May 2008 Letters to the Editor |
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New Letters to the Editor....05.12.2008
9:30 am Beach access issues These twin girls need your help. They are Kendal, left, and Krystle Woods, both 7 years old. They have an older sister, Heather, 18. The three girls are the daughters of Thomas and Anne Woods, and they are a family that depends on the tourist trade for survival. The Woods own and operate the Island-Hide-A-Way Campground in Buxton. These are just two of hundreds of children who will be hurt as a result of the action of those who desire to close our beaches.  Our total way of life, and the economy, is being destroyed on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands as a result of a the decision that was made on a motion filed in U.S. District Court by The Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society, requesting an injunction to stop beach driving in parts of the Cape Hatteras National Recreation Area. The National Park Service owns the total beach area on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. From all appearances, the judge’s final decision on this injunction will eventually stop beach driving and foot traffic in all of the favorite areas frequented by islanders and tourists. At the present time in the Buxton area, you can no longer drive on the beach from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. or walk or drive to Cape Point and portions of the South Beach due to bird and turtle enclosures. There are similar situations at Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke. The results of this decision are already beginning to take its toll on the families on these islands who depend on the tourist trade and access to the ocean for their survival. What can you do to help? We can pray. We are told in the Good Book to “Pray for kings, and all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life, in all godliness and honesty.” Please help us by praying that our islands will be able to continue to be a place where people can come to find peace and quiet. Ask the Good Lord to touch the hearts of the leaders of these environmental groups to back off demanding more and more of the islands be closed to beach driving and walking. Pray that the members of these organizations will wake up to what they have done to the economy of these islands. It is hard for me to understand how anyone could support organizations like these that seem to have little concern for people. If members of these organizations had any consciences at all, they would be demanding their leaders stop the movement to make Hatteras and Ocracoke nothing more than a bird sanctuary like Pea Island. Pray that they will become aware of the hardships they have placed on the people on these islands. As a result of what they have done, businesses are beginning to suffer and individual families are feeling the results. Businesses have no other alternative but to cut back. Vacationers are beginning to have second thoughts about coming to Hatteras and Ocracoke. Many homeowners who depended on rentals to pay the mortgages are in trouble. Families, on and off the islands, are facing future hardships as a result of what has happened here at the beginning of the tourist season. Dare County will soon feel the effects. There will be less tax revenue to support the infrastructure and schools. There is no doubt property values will drop and foreclosures will increase. Pray that our senators and congressmen who make the laws in Washington will look into this matter and consider changing the law that has to do with the Endangered Species Act. Until those who govern come to realize that man was given dominion over the birds that fly and the animals that walk, there will be little or no hope left for free and open access to the beach that was promised to the islanders at the time the Cape Hatteras National Recreational Area was instituted. In my opinion the dye is cast. Hatteras and Ocracoke can only look for things to get worse. It is my feeling that the next thing coming will be a fee and limited number of vehicles allowed to drive what little is left of the beach. I can also envision the day will come when you will have to pay to walk the beaches of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Dewey and Mary Parr Owners of the Old Gray House Gift Shop Buxton I have been going to the South Point on Ocracoke for years. It's my piece of heaven. Being a single mom, I literally save my coins for my yearly trip. It's the only break I get. I can't begin to tell you how heartbreaking this closure is for me. I am also a NCBBA member and have made sure my son respects this wonderful area. He loves it as much as I do. I can only hope I never run into any members of the Audubon Society, the Defenders of Wildlife, or Judge Boyle. I don't have a mean bone in my body, but lord knows what I may do or say. These people have succeeded in taking away something very precious to me and my son and all for one nest. Mary Breeden Virginia Beach, Va. Everyone who is upset over the closure of the Cape Point, do not contribute any more money to politicians from either party until someone help us with these idiots. Carol Dillon Buxton How does the park service or the parties to this agreement know this vandalism was done by pro-beach driving parties. Might this be the work of those opposed to any beach use? How can one party to an agreement be punished without any evidence of wrongdoing on its part? It seems this agreement is wrought with problems. Mike Kaski Moseley, Va. All who breathed a sigh of relief that the recent settlement still allowed some ORV access and those opposed to ORV access should carefully note that these latest three closures also prohibit pedestrian access. Ted A. Hamilton Hampton, Va., and Salvo Three other fishermen and I were down on the Outer Banks the first weekend in May. We were fishing about 75 feet north of Ramp 34. We had been there about two hours, and we had noticed that the National Park Service started working on the beach behind us. After a while, the park ranger came down and told us we had to move 50 feet south to get below the signs they just installed. I talked to the ranger for a few minutes, and one of the points I made was if these piping plovers needed all these nesting sites, then there was no way they could be endangered. Also, there is no intent for humans to share the beach with the birds. I thought the national parks were for both to enjoy and use. I can tell you that we are going to come down in the fall (late October - early November). If the situation with the NPS has not improved, it will be our last trip to the Outer Banks. If enough folks stop their annual fishing trips, an entire economy is going to die. The Point is a beautiful place as well as a great fishing spot, and it is a shame for people not to be able to enjoy it. It would make sense for the NPS to split the available beach area with humans and wildlife, but not to completely deny human access. David Southall Charlottesville, Va. It's very sad that the beach is closing and that economic hardship for the merchants in the area is almost a certainty. I've been coming to Buxton off and on for about 20 years, and in 2001, I rented a lot at Buxton Oaks Park in order to spend more relaxation time on the island. I even talked my friends into buying RVs and placing them in Buxton Oaks. I'm now considering moving my RV, but I won’t make any rash decisions until I see the real effect of the regulations, at which point, I may leave for good. I intend to retire in a few short years and Buxton had been a consideration for relocation because of the beach access and outstanding recreational opportunities, but that appears to be changing and relocating to Hatteras after retirement may not be an option. For now, I'll do what I can in the form of letter writing, but it looks like even the elected officials are powerless in protecting the people against the SELC, Audubon, and Boyle machinery. Support the local merchants, it’s the least we can do. Bill Stavenger Chesapeake, Va. With the newest closures (as of 5/8/08) how many miles of beach are actually left accessible to ORVs and/or pedestrians? More importantly, how many miles of shoreline are left to access? I don't know about Mr. Rylander and Co., but when I go to the beach, it is to enjoy the ocean in some form, without which there doesn't seem to be much point in going. Imagine that -- a national seashore with no shore. Susan Garrett Frisco Not only is it necessary for the folks on Hatteras Island to get their congressman working for them, but each of us, regardless of where we live, all