Crews will soon begin work to repair damaged boardwalks and beach access stairs at Fire Island National Seashore in New York. Most of the repairs concern damage sustained in the December and January flooding events.  

This spring, seashore crews will begin phase one of repairs to beach access stairs at Carrington and Watch Hill. Phase two will focus on repairs to sections of the Sunken Forest boardwalk. Phase three will be a partial repair to the damaged 1,500 linear feet of boardwalk at the Watch Hill Nature Trail. About 600 linear feet will be completed this spring/summer. The remaining 900 linear feet will be completed in 2025.  

Phase four will focus on Talisman/Barrett Beach boardwalk removal. This work will be completed by contractors. Talisman/Barrett Beach dock, which was damaged in September unrelated to storm events, will not be in place this summer.  

“The park has chosen this phased approach to maximize the use of our limited staffing to ensure safe working conditions and to ensure that final products are of good quality for our visitors’ enjoyment and safety,” said Superintendent Alexcy Romero.     

“We are optimistic the first two phases can be completed by mid-June, followed by the ongoing effort of the partial repairs at Watch Hill,” said Facility Manager Jim Dunphy. 

The park advises visitors to stay out of closed areas. Other access areas to the beach and bay are open and accessible to the public.