Walking in the water
Friday 23 March 2012 at 4:42 pm.Some of the Park Service’s new signage on the seashore has caused quite a stir this week with coverage in print, online, and broadcast media and plenty of discussion in the social media and blogs.
The signs have been erected recently to inform the public about the new rules under the Park Service’s off-road vehicle plan and final rule that became effective Feb. 15.
The signs in question have been placed in pedestrian-only areas, such as in the Hook west of Cape Point, where the accompanying photo was taken.
They are in the pedestrian-only areas that have pre-nesting closures that were put in place last week.
In those areas, pedestrian access is allowed along the shoreline until shorebird breeding activity is observed.
However, some folks think the Park Service has taken its new rules just a bit too far.
“Leave no footprints behind,” the signs advise. “Walk in the water where footprints wash away.”
In other words, stay in the ocean if you want to take a walk.
Jim Keene, a director of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, shot off an e-mail last weekend to seashore superintendent Mike Murray.
He wrote:
“Please tell me that these signs were put up without your prior approval. I cannot believe that these signs were conceived of and produced as a product of rational thinking.
I am convinced that this signage closes the ‘Pedestrian Only’ areas to families with small children who must walk on the moist sand but out of the wave action and to all persons with walking handicaps. If this is not the case, please post some type of explanation that is understandable to the visiting public.
“What has happened to the NPS mantra of "Take only pictures and leave only footprints?”
Murray responded in an e-mail to Keene:
“The ORV management plan allows for pedestrian shoreline access, but no pets, below the high tide line in front of (i.e., seaward of) pre-nesting areas until breeding activity is observed, then standard buffers for breeding activity will apply. The signs are based on Leave No Trace principles and used only adjacent to pre-nesting areas (i.e., shoreline that would typically have been closed to all access under the Consent Decree).
“There are many, many miles of shoreline open that are not affected by these restrictions, which are specifically limited to pre-nesting areas.”
The discussion has continued all week on the blogs and social media, and today U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., jumped on the issue in a letter to Murray.
In the letter, Jones points out that “the signs falsely convey a level of restricted pedestrian access that goes beyond park laws and regulations.” And he asks Murray to replace the signs.
The full text of Jones’ letter to Superintendent Murray:
“I am writing to convey my concern with new signs the National Park Service (NPS) has erected in several locations along the beach in Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. I have attached a photograph of one of the signs for your review.
“The signs falsely convey a level of restricted pedestrian access that goes beyond park laws and regulations. They read: ‘Shoreline Open to Restricted Pedestrian Access: Leave no footprints behind. Walk in water where footprints wash away.’ However, the recently enacted final rule explicitly allows ‘pedestrian shoreline access along ocean and inlet shorelines below the high-tide line . . . in front of pre-nesting areas until breeding activity is observed.’
“Clearly, these signs do not reflect the level of accessibility permitted in the rule. The rule’s allowance for visitors to walk below the high tide line does not mean that visitors can only walk in the ocean.
“The final rule is already hurting seashore visitors and nearby residents and businesses enough. They should not have to deal with additional restrictions not included in the rule. I urge you to promptly remove these signs and replace them with new signs that accurately convey the level of visitor accessibility spelled out in the final rule. If I can be of any assistance in securing this change, please do not hesitate to let me know.
“Thank you for (your) service and your consideration of this important matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Many of us find all of the signs that sprout along the seashore in the spring when shorebird nesting season begins offensive – the visual pollution of one of the most beautiful natural areas anywhere.
They certainly are visual pollution along Highway 12, especially between Avon and Buxton and just east of Hatteras village where the road is lined with sign and sign connected by the string “fencing.”
I guess this is just going to part of life with the new rules, but it’s a shame it has come to this.
The particular sign that has caused the furor in the Hook near Cape Point is no longer an issue.
Seashore biologists observed piping plover and American oystercatcher breeding activity in the areas earlier this week.
Now the area is closed to pedestrians, as well as vehicles.
67 comments
Can anyone advise if there is another national park anywhere in the US where it is a violation of the regs for a visitor to walk outside.
