C'mon now. If we don't shove all these drunken bennies into F Cove they're going to be out on the bay with the rest of us!

What they don't realize is that they are making the F Cove an even bigger draw now that it is closed. IF it ever opens back up people who really didn't know much about it will want to see what all the fuss was about and go there.

How a failed and abandoned housing project with lagoons that were dug by the original builder became federal property and under their jurisdiction, is a complete mystery to me, can somebody explain it?

How can this happen in NJ which follows the Public Trust Doctrine, essentially holding that the state is the trustee of tidal waterways seaward of the high tide line for the benefit of the public. Courts in New Jersey have addressed issues pertaining to both private and public coastal properties and the appropriate access which must be provided to the public. See http://www.njseagrant.org/njcoastalaccess/common_law_and_statutes/common_law_and_statutes.html

That is our argument exactly. FWS claims they can do this because it is man made. In fact, the lagoons from what i am hearing were never connected to the bay. Land naturally eroded filling the partially dug lagoons. We are looking for any info people may have about this. Any legal experts on this, we would love to get your insight as well. Please visit our website www.thefcove.com for more info

The federal Fish and Wildlife Service initiated a stealth attack on the Barnegat Bay a long time ago. Bringing in, establishing, and protecting a 'resident geese' population to create stinging nettle blooms being one of their first successful tactics. They want us off the bay. The Federal government HAS NO BUSINESS THERE - and the sooner we all recognize this, the better. Their use of 'environmentalism' is a charade. Virginia Rettig is a tool and has no love or knowledge of the bay we love. New Jerseyans can handle stewardship of OUR OWN natural resource. Get the feds OUT! Please, people. Don't be intimidated by the DEP fining and threatening us like mobsters. We must band together and stand. There are more of us than there are of them! All we have to do unite. Like f-cove or not. This is important.

JHill....it is mostly locals. Maybe 10% bennies.

It's frightening how inefficient the government is. Formal access plans on the table around Christmas...

Anyone interested in getting involved with this process, or want to be informed of any future public meetings etc, please leave your name and contact info at our site mentioned above. We can unite here. We are giving cooperation a chance...however, we want to continue to build our case in the event FWS proposals are not satisfactory. You can email us at dfriendly@thefcove.com or cthorner@thefcove.com

Hello all, Craig here. Please visit www.thefcove.com so we can begin to amass our organized resistance if power boats are not allowed back in the coves. We have reluctantly agreed to let summer 2012 serve as a cooling-off period to see if we can save summer 2013 and all those summers beyond. Of course we feel this ban on access is a needless and misguided abuse of alleged authority, but in the interest of avoiding litigation we agreed to cooperate with Virginia Rettig and US Fish and Wildlife to the extent possible, wherein our clearly stated and primary goal is restoring power boat access to the coves. For anyone who may wish a more aggressive approach, please contact me directly at cthorner@thefcove.com. We are positive that litigation will result in a favorable outcome for us, but issues would remain due to the federal refuge being directly flowed upon by the public waters. For example, if boaters beach in the coves, people may feel invited into the lands of the refuge. Absent some agreement with US Fish and Wildlife, this foray into the lands of the refuge would be trespassing. Indeed it will be best for all parties (including the wildlife) that a clear understanding is reached regarding accessing the coves by way of power boats and what behavior is permitted by boaters & their guests. I have proposed a town permit system with a contractually agreed code of conduct with common sense rules that respect the refuge & the wildlife that utilize it. And I am now out of space!

It all because people don't know how to pick up their trash and act civilized. I have been born and raised on the beautiful barnegat bay. I love the bay and our family is out on it every weekend. I eased raised on a marina in the silver bay and I would never dream of taking my self or my family to f cove. Nothing but a bunch of dorks tring to drown eachother out with crappy music looking for drunkin fights with Italian flags tattooed on their arms. If you love the jersey shore show than f cove is for you but if you love the barnagat bay then you know where the real spots are. I hope they re open f cove so at least we know where these idiots are instead of being scattered among the overcrowded cest pool of pee in tices shoal. Rock on fist pumpers. You get yo F-cove back

F Cove has been historically a place of nitrogen pollutants and is one of the most polluted areas of northern Barnegat Bay. Why? Because there are a group of people who could care less about the bay. They go into F Cove, park, drink, litter and urinate in the water. It's that simple. A bunch of bad apples have ruined a quite and environmentally sensitive area. I'm in favor of closing the cove to power boats. People will not change. I'm surprised the "Jersey Shore" hasn't invaded F Cove .... oops, maybe I gave them an idea. LOL But at least for now the cove is quite and probably taking a breath from a pollution free season.