users of our beaches must start by contacting our own representatives in Congress. In my case, that is Randy Forbes, who is actually very near this problem himself. He lives in Chesapeake, Va. There is safety in numbers, and it will take numbers of congressmen to get anything positive accomplished. Its time to start being a pain in their butt, just like this whole closing thing has been a pain in ours! Support Hatteras Islanders. Bill King Prince George, Va. Many people here on the northern beaches thought the settlement allowed ORV use to continue with limited restrictions during the day and a night-time ban only during the summer. Maybe now those who have been saying that they are on the fence will realize what is at stake. Carol Garris Kill Devil Hills This is why so many people hate environmental groups. Out of the hundreds of miles of beaches and bay areas in Carolina, they have to close the beaches that most people like to fish on, and have been fishing on and driving on for the last 50 years! The Ocracoke area has over 50 miles of beaches and bay areas for nesting, and they close the point area where it is the best fishing and everyone likes to drive out and fish. Environmental groups have just lost any support from me on any issue. Tony Jones Raleigh So long, beautiful nights. So long, beautiful days. Having come to OBX for 20 years now and spending my hard earned money in the area, I am greatly disappointed about all the closures. Cape Point is definitely a must for all respectful tourists. And never have I seen in 20 years, people invade bird nesting areas. Furthermore, when a turtle nest is found, ORVs tend to go around leaving more space than allowed by the National Park Service barricades. As for the 10 p.m. closures, let’s weigh the economic realities. We are a group of five families from all over the East Coast that always have a bonfire into the night during our stay. We make sure we are below high-tide line and enjoy the beach past 10 p.m. How does Judge Boyle intend to inform all visitors about these new closures? I do have to feel bad for OBX residents and cottage owners, since they are the ones who will suffer. There will be fewer people visiting and more crowded beaches. I find these decisions hard to swallow, since ORV drivers clean the beaches and leave only footprints. Tell that to campers and cottagers who destroy the beaches at night by leaving their trash and embers all over the beach. Richard Michaud Ottawa, Ontario This decision for limitations in keeping the beaches open is, on the one hand, wonderful, but on the other, it is truly a shame to have such limitations. As the economy is at an all-time low, I believe this could be the demise for the area. Gas prices are continuing to get higher, which, in turn, puts the American people in a real crunch. Yet for the sake and love of fishing, they are still willing to come to the area to fish and experience the camaraderie among other fishing people. This could very well end with this type of restriction. I love nature, and I believe in wildlife, but in reading and listening to the evidence given, it just doesn't seem that there is enough evidence to show just cause for such drastic measures. I sincerely hope that someone really listens to all the evidence given and not just from the side that has the most power and the most money. This would indeed be a real injustice in our justice system which boasts "innocent until proven guilty." T. Bean Front Royal, Va. My grandparents must be rolling over in their graves. Our beaches were their playground, as they are now for many of our youths and adults alike. Be careful because if your house pets get news of the power a handful of birds have on your beach access, you just may find yourself sleeping on your porch. Ray D. Gray, Jr. Buxton My family and I have been coming down to the OBX for over 20 years. We have always been attracted by the multiple opportunities for beach access. My aged parents have always come with us. Without being able to drive on to the beach, they will be deprived of something they have enjoyed over the years. I can't believe that the authorities would allow such a blatant disregard for citizens’ rights. The fact that three of the most popular areas have been closed (The Point, Oregon Inlet, and Ocracoke Inlet) tells me that there are some mind games going on here, at the expense of us citizens. Are there any legal counter measures that are being attempted? Dan Porter Mount Orab, Ohio This is crazy. We have been coming to Hatteras for years. Closing down some of the beach is insane. We all love this beach, and to close it would hurt revenue and business on all of Hatteras. This needs to be re-thought in a very big way. If no one can ride out on the beach, then eventually no one will come to Hatteras anymore -- including all the fisherman. Shannon Kusterer Aylett, Va. Thank you for your very clear accounting about what is going on in this fiasco. I did not want to go overboard in my comments to another article, but I really wanted to say that wars have been fought over these types of issues -- freedoms taken away from the many by the few. As a daughter of a World War II Marine veteran, Hitler came to my mind. Thank you for making me realize I was not being melodramatic in my thinking. Shirley Miller Sellersville, Pa. Closing ORV beaches for a few birds over the economy of OBX is outrageous. Birds have much, much more beach area than ORVs on the coast. This will close down the fishing trade and put many people out of work in the OBX area. These ORV fishing areas were created as a playground for people to use not a bird sanctuary. It’s what made OBX what it is today. Let us not forget. Harry Michalik Canton, Mich. This really burns me up! If I had not already paid for the house that I am staying in, I would not be coming down this year. I will not be coming down in the future. I live and breathe for my vacation all year long -- from the time I come home from it until it’s time to go again. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about it. This was a week or two that my daughters and I could spend together, no worries, no jobs, and, best of all, no watches. Time is not in issue down there. I would spend about $4,000, including the house rental, food, gas, souvenirs and so on. This is really carrying it too far. I, too, love nature and all, but this is ridiculous. Those birds are not going to lay eggs out in the "open" -- where we drive. They go where they will have some type of protection. If anything, like I and other readers have stated, they lose their life by way of bigger birds and the fox and stray cats. I think this whole matter is just disgusting! Annette Stokes Colonial Heights, Va. Let me start with a paraphrase of an old 60's song - "First we hang all the lawyers." There is a criminal conspiracy afoot in these United States. It goes by many names and comes in the guise of being environmental or pro-animal. The fact is that these groups are human-haters and their goal is to do an end run around the legislative process, which is the will of the people, and substitute their will through the courts, hence the quote about the lawyers. Don't let them win! Bert Smith Richmond, Va. I have been going to Hatteras Island for 37 years. I have always respected the beach and its wildlife as I drove my vehicle out for a day of surf fishing. It appears that this May will be my last trip to Buxton. You have ruined a great thing and cost the state of North Carolina billions in revenue. I hope everyone is pleased. C.T. Smith Richmond, Va. Instead of hurricane insurance, the realty companies need to offer bird insurance. My family is presently locked into two weeks at Ocracoke, and if the South Point is closed to fishing, I don’t need two weeks to sightsee on the island. I hope the lost of revenue in years to come is worth the effort to save the birds. I’m taking my money elsewhere! Tim Hernandez Clayton, N.C. It’s sad that the voice of a few uninformed environmentalists, most of whom have never stepped foot in our state, are now making rules on how many of us live and make our livelihood. I’m really disappointed in Judge Boyle even entertaining the idea of completely shutting the beaches down. Then again he probably doesn't rely on tourism for his livelihood like most of us do. Hope he never steps foot in my shop. He won't be welcome! Johnny Marlin Kitty Hawk I have been a beach visitor to the island of Ocracroke since 1966. I can accept the rules and regulations which apply to saving the birds. But to close the beaches to the public is unacceptable. The economy of the Outer Banks will suffer greatly. Without the income which