is. 

    This was already done at Moonstone. The Naturist are the ones who
    paid for the fence so the nesting area could be left alone. They
    were also the ones who complained the most if anyone went beyond
    that fence. They were also the ones who went out of their way to
    make sure the beach was kept clean of litter as much as possible.I
    saw alot of people get h___ from someone with nothing on if they
    were seen throwing cans and bottles in the sand and not in the barrell.
    I believe this point has already been made clear to the "POWERS
    THAT BE"

    There are other beaches in New England (see topic 11). Unfortunately
    there aren't enough that are "officially" clothing optional. Every
    beach should be half-and-half.
    
    Maybe we can take a lesson from the NO-Smoking craze. Some non-smokers
    asked for designated areas. Now look what's happening...the tide
    has turned. 

    I think that the NENA newsletter is asking the question: Can the
    naturists and the piping plover co-exist?  The NENA has helped (from
    what I understand) protect the bird by building fencing and cleaning
    up the area.  Should the wildlife agency patrol those areas to keep
    people away from the affected areas but keep the rest of the beach
    open?  Is that possible?
    
    I'm all for protecting the  endangered species.  I would also like
    to see if it is possible to accommodate the naturists at the same
    time.  There is not enough information that is being given out
    that makes that decision clear here.
    
    

    Boy, it's a good thing that the Piping Plover did not decide to
    nest on Hampton Beach, or Nauset on the Cape. Can you imagine the
    authorities closing down those places to public use so these birds
    will not be endangered. My guess is that the city council up at
    Hampton would declare open season on the Plover and blow each of
    them away before it would risk losing the revenue generated in the
    summer. What if some of the very wealthy people who own ocean front
    property on Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket were told they could
    not use the beach because it would endanger the Yellow Belly Seaworm?
    
    I love wild animals as much as the next guy, but it seems to me
    that the problem could be solved by relocating the birds to another
    suitable area. This seems much more like an attempt to curtail
    public nudity (even on a secluded beach) than a concern for the
    sea birds.
    
    Paul
    (who has never been to Moonstone)
    
    

    I've gone back through my files to collect some of the comments
    about Moonstone and the refuge process from last year's issues of
    Sun Times.  I've posted a few below.

    Obviously, NENA's opinion in this issue isn't disinterested, and
    F&WS has decided that closing the beach at Moonstone is the best
    answer.

    On the other hand, the people at NENA argue (presumably sincerely)
    that the F&WS actions are out of proportion to what is necessary
    to protect the bird population, and they appear to have done
    considerable research of their own on the matter.

    Personally, I've never been to Moonstone, and I haven't researched
    the question, so I don't claim to know the answers.

    I do find it curious, though, that all the beaches I've heard of
    being closed for environmental reasons are one used by naturists.
    Of course, my perceptions could be selective.  Can anyone name
    any north-east coast beaches that have been closed for
    environmental reasons that *haven't* had a history of clothing-
    optional use?

    	-Neil
    
    ==============================================================
    
    (From _Sun_Times_)
    
    (June/July 1987)

	It should also be pointed out that the clothes-optional beach
	was moved to its present site in cooperation and relative to
	the Fish & Wildlife Service report that this was the ideal
	area for our beach since there are no nesting birds on the
	beach in front of Card Pond.  The reason for this is the fact
	that Card Pond fills with water and must be breached
	frequently.  Birds building nests in April would find their
	nest underwater in late May.  Also this area is vulnerable to
	storms was was demonstrated just this winter.  It is also a
	fact that the piping plover is a migrating bird that returns
	to the same area each year (west of Trustom Pond).  And even
	if the beaches were closed down from Green Hill to Matunick,
	these birds would still return to the area just west of
	Trustom Pond.

    (August/September 1987)
    
	... at the public meeting held ... in South Kingston on June
	4th.  Stephen Alfred (Town Manager of South Kingston) stated
	that the Town intends to maintain its beach regardless of what
	plans are instituted by the Federal Government. ... NENA's
	officers reiterated that we are willing to work with the F&WS
	and hope that we can work something out now, as we have in the
	past, to ensure protection for the wildlife, while at the same
	time preserving a section of the beach for public use. ...

    (October/November 1987)

	A NOTE ON PIPING PLOVERS AT MONOMOY  ISLAND, MASSACHUSSETTS

	According to a federal offocial interviewed in September 1987,
	the population of gulls on Monomoy Island has grown in five
	years from 10,000 to 50,000.  These birds ... are large and
	voracious.  They often drive smaller nesting birds, piping
	plovers among them, from their nests never to return.  They
	break up the nests they find, devouring eggs and eating young
	birds.  These gulls are fed by the Town of Chatham.  It is not
	a deliberate policy to breed these nuisances into absolute
	dominance of a federal refuge, but that is the consequence
	when lacking policy to control their numbers.  The birds feed
	at the Chatham dump, then return to the federal Monomoy Refuge
	to seek fressher fare in the nesting grounds of smaller,
	endangered species.  An enlightened federal policy would not
	focus on Moonstone Beach and Trustom Pond as though these few
	acres existed in a demographic and environmental vacuum; but
	rather, would seek the most opportune sites for increasing the
	piping plover population, and then deal with all the predators
	and encroachers that tend to extermination.  Monomoy Island
	National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for saving the piping
	plover.  A region-wide policy to this end should be demanded
	by naturists.

    re:10
    
    Mike,
    
      Maybe you missed my point, I do feel that it is important that
    wild animals have a place to nest, breed, and survive. What I am
    trying to point out is that if this species had chosen to do its
    nesting on one of the more popular beaches, such as Hampton and
    it interfered with the heavy flow of money, there would most certainly
    be no closing of the beach. The birds would be relocated, and the
    cost would probably not be that great. Since nude sunbathing is
    not generally accepted, most communities are not going to allow
    their existing beaches to be used for that purpose, so places for
    nudists to go are just as limited as places for the piping plover.
    
    It would seem fair to me that the people who use Moonstone could
    pay a fee, part of which could be used for the preservation of
    the piping plover, OR other areas of secluded beach should be allocated
    as nude beaches. 
    
      Incidentally, I don't agree with all the opinions that nudity
    should be so open that we would see folks coming to work in the
    buff, out shopping, or eating in a restaurant. I do feel however
    that Americans have a silly hang-up about nudity on a beach where
    people in some other countries consider the practice as normal and
    healthy. 
             
    
    Paul

    The latest issue of _Sun_Times_ contains the following "South County
    Expenditure Survey for Moonstone Beach Users".  If you use Moonstone
    Beach, you might want to print this out, complete it, and mail it in.
    Obviously, NENA is trying to make a case for the value of Moonstone in
    the local economy. 

	-Neil

    ======================================================================
    
    From _Sun_Times_:

        "In order to preserve the integrity and credibility of this
        survey, PLEASE ANSWER AS ACCURATELY AS POSSIBLE. The results
        of this survey _must_ be statistically accurate and
        defendable. Under-estimating is preferred to over-estimating,
        and we need EVERYONE'S input. PLEASE complete and return
        TODAY!"

        "Thank you for your time in responding to this survey.  Please 
	return IMMEDIATELY to:

    			Dr W. Landry
			W. J. Enterprises
			632 Ryan Road
			Northampton, MA 01060"

    I am answering as an  INDIVIDUAL ____
			  FAMILY OF ____ ADULTS  ____ CHILDREN

    ____ 1.  How many _days_ a season (April 1 -- August 31) do you visit
    	     Moonstone Beach?

    ____ 2.  Of the above, how many days do you stay overnight?

    	     During these OVERNIGHT STAYS ONLY, list your expenses for the
	     following:

    ____     A.  Lodging per day
		     or
    ____         Lodging per season

    ____     B.  Food expenses per day

    ____     C.  Entertainment expenses per day -- Specify:
	         _________________________________________________________
	         _________________________________________________________

    ____     D.  Gasoline costs per day

             E.  Other expenses -- Specify:
    ____         _________________________________________________________
    ____         _________________________________________________________

         3.  During your remaining visits:
	     Total beach visits (question #1):		____
	     Minus overnight visits (question #2):	____
	     Equals remaining day-trip beach visits:	____

    	     During these DAY-TRIP VISITS ONLY, list your expenses for the
	     following:

    ____     A.  Lodging per day
    		     or
    ____         Lodging per season

    ____     B.  Food expenses per day

    ____     C.  Entertainment expenses per day -- Specify:
	         _________________________________________________________
	         _________________________________________________________

    ____     D.  Gasoline costs per day

             E.  Other expenses -- Specify:
    ____         _________________________________________________________
    ____         _________________________________________________________


    ____ 4.  Parking fees per day
    		or
    ____     Parking fees per season

    
    NENA member?  Yes __  No __    Rhode Island resident?  Yes __  No __

    Name requested, but optional:  _______________________________________

    re:.9
    
         The problem is that everytime someone wants an acre of land,
       a spot on the beach, a stream to dam up they call for the animal
       that inhabits these spots to be relocated. Why should the animals
       give up anymore land then they already have? Because of man and
       his greed we have lost a large number of animal species already,
       need we lose more?
    
          I'm just as much a naturist as the next person but the solution
        is *NOT* to relocate the animal world because we need the space
        they hold. How would you feel if some government slicks came
        down on you and said "Gee, I think we'll put this parking lot
        right on top of your land because we want it here?" You have
        a say in the matter, usually, but the animals have none. They
        vanish while we lay naked on the sand and care not about their
        world but only about ourselves. 
    
         Nudist or not, try to move the animals and you'll find me there 
       to defend them and I won't be as forgiving as they are...
    
    Tom 

>    I do find it curious, though, that all the beaches I've heard of
>    being closed for environmental reasons are one used by naturists.
>    Of course, my perceptions could be selective.  Can anyone name
>    any north-east coast beaches that have been closed for
>    environmental reasons that *haven't* had a history of clothing-
>    optional use?

    The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island in Newburyport
/Newbury has close a major portion of their beach in support of the Least 
Tern and Piping Plover nesting.  The beach is/was one that many fishermen 
use for surfcasting.  They are lucky in that they have other alternatives 
along the coast to fish.  There are other programs in Maine that have also 
closed off portion of beaches for the nesting of birds, (interesting 
because there is only about 75 miles of sandy beach in Maine).

Dick

    The portion of Plum Island that was closed included an area that
    had had traditional nude use.  (The local police chief had been
    threatening to crack down on nudity; the closing of the entire
    beach made the issue moot.)
    
    I am less aware of the situation in Maine, but I do know that
    at Drakes Island Beach in Wells, where nudity apparently used 
    to be common but has now been suppressed, part of the problem
    was interactions with the expansion of use at the adjacent Rachel
    Carson Wildlife Sanctuary; the beach is also adjacent to a Least
    Tern nesting area.
    
    	-Neil

re .16

>    The portion of Plum Island that was closed included an area that
>    had had traditional nude use.  (The local police chief had been
>    threatening to crack down on nudity; the closing of the entire
>    beach made the issue moot.)
    
     That's interesting.  I've been going there for years and didn't
     know about it.  Do you know what part of the beach was c/o??  I 
     do know that the very end of the island is not part of the refuge, 
     was that the area?

Dick

    If anyone goes down there soon, could you please report on what
    the actual status is?  I'd really like to go down there at least
    once this summer but I don't want to make the trip if I can't use
    the beach.
    
    B.
    

    Here are the bits about Plum Island from the site updates in
    _Clothed_with_the_Sun_ over several years.

	-Neil

		 THIS IS HISTORICAL INFORMATION ONLY.
		PLUM ISLAND IS *NOT* NOW USEABLE AS A
		  CLOTHING-OPTIONAL RECREATION SITE

    [1984]

        Plum Island (Parker River Wildlife Refuge).  "Nudism" was dropped
        from the "Don'ts" in the 1984 flyer for Plum Island federal lands.
        This reflects USF&WS' goodwill in wishing to drop special
        regulations that are not necessary.  However, by mid-July, not all
        obstacles to normalized sunbather use had been removed, although
        nude use was resuming.  There is some fear the goodwill might be
        frustrated. 

    [1985]

	Newbury:  Plum Island
	A.k.a. Parker River Wildlife Refuge.
	Until 1976 a well-liked nude sunbathing spot, when federal F&WS
	officials imposed a special ban on nudity, fearing the "hordes"
	from Truro would find them.  [1976 is when nudity was prohibited at
	the Cape Cod National Seashore - NF]  The regulation was lifted in
	1984, with Naturist Society and NENA consultation.  But in March
	1985 the Police Chief of Newbury vowed:  "I'll lock up the first
	person who takes off their clothes down there."  His threat relies
	not on any city ordinance, but rather on a state "indecent
	exposure" law which a good court will rule is inapplicable to mere
	nudity.  Ipswich, by the way, does have a local nudity ordinance.
	The refuge manager merely notes, when asked, that the federal
	government does not ban nudity but that ordinances "may be enforced
	by city and State authorities."  The city does have concurrent
	jurisdiction with USF&WS, so for the present, vigilance and caution
	are advised even in a remote location.  Perhaps the 'Newbury'
	section of Parker Island [sic] Wildlife Refuge should be shunned in
	favor of another portion.  The 'Newbury' site earlier picked for
	use:  1/4 mile south of Parking Lot #3 (which holds about 25 cars).
	Park, use boardwalk to beach, hike 15 minutes to south (to right).
	...  Stay out of dunes; do keep to eastern side of island.

    [1986]

	Plum Island.
	Effectively closed to the public in 1986, due to the emergency
	concern for breeding piping plovers, an endangered species.
	Moreover, the Newbury police chief threatened to endanger _our_
	species when found at the beach.

    Also, from the Newbury Daily News, March 7, 1986 (reprinted in a
    mailing from NENA):

	Newbury gets serious about bathing in buff

	----------------
	by Ann Carrns
	Daily News Staff
	----------------

	NEWBURY -- It's still some time until summer, but police are
	already planning to get tough on people sunbathing in the buff.

	The Police Department is proposing a bylaw amendment which would
	ban public nudity -- especially on Plum Island Beaches.

	Voters will be asked to approve the bylaw, which would allow police
	to fine offenders $100, at the annual town meeting on April 15.

