KEEP OUT signs are clearly below the high tide line.
KEEP OUT signs are clearly below the high tide line.

Our Approach

Mission

I believe in the Public Trust Doctrine which states that members of the public may go along any beach below the high tide line.

People on the East End of Long Island have been landing on the shores of Cartwright Island for centuries without incident.

My Mission is to restore this public access for this island and shoal system in Gardiner's Bay.

- Rod

Our Story

About the Arrest

I was arrested on June 30, 2018. The police report to the press says I was on “Cartwright Shoal” described as part of Gardiner’s Island. But that is inaccurate and prejudicial, since I clearly was on Cartwright Island, which is recognized as such on all official maps and charts, and never shown as connected.

The center portion of the Island where the incident took place – so low and thin it had no wrack line – lies underwater at high tide.

Security Patrol

Public Access Denied

The Goelet family trust security forces stalking the boats anchored on the foreshore of Cartwright Island. They ran when we started filming them.

Separate Landmass

Cartwright is not part of Gardiner's

The police report to the press says I was on “Cartwright Shoal” described as part of Gardiner’s Island. But that is inaccurate and prejudicial, since I clearly was on Cartwright Island, which is recognized as such on all official maps and charts, and never shown as connected.

Next Steps...

Ongoing participation at various government meetings
for the Town of East Hampton.
(Please write your local paper! and elected officials!
in support of public access rights!)