comes with tourists, the local population will not survive. This decree will now make the recreational population extinct. As a result jobs, businesses, and the locals will be the ones to feel the loss. Again this is another example of the government failing to use common sense in this matter. An economic study should have been done to show how the loss of tourists will destroy the economy for those folks who reside there. I have always loves the Outer Banks and am saddened that my family will no longer spent our two weeks there. For those that have never been on the South Point of Ocracoke during sunrise and sunset, it’s a sight to behold. Victor R. Hernandez Hampton, Va. I just wanted to say that I've been on Hatteras for three years now, and this is the most devastation that anyone could put on the island. It's not bad enough that the economy is down the tubes, but now someone has just taken the "wind out of the sails," so to speak. How does wildlife take precedence over human life? I know that the business is way off from other years. There are a lot of phone calls asking about the beach closure. The biggest thing is that that the beach is why the visitors come here. So by closing them as much as you have, might as well put an elastic band around Oregon Inlet and suffocate the two islands off from the rest of the world. Hope the people involved with the decision of the closing some day will get the same thing happen where they live! Remember "Do unto others that you would want done onto you." So try to not let this destroy your vacations this year. Kathy Beeman Frisco My family has been eagerly planning a fishing trip to your area. It was going to be the first one with my in-laws, husband, 2 1/2-year-old son, and myself. We have never vacationed as a family with them at all. The perfect vacation -- we could surf fish, play with my son on the beach, look for shells, and fry up the fish, and eat them fresh for dinner that night. Now with the beach closing, it looks like there's no point in coming. Why spend all that money to not be able to fish, stroll on the beach, or look for shells? If you can get there, everyone else is on top of you. How do tell your son the beach is closed? Two-year-olds don't understand. I don't understand. Jennifer Recktenwalk Vanceboro, N.C. My family loves nature and loves to fish. We have enjoyed and respected our coast for many years and several generations. I believe there is a smarter answer to our problem. Instead of the animals just randomly picking a part of the beach to nest, why can't we plant or prepare a certain area of the beach that attracts the animals. I mean something they can't resist. This would allow all those involved to get what they need. Let’s say this works and the birds over populate. At that point, we could go back to the old methods of the past or distribute the animals elsewhere. You don't really want to affect an animal population either way too much – that’s nature’s job. Just a thought. I bet NC State would love to disover\make a plant or food that would make this possible. I have met many NC State professors on the islands. Mike LaBounty Sanford, N.C. It seems there are more and more closed areas each year. We have been vacationing there for 13 years, and one of the reasons we drive all that way is because we can pull right up to a spot that is good to fish for my husband while I walk, swim, and play with the kids. The trip is ideal for our family and we spend two weeks there. If that area is closed off, there is not really that many other place I feel comfortable taking my 5-, 7-, and 12-year- old children. I would like to continue our tradition of coming each year, but it seems rather pointless to travel all that way when we can stay right here in Virginia. While we understand that there is a need for certain wildlife on the Island, we also feel that the island needs the income from the tourists to survive. While the birds and wildlife may find other areas or locations to survive, unfortunately the residents and business owners of the Outer Banks have no choice other than to suffer. I hope this does not affect the families that live there year round, but can't imagine how it won't. I can't say I have ever met a local that I did not like, and I certainly wish them the best of luck with this new obstacle they now are forced to deal with. Lissa Turner Alexandria, Va. Just great! The taxpayers get to reimburse the lawyers for the plaintiffs. This is a great country. David Rhodes Chesterfield, Va. Everything was fine until the environmentalists got involved. May we keep the freedoms all American's were promised. Jennifer Hobbs Catonsville, Md. Much as I hate it, I guess I'll have to rent one of those big houses on the beach north of Corolla. Seems that is the only place left that I can ride on the beach 'til I find a spot I want to stop for a while. Bob Wasson Statesville, N.C. As one of thousands Ohioans that claim OBX as our second home, this is difficult to read about. As an outsider, we can only say this has not been reasoned out. As the birds multiply -- and they will on all beach -- then what? This newspaper has been useful to see both sides. Fred Dombrowski Aurora, Ohio I am not at all happy with the recent beach closures. I don't think it was handled properly or within the rule of law. This coming November would be my 37th straight year of spending two weeks in Buxton fishing. No more due to this. The entire island will collapse due to lack of business, and this isn't right over a few pairs of birds, some of which are not endangered or threatened. When the Enviros are allowed to dictate what we will and will not do on public federal land, we have a major problem. Is this what America is coming to? I think so, and it's sad at best. I hunt and fish all over this country and do not abuse the right. I certainly have never done anything on the beaches of Hatteras, day or night, that was against the law and never will. This is the thanks I and many others get? I will say this: This situation is not over, only starting, and there will be heads that roll for not following the correct procedures. I realize we all have bosses and rules to follow but there comes a time when common sense has to prevail. Pete Trickey Greeneville, Tenn. It is a travesty to close any of the public access down simply because of the way we get there. We made trips there several times a year to relax in a couple of what we called "our spots" along the beach. My family loves the beach and all it has to offer, including driving to our favorite spot to fish and swim. We always left the beach cleaner than it was when we got there. What a shame to lose that access and privilege. Steve Moore Midlothian, Va. My wife and I, who have been visiting Cape Hatteras at least annually since the mid-1970s, own two rental properties, one each in Hatteras and Frisco. We have already resigned our long-time memberships to Audubon and Defenders and explained to them the reason for our action: It is ecologically extreme and unnecessary and it goes against our financial and personal interests. Thus, I read your news story with dismay. I simply can't believe the only motivation for such draconian beach closures is the altruistic wishes of the two organizations, although both are powerful lobbies. Over many years of political observation and activity, I have regretfully come to believe that little happens in the U.S. today without a financial element. So, who is enlisting the aid of these lobbyists? Has anyone tried to "follow the money" and see what might be behind such tactics at this time? I have heard three theories, all plausible, and I offer them for your consideration and comment: 1. Insurance companies are tired of paying storm damage claims. Moving to effectively cripple usage of the beaches will at minimum reduce the attraction of Hatteras, driving down property values, reducing their expenses, and increasing their profits; and at maximum lead to abandonment of high-risk properties which they will no longer have to cover. 