Letter: Wise evacuation of Fire Island

Hats are off to emergency managers at Islip, Brookhaven, Suffolk County and the Fire Island National Seashore for their prompt, coordinated and unwavering decision to order evacuation of Fire Island as Tropical Storm Irene bore down on Long Island's South Shore ["In harm's way, LIers get orders," News, Aug. 27]. A barrier island is no place to be in a severe storm. The decision by the Long Island Power Authority and the Suffolk County Water Authority to cut off service to the 17 communities and the seashore properties no doubt reduced the number willing to ride out the storm.

Fire Islanders know the fate of beach houses is secondary to the importance of maintaining Fire Island as a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the South Shore of Long Island. It is what makes the Great South Bay a recreation destination for millions and assures the viability of tens of thousands of year-round homes in low-lying areas of the mainland. Wide beaches and high dunes give Fire Island this barrier quality.

The New York Department of State so far has resisted beach protection projects for Fire Island, apparently on environmental grounds. That should change. With a new governor in charge, and with smart people working at the local level, maybe the Irene experience will force a needed change in state policy.

Gerard Stoddard, Manhattan

Editor's note: The writer recently stepped down as president of the Fire Island Association, a property-owners group.