Orient Beach State Park
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox park Orient Beach State Park is a Template:Convert<ref name=RIoG_ParkStats/><ref name=NYNJCT_Bot>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> state park located in Southold, New York.<ref name=GNIS>Template:Cite GNIS</ref> The park is situated at the tip of the North Fork of Long Island.
Long Beach, located within the park, was designated a National Natural Landmark in April 1980<ref name="nps.gov">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> for its Template:Convert sand spit beach demonstrating plant succession from salt marsh to maritime red cedar forest.<ref name="nyt">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Orient Long Beach Bar Light, commonly known as Bug Light, is located inside the park.<ref name=LI_LH>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Recreation
The park offers Template:Convert of bay frontage, and includes a beach, picnic tables with pavilions, a playground, recreation programs, a nature trail, hiking and biking (rentals available), fishing and a food concession.<ref name=NYSP_main>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The park is open throughout the year for day-use only.<ref name=NYSP_Hours>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Restrictions on boat access
In 1997, park rangers began enforcing an existing no boating policy on Long Beach, leading to controversy and ticketing in 2000. State officials contended that renewed enforcement was enacted to protect the beach's value as a protected sanctuary for endangered birds such as the piping plover, in addition to preserving the beach's unusual maritime red cedar forest and other rare plants.<ref name="nyt"/>
Flora and fauna
There is a common and roseate tern nesting area in the park.<ref name="nps.gov"/> There are also eelgrass beds offshore.<ref name=NYS_Waterfronts>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>