2. The state secretly (or maybe not so secretly) could be trying to avoid replacing the Bonner Bridge with anything but a ferry, a savings of millions of dollars. But to do that, the population and tourist use here needs to recede to ferry-era levels. What better way to go "forward into the past" than to eliminate the attraction that brings people here? 3. And one I heard today: Land speculators, by closing he beaches, could drive property values down far enough to be scooped up for a song, so that Cape Hatteras can be re-developed as a higher-profit, high-end resort area (think Hilton Head, etc.). I don't know if any of these scenarios are true, but I and many friends were victims of the first beach closure for piping plovers in the early '80s -- Moonstone, in South Kingstown, R.I., a college town that peaceably shared its town beach for 45 years with a naturist (clothing-optional) section. The piping plover was invoked to "keep those naked people away," a move initially supported by the town. But when their own section of the beach was closed, too, and they figured out the capital losses of not having the naturists around spending $2 million annually in South Kingstown alone, it was too late. U.S. Fish and Wildlife had already "taken the ball" and scored their own touchdown with it. To this day, the entire stretch of beach remains completely off-limits to the benefit of just a few pairs of nesting plovers, nowhere near the large number that were "promised." This plover ploy was so successful that a fair number of Cape Cod and Nantucket beaches have also been closed "on behalf of" the plovers. And now, it's come to roost here. So why do these closures happen? As I said, I can't believe it's all altruism. Where is the money trail? Is someone on "our side" following it? If not, why not? And if so, where does it lead, please? In the meanwhile, let's continue to call and write our congressional representatives, both in North Carolina and nationally, and let them know that it is indeed time for a change -- a change onward, respecting both the ecology and the citizenry, and not one at the expense of the other, as is happening here now. Paul Payton Chatham, N.J. Closing these beaches is ridiculous. My family has been fishing on these beaches for as long as I can remember. This is getting out of hand! My first son is expected next week, and someday I would hope that he would be able to carry on the family tradition of surf fishing on Hatteras beaches. Jason Turner Mechanicsville, Va. I am very disappointed in the outcome. We as a family have been coming to Hatteras Island for 20 years. We come every chance we get. It really is putting a damper on fishing Susan Colvin Gordonsville, I have vacationed in the OBX since the 1970s. Typically, I spend one week on Ocracoke and another to the north annually. If you are keeping tally, I will be canceling both trips this year. Richard Trickett Finksburg, Md. Here we go again. We've been fighting the Sierra Club over closing the trails in the national parks in Virginia, and now we have to fight the Park Service on Hatteras Island just to save too many spaces for the piping plover to mate, hatch, and live. What about the people (pedestrians) who cannot walk over the dunes to get to the ocean? These could be people in wheelchairs, and people using oxygen to breathe. How are they going to ever stand at the water’s edge and watch the sunset, one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen? Are the pedestrian crossovers on Highway12 wheelchair friendly? How far must you walk to get to the water? I am intelligent enough to know that we must exist with these birds, but can we do it in a less intrusive way for the true ORV fishermen? Karen Phillips Sandston, Va. I feel sorry for all of the local business owners who will be affected by this mess. I usually vacation on the OBX for two weeks each summer and spend an average of about $5,000 while there. Regretfully, I will be spending my money elsewhere this year. If I can't drive on the beach, I'm not coming to the OBX. The hardest part of this decision for me was having to tell my kids. It breaks my heart! William Turner Chesapeake, Va. I am not as educated as I would like to be about the original "purchase" of the Outer Banks beaches in the Hatteras area. From what I have been told, Hatteras was guaranteed access to the beaches in the contract. Have the islanders become the Cherokees of the new millennium? It seems our government is forcing the people to leave the island little by little. My extended family has been coming to Hatteras for many years, and I have been coming down for over a decade. I will still go to Hatteras, but I know that some will not. Are the "bird people" going to subsidize the incomes of all the lost businesses in the area? John Knowles Richmond, Va. Closing national parks to ORVs is wrong and shows our federal government as no back bone, giving in to bird lovers and throwing our state’s fishermen and all Outer Banks businesses in the surf. Need to reverse this ASAP. Fisher Jones Beasley III Mooresville, N.C. The recent reply to a business person by the representative of the Cape Hatteras Bird Club on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area negotiated rulemaking committee concerning the suffering of business people and islanders as a result of the beach closures was an insensitive and cruel statement. For him to say, “Keep talking, sir. There’s nothing I enjoy more than being bored to tears,” shows how little he and his environmental friends care about people. The suffering I am now seeing on this island is not boring me to tears but is causing me to have tears in my heart and eyes. I am seeing families worried about how they are going to survive because of the lack of work as a result of beach closures. I am witnessing not only a decline in our business but a drastic reduction in business for many others. It is doubtful many businesses will survive the summer. The first cutbacks businesses are facing is in their employees. I also feel sorry for the many who have invested in homes to rent to tourists. Many had dreamed of using these homes for their retirement. Some of these homeowners are soon to face foreclosures because they can not maintain two mortgages. The sad thing is that our children are beginning to feel the effects also because mothers and fathers are finding it harder to provide for them. There are cases where our young people have put their dreams of going to college on hold because of what the environmental groups have done to these islands. No matter how Mr. Neal Moore might try to explain away what he said, it reflects the true sentiment of those who have elected to turn these islands into a bird sanctuary without regard to human suffering. If the present representative of the Cape Hatteras Bird Club on the negotiated rulemking committee is an example of the feelings of the rest of the Bird Club members, then I feel Hatteras Island would be better served if they all would fly away. Dewey Parr Buxton My family has been going to the beaches on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands to fish for more than 15 years. During that time, I cannot remember one time that we saw anyone ignoring or bothering any nesting area. People, especially fisherman, have been very respectful of the environment and wildlife. We go all times of the year for fishing. These strict regulations are going to be detrimental to the economy in the local area. It is yet another overreaction that is not necessary. Fishermen are some of the most respectful of the environment. My husband and I have saved birds several times that have gotten tangled in big fishing nets that washed ashore. I hope that a satisfactory agreement can be worked out. As far as I see, the regulations that have been enacted for years have worked just fine. To me northeasters and hurricanes constantly changing the sand is the real reason here, not the fishermen. Linda Sthreshley Richmond, Va. My family and I have been going to the Outer Banks beaches and Hatteras Island beaches for at least 30 years. By closing the points, the fishers will now probably overcrowd the areas where we swimmers like to be. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to forfeit the $1,200 already paid for our rental cottage at Buxton on the soundfront. But if the beach situation is as adverse as it appears it will be, we will not be returning. I would suspect that all your cottages, except the oceanfront, including the sound, will be empty, as the only beach access is by vehicle. It seems there are plenty of areas on the beaches in that area where the birds, turtles, etc. can live. The bird population seems every bit as plentiful, if not more so, as it was 30 years ago. I guess the island will literally go to the birds, as your residents and visitors will be gone, along with your revenue. Robert Williams Petersburg, Va. What a sad state of affairs. I can't believe the people of the USA have lost such a wonderful recreation area. We have been coming to the Outer Banks for over 40 years, and I doubt if we will be back until someone gets enough guts to throw the people that did this out of the state. They should remember that the national seashore belongs to the people of the United States, not to some radical fringe group with a grudge against human beings. My prayers go out to the good people of the Buxton area. I hope you can survive this and still be in business when it comes back to reality. Gary Taylor Findlay, Ohio This is so upsetting! We come to Ocracoke because we love to fish and take our Jeep out on the beach. I am sure these areas that are closing down will greatly impact these islands. This is just what the economy doesn't need. I hope the ones who made this ruling don’t get a bit of sleep at night. I am praying that our congressman can step up to the plate and overrule this mess. This is so crazy! Terry Cole Asheboro, N.C. Wow! This didn’t take long (to close some beaches). Does it not appear strange that The National Audubon Society, the Defenders of Wildlife, and the Southern Environmental Law Center people stated that the different species were almost non-existent here? May I ask from where all these birds that are causing all these closures came? Perhaps their premises were incorrect, or worse still their science flawed? Oh, I get it! The birds told each other that the beaches were open (for them alone), and they decided en mass to flock here and nest, or scratch, or whatever else they do to cause mayhem for the humans, Seems to me the environmentalists cried “wolf” and the judiciary was had. Don't they all look foolish now? Lawrence Cullen Buxton This is a truly sad and disgraceful time for everyone who enjoys and respects our natural resources and our rights as Americans. Bill Cranford Concord, N.C. I am now 54 and have been coming to the Outer Banks since I was born. You see my Dad was a lifer in the Coast Guard, and he was stationed off and on there and in Elizabeth City. I can remember when there was nothing down there. I sure am going to miss pizza at Finnegan’s in Buxton. It is some of the best pizza I ever ate. I’ll miss breakfast at the Gingerbread House and the bakery in Buxton. You see, if I can't get to the Point to fish when I come down for two weeks like I have been doing since I grew up, I don't want to come at all. My dad is retired Coast Guard and lives in Elizabeth City, and when I came down, I didn't stay with them. I rented a place in Buxton for the two weeks. Now all that is gone. My wife's first look at a beach was the Outer Banks, and her first swim in the ocean was at Avon 35 years ago. I wonder how many vacations will never be because of all these stupid decisions. I am really going to miss the Outer Banks. Terrell Talkington New Martinsville, W. Va. We have been coming down there for 42 years and access to the beach was a priority. What a shame for this to happen. We are still coming down this summer with our daughter and son and their combined five children. However, I'm not sure about the following years. I always enjoyed night fishing. Can't even do that now. I hope something can be done to redo this mess. Bob Walker Pleasant Gap, Pa. I signed the petition on www.gopetition.com to try and save the ORV trails. If you go there, look at how far and wide these closures will affect everyone, from the local shop owners in The Outer Banks region, to the family that drives from a 1,000 miles away, wanting to be able to have toys for the kids, chairs for everyone, a cooler, and a few fishing rods. Or for even the beachcomber looking for one of many great finds you see on the beach first thing in the morning. With the information at hand, I don't see how it is possible to give a recreation area that was given and signed over to public use, to a few birds that aren't there in any great number. If the Park Service would trim back the vegetation area, the point and inlet areas like they used to, if would give the birds a lot more of the original area they used to mate back many years ago. Matt Bean Front Royal, Va. I feel bad for the business owners and homeowners who rent their properties. Tourists who come down for the fishing and beach access will rethink their vacation plans. I hope this consent decree didn't just force an even worse economic slowdown to occur on the island. Cate West East Hampton, Conn. It appears that a small group of birds will bring down the economy of Hatteras Island. Perhaps a few politicians will get more involved if they were told that their salaries were being suspended due to lack of funding through decreased tax revenue from cancelled tourist vacations. Michael Grover Rodanthe Driving on the beach to your favorite spot is what makes a trip to the Outer Banks. It's a shame a few can ruin it for everybody else. Thomas Anderson Crystal Hill, Va. I bring my family, and we spend about $3,800 dollars a trip. A lot of that is on tackle, bait, and food. We do a lot of surf fishing and fishing at night. There are never too many rigs on the beach after 10 p.m. – only a few of us. I can't believe we have that much impact. No beach driving, no more trips. Maria Dawson Annapolis, Md. We the people who love Hatteras cannot give up. Look at the community that fought the outlying landing field. Let's stay on top of this. Can we appeal this or counter sue these so-called special groups. We finally got our entire family together for a week in June and now this. I am so angry. I hate to feel this way. Every summer was like going home to Hatteras to fish and drive on the beach. I'm tied of others getting into our business where they don't need to be. Let's not give up! Debbie Cooper Washington, N.C. I still think Judge Boyle caters to the special interest groups too much for him to seem to be unbiased in this matter. I have written others about his past record and can only hope that we who are most affected by this decision can get real justice somewhere. Johnnie Baum Frisco Reopening of Ocracoke’s Community Store I'm thrilled that the store is reopened! I've been coming to Hatteras and Ocracoke for at least the last 25 years and the store was definitely missed. Ocracoke is whole again! Sue Lattanzio Reading, Pa. Student Video on the Bonner Bridge We enjoyed viewing the students' video concerning the Bonner Bridge. It is a very creative production that I hope will have an impact on the decision to replace the bridge before a disaster occurs. As frequent visitors to the Outer Banks, we have had a concern as to the safety of the bridge for many years. We were there when the bridge was damaged and had to cross by ferry. What can a concerned out-of-state vacationer do to influence the decision makers? Don and Patti Simmons Ridgeley, W. Va. You've convinced me. Great job First Flight High. Where can I get a bridge sticker? Tonya Byrum Kill Devil Hills What a great video. Congratulations to the students on a job well done. Colleen Victor Hopwood, Pa. Great film! You get an A-plus from us! Where can we get those stickers? Jim and Paula Brown Baltimore, Md. New Letters to the Editor....05.05.2008 12:00 pm Beach Access Issues
Again, Island Free Press has done an outstanding job of keeping this issue factually before the public. Thank you very much. To say the least, the April 30 hearing in Raleigh was tremendously disappointing. After sitting through that fiasco of a one-hour hearing, I think its time to quit talking and to start legal action. It was very sad day for the beach-using public and the Outer Banks community. I am sure this is just the beginning of lots of litigation. Courts interpret and render opinions on the law. They do not run parks. Courts are established to protect the public interest, which did not happen on April 30. The judge acknowledged about five different times the need for public participation and review but then completely ignored public participation and input, let alone science-based facts. He signed off on what is essentially a federal regulation contracted between special interest environmental groups and the federal government where, in actuality, the federal government agrees to answer to two special interest groups for the next three years, forgetting about scientific facts and the needs and desires of the general public. The intervenors had no choice but to go along with the agreement or have the beach shut down completely. The court knew that and could have at least opened the settlement to include public hearings. I advise the following needs to be done. 1. Full control of the Park must be restored to the Park Service, which answers to the entire public and just not special interest groups. 2. Public comment and review must be demanded for all regulations related to beach access by ORV. 3. There must be the identification and hard review of the science of all technical content of the ORV management plan. Absence of fact is the root cause of the current problem. 