	Police Chief George Riel said he is less worried about nude bathers
	than the problems they attract:  "Sightseers."

	"The more people that come (to the beach) the more problems it
	causes," he said.  "I would expect an increase in crimes such as
	rape and indecent assault (if nude bathing were allowed)."

	Riel said Newbury has only a "sporadic" problem with nude bathers,
	but that he wants to stop the practice before it gets too popular.

	The bylaw would also bring the town into line with Newburyport,
	which occupies Plum Island north of Newbury, and the Parker River
	Wildlife Refuge, which occupies most of the Newbury segment of the
	island.

	Both Newburyport and the refuge have rules prohibiting nude
	bathing.
	Concern about nude bathers was raised in town last year, when a
	Salisbury resident told Newbury selectmen he was worried about
	naked people in the refuge, despite the rules.

	A health magazine had recommended the refuge as a good place for
	nude sunbathing, despite the rules.

	At the time, Riel responded by saying he would "lock up the first
	person who takes off their clothes down there."

	The proposed bylaw would make sure Newbury police officers have the
	authority to do just that.

	It states:  "No person shall bathe or swim without personal
	covering in any public place; no person shall parade, run, walk,
	sit, or stand on any public or private way unless properly robed;
	no person shall disrobe in any vehicle, public way or place to
	which the public has the right of access or view."

 
     Moonstone Beach is still OPEN !!!

     I was there Sat. and here is the story.  The NWS has extended the
fence that has always been along the beach (between the town beach and
Green Hill) all the way east to the end of their land.  This includes the
whole area around the pond.  However there is still a strip of beach
between the high water mark and fence (about 30-40 feet).  On Saturday
there were about 100-200 people *cosy*  on this *little* beach.  And
yes, there was even a vollyball game, even though  one side of the court
was bounded by the ocean.

    The NWS is patrolling the beach but only to check out the situation
with the fence and to ensure that it is not breached.  It's a little bit of
an overkill in that they travel in groups of three and I saw at least 1 of
them with a gun.  I'm sure they do not want any confrontations and for now
its an easy peace.  I heard that NENA is back in court arguing that the NWS
does not have a right to fence off a beach as close as they did to the high
water mark.

     Unfortunately I forsee problems coming up.  This little strip of land
is OK now when there are only a few hundred people there.  But come July
when the numbers go up into the thousands something has got to give.  Somebody
is going to break the truce and tear down the fence.  I am sure that the
NWS knows there will be a very, very difficult enforcement problem.

     I agree with the last note that this has to be solved in the court and
not "at the beach".  But saying that you don't care if the Piping Plover
becomes extinct is not going to get the cause anywhere.  I've heard that
"expert bird people" have said that 1) this is not the sole breeding grounds
for the Piping Plover and there are more of these birds on Monomoy Island
than was originally believed and 2) a comprise can be worked out so that
people can still use the beach and the Piping Plovers can still have an
enviroment where they can do their thing.



Russ

    
    
    One of the obvious revelations about the new fencing policy
    is one that potentially could win the case in court now.
    
    If you know where the new fencing is located, and where the
    limits of the town beach were before, you would relize that
    the town still has ~95% of their beach left.
    
    All that is owned by the town is a narrow access road across
    the beach. Maybe 20-30 feet centered around the end of Moon-
    stone Road.
    
    One of the FWS' main complaints was that the food and litter
    left on the beach(s) attracted animals that destroyed the
    bird's eggs. If you have ever noticed the town section. With
    litter falling out of the barrels and strewn about, and then
    the nude section without much more than a cigarette but seen.
    
    Does this reek of discrimination? Why is the town section still
    open? It is only a few feet away, and is actually closer to
    the bird's nesting area.
    
    I think I will write someone about this.
    
    Bob Adams
    

    I spent today at Moonstone for the first time...it's pretty nice.
    I'd rather go there than Solair.
    
    Parking is very steep: $20 for non-residents. 
    
    It's very interesting, because the nude beach is in full view of
    the textile beach and many people from the textile beach walk
    over through the nude section, even families.  Most of the poeple
    who crossed over stripped down as soon as they crossed the imaginary
    line separating the two sections.
    
    On this weekday, I saw about 25 nudists...a few couples, no families.
    I didn't see any patrols today, though.
    
    I really hope this beach stays open.  It's an hour and 45 minutes
    drive for me to get there, but it's definitely worth it.  It was
    hot and humid at home today, but at Moonstone, the breeze blew away
    all the heat and humidity.  It was VERY nice there; I was very unhappy
    to leave the beach today.
    
    Oh yeah....the water is FREEZING!
    
    
    Ben
    

    re: .24
    
    yes, it was cold...until you've been in the water for a while. 
    Then it was okay to stay in.  I even went swimming.

    I posted the directions to Moonstone in the Rhode_Island notesfile,
    and I'm posting them here again, for other New England naturists.
    
         <<< UCOUNT::DISK$USER02:[NOTES$LIBRARY]RHODE_ISLAND.NOTE;1 >>>
                       -< ...and Providence Plantations >-
================================================================================
Note 52.1                  Where's Moonstone Beach???                     1 of 5
CADSE::WONG "Le Chinois Fou"                         38 lines  25-APR-1988 18:53
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I don't which direction you're coming from, but...
    
    From Boston:
    
    	I95 South through Providence...go past Providence.
    	Take route 4 South...this becomes a minor road real fast.
        Go through the rotary and continue on route 4.
        Route 4 becomes route 1 eventually.
        Continue on route 1 past Wakefield,
    
    	   Oh yes, notice that there are alot of U-turns available.
    	   That's important.
    
	Once you see signs for Matunuck, stay on the left.
    
	Go past Matunuck Beach Road (on the left)
    		past the Ministrial Road...
    
    	On the LEFT side of the road, you will see a small sign
    	that says "MOONSTONE".  Take this U-turn to go back
    	the other way.  Take the immediate (right) off-ramp to Moonstone
    	Beach Road.  This is a SMALL two-lane BUMPY road.  Follow it
    	straight to the beach.
    
    	(I think) the parking lot area and up to the beach is not a
        nude area.  I was told the nude section starts about 200 feet
        past the entrance (to the right, facing the ocean).  There doesn't
        seem to be any markers indicating where the nude area begins.
    	I guess that you're in safe territory once you're past the first
    	nudist you encounter.
    
	Where the nude area end, I have no idea.
    
    	
    	Have a nice nude day!...or is it (?), May you never suffer a
        tan line again...?
    
    	Ben

     There is a cheaper (but still not cheap) place to park other than
the town parking lot.  Head down that same road for about 1 mile (past
the theatre by the Sea) and you'll find ROY CARPENTER's beach.  You can
park there for $10 and walk back about 1/2 a mile along the shore to
moonstone.

     If your heading from Boston or Providence during the good weather
you'll find that route 4 becomes all clogged with traffic ... but there is
a way to beat this.  At the first rotary at rt 4 take rt 2 south for about
10 miles then go east on 138 for about 1 mile then south again on 110 for
about 8 miles and you'll end up rt 1 right near the moonstone exit.

     Don't forget the battle for moonstone is far from over.  This temporary
situation is not going to work when the large crowds come.

Russ

    From _Sun Times_ (see note 24), volume 52 (June/July 1988):

	============================================================

	Moonstone Beach is Open!
	by Tom Calabro

        ... While it's true that a decision on our case will not be reached
        until some time later this month, you may still use the area below
        the fences for clothes-optional recreation.  In fact, it is
        important that we maintain a presence and continue our clothes-
        optional tradition at Moonstone.  The only area where you must wear
        a bathing suit is on the Town Beach [and presumably the parking and
        access areas - NF] ... violators will be cited and arrested.  We
        urge you to comply with the regulations at the Town Beach in order
        to preserve the good relationship we have always had with the Town
        of South Kingston. 

        NENA is currently working to obtain a preliminary injunction which
        would force the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take down the
        fences at Moonstone Beach until the court makes a decision on our
        case.  This would revert everything back to the way it was last
        year.  Since the piping plover not only maintained its population
        at Moonstone, but actually increased last year, these fences are
        NOT necessary.  That, plus the fact that the F&WS has granted the
        Town of South Kingston a lease for their Town Beach located west of
        our area (or closer to the nesting area than the clothes-optional
        area) makes their reason for the fence ridiculous. 

	In any event, while our area has been reduced temporarily, there is
	still room in front of the fences to enjoy this summer, especially
	during low tide.  Swimming and clothes-optional recreation is
	permitted in our area below the fences.  Please stay out of
	restricted areas and the dunes.  Fines for entering fenced off
	areas range up to $500 and 6 months in jail.  Motor vehicles,
	glass, and kite flying are not permitted on the Refuge beach.

	Please remember the rules of Free Beach Etiquette [see note 32 -
	NF] and bring along a trash bag to clean up after your day.  We
	have a reputation for having one of the cleanest beaches on the
	East Coast; now we want to be THE cleanest beach on the East Coast.

        [followed by a request for contributions to NENA's legal fund for
        the court case - NF] 

    I forgot to add one thing...
    
    There was this helicopter that kept going up and down the beach...
    I hope I wasn't on the 6 o-clock news...:-)
    
    B.
    

    It's interesting that there are no signs that define the bounds
    of the nude section at Moonstone.  I walked the entire length of
    the beach and there were nude sunbathers for the entire mile
    of beach, up to the textile area at the other end of the beach.
    There were no signs at that end either...just growing crowds of
    people with their swimsuits on.  I finally had ask someone where
    the end of the nude section was (where I was standing :-)).  I 
    thought the nude beach was only about 700 feet wide...
    
    B.
    

    .30 (Ben) said that he didn't see any signs delimiting the nude
    section.  Probably because they were obscured by all the people!
    They are there.  (I was at Moonstone last Wednesday and Thursday.)
    One sign says "SK [South Kingstown - JW] Public Beach - Nudity
    prohibited."  (or something similar).  The other sign said that
    it was a private beach beyond the sign.  There was no mention in
    the latter sign about nudity.  In fact on Wednesday a group was
    on the private beach playing volleyball - many of whom were nude.
    
    On the weekdays, the beach was sufficiently large to easily accomodate
    the number that was there (75% of which were males).  I have not
    been to Moonstone this year on weekends, however.
    
    Jack

RE: .31
        
>>>    One sign says "SK [South Kingstown - JW] Public Beach - Nudity
>>>    prohibited."  (or something similar).  The other sign said that

    	That sign, I did see.  The nude section starts about 100 feet
    beyond that sign.  I was really talking about the OTHER end of the
    beach, a mile down from the entrance from Moonstone Beach Road.
    It looked like the entire length from Moonstone Beach Road to Roy
    Carpenter's Beach was nude.  I didn't see any signs at the other
    end of the beach.
    
    I was down there on Sunday, the 3rd; it wasn't crowded, for a beach
    on a hot sunny afternoon.  I was expecting ALOT more people.

    (Moved by the moderator.  I'd like to collect Moonstone notes under
    this topic. 
    	
    	-Neil) 
    
================================================================================
HPSTEK::SHERMAN                                      19 lines  19-JUL-1988 09:33
                              -< OPEN MOONSTONE >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Moonstone is really open
    
    You can go into Moonstone Beach just as before.  Give the guard
    $20,pick up your receipt and go park (assuming there is space).
    
    Go to the next beach west (Green something),. pay $10, park, walk
    through to Moonstone which it adjoins.
    
    I hear that you can part in the South Kingstown School parking lot
    (free) and ride your bike to Moonstone and park and lock free.
    
    They have put a fence at the so-called "high-water line."  OK, I
    guess until high water when the fit may get a little tight (or
    damp).
    
    I think the piping plover count is now down to 3.  They seem to
    be in the enclosure at the West End.  
    
    SMS

	Moved by me, at Neil's request...
    
    	B.
    
           <<< MOIRA::SYS$SPECIFIC:[NOTES$LIBRARY]NATURISM.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< Naturism >-
================================================================================
Note 11.11                 Best Beaches in New England                  11 of 12
CADSE::WONG "Le Chinois Fou"                         15 lines  19-JUL-1988 15:34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There were a couple of guys walking through Moonstone who kept
    telling people that the nude section was EAST of the Moonstone
    Beach Road.  Since I've been there a couple of times during good
    days (it rained at noon today), I stayed where I was, but a few
    people left to go to the other section.  I wonder if these guys
    were trying to get the nudists in trouble for being nude in the
    textile section.
    
    I believe that there is 15-20 feet of beach between the fencing
    and the high-tide water mark.  For the times that I've gone there,
    that's been plenty of space.  The beach (unofficially) goes a long
    ways down.
    
    B.
    
    

    
    	Can anyone give very recent info on Moonstone? I'd like to go
    there this weekend. I am concerned about all the reports of *Medical
    Waste* (gag |-{ ) washing up on RI beaches.
    
    					Thanks,
    					Mark
    

    I just went there on Tuesday (a GREAT day!).  There were plenty
    of people in the water and I had not heard from the lifeguards 
    or rangers about anything unusual washing up on the shore.

    B.
    

    I just got a copy of the New England Sites Guide and it came
    with a decent map of the Moonstone Beach area.
    
    I always thought the Roy Carpenter's Beach was on the *west side*
    of Moonstone...incorrect.  It seems that my earlier reply about
    people trying to steer the naturists into the textile areas was also
    incorrect.  There are nude sections on both sides of the town beach,
    though the section that I use (west of Moonstone Beach Road) appears
    to be much bigger (for about a mile down the beach).  The other
    section is at the location of the former nude area, between the
    fence and water line.

    re: .37
    A bit of clarification please...
    
    	I went to Moonstone this past weekend. (Had a wonderful time
    thankyou.) We went into the main parking area. (and paid $20 because
    we felt it was worth it.) Once on the beach we went LEFT. Is that
    east? We found adequate room between the fence and the water. By
    midday there was less room as the beach filled up but there was
    still plenty of room between beach blankets.
    	Are you telling me in .37 that there is ANOTHER area open to
    nude use?!? :-)) .
    	The only disappointing thing we encountered there was that going
    for a walk on the beach was a very short trip as the nude area was fairly
    small. Is the other area larger?