Joe B. - 23-03-’12 19:24
Probably Cape Cod where Murray was before this debacle.Rep.Jones swallowed the smoke and mirrors that NPS gave him concerning rain and salt damage to the Bodie Island Lighthouse,he’ll believe whatever the NPS e-mails back about walking in the water and leaving no footprints.Just where is the high tide line? Usually the TOE OF THE DUNE LINE.duh
Native Son - 24-03-’12 08:30
According to the owners manual for humans, I left the instruction that man is to havedominion over the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, not to have the birds rule man. Mr Murray better read his Bible or he may find hinself at the great campfire.
overrev - 24-03-’12 10:18
When I go to the beach I really like to walk in the wet sand and I think it feels great. But when the NPS ask us to do it out comes the whine. Surely Irene, you and Rep Jones can find something more important than this to be concerned about.
I suggest y’all give that wet sand walking a try.
Dennis - 24-03-’12 12:21
This revelation is reminiscent of that infamous Pelosi Obamacare remark of several years ago that “we’ll have to pass this law in order to see what’s in it”.
Fred - 24-03-’12 13:20
Native Son, as the individual that took the photograph used in this article as well as Rep. Walter Jones press release, and the Virginian Pilot, as well as a resident of Buxton, I can assure you that no dune was within 100 yards of this sign and only very rarely does the high tide mark reach the toe of the dunes anywhere on this island. You must be thinking of somewhere else.
As to Dennis, well feller, I suppose you aren’t handicapped. I am. I broke my neck in an accident back in 2006 and am 45% permanently disabled. So walking in water is usually not only difficult but often very dangerous. This Seashore was established and authorized as a recreational area, not a wildlife refuge for birds that are neither threatened nor endangered. I would suggest you find a way to simulate a disability before you so wantonly disregard the limitations of others. perhaps, then you will understand though I doubt you would be so unconvinced as to do so.
Actually, the most offensive thing about this is that the signs also say no pets and no kites. This is not the same as the other pedestrian areas/vehicle free areas where visitors may take pets, kids, kites, etc. and do what they like.
So here you are, can’t afford or don’t want to pay for a permit. You load up your car and head for your favorite haunt. When you get there you find out neither fido or the kids with their kits are welcome. You go somewhere else and find the same scenario. I go to a third place and all if fine.
And how am I to know which is which—they are all painted blue on the Google map. How about a third color—yellow for restricted. Me and many of my neighbors have asked for this only to be given a copy of the prenesting announcement which says ALL pedestrian areas are noted in blue and the signs on the ground will tell us what additional restrictions are in place.
This is not full disclosure and the only reason I can see for not identifying restricted areas is so that SELC, et al and the NPS can claim only 12 miles of shoreline are impacted.
This is so wrong it is beyond belief. And they wonder why they get insulting or abusive emails and verbal treatment?
Ginny - 24-03-’12 18:08
The whole thing is utterly absurd. To think that one judge and a few special interest groups can do this to fellow Americans is so totally ridiculous. I have written Cantor repeatedly about this and can’t get a reply. Obviousley the PACS are in charge and are probably gloating their B$%%s offr over this. What would it take to get Boyle removed? Any lawyers on this post?
tom - 24-03-’12 19:46
Sad Sad Sad,You people keep puting up with this nonsense from special intrest groups, and the FEDS FOR YEARS.Keep writing the NPS on your opinions obout the ORV rulings sure they will take your input and throw it in the trash!!This MR Nice guy approach just wont cut it with the Government.I have begged, written pleaded and cryed over this manure for years.Only to see my efforts and the efforts of thousands of others to be tossed aside like expendable paper products.Every public input request by the NPS was nothing but a huge smoke screen designed to actually make you think that your opinion mattered and that they cared about the Islanders.Well I hope by now that you actually see how much you matter to the Federal Government.Oh and hey Dennis you keep drinking your wine and walking in the water line,and while your there keep sticking your head in the sand and not seeing the true picture of what is happening to Hatteras. Love your posts and opinions we all need some humor in our lives.One more thing I appreciate the efforts by Rep. Walter Jones on his up hill battle to try and fight the politically correct powers that be.But really do we want to re-word a sign that should not be there in the first place!!!How about letting these fools in congress of whom we all pay their salaries know that everything going on in Hatteras is totally wrong.I feel totally betrayed and played like a fool by the NPS for trying to plead for a rational solution to something that was and has never been an issue in the first place.