4. There must be an analysis of trade-off and unintended consequence. For example, if ORVs cannot access the beach, where do they go or park. Then what? Thousands of people track through the fragile dunes and wreck ecosystems on their way to the beach? There are countless questions like this. 5. We need a full-blown economic analysis of the impact of this regulation. Dr. Mike Berry Chapel Hill Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, need to get a clue and most of all get a life! David Rusevlyan Bath, N.C. My family has enjoyed Hatteras Island for almost 30 years, and my wife and I have owned property in Avon since 1997. Two of my sons have lived on Hatteras Island for periods of time. ORV use on the beaches to fish in areas like Cape Point and Hatteras Inlet are truly special. As a result of the processes leading up to and including the alleged "settlement,” I feel very personally violated and that something special has been taken from me. In my opinion, the National Park Service has been inept in meeting its responsibilities (both short- and long-term). Allegedly, the attorney representing the NPS was totally outclassed and unprepared. I also believe that these alleged "protectors of the environment," including the Southern Environmental Law Center, Defenders of Wildlife, and National Audubon Society, have longer term objectives and agendas that will continue to represent a real threat to the very economic survival of the area, including ultimately total restriction of ORV beach access (sooner rather than later) and continuing objection to replacing the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet. Certainly emotions have been and will continue to be high. Certainly many people are affected and are losing something special that has become a way of life. Economic loss may well be significant, whether it relates to the viability of local businesses or declines in property values. A special thanks to Frank Folb and others who continue to lead the local effort for fairness and the rights of citizenry and visitors. I also fail to understand or comprehend the perspectives of Judge Boyle and the lack of responsiveness by the governor of North Carolina. Tom Trice Salisbury, Md. I am totally opposed to this "settlement", including, in particular, the restrictions on access for night fishing, and find the allowance of unrestricted expansion of restricted areas because of potential illegal or irreponsible actions of a few as being totally contrary to the "American Way" and individual rights. This "settlement" is unjust, perhaps illegal, and just plain wrong, and, in my opinion, must continue to be challenged both legislatively and in every way possible through whatever legal means are available. Many of us are fed up and sick and tired of various special interest groups hedging our freedoms, little by little. I have been surfing and fishing Hatteras beaches with an ORV for more than 40 years. It is part of my heritage. My younger sons and I have many fond memories of Hatteras vacations spent surfing and fishing. My oldest son, 29, is physically disabled and Hatteras is the only beach I can take him to by vehicle and put him in lawn chair and be able to pick him up so he can enjoy the beach and the ocean water in an inner tube. If they want to know special interest, have one of them set their butts into an electric wheelchair, tie their legs and one arm to it, and then tell them to go and enjoy whatever beach I can. This is a tragedy for our American life and beliefs. This type of government intervention at the hands of special interests is not what our forefathers envisioned. Ed Monroe Virginia Beach, Va. I would rather see no restrictions, but I can live with these. Ricky Holsclaw Elkin, N.C. See what happens when you use a government provided attorney? John Graham Chesapeake, Va. With regard to the following: The request to Murray to dismiss the environmental groups, said Rylander, is an “unnecessary and divisive delay tactic that will impede the work of the committee.” It is, in fact, the lawsuit brought by Rylander and the environmental groups that was unnecessary and divisive. These people must be removed from the negotiated rulemaking committee. In fairness, the environmental interests could still be represented but NOT by the individuals and groups that violated the rules in the first place by not negotiating in good faith, by bringing suit in violation of the process, and by their arrogance throughout the brief life of the committee. The Park Service must insist on new representation. Compromise is a word that is not in the vocabulary of Defenders of Wildlife. The Audubon Society is little better. Mr. Rylander is perhaps the biggest hypocrite of the bunch. Mike Murray, rid the scoundrels from your midst! Donald Delwiche Fairport, N.Y. My wife and I come down twice to three times a year -- seven hours each way -- because of unfettered beach access. My wife is an amateur astronomer, and we spend most of these evenings, sometimes through sunrise, with our truck and telescope on the beach. To discover that driving is not allowed on the beach at night 13 days before our next vacation is deflating! Glad this is happening before we made the unfortunate mistake of buying property on the Outer Banks. If what sets this area apart is taken away, I will (like others) be driving less and spending my money (about $5,000 per week) elsewhere. Please reconsider the ban on night-time driving. Ed Morton Charlottesville, Va. Why do the environmentalists always get their way and spoil something that people have been enjoying for centuries? Since they are mostly liberals, the following joke may help to explain their thought process. Do you know the difference between a Communist and a liberal? The Communist knows what he's doing! Glad the beaches are staying open, even if restricted. What a blow to your economy this could have been. We enjoy coming down in the fall and summer and might have changed our plans if the full ban had taken effect. Good luck to the negotiated rulemaking committee. Keep hanging in there. Nadine Culver Trappe, Md. I'm temporarily relieved that at least for the present, ORV access has only been reduced and restricted, not summarily shut down. I am, however, most disturbed about the future, having knowledge of the mindset of certain environmental groups that have no clue (beyond a computer monitor) about how huge ORV access is to so many locals and visitors, the vast majority of whom are responsible stewards of the Hatteras-Ocracoke seashore. Rick Neumann Bethesda, Md. I have been vacationing on the Outer Banks for more than 40 years. I, like all the year-round residents of the Banks, have noticed the drastic increase in ORV traffic on the beaches. In my opinion, what is worse than being too close to nesting birds and turtles is the sheer amount of traffic and the trash the people leave behind. I spend time every day picking up trash when I walk the beach. While I support protection of the wildlife on the Banks, as I'm sure most fishermen do, I think it is more important to limit the traffic on the beaches. By making the available beach space more restricted to ORVs, you are pushing the massive amounts of vehicles into a smaller space. From my last vacation there in May, 2007, I noticed more and more non-fishing people pulling up and parking for the day. It made fishing impossible because there were so many children in the water. I feel that beach access passes of $125 a week for non-residents would help cut down on the casual traffic on the beach. There are plenty of parking and walk-though areas available for swimming. I’m sure this will not be a popular suggestion. I would have no hesitation paying, if it will help curb the "Myrtle Beach" feeling on the beaches. Cindy Garren Spartanburg, S.C. At what point do we allow Darwin his say? Adapt or die -- that's nature's law and these ridiculous birds clearly cannot adapt. Why should so many people be lose their incomes, businesses, and summer retreats to protect an animal too stupid to move away from the open areas where they are easy prey for any number of predators - and none of them are Fords. Paul Pantano Old Bridge, N.J. First, although I do not live on Hatteras Island, I have been going there since the late 1950s. I also have always driven the beach for fishing and surfing. With my family, I also own a trailer that we keep on a campground lot year-round in Buxton. I do not see anywhere in the decree if you can go out on the beach in an ORV during the day and then just park and camp and fish for the night. It seems to me as long as the ORV was not driven that would be fine. Also what about in a emergency, such as someone driving in an