    	In other news I am told that the judge has ruled on the legal
    status of the injunction concerning the fence at Moonstone. There
    was an article in one of the local papers there yesterday. I am
    going to get it and will try to post it here.
    

    RE: .37
    
    Ben, I believe the beach east of Moonstone Beach Rod (i.e. heading
    for Carpenter's Beach) is THE officially sanctioned nude beach.
    The one on the west side is a previous location of the nude beach,
    and was closed (I think) for "environmental purposes."
    
    BTW - How long did it take you to get the New England Guide?  I
    ordered mine on June 17, and STILL haven't received it!

    According to the map, both sections are open for nude use.
    
    I use the section on the RIGHT, after entering the town beach.
    It is a very large area...plenty of space between the fence and
    water.  As far as I know, it extends all the way down the beach
    about a mile or so, to the textile beach at the other end.
    
    The larger section is usually not crowded and there is a fair number
    of people using it.  Whether or not it is the official section,
    I don't know.  It is definitely being used as a nude beach.
    I like the larger section because you can walk for a while on the
    beach before having to get dressed at the end of the beach, which
    is alot of fun.  You aren't really surrounded by textile sections
    like the smaller section to the east.
    
    
    RE: .39
    
    I ordered the guide a few days after the note was posted and I 
    got it yesterday.
    

    (Moved by the moderator.  We'd like to collect notes concerning
     Moonstone, under one topic.

	- Judy)

================================================================================
Note 95.0                   Is Moonstone still open?                     1 reply
MILRAT::EHLERS                                        8 lines   5-AUG-1988 08:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    
    Has anyone been to Moonstone lately? What's the situation there?
    I'd like to go this weekend but don't want to waste the trip
    if the beach is closed.
    
    					Jean
    

    (Moved by the moderator.  We'd like to collect Moonstone notes
     under one topic.

    	- Judy)

================================================================================
Note 95.1                   Is Moonstone still open?                      1 of 1
LEDDEV::HASTINGS                                     23 lines   5-AUG-1988 09:38
                                   -< Yes! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    GO! Enjoy yourself.
    
    	I was there this past weekend. The fence is still up, but there
    is plenty of space left. The beach DOES get crowded, but it is still
    far from elbow-to-elbow.
    	A word of concern, however, DO NOT go beyond the fence. (fine
    $200 if caught) We don't want to give anyone any more reason to
    close down what little is left. They have dredged an small channel
    through the dunes at one point to allow water in the pond to circulate.
    It was necessary to cut through the fence at this point. Please
    do not take this as licence to go beyond the fence line. If you
    want to be *really* helpful point this out *kindly* to anyone you
    see crossing what would be the fence line.
    
    	There was an article in the Providence Journal Bulletin on Tuesday
    August 2, 1988. I will try to post the article in a reply on this
    notesfile if I can find the time today. The gist of the article
    is this: the fence stays, you can still use what is left...for now.
    
    	Well maybe we'll see you there this weekend. Go early and don't
    forget the sunscreen!
    

    
    
    The following is from the Providence Journal-Bulletin, Tuesday August
    2, 1988
    
    
    	NUDISTS LOSE BATTLE FOR PART OF MOONSTONE
    
    PROVIDENCE - A federal judge refused yesterday to grant an
    injunction that would have required fthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife
    Service to reopen a protected area at Moonstine Beach in South Kingston
    to nude sunbathers.
    
    	U.S. District Judge Ernest C. Torres ruled that the New England
    Naturists Association "failed to demonstrate a liklelihood of success"
    for its suit against the federal government over access to Moonstone.
    As a result, he said, a preliminary injunctionwould likely cause
    more harm than would occur if the section of beach remained closed.
    
    	The Fish and Wildlife Service under a new 20-year master plan
    for the Trusom Pond Wildlife Refuge, closed a one mile stretch of
    Moonstone from April 1 to August 31 to protect two species of shore
    birds, the piping plover and the least tern.
    
    	The service fenced off a portion of Moonstone Beach above the
    mean high-water line, leaving open only a section of the South Kingston
    town beach, private property and the area below the high-water line.
    Nudists are limited to a narrow strip of beach between the high
    tide mark and the protected area.
    
    	The naturist association alleged in its suit that the closure
    of a section of beach traditionally used by nude sunbathers was
    a violation of their constitutional rights. It also contended that
    the fence was erected within the intertidal zone - the area between
    mean high tide and the ocean, which is recognised as public land
    by Rhode Island.
    
    	The naturists said an environmental impact statement should
    have been filed before the fence was put up, and that the Fish and
    Wildlife Service failed to get permission for the fence from the
    state Coastal Resources Management Council.
    
    	Torres heard testimony in May. Yesterday Torres rejected all
    the objections raised by the nudists.
    
    	He ruled that the fence - located between 57 feet and 83 feet
    above mean high water line - "is clearly on federally owned property."
    He also ruled that nude sunbathing is not a constitutional right.
    
    	"In short, while nudity in the privacy of one's own property
    and nudity in the context of artistic expression may be protected,
    it seems clear that nude sunbathing on a public beach is not a right
    of constitutional dimension," Torres wrote.
    
    	"It is even clearer that nudity does not confer a licence to
    sunbathe on a beach that has been closed to the public," he said.
    "In this case, it is not nude sunbathing that has been banned on
    Moonstone Beach. What has been prohibited is *any* use of the disputed
    area."
    
    	As for the Fish and Wildlife's failure to secure coastal council
    approval before erecting the fence, Torres said that clearly some
    aspects of the master plan for the refuge will directly affect the
    coastal zone. However, he said, the suit by the nudists addresses
    only the fence, which has no impact outside the refuge area.
    
    	Torres also ruled that an impact study was not necessary because
    barring people from the protected area does not harm the environment.
    
    

    Hi there, everyone.  I'm new to this conference, but not to
    Moonstone Beach.  In fact, the first time I was went was about
    10 years ago, and the last time was this passed Sunday. And
    boy, was it crowded!  The parking at Moonstone can be a problem
    if you get there too late.  Sunday it was closed to all except
    town residents.  But that never stops me.  We just go park at
    Green Hill Beach ($10 - even before 1 pm) and walk to Moonstone.
    It only takes about 15 minutes and it's certainly worth it if
    you've just invested 2 hours to drive all the way down there.
    All in all, though, I have noticed a few changes this year in
    the "clientelle".  There's are definate difference in certain
    parts of the beach.  I see it kind of as four different mini-beaches.
    For example, there's a clothed section, a nude family-type section,
    a nude gay section, and a nude/clothed "loner" section.  The latter
    I didn't find too pleasant, since most of the people in that area
    were single men (alone, that is) and just gawked.  We left and
    ventured over the more sociable section where there were more
    couples and people with kids.  The weather was great and we plan
    to keep going back year after year.  And you know, I don't think it
    will ever really close down.  About five years ago, a park ranger
    (who sun-bathes there regularly) said to me, "They've been threatening
    to close this beach for years and years and they never do.  The
    people will never allow it to happen."  I hope he's right.
    
    Glad to find this conference...
    
    - KL
    

    From NENA's _Sun Times_, Volume 53 (August/September 1988):
    
        ... NENA had requested ... that our members continue to use the
        area in front of Card Pond below the fences, which is the same
        area we used last season.  [East of the beach entrance -NF]
        ...This situation was only meant to be short-term. ... NENA
        still asks that members use the area in front of Card Pond below
        the fences if possible.  But if this area is filled with
        beach-goers, as is often the case with our beach reduced to less
        than one-third its size a year ago, we suggest going to the area
        west of the Town Beach (toward Green Hill). Try to provide
        adequate buffer zones between you and the clothed beaches at
        Green Hill and Town Beach; stay in front of the fences; and keep
        the beach clean. 
        
        This should not be construed as a change in NENA's policy of
        concern for the wildlife or the piping plover.  This decision
        was based on the following considerations:  (1) the piping
        plover is in the final stages of its nesting cycle; (2) the
        plover population existed before the fences at Moonstone were
        erected.  The original fence provided better than adequate
        protection, and with the fences now down to the mean high water
        mark there is additional protection; (3) people walking or
        sunbathing a safe distance from the nesting area pose no threat
        to the birds.  However, we have been observing two U.S. F&WS
        four wheel drive jeeps and motorcycles patrolling up and down
        the beach.  According to one expert, motorized vehicles near
        nesting areas are the biggest threat to beach nesting birds, and
        is especially true of piping plovers which have been known to
        die from such traumatic experience. Unfortunately, NENA has no
        control over these government vehicles patrolling the beach. ... 

    For those who care...
    
    I believe that they don't charge for parking at the Moonstone Beach
    Road entrance during weekdays before Memorial Day and after Labor
    Day.
    
    It *IS* kinda there around this time of year if it gets warm enough
    because there's no one there (well, almost no one).  The need
    to put something on in the textile areas is non-existent.  It's
    even possible to walk from and to your car without a stitch on.
    The rangers and lifeguards are gone, as are the porta-johns...AND
    THE CROWDS ARE GONE.

    Just a passing thought....
    
    It's about 13 weeks until the beginning of the official nuding 
    season at Moonstone...

    
    tick....tick....tick....tick....tick....tick....tick....

    re: .49
    
    I don't know...while Memorial Day weekend is usually the start of
    the summer season, it is possible to head down there earlier.  ALot
    of people do go down there at all times of the year, including now.
    Judy (Kilgore) and I drove down there for the hell of it and there
    were alot of people and cars there, even though it was way too cold
    to even go without gloves.

    I would assume that it would be possible to go down there in late
    April or early May.  They start charging for parking in late May.
    
    If I go down there, I'll post a message to see if we can get a bunch
    of people down there.
    
>>>By the way, I'm selling my property at Moonstone ... want to buy?

    Eh? :-)
    
    B.
    

    from NENA _Sun Times_, February/March 1989 (volume 56):

	For the betterment of the beach, and as a public relations tool,
	NENA will sponsor a beach clean-up day on Saturday, April 8 (rain
	date Sunday, April 9), at Moonstone Beach.  We will meet in the
	Town (resident) parking lot which will be open to anyone at 10:00
	am.  This will be approximately the time that USFW will be erecting
	new fences for the 1989 season, so our efforts will be an important
	toward gaining public favor for our cause.  For those who have not
	seen the beach since last season, the USFW never fully removed the
	fences, and that, coupled with the usual winter storms, has left
	crumpled and washed-out fencing in many areas, leading one to
	wonder what care they are really giving this location.  There will
	be a discussion and final presentation at the Annual Meeting on
	April 2nd (the weekend prior).

I was thinking of sending out a message sometime in June to see if a bunch 
of the noters in topic 25 (Moonstone Beach) would like to go to Moonstone
Beach and meet somewhere for the day.  I was going to include all the people 
from this topic in the distribution list, unless anyone doesn't want to be on 
that list.  If anyone else wants to get the notice (and that includes all of 
you read-only noters), send me mail.

Ben

    I hate to further add to a tangent, but why not just post the idea of
    the get-together here, and have people reply to indicate that they are
    going?
    
    Kevin

    RE: .53
    
    I don't want people to clutter up this topic with alot of replies
    that are better served by mail.  Also, alot of people are still
    quite "shy" and not really "out of the closet" when it concerns
    nudism.  Some people might go to Moonstone, but they might not want
    their co-workers to know that just yet.  I don't want to exclude those
    people who might want to go to a nude beach just to see what it's like.
    
    The first person to reply to 25.52 (through mail) is someone that I've 
    never seen in this notesfile.  I've already heard about people who
    have stopped putting in entries in this notesfile because of grief from
    other co-workers.  I don't want this topic to scare people away.
    
    Finally, I heard through one of my friends that someone had said
    something like, "Gee, I'd like to know what those nudists do at
    parties".  Voyeurs like that we don't need if we have people who are
    going to try to be comfortable (and calm) in a socially-nude
    environment for the first time.  For the people who are willing
    to go to a nude, excuse me, I mean, clothing-optional beach for
    the first time, I would like to do what I can to make it a positive
    and enjoyable experience.
    
    So if you're interested in meeting (potential) fellow naturists, send
    mail and I'll send you mail in June.  
    
    Ben
    
    PS: No flames intended above.

    I see your point...
    
    Kevin

    RE: 25.52, 25.54
    
    Please don't REPLY/AUTHOR from reply 25.52.  It seems that
    most nodes don't recognize the address of my workstation.
    I'm on CADSE::
    
    Ben
    

    The following Moonstone Beach "trip report" is being posted for a
    reader of this conference who prefers to remain anonymous.
    
    	-Neil Faiman, moderator
    
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

	On May 18'th 1989 we visited Moonstone. The beach is open, however 
there are fences up around the dune areas and down onto the beach. There is 
one area from the exit of the parking lot to the left (back towards Roy 
Carpenter's beach) that is almost the full depth of the beach for about 1/4 
mile before the fencing really intrudes on the beach area. 

	Once the fencing starts down onto the beach proper the available 
area is very narrow to the end of the clothing optional section and the 
beginning of Roy Carpenter's beach. However, there were a LOT of people 
along the narrow stretch of beach in front of the fence and the tide never 
seemed to be a problem during the day.

	The weather was Fantastic, absolutely a glorious day, very warm, a 
nice sea breeze blowing. The beach was clean and quiet and the water was 
clean (no bad smells).

	The only negative aspect was a few singles that were eye-balling all 
up and down the beach. (Indeed one single lady asked if she could move next 
to me and my wife to get away from the lookers). There are a fair number of 
people that just stroll up and down the beach at the edge of the water still 
clothed just to look. However, thay did'nt bother anybody beyond looking and 
they were quiet (no snide comments). This was my new wifes first experience 
with a nude beach and she totally enjoyed it (enough so that we plan to go 
back this Saturday).

	By the way there was a large number of couples even for a week day.

	If you can visit Moonstone I highly recommend it.

    Aw damn!  *I* wanted to post the first 1989 Moonstone trip
    report! :-)
    
    Yes, I blew off work today and went to sun, er..roast, er...burn,
    (yeah, yeah! That's the ticket) my buns today at Moonstone.
    
    There was no one collecting parking fees today, though I expect
    that to end on Memorial Day.  I don't know if they already
    collect fees on the weekends.
    