Danny Blevins - 24-03-’12 22:40
yeah……nothing like walking in the water for two miles to get out to your favorite spot and having the park service come up in one of their big trucks to make sure you’re not walking on their sand. if it’s a walking only beach, it should also include NPS employees……in full uniform.
bbc - 24-03-’12 23:09
Wheat,
Well feller, yea I know about disability. As I write this I am in the company of approx 500 Disabled American Veterans in Snowmass. CO
http://miracles.dav.org/You YouTake a look and maybe you will realize there are lots that have it tougher than you.
Dennis - 25-03-’12 01:00
Hay Wheat,the tide hits the toe of the dune from Oregon Inlet to Sandbridge with great regularity,usualy during Northeasters,guess the beaches are different down below.
Native Son - 25-03-’12 07:11
North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that: the high tide mark/line is an average of daily runup over roughly 19 years.
Native Son - 25-03-’12 07:39
Dennis,what are doing…trying to make sure the disabled cannot get to where they want to go after serving their country? Are you ensuring they can’t use snowmobiles?Are YOU disabled?Do you think you’re the only person who respects and assists wounded warriors?Can you leave footprints in the snow? You DO walk on water,don’t you?
Hawk Hawkins - 25-03-’12 08:35
I guess I am very confused with this…so you can not take your pet on the beach?? or just where the signs are??? And no kites, wow whatever happened to fun and sun on the beach!!! Guess you can’t fish either!!!! I hope they don’t have the whole beach area tied up where you can’t go and fish, have some fun…guess I will find out soon…such a same for us beach lovers.
Ann - 25-03-’12 09:07
Ann,
You’re allowed to have your (leashed) dog and kites on the beach, just not inside the signed resource protection areas.
Ann Croat is right there are some pedestrian areas where fido and kites are permitted. The are others that sport signage banning kites, fido, and suggesting you walk only below the high tide line so that your footprints ultimately wash away.
Here is the rub—both areas a coded in blue on the Google map (the source we use to determine what we can and cannot do and where).
All I am suggesting and many are asking for is that the park service identify the pedestrian access areas which are restricted with respect to pets, kites, and walking with a yellow code. This is a simple request. It is doable with little or no effort as the prenesting areas will not change until late july or after breeding season. I just don’t see how anyone can object to this request.
Help us, call and write Murray. We have a right to this information.
Ginny - 25-03-’12 10:15
Are we not at the point in this country where enough is enough! If Federal or State monies are used by the Park Services, and if one pays Federal and State taxes, then they are allowed to walk there. And if one pays for a local dog license, then they to are allowed. Enough being bullied by Liberal wack jobs. Take the signs down, period!
Michael Butler - 25-03-’12 10:22
Until we “repeal” Obama this nonsense will continue nationwide. Follow the money. The now infamous XL pipeline is a perfect example. Oil companies donating big bucks to Obama? Don’t think so, but the liberals that are packed into every position in this adminstration eagerly accept huge contributions from the environmental groups which number in the thousands. Thus the pipeline is delayed until at least after the election. Vote the environazis out!
Mike McNichol - 25-03-’12 11:08
well then native son……..as much as this beach has changed over the past couple of decades i’ve lived here that would probably place a lot of the high tide lines out in the surf somewhere.
bbc - 25-03-’12 12:48
Do not let any of the signs fool you. As long as you are in the water, you can walk where ever you want on any ocean shoreline in the state of NC. You will not get a ticket as long as you are in the water. Do not come out or you will get a ticket!
Rick C - 25-03-’12 13:49
My questions are; How did it get to this? How were they able to do it? How did a handful of biologists and NPS people pull this off? Weren’t there any public hearings or investigations by the District Congressman or one of North Carolina’s two Senators? Where were the State legislators?