ORV to get back off the beach before curfew and it gets stuck out on the beach after the nightly curfew because of injury, ORV breakdown, or just getting stuck? What happens then? This will happen because ORVs break down, and especially since the only place to drive is down near the water on the tide line. In fact, all of us who drive the beach know that driving all the way down near the water below the tide line is not a smart idea. Many more people will get stuck and what if this happens with an incoming tide right near curfew time? Will a tow vehicle be allowed on the beach after curfew to pull the stuck ORV out or will the stuck ORV have to be left to the incoming tide and destroyed? There are many other scenarios that would lead to the same thing, such as a medical emergency right near curfew. As you know, this plan is nothing more than the first step to complete beach closure of all the seashore beaches in Dare County to all human activities except those "approved" by these extremist wildlife groups. I think we all need to hire the most politically connected law firm and take any and all legal means to challenge this judge and these extremist wildlife groups on every legal front. This includes taking all legal means to limit or eliminate all donations to these wildlife groups, including public advertising in major donor areas and putting all legal pressure on lawmakers who take any donations from any of these groups. Also, we should challenge on all legal fronts the obvious prejudice that this judge has for these wildlife groups. Finally we need to pursue the legal fact that when the land on Hatteras Island was signed over to the federal government, the agreement was that beach access would always and forever be free and open. It is not under this agreement. Willie Munden Williamsburg, Va. Is it just us or is the National Park Service beach access report complicated? Looks like we will need a Park Service guide when we walk on the beach! Ann Ianuario Jefferson, Ga. I suppose this settlement is a whole lot better than it could have been. There is no way we would ever even consider not going to Hatteras at least once during the year. If there are fees imposed, permits to obtain or whatever, then those will be figured in to our budget no matter what. As long as there is still communications taking place, then a ray of hope still exists. People that are canceling vacations need to realize they could be playing into the hands of the three environmental groups. There is still a lack of information reaching the public unless they try to look for it. Word of mouth and forwarding The Island Free Press Web site seems to work the best in this conservative area of Richmond. Please don't give up this worthwhile effort, as I believe that as the weather changes and the season begins, more visitors will become involved and hopefully open their wallets to help pay legal expenses or whatever it takes to stay on track. Thanks for all you are doing. Jill Marshall Ashland, Va. For the many years, my family and I have come to the Outer Banks, and we have always respected the pristine area and restrictions for the birds and turtles. Keeping ORV in the OBX is necessary for the economy. Not allowing ORV access to continue will greatly affect how the residents live. The area needs to keep the tourists coming during the season, so that the people who live there can survive through the winter. We have always thought we were very fortunate to come down Highway 12 and enjoy the beauty and quietness of Hatteras Island. There is nothing like going to the beach in our four-wheel drives and spending hours fishing, playing and relaxing. Keep it open. Betty Herring Aylett, Va. What a shame. This will eventually put a hurting on Outer Banks recreational fishing. I am not going to spend a lot of money, gas, etc. in North Carolina. I'll take that hard earned money, buy a boat, and fish the Chesapeake Bay. I have spent a lot of money in North Carolina over the last 25 years. What a shame -- thanks to the judge and his bird-loving friends and Toyota for putting up $20 million. Johnny Huffman Richmond, Va. Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station opens for the 2008 season I had the opportunity to participate in a breeches buoy re-enactment at the lifeboat station back in the early ‘90s while serving as executive petty officer of Hatteras Inlet Station. The Life-Saving Service was one of the foundation blocks of the U.S. Coast Guard, which I was proud to serve for over 20 years. These historical buildings must be preserved lest we not forget the significant history of the Outer Banks Life-Saving Services and the roles played for those who "had to go out, but didn't have to return." Steve Thompson Ellsworth, Maine Homecoming: A return to Portsmouth Island This is a beautiful presentation of Portsmouth Island. I was a Coastie in the ‘60s and used to visit Portsmouth Island when stationed on Hatteras Island. Really touching. Rod Tozour Beachwood, N.J. New Letters to the Editor....05.01.2008 11:00 am Beach Access Issues I think it's a shame that the future of the entire population of the islands hinges on the whims of the National Audubon Society and the rulings of a federal judge. The livelihood of everybody on Hatteras Island is tied into the fishing/tourism industry. They might as well force them to leave their homes by government mandate. I have visited the OBX for 25 years. Everyone who fishes knows the friendships made in just one day on The Point, or wherever, are endless and rewarding. Plus the pristine beauty of the seashore could be lost to firsthand observance by our future generations. We must all join together and agree on a plan to protect the islanders and our right to enjoy what nature put here for us. I know my next trip will include joining the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, the Outer Banks Preservation Association, or both. Maybe stricter policing of litter, irresponsible driving (on the beach), and fishing licenses, could help protect the wildlife and keep proper ORV use intact. Hatteras is now known to many as the "Fishing Capital of the East Coast.” Let's keep it that way instead of seeing the island become a ghost town like Portsmouth Island. In fact, let the National Audubon Society capture these "precious" birds and relocate them to Portsmouth and Cedar Island. Not a sermon, just a thought." Glenn Poston Winchester, Va. In the chart for closure violations (in the Park Service weekly resource management report), it would be nice to know what reason pedestrians are giving for being inside closure areas – shell hunting, bird watching, etc. If we knew this, maybe we could stop violations by pointing out signage and warning signs in a friendly manner. The result may be fewer violations that will be used against ORV operators. Alexander Brody Buxton I served in the Coast Guard at the old Oregon Inlet and Buxton stations in the ‘60s and have been in the environmental field for over 30 years. I frequently visit Hatteras and enjoy and respect my rights to drive, fish, and surf on the beach. I have to say that these radical environmental groups -- Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society and the Southern Environmental Law Center -- are out to destroy all of our rights and ruin the lives of the good people of Hatteras. It is time that we unite and file our own lawsuit against them. Rod Tozour Beachwood, N.J. I write this letter with a heavy heart and great concern. I've just learned of the proposed injunction against off-road-vehicles (ORVs) on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. My first thought was: I can't get a refund back on the house I just rented there in May. My second thought was: Would I even consider going in May if I could not access the beach? I don't know the answer to that one. But I do know that if an injunction against beach driving is implemented, the May trip may very well be my last. The child-like excitement, anticipation, and appeal for this area would be gone for me. My husband and I are enthusiastic, dedicated, environmentally-responsible fisher-persons. (No, we don't catch a lot, but there's no prettier place to be when the fish aren't biting.) You could say our whole year revolves around the few weeks we spend on the Outer Banks. Last year we spent three weeks at Ocracoke. This year, two trips are already planned with talk of a third in October. These are not cheap trips for us. Besides the cost of owning a four-wheel-drive vehicle year round, there's all the fishing gear, state required licenses and related items that one must have to go to this special place in North Carolina. In addition