    The day was weird.  Around 11, fog ROLLED in and the sun went out.
    The wind picked up and it got REAL cold.  Some people left.
    At 1 pm, the sky cleared up and it got warm again, although
    the breeze kept things bit cooler than it could have been.
    
    I figure that there was around 200 people there...only a few
    people in the textile areas.  I don't know if Moonstone is really
    a totally clothing optional beach or if it's just the beginning
    of the season, but alot of people were walking back and forth
    between the two nude sections and not bothering to cover up while
    in the textile area.  The F&W rangers didn't seem to care.
    Most of the people were in the eastern (smaller) section; there was
    plenty of room in the larger western section.
    
    I found out that there is a guy selling wind beach screens; this would
    have been useful today.  He said that he's there everyday, though
    he left early today.  There's a general store in the area that
    also sells those screens.
    
    It was a decent trip today...a bit nippy, but worth the drive.
    
    Ben

    	I've a question and some information for the Moonstone users.
    
    	First the question. We've been down to Moonstone three times
    so far this year. The first time was absolutely beautiful, very
    warm and NO wind. On both of the subsequent visits the wind was
    unmerciful, extremely windy and a biting, bitter chill (not to mention
    sand blasted!!!!). Is this normal???? We're becoming disillusioned
    with Moonstone because of this. 
    
    	I've noticed a lot of commentary about Wind Screens, typically
    around the topic of Moonstone, is the wind so bad that the only
    way to use this beach is to have to have a Wind Screen? Yesterday
    was the last time we went down and even those with the screens were
    having to leave due to the wind. The problem is that it is a LONG
    drive for us to get to Moonstone (about 2 1/2 hours on average with
    traffic delays, etc.) to find out once there that it's too miserable
    to stay. Trying to use the Weather Forecasts is useless, yesterday
    was supposed to be sunny and warm, HAH. By 1:00 pm the clouds were
    so thick that even without the wind it would have been a waste.
    
    	Perhaps part of my problem is that I moved to the east coast last
    year from Phoenix, Arizona and am accustomed to May being very nice
    and HOT weather (typically in the mid 90's to mid 100's). It is
    very hard to get used to the fact that here we are at the first
    of June and the weather is still so cold.
    
    	Now for the information. It appeared yesterday that since the
    first time we went down to Moonstone (about two weeks ago) that
    the Park Service has dumped a lot of rock and Pea gravel along the
    stretch of the beach that is very narrow (where the fencing comes
    down almost to the high tide point). There were still tire marks
    in the sand and gravel where the trucks had been through. It appears
    that the efforts to close down Moonstone are increasing.
    
    	However, on our first trip a couple of weeks ago we overheard
    some folks talking about the fences and that they would be removed
    after the Piping Plover breeding season was over. Is this true???
    If so that would substantially change the usability of the beach.
    As it is now with the rocks being added, the remaining areas for use 
    around the edges of the fences are very small. If there was a large 
    turnout on the weekend the place would be over run.
    
    	One last observation. I was at Moonstone about three years ago
    and hadn't been back until this last couple of visits. When I was
    there a couple of years ago the area from the end of Roy Carpenter's
    beach to the beginning of Moonstone was open and indeed was how
    you walked from Carpenter's to Moonstone. There was a small sign
    as you entered Moonstone that it was clothing optional. However,
    yesterday at the point where the sign about C/O was there is now
    a large sign that says:
    
    		END OF FEDERAL LAND
                Private Property
    		Do not enter (or no trespassing I don't remember the
    			      exact wording)
    
    	Does this mean that you can no longer park at Roy Carpenter's
    and walk down to Moonstone????

    	To go along with the previous reply I entered and to possibly
    help those interested in going to Moonstone in the future I thought
    a map might help. Also perhaps those that are more familar with
    Moonstone could answer some questions about all of the area's that
    are available for C/O use on Moonstone.
    
    
	I'll try and draw a map using the editor to show where we were, bear 
with the crudness!!!! 




	NOTE:  ***** = Rocks and Pea Gravel pored on beach
    
    	        vv
                vv = End Of Federal Land sign; clothing required somewhere
    		     to the left of this sign (don't know the exact
    		     starting/ending C/O region) 
                                                                      
    
                                   		New York (Long Island)
                       Block Island
    
                         South
                        /
                       North
    
		O	C	E	A	N
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
		B    |	E *****	A ***	C	H
Roy Carpenter's	     |	M **O** O** N   S   T   O   N   E        C/O????->
   Clothed	     |	 N **** U*****  D      E	      
	     vv	    |P |____________	   |			 /--------	
	     vv C/O |  |	    \	   V			/
	      	    |O |    Fence--->\			       /<--Fence	
 D U N E S	    |  |              \	         	      /
____________________|N |	       \___________	    _/
		    |  |        		   \_     _/    D U N E S	
		----|D |			     |    |
		|      -    D U N E S		     |E   |        /--------
		|    	--			     |N   |       /
		/	  -------------------	     |T   |  /---/
	       /			     \_______|R   |_/
	       |    P      O      N     D    /-------|A   |-\ P   O   N   D
	      /                             /        |N   |  \---\
	      |                          /--         |C   |       \-------
	       \________________________/            |E   |    
						     /    |
						    /     |
				|------------------/      \
				|  		  in       \	
				|       P          \       |
				|		    |      |
				|       A           |  R   |
				|                   |      |
				|       R           |  O   |
				|     		    |      |
				|       K           |  A   |
				|                   |      |
				|       I           |  D   |
				|    		    |      |
				|       N           |      |
				|                   |      |
				|       G           \      |
				|                  out     |
				|		    /      |
				--------------------|      |
						    |      |
						    |      |
						    |      |
						    |      |
					Pay for	    |      |
  ^					Parking here|---> X|
  |_________________________________________________|      |
  Road to Roy Carpenter's beach/parking                    |
_and Matunuck Beach Road and Theatre by the Sea_____       |
						    |      |
						    | To   |
						    | Rt. 1|
						    |Moonstone
						    |Exit  | 
						    |  |   |
						    |  V   |
						    |      | 
    

    yeah...
    
    The area to the right (west) of Moonstone Beach Road is also for
    nude use.  The entire length of the beach (about a mile) is
    clothing-optional, all the way to the Green Hills area.
    I usually use that section because it's bigger and less crowded, and
    I can walk a long ways down the beach before having to worry about
    walking into the textile areas.
    
    Some people have expressed concern about people in this section who
    bother single women.  The section to the left is generally more crowded
    and has more family-type people.
    
    B.
    

    The reality of weather on the New England south coast is that May
    is NEVER warm, you seldom get at warm day in June, with luck you
    can have a nice day in July and in August its usually very nice.
    The warm weather direction is from the Southwest but at Moonstone
    that means the wind is comming off the ocean water.  In May and June
    the water is really cold (<60 degress).  As the ocean water warms
    up the sea breazes are milder (in May they are COLD).  By the end
    of August the water is real WARM and Moonstone becomes a great place
    to escape from the hot humid weather. 

OK, let's NOT put a damper on this weekend at Moonstone.  Think sunshine, 
warmth and no wind!  Hope you all have a super time!

If you want to know when it is cold at Moonstone, try January!  Right, Ben?
:-)

Judy

    Ha! It's going to be hot, humid and sunny this weekend in this area.
    
    B.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
              H

This morning on the news in Colorado, they said the beaches in Rhode Island 
are closed due to the oil-spill.  Does that mean it got Moonstone?  How awful!

Judy

    British TV news this morning gave as one of the reasons for stopping
    use of polluted beaches and bathing areas that "oil reacts with
    the artifical fibres in most bathing suits..."
    
    which is just one more reason to leave the textiles in the changing
    areas...
    
    /. Ian .\

    Does anyone know if Moonstone has been affected by the Newport oil
    spill?  
    

    re:13
    
    Judy,
    
    Fortunately, the beaches are O.K.  It turns out that a much smaller
    amount of oil than originally believed leaked from the tanker, and
    since it was #2 heating oil, it was very light.  90% of the oil
    had already evaporated by yesterday afternoon and people were on
    the beaches of Newport (only several hundred yards from the tanker)
    sunning and swimming.
    
    We were fortunate this time that not too much permanent damage was
    done - but still, I can't believe that this continues.  3 oil spills
    in one weekend!  My heart breaks for all of the poor animals that
    must suffer due to human error and inconsideration.
    
    - Kathryn
    

    We're planning on going to Moonstone for National Nude Weekend on the
    8th-9th, and [not to turn this into a general travel notesfile, but...]
    is there anyplace reasonably inexpensive to stay in the area?  (It's
    too long a drive from Nashua)... The Comfort Inn in South Kingston is 
    $91/night!
    
    BTW, are any other noters planning on being there?

This being my first opportunity to participate in NNW, I belive I may
go either to Moonstone or to the Ledges on Saturday. And if I can convince
a guest arriving Saturday night that she should join me we will make it
Sunday also.

I live in Derry so its a long haul to Moonstone for me.


Jim

re:-2
    
    My husband and I are going to "rough it" this weekend and go
    camping.  My sister said there is a  nice campground in the
    area that she's stayed in (in a town called Burlingame) but
    that I'd have to look at a map - she couldn't remember directions
    offhand.  Anyway, if you're looking for an inexpensive way to
    spend the weekend, camping is one solution.  Whatever you do,
    hope you have fun!
    
    - Kathryn
    

    RE: .73 (Kathryn) - Burlingame State Park is a very nice, HUGE camping
    facility (in excess of 1,000 sites, if I remember correctly).  It
    is reasonable priced ($7 for out-of-staters?), and close to shopping
    and restaurants.  Unfortunately, it's about 1/2 hour from Moonstone.
    I would definitely recommend it, though.  I will probably be spending
    a few days there in a couple weeks.
    
    See you all at the beach!  Enjoy what will be a GREAT holiday weekend,
    at least in sunny New England!  ;^)
    
    Jack

    Thanks, Jack!  Half an hour isn't too bad - as long as it's not
    2 hours like the drive from our house.  Unfortunately we're not
    going to be able to get out on the 8th or 9th, but I think we'll
    just make the most of this weekend.  I'll bet Moonstone is packed!
    
    - K
    

    Deb,
    
    Well, we spent Sunday night at Burlingame State Park camping and
    here's my report:
    
    It's approximately 10-15 minutes from Moonstone right off of
    rte. 1 in Charlestown.  There are about 650-700 campsites and
    they fill up early and don't take reservations over the phone.
    They will, however, tell you if you call how many sites are left
    and what your chances are of getting one.  Also, if they're filled,
    they'll help you find a place to stay in another capmpground.  All
    in all, camping turned out to be a nice experience.  Our day at
    Moonstone, though, is another story.  I'll write about that later.
    
    Also, I ran into a friend at the beach who was staying at Hathaway's
    in Charlestown - he said it's nice and clean and inexpensive.  Approx.
    $50 per night for an efficiency.  He also said that quite a few
    Moonstone goers stay there.  Call information for the phone number.
    You can also find a lot of interesting places just by exploring
    Charlestown and Westerly.  All is very close to Moonstone.
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Try calling the Housing Office at Univ. of R.I.  Since its summer, 
    there are plenty of empty dorms.  We stayed one night a couple of 
    years ago for a couple of bucks.  They hand you clean sheets at the 
    office.  *If* they ask you if you are an alumnus, say YES.  The
    money goes to the university upkeep anyhow - a good cause.  And
    otherwise, the rooms remain empty. (I happen to be an alumnus, but 
    didn't carry proof.  And yes, yes, yes, I did spend much of my 
    college summers on moonstone!)
    
    If you can bring bicycles, moonstone is only a 20-30 minute bike ride 
    down a beautiful road.  Bring a map to determine the road.  Also by 
    bicycling, you escape the parking hassle. ;-)  If your group is not into
    that kind of bike ride (!) there's another alternative.  Drive out
    to moonstone with one bicycle on your car.  At the moonstone parking
    lot tollbooth, drop off the passengers in your car and let them
    walk the short distance to the beach.  (No fee for walk-ins.)  Drive
    east down Matunuck Road, past the Theatre-by-the-Sea, past the trailor
    parks and bars of Matunuck village, till you come to a small state
    parking area.  It's free, and few people know about it (until now!).
    Park there, take your bicycle off your car and ride it back to
    moonstone.  Lock it on one of the No Parking signs and meet your
    friends on the beach.
    
    When you get to moonstone, ride around a little and explore.  
    There's a gorgeous
    bird sanctuary that's less than a 5 minute bike ride away.  (Since
    there are no deer in this area, there are no lyme ticks - but there
    are regular ticks there.  Wear shoes,socks and pants and check each
    other out ;-) from time to time.)  In the early summer, you'll see baby
    bunnies too young to be afraid of you.  You'll also find protected
    coves filled with giant swans going through their mating rituals.
    Incidentally, I have gotten away with parking at the bird santuary 
    and walking to moonstone.  (Don't say I said you could do it though!)
    
    Also, with the money you save by sleeping in a dorm and not paying
    the rediculous parking fee or fine, buy tickets to the show at the
    Matunuck Theatre-By-The-Sea.  Its a great thing to do on a hot summer
    evening.  The actors, set designers, directors, etc., are Broadway
    and off-Broadway professionals who come to this lovely area for the
    summer.  And the shows they perform are light, fun, sexy, and cheerful.
    Perfect summer-time fare.
             
    And, when in season, get a dozen ears of RI sweet corn.  The best
    sweet corn in the *world*.                 
    
    Incidentally, I know the RI beaches *real* well and would be happy 
    to answer questions.
              
    Surfs Up!                         
    
    

    Here's an alternative route from central MA that I find easier and
    faster.  If you live outside of 495, and are at all close to 190 or
    290 (say Shrewsbury and points west), this route makes sense.
    
    I take 190 in North Central MA to 290 in Worcester (westbound from the
    190 terminus).  Take route 146 from Worcester to I 295 outside of
    Providence.  There's some construction on 146 near Providence, and
    they've started stripping the asphalt at the 146/295 interchange, so
    you may have traffic on work days, but on weekends it's pretty empty. 
    Take 295 South until it joins up with 95 south of Providence, and
    continue with the previous directions.  The exit from 95 south onto
    route 4 is a left hand exit, as is the exit northbound (return trip)
    from 95 onto 295.
    