I had never heard of FCove until all the bad publicity was posted here. Had a chance to walk the Cnty Park and Trader's Cove. Never realized how close it is. It's just on the other side of the trees. . But if the drinking is stopped, the garbage is contained, they limit the boats and it is patroled, there shouldn't be a problem and whoever is responsible for FCove reopening has excellent insurance coverage.

John and hickory, both of you are idiots. We despise the nonsense that has gone on back there too. But there are ways to fix the problems short of banning access to those of us who want to enjoy this unique beautiful place responsibly. Banning public access is a very slipery slope. It is government over reach at its worst. We too want a change there. If a street has crime, we dont close it.
We enforce the law. No chance was given for that to happen here. Just wait till the govt takes something you love. Its only a matter of time. Wake up.

People who post ignorant comment like "Hickory House" are wise to hide their real names, they wouldn't want their friends and neighbors to know how stupid they really are. I guess you think all Italians are Guidos, Irish are drunks, Jews are cheap, blacks are criminals and Asians can't drive, etc. There are 10% if that at F cove that ruin it for the rest. Maybe if you had a clue you could post an intelligent comment. Until then go back to asking "Do you want fries with that?" and leave the bigger issues to those with IQ's over 45. For the record I've done much more to pollute the river this year, running the boat and jet skis already more than any summer I can remember. If the F cove was still open I'd have saved plenty of fuel this season. I guess the Federal Government is as bad when it comes to "preservation" as they are with spending our tax dollars.

Dan, please don;t resort to name calling like "idiots". Such statements do not help to debate the situation. I also agree that contributors should use there names in these instances, but that will never change.

The real issue is the ability to enforce the use of F - Cove. It simply won;t happen. The State Police don't have the man power any more and it's probably more important to watch the portions of the waterways that are most dangerous.

How about this, ban alcohol in the cove (much like the same where you can't bring alcohol to State and Brick Parks), develop stiff fines for littering and urinating in the waters and limit the boat size (maybe less than 24 feet). Allow Brick Police to make observations and arrest boaters who bring alcohol into the cove.

This would be a starting point for educated conversation, and when that occurs, I would be in favor of opening the cove. Until then, I can't see it being opened. Too many people abuse the bay and places like these.

Let's open the debate at the next public forum. How about we identify the date, time and location and all interested attend and comment. Written comments should be submitted and published in advance. This is very simliar to the law making process in NJ.

Enough about F Cove, who had a guard rail installed at the Glenwood Ave boat ramp. The last and only public boat ramp in Brick.
Perhaps the town wants everyone to pay to use the Traders Cove ramp.
Well how about making Traders Cove ramp free to the people that paid for it, like the Brick taxpayers?

I believe that was the Mayor. That came up at the council meeting last night. Don't think the council is happy about it either.

Good comments Dan. I would work with you on this. BTW, I am a very strong advocate of public access.

What is the time and date of any public hearings. My mind is always open.

Hey Dan I bet you love the jersey shore show and the bad publicity it brings. I for one belive in rights and I disagree that big brother should have the right to take away mine. I wasn't tring to down any race or ethnicity and I am very lucky to have a good paying job in this economy that can take care of a family of seven. Sorry if you got offended but my statement is the truth. My family owns a marina in tons river where I grew up and I'm sorry but the behavior I have witnessed their time and time again has disgusted me. The lack of respect of the barnaget bay is discusting. I'm glad that these types of individuals conjergate in one spot. I think reopened the cove and strictly enforcing the law is the best option for the bay the coves and humanity. don't forgett to pick up your COME AT ME BRO t shirt next time your up at slezzside

Sorry dan I just realized Jerry was the one that needs the come at me bro shirt. U seem well rounded. Sorry for all the grammatical errors I am always o n the go. I love our rights and support them just let that be known. It's hard to belive that anybody I ever saw hanging out at f cove would be capable of appealing anything. Your ideas hold valor with me and mabey there is a shot at humanicity.

