I want to share with you, verbatim, an exchange of emails I had on June 9 with Fire Island National Seashore Rangers concerning an incident in the Meat Rack on June 7. I addressed my June 9 email to FINS Law Enforcement Specialist Dustin Gunderson, Chief Ranger Lena B. Koschmann, and Chris Soller, as well as to Greg McMullen, who spearheaded the cooperative effort, last September 7, between Rangers and Grovites to rid the Meat Rack of litter, and to other Grovites who participated on that day.

Dear Dustin, Lena, Chris, Greg, et al.,
On Saturday, June 7, perhaps the first truly summery weekend day of the season, reports quickly circulated that you, Dustin, were giving out summonses in the Meat Rack, with court appearances required--and for what victimless 'crime'--nudity? sex?
Please explain, as this feels like a dismaying opening salvo, which does little to foster trust or cooperation between the rangers and the community or to encourage visitors to come to Fire Island at all.  Don't let this be the start of a long, hot, ugly summer.
Sincerely,
Bruce-Michael Gelbert
Editor, Fire Island Q News.com
Cherry Grove columnist, Fire Island Tide 

I received this email from Lena Koschmann:

Bruce Michael,
On Saturday, while on patrol in the Carrington Tract, Dustin and a second Ranger observed overt sexual activity between two people.  As you and I have discussed, we do patrol this area on a regular basis, as it is our mission to preserve and protect the natural resources in that area, as well as visitor and resident safety.  While the Carrington Tract is not one of the areas in which we are actively enforcing state nudity law, we do continue to enforce our disorderly conduct statutes, which include a prohibition on sexual activity in a public area.  A violation of this law is generally a class B misdemeanor.  
Rangers will continue to patrol this area throughout the year, as they do all federal tracts of land throughout the Seashore, and they will continue to take action on violations of law that they observe.  I hope you will continue to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.
I hope you had a pleasant off season, and that you enjoy the rest of your summer on the island!
Thank you,
Lena B. Koschmann
Chief Ranger
Fire Island National Seashore

This is my response to Lena’s email:

Dear Lena,
Thanks for your reply.  In the past, rangers have given people a warning.  The word that was going around was that the summonses that were given out this time required a court appearance by those summonsed.  Is that true?
Best from,
Bruce-Michael

I received this further response:

Bruce Michael,
The Ranger made an error and initially told both men that the citation required a court appearance.  However, he has since corrected that information-- the men have the option of paying the fine or going to court if they so choose.
A Ranger has a number of options when it comes to dealing with any illegal activity.  In a case like this, the proximity to the road and boardwalk and the amount of foot traffic—all creating a higher likelihood that this activity would be observed by passers-by—informed the officer's decision to issue citations rather than a verbal warning.  
I hope this answers your questions.
Lena B. Koschmann
Chief Ranger
Fire Island National Seashore

So, if you go to the Meat Rack this summer, please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Have a good, peaceful summer!