    From Townsend MA it takes me about 2 hours, going at the speed limit.
    
       Gary

    I just learned that staying at Univ. of RI now costs $35. per night.
                                                   
    
    

    Camping is cheaper ($12 per night at Burlingame), closer, and more
    fun.  Come on folks, where's your spirit?  Dig out those tents and
    sleeping bags and *really* get into nature!

    Here is another missive from NENA about Moonstone Beach.  I've deleted
    some bits about National Nude Day, now past (July 8).  Also, alternate
    paragraphs of the paragraph were entirely in capital letters; I've
    changed that to make the whole thing more readable.

	-Neil

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 SPECIAL  ***  ANNOUNCEMENT  ***  SPECIAL

    [Announcement of National Nude Day mass protest rally]

    First of all, the Piping Plovers (rhymes with lovers!) are breeding
    successfully at the beach.  A threatened species, they deserve our
    support.  N.E.N.A. is a conservation organization promoting coexistence
    of people and wildlife.  While we're on the subject, don't leave
    edibles on the beach and don't feed the gulls.  Why?  Herring Gulls are
    over- populated aggressive predators that eat the young of smaller
    birds. Don't encourage them.

    Once again the fish and wildlife service sees fit to fence the entire
    8000-foot shore, not even leaving us -- the established users -- a
    beachfront of a few hundred feet.  To intimidate us they send
    uniformed rangers with sidearms.  But intimidation has its limits.  Are
    we brave enough to  challenge their presumed authority?  More on that
    later.

    Except at high tide we still have an adequate beach, with room even for
    a  volleyball net.  Some members have discovered the far (eastern) end
    of the  beach where the fences stop.  A dubious sign says PRIVATE.  If
    you use this spacious beach, keep well away from the houses farther up
    the shore.  Don't let others go nude near these houses.

    A word to the growing number of disgruntled beachgoers who are
    threatening to topple the fence or snip away at it with wire cutters:
    N.E.N.A. DOES NOT CONDONE ANY ACT OF VANDALISM.  It can only work
    against us.  Public support on the beach access issue is our best card.
    Our adversaries would like to make us look irresponsible and heedless
    of wildlife.  We want to be visible in the media, but in the right way.
    If you would do something direct and powerful to reclaim the beach,
    read on.

    [More info on Nude Day activities and protest plans]

<    beach.  Also, bring a YELLOW RIBBON which we will tie to the fence
<    to symbolically liberate Moonstone from Washington and give it back
<    to the people of Rhode Island.


   Because of the above passage extracted from note 24.3, I did not go to 
Moonstone for National Nude Weekend.  I feel very strong about protecting 
endangered species, and also feel that naturist tend to disrupt the 
ecology less then average beachgoers.  My biggest problem with the above 
statement is that the c/o beach exists because Moonstone is on Federal Land.
If moonstone was returned to Rhode Island, then nude use would end.  I think 
many people underestimate the Federal governments role in protecting our 
freedoms.

   Now I found out how wrong I was about the Feds doing what was necessary to 
protect the Piping Plover.  Channel 5 showed an episode of Chronicle Last week
(not sure of the day I taped it, then watched it last night) about Monomy 
Islands NW Refuge(� the islands off the tip of southeast Cape Cod).  At Monomy 
they only build fencing about 10 feet around individual nests.  The Ranger said 
they discourage beachgoers from approaching the nests, but peoples natural 
tendency was to sit next to them.  Now I feel the Feds definitely have ulterior
motives at Moonstone.  

Brian

    I FINALLY SAW ONE OF THEM!
    
    Stan brought along a birding telescope last week and we were looking
    around for the birds (among other things :-)).  We found a nest of the
    Piping Plovers, but I didn't see the babies.
    
    B.
    

    Today was *WEIRD*...
    
    I remember high tide being around 4 pm last week at Moonstone.
    
    Today, the water kept washing up to the fence and beyond all morning
    until around 11:30...alot of people were washed away! :-)
    Some people were smart and brought chairs, but alot of beach towels got
    wet.
    
    I've been parking at Roy Carpenter's Beach lately.  It's much nicer
    because it much cheaper ($7 during the week, $10 weekend) and they
    have a real restroom there.  I think the snack bar also has showers
    for the beach-goers.  The only problem is the walk...it's a hefty
    walk, especially if you're carrying alot (like me :-( ) 
    
    Oh yes,...the guy who sells windscreens is still at Moonstone everyday.
    $23 for a fifteen foot screen with four steel poles.  The nylon
    material is the same as used in parachutes.
    
    B.
    
    

    
    I'm confused by the tides as well. 
    
    On Sunday, 7/23 the high tide occured at 11:30 and we sat with
    our backs to the fence for about a half hour :-)
    
    On Sunday, 7/30 the tide was low at about 11:30-noon and didn't
    seem to come up too much all day.
    
    A ranger told me that when they have a full moon the high tide
    goes up to about 10-15 feet behind the fence!!!
                        
    Sue

    I have another question....
    
    Does anyone feel 'funny' the day after spending a lot of time
    in the water at Moonstone? 

    re:-1
    
    What do you mean by feeling "funny"?
    
    - K
    

    Well....how do I put this delicately? ....Shall we say that
    frequent trips to the bathroom are required the day after 
    I've been in the water at Moonstone.
    
    I've decided there's some sort of bacteria in the water that
    wreaks havoc with my system.  I'm always fine within 24-48
    hours though so it couldn't be anything too bad.

    
    Re .87, .88
    
       I've never been to Moonstone, but I do know something about tides in
    case you're interested.
    
       In general, high tide occurs about 50 minutes later each day (from
    the previous day's high tide). If you propagate this over 7 days,
    you'll find that high tide will vary about 6 hours from one week to the
    next. (N.B.: The same applies to the time of low tide.)
    
      In addition, there is about a 6 hour difference between the time that
    high tide occurs and the time the following low tide will arrive.
    
       Other notes:
          1) This applies only to the northeast coastal areas. Things are
       different on the west coast and also to the south.
    
          2) The day-to-day difference in the time between high tides will
       vary based on different positions of the moon and sun, however, the
       cycle described above will eventually return.
    
          3) The height of the tide on any given day will also vary based
       on the earth-moon-sun interaction (gravitational pull, ya know) as
       well as the contours of the coast in any given area.
    
       You might also want to look in your local papers for the day's tide
    table which will give a relatively accurate prediction of the time of
    high tide at various locations. (Newspapers that provide the tide
    tables generally place them in the weather section.)
    
       Happy tide (and plover) watching!
    
    
    Frank
    

    I thought it was the moon, but I didn't think that one week would make
    such a difference.  Of course, one week is also equal to one quarter
    phase of the moon...I guess that would do it.  Oh damn...that should
    make the cycle happen again in two weeks, right?  argh...
    
    B.

note rescued by moderator from "being written"

================================================================================
GUCCI::BENSON                                         0 lines   7-AUG-1989 08:11
                        -< Water, Water Everywhere ... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    As noted, the ocean tide results from the gravitational interaction
    between the Sun, Moon, and Earth.  The Moon plays the predominate
    role from our point-of-view, and since the Earth rotates beneath
    the moon roughly once each day, our tide peaks and valleys coincide
    with its position directly above us, directly below us, and at the
    two points of quadrature.  That is, every 6 hours we experience
    low or high tide.  
    
    Our greatest extremes of tides (spring tide) occur when the Sun,
    Moon, and Earth are in alignment.  Our weakest tides (neap tide)
    occur when they are in quadrature.
    
    Lots of geographical factors influence the local manifestation of
    the tide -- shape of the bottom, shape of the inlet, latitude,
    orientation, etc.  These factors cause a relatively simple celestial
    model to become a very complex prediction -- virtually an art. 

    re.92
    
    Thanks for the info, that's interesting.
    
    Now, did anyone see the tides yesterday?!!  It was amazing!
    
    I got there at 12:30 (high tide was 11:40).  I could hear the surf
    from the car, which I'd ever noticed before and when I got onto
    the beach everyone was standing due to the fact that the water
    was washing up to the lifeguard station and way past the fences!
    
    The ranger attributed it to hurricane Dean.  So once again I sat
    with my back to the fence and my stuff hung on the fence for most
    of the afternoon.  Didn't venture into the water but got some sun
    anyway.

I spent a Sunday at Moonstone (last weekend, not 8/6) and I got up in the middle
of the night 11 times!!!  I was not sure if it was the slight burn (no important
parts burned, thank goodness) I received or what.  I'm glad you mentioned it.
I'm curious: I did not "go" as much as it felt like I had to.  Was this the
case with you also?

Tim

    Yes, but I didn't suffer as badly as you did.  I was fine until
    Monday morning, bad all day Monday, then fine by Tuesday.

re .98, I know that a claim that the government has incorrectly located the
mean high tide line at Moonstone, and/or placed the fences incorrectly, is
part of the NENA legal challenge.  I don't know any further details.

	-Neil

    
    How much does it cost to park at MOONSTONE on weekdays?
    

    RE: Parking...
    
    Weekdays:
    $10 for residents, and $20 for everyone else.
    $10 after 1 pm...
    
    At Roy Carpenter's Beach, $7 weekdays, $10 weekends, for everyone
    

    fyi...the fences are still up...
    
    I saw one of the rangers climb over the fence with a blanket and 
    disappear over the dunes.  She came back later with a big box or
    something, covered by the blanket.  She put the thing in the pickup
    and drove away.  I wonder what it was...
    
    It was hot today...almost no wind...

    re:-1
    
    Probably little birds, Ben
    
    - K
    

    The fences are supposed to come down August 31st, right?  So that means
    the beach will be back-to-normal for Labor Day weekend!  What happened
    last year - did they really take them down the end of August?

    FYI...
    
    The fences are down...wonderful...now, if they can just get rid
    of the @#$%^&** flies!  Those things bite!  There *ARE* places where
    no human being should get insect bites. :-) :-)
    
    There were quite a number of people at the beach today.  A volleyball
    net was set up in the eastern CO section and was enthusiastically 
    being used all day.

excerpted from a NENA mailing, and reprinted here without endorsement:

	URGENT!!

	Moonstone Beach may be closed next April!
	Look where the fences are now!
	They may be in the water next spring!
	Make your voice heard.  Stop the fences!

	-----------------------------------------

	The New England Naturist Association (N.E.N.A.) Inc., has
	scheduled a special meeting for its members and other
	Moonstone users to address this issue.

	...

	The Special Meeting will be held on Sunday October 15, 1989
	at the Quality Inn, Rte 1 South, (Post Road) in South Kingston, RI
	at the intersection of Rte 1 and Rte 138 West (near "The Tower"
	landmark).  Meeting time is 2:00 pm.

	------------------------------------------

	Pass this information on to other "Moonstoners" who may not
	get this flyer in the mail or at the beach.  We want every
	possible person to be there!

Neil,  Is there an address of where people can write regarding Moonstone?
I would be interested in attending the meeting, but for obvious reasons,
can't make it.  I would like to at least write and express my opinion about
the situation.

Judy

New England Naturist Association, Inc.
Box 3209 - Wayland Square
Providence, RI 02906
(annual membership:  $25/household)

    I wonder how they'll get people from NENA to help put up the fences
    for next year...
    
    B.

      Does anyone have an update on what went down at the meeting at
    the Quality Inn concerning the future of Moonstone ???
    
    Dan - who hasnt logged in in a while and would be bummed if Moonstone
          shuts down
    
    
    
    
    
    

They said that they wouldn't be hearing about the official status of Moonstone
until later in the year, which is about now.  With the season starting soon
and everyone getting itchy from the current bout of warm weather, I would
imagine that the people from NENA would have heard by now.  Has any of the
NENA members here heard of anything yet?  I think that there should be some
information available at the next NENA Swim this Saturday.

At the meeting, there were some people who were planning on protesting at the
fence, even to the point of getting arrested and making a major court case 
out of it.  On the other hand, there were some people who weren't willing
to push it that far and didn't want to force a confrontation on the beach
and in the courts.

B.

	I thought I heard the newscaster on WPRI-TV (out of Providence)
  	that Moonstone would be "off limits to humans" during the Spring
	and Summer because of the piping plover nesting.

	Perhaps there will be more information about it in the 6 o'clock
	report...unfortunately, I have no access to a television here at
	work, so I won't be able to watch and report...

	_Marc.

    A friend of mine called last night to confirm that they're going to be
    basically moving the fences into the ocean until September 1st. :-(

    From the Boston Herald, Thursday, March 15, 1990
    Reprinted without permission
    
    NUDISTS BARE ANGER OVER BIRDS_ONLY BEACH
    
    By Paul Sullivan
    
    South Kingston, R.I. - A group of nudists is steaming mad because
    Uncle Sam has ruled their beach is for the birds.
    
    Michael Colonna of Medford, Mass., a member of the New England Naturist
    Association, said the ruling was "the ultimate insult, and he predicted
    that the nudists would fight the decision.
    
    The "insult" was announced yesterday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
    Service, which ruled Moonstone Beach, South Kingston, R.I., part of
    which was for nudists, would be closed every spring and summer to
    protect the plover, an endangered shore bird.
    
    The agency fenced off Moonstone in 1988 and 1989, but failed to stop
    thousands of bathers, many of them nudists, from flocking to the
    mile-long beach.
    
    Nudists made do with a thin strip of sand between the fence and the
    water, and clothed bathers were left with an adjacent stretch that
    the service leased to South Kingston for use as a municipal beach.
    
    Now that the lease will be cancelled and a fence will be erected
    so close to the water that people will be, in effect, banned from
    the area.
    
    James Kurth, who manages Moonstone and the surrounding Trustom Pond
    Wildlife Sanctuary, said tougher action is needed because plovers
    have had to dodge bathers to reach their feeding area at the water's
    edge.
    
    A report he unveiled compared the plovers' plight to "forcing a human
    child to run around the dining room table many times after every
    mouthful of food before allowing him to eat another bite."
    
    Colonna inferred the report is full of birdseed.  "The true problem
    with the birds is they are not nesting deep enough and the predators
    are eating their nests."
    