Jack - 25-03-’12 14:27
Cape Hatteras was targeted by the SELC and Audubon about ten years ago because we are a weak political area and they knew they would win. It’s that simple. This isn’t about birds, turtles or any form of saving a species. The human beings that call Hatteras Island home and the millions of visitors that love our island are the real victims here. Leadership has to start at the county level, then state, then federal. Where are they, what have they done to really help us? I know this is an election year and look who is up for Re-election! Closing a beach on an island can only cause a total economic collapse. That is what has happened here. We have survived hurricanes, our bridge falling, no beach stabilization for over 40 years, but when the Park Service wants to claim an area, they are stealing our land the same way they did in the 50’s, just a different model. Every time I see a yogi bear riding in their trucks, I vomit in my mouth and realize I’ve just seen evil.
Carol Dawson - 25-03-’12 16:15
Native Son..as yu pointed out the beaches up north are different..so I’m left with the question..what’s your point? You’re trying to compare apples and oranges..
Dennis, so you’re sitting in Colorado, a place where we all know ocean beaches abound and telling us, who live miles out to sea should be conducting our lives? And the you proced to know how my handicap affects my life? How dare you even make the attempt; in either case.
So, pull onto the inlet this morning to go shelling with my little boys, and BOOM, as soon as I turn right to head out, there stands the fence!!!! Got my $ 120.00 a month ago though! Where is the permit money going anyway? For the new signage, because they sure did not have any NPS LE anywhere. Ask the NPS guys, they are wandering the same thing. How is all of this going to be enforced, where is the money going, AND why pay when you can’t even get out there until Fall!!!
stephanie - 25-03-’12 19:14
Walk in the water—not. I was at the point on Friday when a bunch of fish started busting water in the hook area. 5 or 6 guys walked down (some of which had waded to the point last year). Not sure if the new rule changed anything one young man got on the phone and asked could they go into the hook area if they stayed in the water. The answer ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Not wanting to be responsible for having the point closed down, they didn’t test the park service on the issue.
Ginny - 25-03-’12 19:25
Wheat,
You asked me a question along with a insult and you brought up disabilities. It ain’t about me fella, but you and your buddy hawk try your best in the personal attack dept. The point being the disabled vets will find a way to enjoy THEIR beach despite their disability without whine or complaint.
Get the permit or not and keep jamming the NPS at every opportunity if that floats your boat … Life goes on at CHNS.
Dennis - 25-03-’12 19:27
Leave no trace usually applies to litter, campfire rings, and other “unnaturals” that, say, hikers on the Appalachian Trail understand. But footprints?? Things must be getting pretty bad down there.
Susan Howell - 25-03-’12 19:28
The way the new rule reads, if you enter a fishing tournament that was held prior to Jan 2009 you may still be able to drive on some of these newly closed sections. So these sections aren’t COMPLETELY closed. Now there is a FEE you can PAY sometimes throughout the year to be EXEMPT from the areas that need to be PRESERVED.
Kem - 25-03-’12 20:17
This is what people have been voting for for years. Give the government more power to reguate, then guess what, they turn around and regulate YOU! If you really think the environment is more important than personal freedom and the human rights spelled out in the CONSTITUTION then either go somewhere else or get the document changed by the method spelled out by the CONSTITUTION! Otherwise leave US alone! Go away, find someplace else to mess with, and I mean not in my country!!!
E. goodenough - 25-03-’12 21:05
If I rent an oceanfront cottage on CHNSS, it sounds like I may not be able to access the beach and ocean in front of it if there is a nesting closure there. Can anyone tell me if this is true or false?
Chuck - 25-03-’12 21:06
If you think that you are seeing signs now,then you should take a peek at the NPS sign inventory that they have in stock,just waiting to be deployed.BBC,yes,the beach has moved to the place in the area of some of the tri-villages that NPS does’nt control any of it,NC and Dare County do now.Wheat,lighten up man, I’m on the side that you are on,sorry if you took my comments wrong.
