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(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association April 1994 Newsletter)
"The New Jersey Beach Buggy Assn. is one of the original charter member clubs in JCAA," said Bill Degnan, Beach Buggy 1st VP, proudly. "The NJBBA has been in existence since 1954, when it was formed under our first president, Jeff Paul."
The NJBBA was formed to combat a policy the state was trying to introduce at Island Beach State Park that would have banned the use of beach buggies in the park. "Since those early years, when we were battling the state," Degnan added, "we have entered into a loose partnership with them which sees our members deeply involved with the park's past, present and future."
The association was chartered "to promote a closer relationship among all owners of beach buggies and surf fishing people, to work for the proper conservation of marine waters, beaches and marine sport fisheries."
Current president, Dennis Longley, along with a very large and active membership, continue the traditions with many projects they undertake on an annual basis in Island Beach State Park. They include setting up storm fencing and planting dune grass that help protect and maintain the important natural barrier dune structure that is so important to the parks survival. They hold an annual "Junior Surf Fishing Contest" at the park for kids under 16 years and are co-developers and yearly cosponsors of the "Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament," scheduled for early October of this year. "Governor Florio has helped preside over the event in the past and we are all eagerly awaiting final confirmation that Governor Whitman will continue the tradition. We understand that with all the fun she had fishing for trout on opening day this year, you couldn't keep her away from the "Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament" with wild horses."
NJBBA also runs regular courtesy patrols on beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May and on Oct. 8 and 9, will again host the NJBBA North Wildwood Invitational Surf Tournament. For information on this event, contact Henry Twardus at 302-999-1211.
JCAA is certainly proud to be associated with NJBBA and the wonderful group of dedicated men and women that fill the association's ranks. They are always willing to help with JCAA work, whether it's a heavy involvement in the Youth Education Committee or just fielding a few members to help out with newsletter assembly and mailings each month. They are a group we count on for support in many ways. The Executive Board of JCAA sends a warm thank you to NJBBA and wishes the association another 40 years of fun and dedication to the sport and the environment in this their 40th Anniversary Year!