    Colonna added, "We're going to have a special meeting of the board
    and we will discuss what legal measures we can take."
    
    He said nudists have been using Moonstone for the past 50 years and
    as many as 2,000 use it on summer weekends.
    

    Any idea when they would be putting up the fences?
    
    B.

    Well, Ben, the article said this Spring and Summer.  According to
    my calendar, Tuesday the 20th is the first day of Spring, so perhaps
    the fences will go up this weekend.  I'm don't really know, but that's
    my guess.
    
    - K
    

    April 1st thru Sept 1st is what I heard.  

    Sounds logical to me.
    

    I heard this from Dennis Kirkpatrick of NENA:
    
    There are two sets of fences at Moonstone now.
    One is in the usual place and there is another fence closer to the
    water.  There's about 10-15 feet of sand at low tide.
    
    There are rangers at the end of Moonstone Beach Road who tell everyone
    that the beach is closed, but I don't think they can legally deny
    access to the beach from there, particular since someone's house
    is right on the beach.
    
    NENA is dropping its current suit against the FWS and trying to join
    a coalition of other groups to restore free access to the beach.
    They want to remove the nudity issue from the suit since the media
    always seem to bring that up.  The ACLU might be getting into the
    act, but I'm not sure.  They figure that the South Kingston area
    will be losing about 6.9 million dollars in fees and business revenue
    from the beach closing (from about 174,000 annual one-person beach
    visits).
    
    According to some FWS official, there are about 1000 nesting pairs
    of piping plovers on the east coast.  92% of them are in Virginia.
    Of the remaining 8%, 70% of them are scattered around New England,
    and most of them are at refuges where they are thriving.  The FWS
    people at Moonstone are not managing this refuge well since they
    don't take care of various problems:
    
      o The beach is too low for the nests; they get washed away,
        particular during a typical New England storm.  I think
        they call it a barrier beach.
    
      o The Moonstone refuge was built out of useless farmland in a
        residential area, where the nests can be attacked by the local dogs and
        other animals.  Other refuges are on protected land and away
        from homes.
    
      o There is no protection from the gulls which eat the plovers' eggs.
        Other refuges put up shelters over the nest to protect them
        from the gulls.
    
      o The plovers at Moonstone are not thriving as they are at other
        sites, particularly the one on the cape going from 6 pairs a few
        years ago to 36 pairs.

    re. -1
    
    Interesting, thanks for entering that!  I read a small piece in the
    Globe last week that said that the conservationists in MA aren't
    worried about the plovers any more, because they have made such a
    good comeback in the past few years.  
    
    I hope we get the beach back and quick.. the little boys who live
    either side of me have learned how to climb trees, so my back yard
    isn't as private as it used to be!! 
    
    Sue

    
      
    I wouldn't consider it any kind of victory for NENA or any other
    group if access to the beach was allowed again, but the fences were
    not taken down.  I would rather see the area close the beach 
    completely, and loose 6.9 million dollars for the year.
    
    They then would join the fight, and I think a solution would be found
    somehow.  
    
    paul

Tearing down the fences completely would put the town and the naturists in a bad
light because it shows that there is no concern for an endangered species.

What NENA wants to do is work with the FWS to help bring up the Plover 
population AND allow access to the beach.  This would be a win-win situation
and improve the naturists' image.  NENA is already fighting the beach fencing
by trying to involve other non-nudist groups since the media usually portrays
the problem as "nudists versus endangered animals".  The naturists can't win
against this argument.

B.

    The following excerpts are from an article titled "Moonstone Beach
    Update -- Don't Believe What You Read in the Papers", from _The New
    England Naturist_ (the NENA newsletter, formerly _Sun Times_), volume
    10, number 2.

	"PLOVERS PREVAIL - MOONSTONE CLOSED TO AID BIRDS" is what the
	headline said in the Wednesday, March 14, 1990 edition of the
	_Providence Journal_ newspaper.  ... What it failed to state though
	is that the news is a good year or more old.  Moonstone Beach, at
	least the federally-owned section, was effectively "closed" when
	the fences went up on the beach last year.  ... So why the big
	front page announcement?  Sabre-rattling and scare tactics, of
	course.  The USFWS has made many such announcements in the last few
	years, each time getting "tougher" in an attempt to discourage
	people from even trying to come to Moonstone.  This tactic has, in
	fact, worked judging from the number of people that have called us
	thinking -- or having "heard" -- that the beach was closed. ...

	What is the real story?  Well, it's pretty much the same.  We know
	that Moonstone Beach Road is a state right-of-way all the way down
	to the water that cannot be fenced.  The state maintains rights
	over this and 50 feet to either side on the beach proper.  The
	small gray beach house has its own private footage on the beach
	that is not owned by the Refuge, adding another 100 feet or so.
	The Town has previously stated that, regardless of the fact that
	they have established another beachfront for the Township beyond
	Roy Carpenter's beach, they do not intend to abandon their section
	of Moonstone, nor give up the thousands of dollars in parking fees
	that they collect there every season.  Keep in mind that a permit
	to operate the Town beach was initially refused South Kingston last
	year, but when the Town showed its legal right to public access --
	regardless of permits being issued -- the USFWS granted one anyway
	and gave them their traditional frontage. ... The State, through
	the Attorney General's Office, has indicated that it is not willing
	to grant an easement to USFWS to totally fence the intertidal zone
	or to restrict public access to the public state land at this
	location.  Bottom line -- status quo, at least for now.

    The article goes on to say that NENA has ended its court case against
    USFWS, having decided that it is more productive (and cheaper) to try
    and negotiate with them than to sue them.

I was going to post the article from the NENA newsletter, but it didn't
seem to match what I was told at the last NENA swim. 

B.

    It will be interesting to see what happens this weekend at Moonstone
    now that the weather is supposed to be warm and humid. I have been 
    to Moonstaone in the past and found the people there very friendly 
    and will sure miss it if in fact it will close.
    
    Ron
    

    I hope you can all enjoy Moonstone, I did when I was there last year. 
    
    We had what will probably be our last day at Reef Beach on Wed, its
    nice to feel the sun, wind and water on all the skin. 
    
    Enjoy your summer while I hibernate through winter.
    
Peter.    

    well folks i hate to be the one to break the news but moonstone is 
    closed. i drove down this morning and i couldn't beleive it as you 
    walk in there is a huge sign that says "BEACH CLOSED"  along the path
    and the beach has poles all the waw down to the water on both sides 
    with yellow rope blocking entrance. there are also a ton of signs 
    that it is a federal offense to tresspass.....
    
    looks like i'll be spending allot more time on the vineyard this 
    summer....
    
    jim
     

    It sure is quiet in this file since Moonstone was closed. I'm sure a
    lot of people will sure miss the beach this summer...
    Ron
    

Of course, it's still "early"...the "nuding" season usually starts on 
Memorial Day.

The talk these days deal with going to the Ledges or Solair, or attending the
various NENA activities around here.  There is a NENA whale watch in August
that kinda sounds interesting...

B.

    
    
    At the annual NENA meeting last month, someone said that two people
    went behind the new rope fences and were given $500 tickets.
    
    Looks like they ARE getting tough on tresspassers!!!!!
    
    Bob
    

    At the NENA swim on Saturday, they handed out some pamphlet with an
    update on Moonstone.  The only thing I remember from it was about
    trying to establish another location for nude sunbathing further
    west (west of Green Hills) until the situation at Moonstone is
    settled.
    
    B.

    Did anyone go down to Moonstone during the memorial day weekend?  Did
    the 'barricades' hold?  As the beach weather commences, will I really
    have to contend with a summer without Moonstone?
    
    Seeking good news,
    
    Russ

    Does ANYONE have any news, good or bad, concerning Moonstone ?
    Somebody must have been down that way during this past weekend.
    Come on Ben, give us the latest.

Nope...haven't had time to get down there...I might take a day off this week or
next and check out the place. 

B.

    I went down to Moonstone yesterday and this is the story... If you go
    down the town road to the beach (where they charged $20 to park) you
    will find large "BEACH CLOSED" signs and the beach has been roped off
    past the mean highwater mark - a very depressing sight.  There are also
    2 rangers there to 'enforce' the law.  
    
    However, all is not completely lost.  There is a small portion of the
    beach that people are using.  Its located at the western part of beach,
    which is the side towards carpenters.  There was a little patch of beach 
    that the Wildlife Service did not fence off.  In addition NENA worked
    about an arrangement with the owner of the abutting beach (I heard 2
    different stories about who is the owner of this land -its either the
    Theatre by the Sea or the private house nearby) to use a small portion
    of the their beach.  Bottom line is that there is about 100 yards of
    beach that people are using.  At high tide there is a real problem
    since the water goes up almost up to the dunes. High tide down there
    was at 3:30 pm. If you want to figure out when high tide is, by my
    calcutions subtract 3 hours from the Boston Harbor high tide which is
    published in the paper.  
      
    
    Russ

    I Don't imagine they still charge you the $20 bucks, or do they
    ???
    
    
                                                       Dan . . .

    You can no longer park at the town parking lot (they used to charge
    $20) because that portion of the beach is closed.  Park at Carpenters
    (for $10) and walk west (right) to the CO section.

    I went to Roy Carpenters beach on July 3 and was pleased to see that
    after paying their parking fee of $10 I could then walk west to the
    small bit of beach between RC's and Moonstone and not worry about
    taking my suit off.

    This is great, methinks, and the decision was made to return on
    the following day, July 4.  I get down there only to find a members
    only sign posted and a rope barrier put up that extends down to the 
    low tide mark.  NENA folks were collecting $5., handing out membership
    apps and stating that the night before they had signed a lease with
    the owner, someone named Jesse, who'd given them a "one-hour" lease
    for the summer.  NENA, in return, had promised to hire a policeman
    to patrol (to keep non-members from plopping themselves down as well
    as to keep the gawkers moving as they walk through the naturist area).

    The memberships they were quoting then was a $100. non-voting one that
    would require a (approximately) $10. daily fee for using their section
    of beach or a $250. voting membership which would require a smaller
    (perhaps $5. daily usage fee for the beach).  Both of these membership
    fees are to be renewed annually.

    They, of course, have no control over the continuation of the lease,
    the increases in parking fees for parking at RC's (you must park there
    because there is no road access or parking for this small stretch of
    NENA beach), nor can they offer any facilities (must walk back down to
    RCs to use the toilet) or lifeguards (doesn't really bother me, but
    would be nice if we're expected to pay all this money.)

    What gets me is how even NENA is laying claim to the only bit of beach
    we could find.  I see NENA's involvement as excessive and to me they
    can't guarantee me enough regarding usage of this beach to make me want
    to join their organization.

    All I want is to be able to go to the beach, a *salt-water* beach, and
    be able to lie there without any hassle.  I'm not interested in social
    swims or any lake they *might* gain access to in the future.  

    I think that by requiring me to join their organization in order to 
    get on this beach, they are imposing the same sort of restrictions on 
    my activities as the Federal government did at Moonstone and all the 
    local governments have done up and down the East Coast.  

    Of course, I haven't been down since then due to other obligations
    and would love to know how the situation has developed since then.
    (There were people on the beach on July 4 challenging the folks from
    NENA, asking to see the lease and challenging this Jesse's right to
    sign a lease with NENA, questioning the ownership of that stretch
    of beach.)

    Has anyone been down lately?  What's the scoop?

    Glad to see the notesfile back up again, thanks for all the work Neil!!

    Sue
    

>>    The memberships they were quoting then was a $100. non-voting one that
>>    would require a (approximately) $10. daily fee for using their section
>>    of beach or a $250. voting membership which would require a smaller
>>    $5. daily usage fee for the beach).  Both of these membership
>>    fees are to be renewed annually.

	WHAT?

	Normal NENA membership isn't even close to that!
  
	A bunch of us are thinking of going down there one of these weekdays
	to check out the situation for ourselves.

B.

    
    I'm hoping to go this Saturday myself, but depending on when you
    go, I'd be willing to take a day during the week.
    
    So, the normal membership fees aren't close to that?!  And you 
    haven't been contacted about possible fee hikes when you renew?
    
    Sue

    Last time I checked, NENA membership was $20 or $25...
    That's what I paid back 8 months or so...
    
    $250 is the sort of range for a private resort/club like Solair
    that has some land to keep up.  Of course, NENA is buying some land
    somewhere to use because Moonstone's been closed.
    
    B.

     I was there a short while ago and NENA had an informative meeting
    right there on the beach.  It seems that the land that they have
    leased is owned by Theater by the Sea, (Jesse).  Part of the agreement
    was that the beach would be "kept up".  This included raking up
    seaweed and burying it, shoveling rocks from the high water mark
    and making a retaining barrier at the dunes, as well as putting
    up a permanent fence at the boundaries.  There was also a lawyer
    there that gabbed for a while about liabilities due to swimming
    hazards, and a zillion other possible but not probable scenarios.
    From what I understood, It would cost NENA members $5 a day for
    use of the beach, and nonmembers could get a "one day" membership
    for $10 which would be on top of the $5 beach fee, making a total
    of $15 dollars per visit for nonmembers.  As far as the beach upkeep,
    is concerned, NENA members seemed quite willing to take there turns
    at the shovel and wheel barrow, and everyone was having a grand
    ole time.   Is was quite clear that this is the final stand for
    NENA having a section of beach on this coast.  Its either, work
    around all the complications of NENA leasing this land, or not
    have any beach at all.   There was talk about some people trying
    to establish a c/o section on east beach, (which was encouraged
    by the town mucky mucks, in the spring) but then they past a rule
    that you cannot use windscreens on the beach because, "people are
    taking there clothes of behind them".  So it seems no matter what
    the situation, the state is eventually gonna get there way.  

    So what's this about a $100 membership fee?  
    
    Is the status now that NENA members have to pay $5 to "get into" the
    beach?   How much beach is there _now_?  Are there still fences in the
    water?
    
    This has been _very_ frustrating!  The story changes constantly, and
    I'm not about to drive over 100 miles to the beach only to find out
    there's no beach.  