Native Son - 26-03-’12 06:37
Gosh,Dennis,I’m sorry.I didn’t mean to personally attack you.I’m sure you’re doing your best to help vets and wounded warriors get to the places they fought so hard to keep free and open for all people…and teaching them how not to “whine” at loss of access and freedom.Would you tell that to my father’s ashes,buried in his flag,on the point?He’s waiting to hear from you…
Hawk Hawkins - 26-03-’12 09:20
Hawk,
Thanks for your faux concern.
You are still not getting it. I am not teaching the disabled veterans anything. They are teaching me. Among other things they are teaching me how to adapt to change and making me realize how great life is.
I am looking forward to being with some disabled veterans on the Outer Banks soon and my bet is there is not one complaint or whine getting to or enjoying their beach.
As to your comment “teaching them how not to whine at loss of access and freedom” They are well aware of the freedoms they fought and many died for and realize what a great country we have.
Give your Dad a thought and I would hope he would advise you to realize what a great county we have, go to CHNS and enjoy life.
Dennis - 26-03-’12 18:11
I still don’t know what the big deal is, I’m sure all these folks who complain all the time about the NPS can just walk on the water. Right?
Crotalus - 26-03-’12 18:22
why don’t the island people stop giving there services to the nps that should put
a little bump in the road
Dennis,I believe our military fights for freedom…or used to.OUR freedom,mostly.I know of no vet who does not decry the loss of that freedom,my father included.Hatteras was his favorite place ‘til he died.He enjoyed the freedom of being there,not the restrictions placed on us by your cronies and our own government.I get it all too well and so did he.
Hawk Hawkins - 27-03-’12 08:14
The elite decide what is killed and what is protected. Who can enter and who is banished. Sad times in America.
BG - 27-03-’12 08:51
Hey Dense,
When you go purposefully trolling for “attacks” from the “Whiners”, don’t act so surprised when you land one or more.
Hawk,
Last night I was witness to Ranger Troy of the NPS Florisant Fossil Beds Natl Monument give out over 500 Handicap NPS passes at the DAV Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass CO. The passes allow free lifetime access to fee NPS areas. Talk about freedom!
I certainly hope this service of the NPS to disabled betweens makes you smile as much as it did me
Dennis - 27-03-’12 09:48
For the $120.00 we can expect that the NPS will have air filling stations at every entrance. Restroom and changing facilities as well. And now that we pay, I would think that lifeguards at designated bathing areas could be expected. I wonder when all this will be in place? I for one am in favor of protecting wildlife when and if we can. The bird issue is interesting. Roping off areas for the nesting is well thought out. Storms though come and go at Hatteras. Beach, ropes, nest, and anything in a storms way are destroyed. My question, did we, do we really save anything? Doesn’t nature take good care of itself in many respects. Not walking on a beach is an example of authority at it’s worst. Someone had better wake up and realize that tourism is the industry that makes the machine work at Hatteras. Nothing else. If people are left with an unpleasant experience they will not go there. Many fisherman stopped going to Cape Cod for just that reason. Hope someone comes to their senses before Rome burns. lc
Lou C. - 27-03-’12 13:21
I wish the NPS would involve sportsman more as volunteers. We respect nature and realize we are part of it.
ZuniKev - 27-03-’12 19:53
I can only hope the Good Lord doesn’t give up on us.Footprints?Really????Does “it was then that I carried you ring a bell?“These signs are pollution,and an insult to anyone with an ounce of common sense!I have been to Hatteras every year for the last fifty with my fourth generation now in tow.I won’t give up.My Mom&Dad gave me a beautiful gift,the nps isn’t going to screw that up.
Kathleen B. Murtaugh - 27-03-’12 21:55
Zuni/Kev
The NPS does invite sports men & women as volunteers:
http://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/volunteer.. http://www.nps.gov/caha/supportyourpark/..BTW: All NPS volunteers respect nature.
Dennis - 27-03-’12 22:59
Dennis, the nps also controls what is nature and kills the rest… HMMMMMMM kind of like letting a select few decide the fates of many… Something to ponder here dennis is that we only want access.
samsdad1 - 28-03-’12 08:07
I read the plovers are thriving around humans up north. And that was the report from a NPS person.