Hickory House, your continued lack of inteligence is astounding. First of all, I can't stand what that show did to the cove. Second, I do not fist pump, hang out in seaside, go to clubs, or wear a "come at me bro" t shirt. I am 34 freaking years old, and enjoy the coves on the weekdays when it's empty more than anything. My routine consists of relaxing in there with a beer, a good Buffett song, and enjoying the natural enviornment around me. Got a problem with that??? You really should not open your mouth when you have no idea what your talking about. Try reading what we are about, if you can.

Just saw your last comment, appreciate the apology. You really should be more careful what you say though. Seems you make too many assumptions.

Unfortunately, most people don't realize that the cove was only like that on Saturdays and Sundays, the rest of the week it is calm and peaceful and a beautiful place.

I too enjoy mr buffet and spend a lot of time in the fla keys during the winter months I am 32 and support your efforts. I prefer sedge islands the water is blue and the ocean wildlife and breeze are outstanding. I hope your efforts pay off

Buffett 2 t's. Lol. I used to live in FL many years ago. That freedom is the reason i feel so strongly to fight for it, even if i dont like how everyone uses it. The government will take everything if we dont stand up. We should atleast have as much open space as the ducks!

Living minutes from both coves, and having our access restricted has surely inhibited me from enjoying my favorite summer activities. These activities do not include fist pumping, they do not require Italian flag tatooes, and they do not require a DJ barge. Rather, the coves offer a perfect midweek evening. After a busy day at work, picking up sushi take out and bringing a bottle of wine to enjoy on my boat with my wife while calmly beached in the still waters at the cove. Now, to attempt the same, I have to drive further, burn more fuel, and throw anchor. We dine aboard a boat rocking in the chop of the bay... Surely not very enjoyable. So I ask, was I committing a crime earlier enjoying the sunsets in a peaceful relaxed cove?

And for all who name call, post angry written comments, or simply dislike the coves the answer couldn't be more simple... If you don't like it... Don't go!

'Stiff penalties for urinating in the bay!" Dingus - you're killing me! Honestly, I just peed in the bay I laughed so hard!! Will they mail me a satellite photo of a warm piss bloom around me with the ticket? Perhaps we'll require everyone to wear a swim diaper with a huge tax and they can check that everyone is wearing one. We can get the TSA on the bay too - they don't mind handling people's junk. Your ignorance, on so many issues, Sir, is STUNNING. Were you a bed wetter? I'm BEGGING you to butt out. People like you being in charge is what led to this whole debacle in the first place. In the time it took me to write this,1200 lbs of goose shit was just deposited in Kettle Creek. Somebody call the cops.

Beforemy boat died, I used to visit f-cove. On Saturday you would take your life in your own hands. I said years ago watch this is going to wind up being a disaster. On more than one occasion I was nearly hit by someone trying to unbeach their too long go fast boat. The final nail in coffin was when I heard f-cove was on an episode of Jersey Shore, I said this is not going to end well. The best time to be in f-cove was Sunday evenings watching everyone heading home. If we disguise the entrance with channel markers a certain group of "boaters" will never be able to find it.

On a side note: I find it very funny that people keep pointing fingers at MTV's "Jersey Shore" show for F-Cove's popularity. Its simply silly. MTV shared roughly 3 minutes of video roughly 4 years back. If you ask me, the cove has become a popular location in TODAY'S society due to our obsession for social media. Years, back people may have spoken of a "cove area" but the activities taking place within the cove were limited to the conversations had by visitors. In fact, I heard of the such place, but couldn't find it for two years until scanning google earth. Now, with Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, etc, real-time photos, videos, and commentary of cove activity gets publicly posted for all to see, share, and comment on.

This is today's society. We are all living within a "reality show." Business now has evolved to expecting instant responses due to smart phones. The way we read the news (i.e. this site), & the way we share our public opinions (i.e. this site again) has changed rapidly in recent years. No longer do we buy news papers to read yesterdays, news. We no longer write & mail editorials to publishers.

Our world has changed, and we need to start accepting it rather than pointing fingers, blaming others, & taking away people's rights. One thing will NEVER change; If you don't like a show...don't watch it. If you don't like a destination, don't go. We are all smart enough to make decisions. Let's start doing so!

Mike, that was perfectly said. Makes me want to go back to my old house phone and newspaper. A more simple better time perhaps...

I'm sorry to hear the aggressive response to fight closing F Cove sizzled out. I agree with trying to work things out, but based on how they went about it, their reasoning, and their lack of concern for the citizens, they are just blowing smoke up our you know what. They will never really work with us. At best, they will let kayaks in there and thats about it. By the time that all happens, everyone would have given up. We should have got them now while the fire was still burning. The closing of F Cove has ruined my summer. My family and I have all just about given up boating this year. Its too expensive and too far to go to Tices and other places. Its very sad, and I'm dissapointed of the fight ending. Anyone want to buy a nice Sea Ray?