    I went down there for the first time this year on July 14th. I was VERY
    surprised to find the NENA members' "gate" to a small (maybe 50/60
    yards) beach right before the old Moonstone area. At the gate I was
    confronted (that's the word !) by a NENA member who gave me the spiel
    about the lease and also words about that now that the beach is small,
    especially at high tide, there is a need to keep the numbers down. So
    my choice was to pay a $15 membership fee and I believe it is a
    week-end rate daily fee of $10, or basically leave. I chose the latter
    and walked back down the beach for about an hour to cool off (and I
    don't mean physically).
    The thought that kept popping to mind was that these "NENA people" were
    making the use of Moonstone into an elitist sport like polo. 
    Let me off the air before I get worked up about all over again.

    The scoop on the NENA Beach Charges:
    
    (From a postcard mailing to NENA members, dated July 1990):
    
    "BEACH INFO:  NENA is now leasing the beach!  To offset costs, NENA
    members will be charged $5.00 Fridays & Weekends (free M-Th). 
    Affiliated Club members & guests of NENA members can purchase a day
    membership on the beach at $5.00 M-Th, and $10 Fri., Sat., Sun.  Full
    details in the August newsletter.  Anyone requiring additional info on
    the above can call the NENA Message Center in Bost on [sic] at
    617-327-0273."
    
    Happy Tanning!
    
    Jack 

    Does that mean that if I go down to the beach during the week (m-th)
    I won't have to pay to get on the beach...
    
    Ron
    

    
    Mon - Thurs. you'll only have to pay the $7.00 to park at Roy
    Carpenter's lot.
    

    If what they told me 2 weeks ago still holds true, then it will cost
    you $15 for a "limited" membership and $5 for the privilege of using
    about 15 square feet of their precious sand.
    
    (Geesh, now I am getting steamed up again just thinking about it !)
    
    P.S. That's $5 for each day you go during the week, $10 on weekends.)

    From what I have seen in the past that beach has to be the cleanest
    beach I've been to . So it should not take to much to keep it up. 
    Most of the people go out of there way to keep it clean. It may be
    worth the money to go and relax and not have to look at over filled
    trash cans. But it still not clear why I have to become a member if 
    all I want to do is relax in the sun at a beach. Is this beach going 
    to become a private beach or will it still be open to the public?
    
    Ron
    
    

I would assume that the current beach reverts back to a private beach once
the fences come down.

They usually take down the fences in September.  Last year, the ENTIRE beach
was filled with people after they took down the fences (or was it the year
before).  It's probably still warm enough then to enjoy the beach.

B.

Ah, remember the good ol' days, when -

	there were no fences,
	the C/O beach was several hundred yards long,
	you could enjoy a dip in the ocean or even the fresh water pond and
		event use floatation devices,
	you didn't have to be a R.I. resident to park in the Moonstone
                parkinglot if you arrived early enough,
        there weren't all these hassles.

Oh, to be young, again....sigh

-jim

    
    Anyone see the article in the New England section of the Sunday
    Globe regarding NENA members finding "a place in the sun"?
    
    The president or whatever he's called said "Our membership has
    increased since we've leased the beach"  ... of course it has..
    they don't let you on there unless you join (or are the guest
    of a member).
    
    Sue_still_sulking_in_Marlboro

    FYI...They were taking down the fences today at Moonstone...
    The outer rope fence was still up when I left the beach but most
    of the inner metal fencing was down.  They tore up the beach alot
    while taking down the fences.
    
    It was a gorgeous day at Moonstone, but there seems to be a 
    annual problem with bugs every September.  Today it was flying ants!
    The entire beach was covered with them, and the incoming tide seemed
    to push them further up the beach (towards us), though, the tide
    did wipe out alot of them.  They weren't flying today so I dug a trench
    around the towels; they couldn't climb up the walls of the trench.
    
    NENA will be discontinuing their leased beach probably by the
    weekend...

    re:155
    "NENA will be discontinuing, etc."
    
                   HOORAY!!

From: [email protected] (Phil Temples)
Subject: Moonstone update
Summary: Newspaper article on Moonstone "replacement" beach
Keywords: Moonstone
Organization: Wang Labs, Lowell MA, USA
 
 
Reprinted without permission from the _Boston_Globe_, Sunday, September 2, 1990:
 
"Finding a (tiny) Place in the Sun"
 
"South Kingstown, R.I.--The New England Naturists Association has found its
place in the sun.  It is, admittedly, a small place--a 350-by-50-foot patch of
sandy shore.  But on a sultry Monday on summer's home stretch, more than 100
nude bathers have come to claim it.
 
"Faith S. Martin, 33 has driven down from Belmont to spend her birthday sunning
and swimming.  She shakes the sea water out of dark ringlets and settles on her
scrap of beach.  'The new beach is small, but at least it allows our freedom,'
she says a bit indignantly.
 
"Many of the bathers squeezed onto the private clothing-optional beach are
feeling a little put out since the US Fish and Wildlife Service put them out of
Moonstone, a public beach right next door.
 
"For 45 years, Moonstone was a populr watering hole for bathers, nude and
otherwise, and piping plovers.	But in March the federal agency closed the mile-
and-a-half strip to people and fenced it off to protect the piping plover--
listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act--and its nesting
grounds.
 
"Undressed with no place to go, the 1,200-member association started looking to
purchase property inland to use as a retreat.  In the meantime, the group has
leased the beach next door.  It costs members $7 to $10 to park, then it's a
quarter-mile trudge over sand and stones and more conventionally attired
swimmers at sparsely populated privates beaches.  Members pay another $5 to
sit, but they flock here anyway.
 
"Joseph DiPippo, president of the naturists association, says 250 people use the
beach on weekends, and since the association opened the new nude beach a month
ago, membership has increased.
 
"'People enjoy this kind of beach,' he says, relaxing in his beach chair.
'Listen to this place,' he says and gestures toward bathers lined along the
shore.	'The beach is serene, calm.'
 
"So, it seems, is Moonstone--the nesting plovers are all but gone on their
migration south.  A huge sign at the edge of Moonstone throws its shadow on the
nudists:  Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge Beach Closed To Protect Nesting
Piping Plovers and Least Terns.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service reports that
five months of privacy has produced eight piping plovers that fledged, that is,
survived hatching to fly south.
 
"'That's considered good when you realize the plovers are an endangered
species,' says Lisa McCurdy, assistant refuge manager.
 
"But the naturist's association claims it does not threaten the plover and there
is no battle between nature and naturists.  Despite the barriers of federal
policy and fences, the plovers were known to visit the association's new beach
without being asked to leave.
 
"Says DiPippo, 'We protect them.  They're friendly little birds.'"
 
--Ellen Liberman

    re: .25
    
    > NENA will be discontinuing their leased beach probably by the
    > weekend...

	Is this only until next summer, or are we talking permanantly?

	Inquiring minds want to know.

	_Marc. (who_doesn't_want_to_pay_15.00_a_day_to_enjoy_the_sun)

    RE: .158
    
    No idea...it probably depends on whether or not the F&WS puts up the
    fences again all the way to the water.  The second fence this year
    was ridiculous.  At high tide, the water was about 10-15 feet past
    the rope fence.
    
    Also, it all depends on whether or not NENA actually buys some land
    somewhere for nuding...

    The removal of the fences in September is an annual event (at this time
    the piping plovers have left for points south).  Rest assured that the
    fences will be back up next year as the FWS has a 10 year plan to save
    the piping plovers.
    
    Russ

    >> (at this time the piping plovers have left for points south).
    
    I should hope so, because the guys pulling the fence down sure
    didn't care what might be in their way....the bulldozer went
    back and forth across the beach for hours.  So much for preserving
    the beach for the wildlife.
    ********
    I didn't think it would cost me anything this time of year to sit
    on NENA's beach, didn't think there'd be anyone there to check for
    memberships.  But, there was!  Twice, someone came 'round to check
    and as the guest of a NENA member I had to pay $10 to stay.
    
    Still, it was a great day for the beach and I was in enjoyable
    company so it was well worth the trip :-)
    
    Sue

       So is the rest of Moonstone open, or is still only the 300
    ft. section that NENA was leasing ???
    
    
                                                         db

    it's open.... the whole beach. 
    anyone interested in an indian summer outing????
    
    jim

I might be open to Sunday, if it is as warm as they claim it will be!

Tim

(Mail to me if you're serious and I'll give you my home phone)

    I was sitting here wondering if you can go to moonstone this year and
    use the beach, or do you have to pay,or do you have to become a member
    of NENA..? It used to be nice just to take a day off fron here and go
    and TOTALLY relax on the beach. I guess if you have to pay it's a small
    price to pay just to clear your mind and get back to the basics...
    
    Ron
    

The same rules apply as last year..

NENA is renting a section of the beach again.  That will be the only CO
section of the beach that is above the high tide line.  You will have to
be a member of NENA to use that section of the beach, or be with a NENA
member.  During the week, no fees for NENA members (small charge for guests).
Fees for everyone on weekends.

NENA membership is $45 for individuals this year.

B.

    Thanks  Ben 
    

    Ben, 
     How does one become a member? I have some friends who are interested
    in going to moonstone this year....
    
    Ron
    

    Can you use the beach before they open it. I'm thinking of going down
    there the next warm day, since it's been so warm already.

    Re : .-1  Don't know about off-season, but I think the NENA beach
    officially opened April 13.

    A bad day at the beach still beats a good day at work...
    
    Today's Moonstone report...
    
    It was very cool this morning, but then, I got there at 8 to avoid the
    traffic.  Going from Route 95 onto route 4 in Rhode Island is slow
    because traffic gets cut down to two lanes and then to one for a few
    miles or so.  Route 1 on both sides a few miles from Moonstone is
    tight because of all the construction.  I heard it gets really bad
    at certain times of the day.
    
    It was cloudy in the morning and a wind screen was needed.  Around
    11, the sun came out.  It got warm enough to nap comfortably.
    There was no fee for parking during the week; I think they start charging 
    this weekend.  Showers were being worked on and the beach restrooms were 
    boarded up.  Water was still extremely cold.
    
    I think that there were about 20 people at the beach.
    
    Oh yeah, the fences were up. :-(  Don't get caught at the other end
    at high tide.  It's a long cold walk.
    
    B.

    
    I thought it was great.  I got there at 10:45, there were a good
    number of people there, probably as many females as males, the sun 
    was warm, the wind died down and the sand was warm.  I feel asleep
    too.
    
    Too bad the water was so bloody cold!!
    
    Sue

Yeah, nice tan line, Sue. :^)

B.

    So the parking was free but was NENA there guarding the beach and
    extracting their fees ?

    
    The parking was free only because Roy Carpenter's isn't "officially"
    open for the season yet.  The NENA guy thought they'd be open (and
    collecting for parking) this weekend.
    
    NENA was collecting money, but it seemed to me they weren't charging
    as much as last year.  I only had to pay $5 yesterday and I thought
    I remembered paying $10 last year as a mid-week, non-member visitor.
    
    Sue
    

    re.173
    
    At least I have a tan, Ben!!

RE: .176
nyah, nyah, yourself... I have one, too, except that I don't have
any lines to prove it. :-P


The NENA beach has been open since April, whenever they had put the
fences.  If you go to the beach, you might want to see if it is cheaper
for only one member of a couple to join and have the other person show
up as a guest.

B.

    Can you use the beach and just pay for the day as a non-member ?
    I'd hate to go all the way down there and not use the beach..
    
    Ron

Yep...
			Weekday		Weekend

NENA Member		  $0		  $5

NENA Member's Guest       $5		  $10

Others			  $10		  $15


Is that right, Sue?

    
    Yes ... then add to that the parking fee for Roy Carpenter's
    which last year was $7 on a weekday and $10 for Sat or Sun.
    
    To become a NENA member is $45 for an individual or $70 for
    a couple.  I think the NENA_money_collector said that these
    fees are down $5 from last year.
    
    Sue

Can you buy a membership at the beach?

re: tanlines

I keep reading more and more about skin cancer.  While I'm not fair-skinned,
there is a history of cancer in my family.  I think I'll start to concentrate
on the pleasure of being clothing-free, ignoring the symbolism of a tan.

   Gary

    You cannot buy the membership AT the beach.  You have to mail
    in the form to their office.  They really don't want to be collecting
    membership fees at the beach.
    
    You can get all the information you need about NENA from the 
    attendant there, tho...

    We're planning on spending the July 4th weekend at the beach, so I got
    some travel literature from the DEC American Express people.  They sent
    me, among other things, the 1991 Rhode Island Beach Guide.  Under South
    Kingston/Matunuck, I was pretty surprised to find NENA Beach listed! 
    There's also a coupon for $2 off parking at Roy Carpenter's.  On the
    facing page is a 1/2 page ad that looks like:
    
                   Enjoy the Beach,
                     naturally
    
    NENA Beach                       Non-profit educational organization
    South County's                      dedicated to optional lifestyles
    Clothes Optional
    Family Beach                        789-7850
                                        (800) 722-NENA 
    Between Moonstone and
    Carpenter's Beach                 The NEW ENGLAND NATURIST ASSOCIATION 
    
    Neat, huh?

    Here is the latest Moonstone report, based on my 4th-of-July weekend
    trip to the beach :-)
    
    Parking at Carpenter's is the same as previously mentioned: $7 on
    weekdays, $10 on weekends.  (I had a $2 off coupon out of one of the
    R.I. tourist books).
    
    It's an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the NENA section. 
    NENA hires college kids (I suppose) to put up ropes and collect money. 
    On Saturday, they were there when we arrived at 10:30.  On Sunday, they
    didn't show up until around noon, but came around to collect money from
    everyone on the beach.  $5/per person for NENA members.  (They didn't
    attempt to collect $5 from my 20-month-old son, though!).
    
    The NENA section ends at the very large USF&W fence and sign about the
    Piping Plover nesting area.  (I thought the pictures of the birds were
    rather cute, myself :-)).  It's a pretty small section of beach, but
    due to the lack of sun this past weekend, there were only a few people
    there both days!  I imagine it gets very crowded on sunny days.  I miss
    being able to take long walks.  You sort of feel caged in, with ropes
    on both sides.
    
    The water was very nice, about normal temperature for New England in
    July.  We plan to go back sometime in August.