ZuniKev - 28-03-’12 09:31
BTW: All NPS volunteers respect nature.
Too bad the same can’t be said about the CHNSRA brass with respect to the human portion of “nature”.
Hank Ketcham - 28-03-’12 09:56
Dennis,why do these people need “passes”? WHY do these people need passes?I think your heart is in the right place…but intuition and intellect is misguided.This is NOT Nazi Germany…this is the United States of America…LAND of the FREE! WHY does anyone,much less veterans,need to “show their papers” to access their own land???
Hawk Hawkins - 28-03-’12 15:09
Just read Joy Crist’s feature article, and she makes a lot of sense. You are all environmentalists on this island—just some of us want to drive on the beach. We also don’t want more shopping centers, giant rental machines and bigger roads. Whoah there, it looks like everyone might agree on something. If we control growth, fewer 4X4’s will be on the beach and the NPS will hopefully become less regulatory.
Less growth therefore could equal less control. I’m down with this. How about everyone else? STOP THE GROWTH! OPEN THE BEACHES!
Re: Hatteras Beach access
As a child, my husband had a disease that permanently limited his ability to walk. We were delighted when, nearly thirty years ago, our friends introduced us to the joys of riding on the beaches of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. We could drive to a spot on the beach, get out of the vehicle, and basically enjoy the day on the oceanfront. It wasn’t long before we bought our own four-wheel drive Jeep Cherokee so that we could go on our own whenever time allowed us to do so. We have all sorts of photos: group shots with other family members, a picture of a pelican trying to get into our Jeep, dolphin cavorting in the ocean, the sun sinking over the Atlantic (yes, that does happen when you are at the Point, where Hatteras Island takes a sharp bend to the west).
I remember during one of our early excursions, we witnessed an oyster catcher sitting on her eggs. She was fenced off in an area only about 6-8 feet in diameter. Vehicles drove on either side of her, but did not disturb her enclosure. Two weeks later when we went back, the fence was still there; but instead of eggs, there were three little balls of fluff. They were still undisturbed by the vehicles that drove past them on either side.
Off season during that time, the driving public had access to most of the beaches. During the summer, it became much more restricted. The beaches in front of the villages were no longer accessible by vehicle. This enabled people to have free access to the beaches in front of the villages without concern for traffic. I have never heard anyone object to that policy. People who paid for beach houses to have convenient access to the beaches should get what they pay for, without concern for watching for oncoming vehicles. And I would never want to be responsible for injury to a child or adult because he or she was having so much fun on the beach that watching for oncoming traffic did not come to mind. The only vehicles allowed on the beach are those belonging to government agencies, such as those to patrol the beach or empty the trash cans.
On the beaches open to vehicular traffic, a different code exists. People parked at the ocean are always aware of vehicles in motion. Likewise, the drivers are always on the lookout for that excited child, the ball that escapes, or the distracted adult. Both the drivers and the pedestrians pay particular attention to prevent any harm. We want everyone to have a safe and happy experience.
Within the last couple weeks, there was an article in the Virginian Pilot about the beach closures. One of the points made was handicapped access to the beach was addressed. Since I could not find out how it was “addressed,” I went to the beach access trailer near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on March 24th. I took with me my husband’s handicapped hanger for his vehicle, plus his Eagle Pass which allows handicapped individuals free access to Federal Parks. I was immediately told by a Park Ranger that the Eagle Pass was not valid because that only pertained to entrance fees and not access fees. So I told him that the paper (Virginian Pilot) had said that the handicapped issue had been addressed, and asked him to explain how. This is a summary of what I understood him to say.