to that, during our stay on the island, our accommodations, meals, bait and tackle, groceries and other purchases can run us well over $2,000 per trip. This is income from just one ORV visit going directly into the economy of this small village. Until we discovered the Outer Banks, we had never spent that much on a single vacation! But the desire to be back on those lovely shores makes cutting back elsewhere easy and as soon as we return home, we start dreaming of our next trip. To show you our exaggerated enthusiasm for this area, we live 3 1/2 hours from the beach in South Carolina. But yet, we drive 12 hours one way three times a year just to get to the Outer Banks and its unique beauty and atmosphere. The draw for us is fishing this remote, edge-of-the-Earth setting. As lovely as Ocracoke is, we would probably never return to this area again if beach access is denied. The charm and enjoyment for us centers around fishing on the beach. And there are many others that feel the same. The fishermen we've met during our trips come from every walk of life. All of them have exhibited the greatest respect for this fragile strip of sand. We all realize that the only things we should leave on the beach are our tracks and our hearts. The wildlife in this area, whether in the sea, on land, or in the air, is observed from afar and enjoyed while we are there and treasured in pictures when we are back home. It's the whole package that makes this place so unique and wonderful to so many. None of us wants to be responsible for causing irreversible damage to a place we dream of daily. We hold our breath and hope Mother Nature won't either. If the injunction is implemented, I see an end to a long, treasured tradition for those that travel there to fish these sacred waters -- and a true threat to those that depend on that income to keep them and their island alive and well. Even a short period of injunction will be detrimental when you consider most annual income on this island is earned in only seven to eight months. Pat and Art Mullinax Lyman, S.C . I thought I would just express my opinion here. For the last few months, all of us here on Hatteras Island have been screaming to the world about our issues with the ORV access. While I am one of those who has been screaming and preaching doom and gloom, it has come to me that maybe we are hurting ourselves now by doing so. We are losing renters and vacationers left and right because they think that we have NO beach access and NO driving privileges at all. We all know that is not true. Yes, we have to humble ourselves just a bit and abide by the rules and regulations that the Park Service has to enforce. But if you think about the big picture, it is really no different from what it was, except the ropes extend more. These are subject to change at any time due to nesting. Permits and fishing license and regulated times of driving on the beach are difficult to swallow for a lot of us. I am not happy about any of this either, but now I think it is the time to encourage our vacationers (supporters) to come, and let them know that all is not lost. They are misunderstanding our pleas, and we need to let them know that they can still enjoy our beaches and still have driving on the beach. They just have to follow the rules as they would in any other park in the states. This is not a give-up attitude that I am conveying. It’s just that we need to salvage our summer season the best we can and hope and pray that we can all have a successful season and have faith that all will turn out okay in the end. Beth Bailey Hatteras My family spends more than $10,000 yearly vacationing on Hatteras Island. This will probably be our last year. Without the ORV access, there is no reason to come back. We will miss the fishing trips. Good luck renting all of those high-dollar houses to the environmentalists! One plus may be that the lines will be shorter at the grocery stores. Looks like you will need to build a lot of parking lots along the beaches. The dunes and nests will probably be ruined by everyone hiking over them to reach the beach. Personally, I think Mother Nature is much more harmful to the beach wildlife than ORV access. Mike Miller Owings, Md. There are so many things wrong with the way that this was done, but I don't have the time or the space to write a novel. I am a policeman and have been so for 25-plus years. There is one section that really concerns me where if something happens to one of the animals or mammals in question then the following will happen. Right away, without an investigation to find out who, what, when and where, we are going to blame the incident on the ORV operators and then enlarge the restricted area. Why would we not investigate to find out what happened and prosecute the person or persons who committed the act? This would be like someone having their ORV damaged because of the restrictions in place, and we go and penalize the whole special interest group not caring which one of them did the damage. Also where is the National Park Service going to get all the personnel to track these birds and reset the restrictions on the beach? It just seems that we as citizens always have to cater to the special interest groups. These special interest groups are not just causing grief for the ORV users, but they are affecting people’s livelihood. They are affecting the people who live and work on the Outer Banks. I hunt and fish, and I know wildlife is important. But are we giving more attention to the wildlife than we are people in real need. Thank you for your time. And, yes, I am at this time still planning to come to the Outer Banks this October to fish using my ORV. Terry Halsel Harrington, Del. Some of the judge's questions just seem ridiculous. Qualification for driving on the beach? Please! That would be like the snow belt states setting up a qualification for visitors from the sun belt states for driving in the snow, which is very similar to driving on sand. One of the most helpful pieces of literature I have picked up is from the NCBBA providing instructions on driving on the OBX beaches, and I have followed them for eight years of driving on the beach. I will be there in October and look forward to driving to the Point and further educate my niece, nephew, and granddaughter on true environmentalism. Michael Porter Indianapolis, Ind. I can't even imagine not being able to drive and fish on the beach at Hatteras or Ocracoke. This situation is repulsive, and I wouldn't support the Audubon Society if my life depended on it. This is a classic example of left-wing environmentalists obtaining exactly what they want -- closure of all the beaches. Rick Lewis Quinton, Va. This whole process is sickening. ORVs have been on the Outer Banks for decades. Where is the evidence that ORV use has destroyed habitat? The buffer zone sizes are absurd! What happens if bird and turtle populations don't improve? What happens if they do? Will any of this ever be reversed? I live in New Jersey, where Canada geese are “protected.” With the changes in the weather (mild winters), they are now resident, not migratory. Their population has exploded, and our ballfields and parks are awash in their excrement. There is little we can do about it. I will never contribute a dime to the National Audubon Society for their heavy-handed tactics. Courts should not be used for this purpose. David Jones Ramsey, N.J. Birds are killed everyday on the roads by cars. Are we supposed to close all the highways? I saw a turkey on the parkway that was hit by a car. Why aren't the tree huggers doing something about that? Mark Morgan Roanoke, Va. Well, this closing of the beach vehicle access is already affecting us. We rent our cottage, and so far we have had two families cancel out their weeks because of the closing of vehicle access to the beaches. I can only imagine the impact on the families whose livelihoods depend on tourists. Diana Rountree Carrollton, Va. I think the National Park Service, the locals, and the vacationers using the beach with their ORVs have done a great job respecting the wildlife and their habitats, and I am disappointed that a judge and out-of-state organizations feel they can better control what was already being handled in what I feel was a successful partnership between National Park Service and ORV users. We have been visiting Hatteras Island for almost 10 years, and I am saddened that outsiders felt the need to stick their nose in something that was already going well. All sea turtle nesting areas and bird areas were always clearly marked, and people respected the signs without any outsiders telling them what to do. Angie Sieber Lititz, Pa. |