Vinny, trust me nothing has fizzled out. The fight has just begun. We are working behind the scenes everyday on this. Please register on our website and we will email everyone when the next opportunity for public comment arises in the fall. We wil update the
site with any new info every couple weeks. We are very hopeful for power boat access in the spring. Go to www.thefcove.com. hang on to that Sea Ray!

Vinny, shamefully the summer of 2012 is lost with regard to the coves. I have been to Tices Shoal in the past and may go to Aquapalooza this Saturday. I have been to Silver Bay. I have been to Treasure Island on the Manasquan. However, these other destinations bring with them longer trips, greater cost, and inconvenience. None are in my hometown. None are on the Metedeconk where I slip my boat at the end of my street. F-Cove is, and remains, totally unique.

We will absolutely fight this closure to the fullest extent humanly possible. Believe me, we are doing everything we can. By all means please visit our web site www.thefcove.com and please take some time to call and email Virginia Rettig. Call her bosses in Washington. Tell them how this closure has affected your quality of life dramatically. When you speak to them, or email them, please be respectful. If you have friends that love the coves, please have them call as well. If the ban stays in place, next summer many marinas on the Metedeconk are going to lose many tens of thousands of dollars in boat slip fees. That will continue indefinitely throughout the future because the Metedeconk has lost its one unique destination.

If the ban stays in effect or the rules for our responsible access are unacceptable, have no doubt: We will sue Fish & wildlife, any persons responsible, and any entity that has participated in this ban. It is certain that they do not own that water. Their ban on access is unlawful. continued below

Unfortunately we were not able to save 2012. We have made our position clear to various authorities and have regrettably determined that our better course of action is to focus on summer 2013.

Do not underestimate our resolve. We are grateful to have your support. Please be patient while we await further developments.

This situation is a classic case of certain authorities needlessly & excessively punishing law-abiding & respectful tax-paying citizens in order to eliminate a problem caused by a small minority of irresponsible people.

It is our position that the unilateral ban on access on demonstrably tidal water, wherein that water is owned by the State of New Jersey, will not withstand a challenge in court. However, lawsuits can take many years. If we prevail by seeking redress in court, our access may not be restored until 2015 or even later. Now that we have begun a dialogue with Virginia Rettig and US Fish & Wildlife, we remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to accept their forthcoming proposal & re-establish responsible access by May 2013.

I believe Virginia Rettig will do the right thing by us as soon her procedure allows, and will restore power boat access. I am certain we will agree on reasonable rules that will preserve her core mission promoting the welfare of wildlife & the protection of wildlife habitat. Her work is important and we also want to see wildlife and their habitat protected!

Hang in there Vinny. We share your frustration!

Guys...any updates?

We will release the resolution very soon as soon as i get the ok from the DEP. All i can say right now, is...you might want to get your boat ready and in the water. :) we will release on our website as soon as its finalized. www.thefcove.com

Thanks for the quick response. Just visited the website, GREAT work, keep it up!

I'm looking forward to continued updates. Please let us know how we can help if possible.

We launched our boat last week to move a floating dock from a home my family owns, that was destroyed by Sandy, to bring it to our home, that I'm still working on Sandy repairs, and observed 2 police boats, 2 work/contractor boats and only one other recreational boat out there. We saw floating pilings and other dangerous debris and took our boat back out at the end of the day. We live on the Metedeconk and daily remove debris from the water. Our neighbors, nada. I've planned a 3 week vacation in upstate NY to trailer my boat to safer waters. See you in F Cove in 2014 when boating locally is safer and the Feds finally realize Snookie and her gang (MTV) ruined the cove. Heck, Rettig didn't know it was there before Snook.

Hi glen, im supprised to hear that. Ive had my boat in for a few weeks and have been out there and have been very impressed with the condition of the bay. Havent seen any floating debris at all. Water was clean. F cove was cleaned up as well. The state is working overtime to get anything that is left. Im confident in Fcove 2013. the water level in the cove is high though, not as many spots to beach in there- which actually may be a good thing. Nothing could keep me off these waters we call home. Just keep a sharp eye, and stay slow at nite and youll be just fine im sure.