ALL vehicles, to gain access to the beaches, must pay the $50 weekly or $150 annual fee for the sticker that attaches to a specific vehicle. (Incidentally, the annual sticker expires December 31 of the year in which it is purchased; so if you buy the sticker in August, that only allows you usage for August through December 31 of that year.) The handicapped provisions that they mention only give you authorization (with proof of being handicapped, etc.) to drive your vehicle onto what would normally be a VEHICLE-FREE beach in front of the villages, drop off your handicapped individual at your chosen spot, normally oceanfront, as well as your beach paraphernalia; then the vehicle must be driven back to the dunes and parked (In our case, this means that I, NOT the experienced beach driver, would have to drive it back to the dunes to park). And, after our relaxation, I (reminding you, the inexperienced one) would drive the vehicle up to the shorefront, we would load our vehicle, and leave the beach.
I’m just pointing out that the only “addressing the handicapped issue” that I’ve been made aware of is allowing vehicles on a beach on which vehicles have previously not been allowed. People are not accustomed to, and probably will not be warned, that vehicles may be on the beach. It appears that the National Audubon Society and the Defenders of Wildlife are willing to put human beings in danger by allowing vehicular traffic on beaches in front of the villages during peak summer season for the sake of piping plovers, oyster catchers, and turtles.
Wait a minute!! Is this what you want?
ZuniKev,
OK, I get it. You really did not want to be part of the solution, you just wanted to jam the NPS by posting false information and hoping everyone would believe it.
samsdad1, you have ORV beach access. If you are wanting unrestricted ORV access, that is never going to happen. Get over it.
Hawk, it is not worth my time to respond to your posts, so fire at will if that puts wind in your sails. (smile)
Dennis - 28-03-’12 22:41
Dennis, I do some volunteer work and plan to volunteer with the government when I retire from the government this year or next. After 30 plus years I know a little about how the government works. I also have rules I must follow. It was not false info, Take the time, It is interesting reading.
ZuniKev - 29-03-’12 05:46
…you just wanted to jam the NPS by posting false information and hoping everyone would believe it.
Well, Dennis, here is a small sampling of TRUE information concerning the NPS and how people across the entire country are getting tired of their anti-human antics. (Believe it, or more likely ignore it, at your leisure)
(This blog only allows three hyper links, so the majority of headlines could not be linked)
POINT REYES, Calif. (KGO) — There are new allegations of scientific misconduct by the National Park Service at the Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County. Did the park service manipulate data to make a local oyster farmer look bad?
“There has been a repeated pattern of misconduct on the part of the National Park Service,” biologist Corey Goodman said.
“The National Park Service has a predetermined agenda and basically forcing the data, misusing and abusing science, to fit their agenda,” Goodman said.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section..
Ranger zaps off-leash dog walker with shock weapon
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg..
Fuzzy math determines Delaware Water Gap national park visitor totals
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dl..
Nuclear Industry Sues DOI/NPS to Reverse Grand Canyon Uranium Land Withdrawal
Fired federal adviser files whistle-blower complaint over Klamath dam removal
Who’s A Park For? Dog Owners Fight Park Service
Park superintendent nixes Fourth of July fireworks in Yorktown
While serving as the Pacific West regional director of the NPS, Jon Jarvis was accused of at least 21 instances of scientific misconduct by Dr. Corey Goodman, a high-ranking member of the National Academy of Sciences.
At their weekly meeting Tuesday, commissioners accused the agency (NPS) of ignoring their comments when writing its new winter-use plan, saying little in the draft document reflects concerns they shared with the agency last year.”
Scrutiny On National Park Service and Drakes Bay Oyster Co. Ramps Up
Former National Seashore Supt. Neubacher & his former boss Jon Jarvis becoming a political problem for the Obama administration
Park Service, wildlife biologists against Alton mine expansion
National park stewards are destroying our lands
Arizona Silver Belt Group calls Tonto Forest new Orv Road plan a disaster
Keep Biscayne National Park Open to the Public
National Park Service has new land-grabbing tool
Rep. Young Files to Block NPS from Yukon Charley Waters
Alaskans in Congress get Anti-Park Service Language into Federal Funding Package
Avid Smokies hiker seeks access to comments collected over park backcountry fee
Coalition to Save the Mall Asks Interior Department to Investigate the National Park Service
Chincoteague fears plan to move beach will drive away tourists, hurt economy
Public parks could be making major changes for boats
National Park Service Rejects St. Croix Bridge Plan as Eyesore
Mountain Climbers Protest Avalanche of Excessive Government Fees
Montana Governor Schweitzer Bars Park Service From Slaughtering Bison
Park Service Releases 2,400 Pages Of Dog Walking Rules
National Park Service accused of violating federal law with 40,000 acres in Big Cypress
A National Park Superintendent And His Questionable Real Estate Deal
(See more in Irene’s “We are not alone” blogpost from February 2012)
You can continue to love you some NPS all you want, but folks from everyday layman to East Coast Congressmen to the House Majority Whip are lining up against the NPS and their heavy-handed junk-science approach to the CHNSRA ORV issue, and similar actions are taking place against the NPS nation-wide as witnessed above.
