N.Y. Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law § 3.25: Adopt-a-beach stewardship program

§ 3.25 Adopt-a-beach stewardship program. 1. The commissioner may

enter into stewardship agreements with any person or persons for the

purposes of preserving, maintaining, or enhancing a state-owned beach,

shoreline area or portion thereof in accordance with the policies of

this chapter.

2. The stewardship agreement shall provide that the beach or shoreline

area be preserved and maintained in its natural state or managed to

enhance or restore the natural values it provides, consistent with the

provisions of this chapter. Activities may include: remediating

vandalism and storm damage, picking up litter and trash, establishing or

maintaining access or nature trails, providing interpretive services for

school groups and other citizens, and otherwise providing positive

benefits to the beach or shoreline area.

3. Stewardship agreement with any person or persons may provide for

assistance of personnel, facilities and supplies of the office for the

purposes of supporting appropriate activities under such stewardship

agreement, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

4. The office shall establish procedures by which a person or persons

may apply for a stewardship agreement, and shall be responsible for

working with such persons to identify specific sections of a state-owned

beach or shoreline area and specific activities deemed appropriate for

such stewardship agreement. The office may consider factors such as

safety, environmental sensitivity, need, cost and other factors deemed

relevant in determining which beach or shoreline areas or activities may

be eligible or appropriate for a stewardship agreement.

5. The office shall provide recognition of the stewardship activities

by appropriate signage on or near the adopted beach or shoreline area,

and may provide recognition by such other measures as it may determine

to be appropriate, including but not limited to press releases,

certificates, and newsletters.

6. The stewardship agreement may be modified in scope or altered in

any other manner at the sole discretion of the office, not inconsistent

with the provisions of this section. The person or persons shall have

the option of renewing the agreement subject to the approval of the

office and the continuation by the office of the adopt-a-beach

stewardship program. The office may immediately remove the signs and it

may terminate the agreement upon thirty days notice, if in its sole

judgment it finds and determines that the person or persons are not

meeting the terms and conditions of the agreement.

7. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the state and

its employees shall not be liable for damages suffered by any person

resulting from the actions or activities of such volunteers.