    
    
    Has anyone been to Moonstone beach since hurricane Bob?
    
    Is it still there?
    
    During the hurricane I was wondering if there were huge masses of
    fences being torn loose and destroyed.....must have been beautiful...
    
    Bob
    
    

    Some of us are going there next week...
    
    I wouldn't think that the storm would do all that much.  I saw them
    take out the fencing last year...they really put those things in deep.
    
    B.

    I heard it did take down the fences, but it's all back together now.
    
    I think there are only volunteers collecting money through the second
    week in September, then it becomes a truly FREE beach again!  A nice
    time to go..
    
    Robin

    
    I agree, it is a great time to go.  But, if it's anything like
    when Ben & I went last year (the day they took down the fences),
    you'll *need* to bring some sort of insect repellant.  There
    were flying ant_things everywhere.  
    
    Sue

    So...who's going on the 14th?
    

    
    >>So...who's going on the 14th?
    
    Go ahead, rub it in!!
    
    Sue

    What? Sue's going to miss a day at Moonstone? :^)

    
    Hmmph!!

What we need are more people to organize naturist events (HINT! HINT! HINT!).

I organize things for days on which I'm free...:^)

B.

    Decided to play hooky yesturday and take a drive down.  The fences are
    indeed out of sight.  In speakin to a few people they said that it was
    all Hur-Bob's doing.   Overall a terrific day.  But as mentioned a few
    notes back, there were those flying ant like creatures out and about.
    A couple of them started carrying my cooler away !!!  By mid day, it
    was almost blanket to blanket up along the dunes.  Some families, a 
    few couples, mostly males.   An awesome day, couldnt pass up the 
    opportunity.   The water was incredibly warm too.  And to top it off,
    no parking fees, no NENA fees, and miles of beach.  Hope the nice 
    weather holds out !!!   ;^)
    
    
                                                          Dan . . . 

    When does Moonstone open this year for the people and for the birds?
    What is the best regional replacement for people once the birds take
    over?  RGA

    I entered this in 25. a few months ago but no replies. Thought I would
    ask the question here as it was probably missed: I was wondering what
    the dates were on the opening and closing of Moonstone for both the
    people and for the Plovers? When Moostone is closed for the human
    animal, what are the regional options? If any?

    Please keep all Moonstone notes in topic 25...makes it easier to find
    the notes for this topic.
    
    Moonstone should already be closed to the public...they usually do it
    in April.  The NENA beach should be open by now...it'll definitely be
    open this weekend.  Unfortunately, you have to be a member of NENA to
    use it...
    
    For the cost of driving and parking, I'd say you're better off going
    to Solair unless you really have your heart set on going to the beach.
    
    B.

>>> Unfortunately, you have to be a member of NENA to use it...


NO NO NO!    Anyone can use it, but it costs less for members.

Rates:

NENA Members:		$5
Members' Guests:	$10  (max 2 guests per member)
Non-members:		$15

Members may also buy seasonal passes for $125

The fees pay for rental of the beach (NENA doesn't own it) and salaries 
for lifeguards and other personnel...

John

    
    Add to those fees the parking fee for Roy Carpenter's beach which
    is $10. on a weekend and it gets too rich for my blood!!
    
    Sue

That's why we get a bunch together and carpool it!

    Anyone wanna check with NENA and see if we can get a group discount?
    
    B.

I can check, but NENA members can each bring two guests....  That adds up 
to a large party in a hurry if you have a few NENA members.  I wouldn't expect
much more discount than that...

You offering to organinize an outing Ben?

    Gee...it's been a couple of years since we had a group of people
    going down to Moonstone...
    
    B.

    I know I've asked this before, but I'll try again...  I'm looking for
    recommendations for a hotel/motel/inn/B&B for a weekend trip to NENA
    Beach, preferably less than a 15-minute drive to the beach.  (It's
    really too far from NH for a daytrip).  I have lots of South County
    tourist information, but I'd rather not pick someplace sight unseen, so
    I was hoping someone could give me a recommendation based on personal
    experience.
    
    

    Does it actually have to be a recommendation?
    
    There's a Quality Inn or something like that on Route 1, about 13
    minutes from the beach (right before the Mobil Gas Station).  that's
    where NENA usually has its business meetings.
    
    B.

    Are the prices for moonstone for weekdays or weekends. I'm thinking
    of going in a week or so
    
    Ron

    Last year, those were the prices for the weekend...
    subtract $5 for the weekdays...(that's free for NENA members during
    the week)
    
    B.

    thanks Ben
    

Nope.   they're for everyday.

After last year's accounting, they found they lost money (rent's not cheap)
so prices are for everydaythis year.

- John

    I dropped by the beach a couple weekends ago and Nena's beach is now
    Members Only.   They said they ran into some scuffle with some "rowdy"
    non members and decided to make it completely private.  Guests of
    members are still allowed and pay an extra $5.  For all you non
    members out there, read and heed, its a long drive to find you have no
    beach to burn your buns on.
    
                                                          dan... 

    re: .210
    
    Well that answered my question that I posed in a separate note. 
    However this is a real bummer, to say the least.  I know, I know, it
    was because of "bad apples", etc., spare me the lecture.  What if I
    don't want to join the 'nakedist' society (uded to years ago) but just
    want to visit Moonstone once or twice?
    
    /d.c.

    
    I was as Roy Carpenter's beach yesterday and was surprised to
    see a guy wearing only a G-string in the midst of the crowd.
    No one appeared to care...
    
    Sue

    Can anyone confirm what I think I read here.... that _only_ NENA members
    are allowed at NENA Beach?  There used to be a member and non-member
    entrance fee.  I left a msg. on their answering machine, but so far,
    noone has returned my call.

    I think it's okay for a NENA member to bring a guest along...
    
    B.

    I've heard of some NENA members being on Roy Carpenter's wearing
    only a thong-type suit.  One guy said that a couple of girls were
    giggling alot, but that was it.
    
    B.

    You can only use the beach if you are a member of NENA or a guest of a
    NENA member.  The policy change was forced by the beach owners, not
    NENA.
    
    Talked to Joe DiPippo recently - NENA is on the verge of BUYING land! 
    They want to be the first clothing optional beach club in the US.
    
    Anyone know when the fences go down?
    
    John
    

    Its that time of year again to ask that ever so important question ...
    
    
    
    When are the fences coming down ?!?
    
    
                                                                 Dan...

    I went camping down at burlingame state park and went to Roy Carpenters
    beach. I took a walk down to NENA's beach and asked if you could buy a
    membership for just using the beach. The person said a lot of people 
    were asking about it and he did not know. I wonder how much they would
    charge?  
    
    Ron
    

    Short of soliciting ...
    
    I've got an acre of property on Green Hill Beach Road, about half a
    mile back from the ocean, for sale.  We bought it because of the access
    to Moonstone.  Beach parking comes with it.
    
    Anybody rich?  :)
    
    

    Well is this the end of Moonstone.  In the NENA flyer that I just
    received they said that 1) the Surf Club beach has been cancelled
    because of "numerous negative factors" 2)there will be NO nude beach on
    the Rhode Island south coast this year and 3)NENA spent too much time
    focusing on Moonstone and it focus will change to being an information
    and advocacy group for all of New England.
    
    If anyone has any more information about this I would like to hear it.
    
    Russ

    No, it's not the end at all!  Although the Surf Club is no longer, 
    NENA has just purchased (it's complete AND final) another beach that
    was no where near as expensive and I believe it will be opening July
    3rd as NENA Beach.  There is parking and I think it's close to where it
    used to be but I'm not sure where.
    
    The good news is the price will be $5 for NENA members and $10 for
    other Naturist organization members.  The bad news is, NO ONE who is
    not a member of a Naturist organization will be able to visit the beach
    even with a NENA member (this is a regulation of some sort which has
    been imposed on the beach for tax purposes).  
    
    For those who gave money to start the Surf Club, a different membership
    is available whereby they don't have to pay anything each visit because
    they already invested up front.
    
    For more information call NENA at 800-722-6362.  And if you go, give us
    an update.
    
    Enjoy!  

    Robin
    

    I just spoke to someone who went to Moonstone last week.  What he tells
    me is that the same portion of the beach (<100 yards) is still be used,
    but NENA is not organizing it therefore there is no charge.  Who knows
    if the situation will continue in this way.  He also said that NENA is
    still trying to buy another people of beach somewhere (but I wouldn't
    count on it ).

WRX in Rhode Island mentioned this morning that there would be a totally nude 
beach opening up 7/3/93 in the Charleston (sp?) area. Typical giggles and such 
but the reference sounded like NENA (I think they quoted New England 
Naturalists Society). No mention of fees or restrictions as mentioned earlier 
but it was just a "Next month you'll be legally able to..."

    Does anyone know if that part of the beach is still used for nude 
    sunbathing? I know a couple who would like to go next week...
    
    Ron
    

From:	US2RMC::"[email protected]" "Benson T Wong"   24-JUN-1994 12:28:20.19
To:	moira::faiman
CC:	
Subj:	you might want to post this...



From:  Mary Watts   ([email protected])

Posted to [email protected]:
> Subject: Gov't vs. private nude beach
>  
> =========================================================================
>  Date: 19 Jun 94 14:54:49 EDT
>  From: Dennis Kirkpatrick <[email protected]>
>  Subject: NENA NEEDS INFO FAST!!
>  FROM:New England Naturist Association (NENA)
>  FROM:Dennis Kirkpatrick; NENA VP
>  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  I have been advised by the attorney representing NENA against the Town of
>  South Kingstown, RI., that since it's efforts to shut our beach down via
> zoning laws failed, the town is now proposing an anti-nudity statute at the
> town level that has sweeping language to make most all forms of "public"
> nudity illegal. Restrictive language is slated to include exposure of the
> genitals and female breasts.  A case involving exposure of the buttocks (g-
> strings and t-backs) is still on a judge's desk in the township of Westerly,
> RI. but is expected to have a naturist-favorble decision.  A public hearing
> is scheduled in the Town of So. Kingston to consider this statute on Monday
> evening June 27 at the Town Hall on High Street.
>  
> This sudden change in tactic was not expected, since NENA had been on good
> terms with the township until it purchased it's own property.  It had also
> been thought that the town would exhaust it's efforts at zoning (still to be
>  appealed to the State Supreme Court) before attempting this new line of
> offense. Through the machinations of the insiders, the township has managed
> to get this issue expedited and our attorney has only 20 days to prepare his
> brief to challenge this statute (customary time is 40 days).
>  
> As such, NENA needs copies or faxes of any and all arguments related to
> attempts at anti-nude legislation in past and recent history that have
> produced successful results for naturists.  Also, any favorble judge's
> rulings finding that simple nudity as related to beach sunbathing was not in
> and of itself an illegal act.  Chapter & Verse is necesary. (case law,
> docket numbers, case law titles, etc.).
>  
> If any of this is available to you, please send it overnight mail if
>  possible, or fax it to any of the contacts below:
>  
> NENA, PO BOX 1200, (3949 Old Post Rd.), Charlestown, RI. 02813
>  NENA FAX:  401-364-0602NENA VOICE:  401-364-0600
>  
> Atty. Louis Serio / Serio & Gallison
>  PO Box 115 /or/ 123 Bradford Street, Bristol, RI. 02809
>  FAX:  401-254-1007VOICE:  401-254-1005
>  
> DENNIS KIRKPATRICK; NENA V.P. (via electronic mail)
>  Compuserve:  76334,3010
>  Internet:[email protected]
>  
> THANK YOU!
>  
> -->> INTERNET RECIPIENTS:  Please forward to other services!!
> 
> ------------------------------


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% Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 12:14:35 -0400
% From: [email protected] (Benson T Wong)
% Message-Id: <[email protected]>
% To: moira::faiman
% Subject: you might want to post this...

    
    I was lying on Roy Carpenter's Beach yesterday, when the boy in the
    group next to us got bored, started whining and his Dad, to quiet
    him says "Come on Steve, let's take a walk.  Wanna go see the nudists?"
    
    "Wow, Dad, really?!"   
    
    I had to smile.
    
    Sue

    Should have followed them...:-)
    
    B.
    

    
    I gave up and bought a tan-thru suit...it's easier than wondering
    when NENA is going to a)charge a reasonable fee for the beach use
    only, and b)when Kingstown/Charlestown town governments are going
    to ease up on their harrassment.
    
    ...I only want a suntan, and it's too hot in my backyard.
    
    Sue 

    I use a tan-thru when I have to wear a suit...
    
    The tan-thru's seemed to be a bit more fragile than a regular suit,
    so I use a regular one if I go swimming at night or sit in a hottub.
    
    Hi Sue!
    
    Benson

    
    I wouldn't describe them as fragile, but the white line it leaves
    down each of my sides looks kind of funny.

    I don't know...having a big patch of white skin from a regular
    swimsuit looks even weirder...
    
    B.
    .
    

    Now that there is no NENA beach whatsoever in the area that
    used to be known as Moonstone, it was interesting yesterday
    to see several folks doing their own thing, regardless of the
    fact that they were on a textile beach.  
    
    There were two guys, and separately, a girl and her boyfriend
    (she, topless and wearing a thong) down the far end of Roy 
    Carpenter's Beach.  Let's hope they're allowed to "claim" a 
    piece of the beach in weeks to come and that it becomes an
    accepted practice.
    
     ...I'm not a trailblazer,  merely a follower  :-}               
    
    Sue

    I saw the horrible news yesterday about Moonstone suffering
    that oil-spill.  Did you see how close to the beach that 
    tanker is?!  It's in the breakers!!  And the poor lobsters
    and birds on the beach dead/dying.
    
    I'm sick...

Pretty sad is right.  And I've fished that area.  I'll be glad when the snow is
gone for two reasons.  One is pretty obvious, the other is that I will be able
to leave my car at home 90% of the time and ride my bike everywhere.

Tim
(MELT ALREADY!)

    Well, I was glad to see about a half dozen men and (only) one
    woman nude on what used to be NENA's bit of beach ...  just
    before the sanctuary fence.
    
    At least some folks are "trying" ... mind you, I don't know how
    tolerant the locals are at this point.
    
    Sue