Whether you agree with them or not is simply irrelevant, and will not make any of the ill will or litigation against the NPS go away. They created it, and they own it. Period.
Furthermore, I suggest that you get over yourself, and find another hobby beside constantly sticking a thumb in the eye of your fellow countrymen.
Hank Ketcham - 29-03-’12 11:41
Funny I only want access Dennis please see signs that say No Access, No Exceptions and get used to them they will be everywhere.
samsdad1 - 29-03-’12 12:20
Jeanie Wright,
The special permit for vehicle transport of handicapped into pedestrian areas has been in effect for years. The only difference now is that the vehicle can stay with the handicapped and not have to be removed and return to pick up the handicapped. Thus actually vehicle traffic is reduced over past years when handicapped are transported.
Salvo Jimmy - 29-03-’12 12:20
Clarification:
Handicapped permit has been in effect for years to transport handicapped into village beaches when beaches are pedestrian only.
Salvo Jimmy - 29-03-’12 12:24
Agenda 21 is real, and so is the involvement of Dept. of Interior/Ken Salazar/ NPS
http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/pol..
Was it by error that they omitted “Hold your breath” from the signs?
So the enviros have figured out a way to call beaches that are really closed open. Stretches of beach would only be accessible from either end as this would ban hiking over a dune. No dogs, no kites, what does that have to do with ORV regulation? Are kids next? What is the fine for leaving footprints or God forbid, build a sand castle? I hope those who said they favored more pedestrian only areas are happy with how easily you were duped. Many of us are now uttering our four favorite words: “We told you so”.
Denny in Dayton - 30-03-’12 08:46
Enough is enough. The NPS is for National Park Service, when did Hatteras Island Recreation Area become a Park? The folks that always bear the burden of greed is the hard working locals and the true sportsmen. To prove my point of view, look at the new Dare County Government Complex at Manteo. Controlled growth would protect the locals from the zealous uncaring of get rich quick people. If our Federal government really wants to help with the natural part of the Hatteras Island situation, they should enforce stronger guidelines against the mega fish processing plants that float along the coast. These monsters are forcing the local fisherman out of business and in return cannot afford the tax that is levied against them because of the escalating land values. The locals have no choice, either sell to re-coup some money or lose the property to non-payment of taxes. Isn’t it ironic that the same government that says it is trying to protect the environment is actually destroying it. I have been coming to Hatteras for thirty years and the change is unbelievable. We used to camp out and fish on the beach for a couple days at a time and never see anyone,WOW, that was heaven!! It used to be that when we left out of Hatteras at night coming home, we would see millions of stars and only a couple of lights all the way back to Powells Point, now, we see millions of lights and only a couple of stars! It truly is a disaster for such a beautiful place to be destroyed. I pray to find another place like Hatteras used to be.
David Maupin - 01-04-’12 08:46
don’t even get me started on the dare county govt. complex. what a waste of $$$. it makes me crazy every time i have to go in there. seriously, did it really have to be that BIG? yuck.
bbc - 01-04-’12 08:53
and, i have a new proposal for everyone that thinks people are making too big of a deal about walking on the beach, instead of driving to your favorite fishing, shelling, surfing spot. lets make it a no drive zone around all destinations…..malls, school, your job, your kids soccer game, etc. from now on you have to walk the last two miles. i can hear the whining now.
bbc - 01-04-’12 08:57
An overreaching and burdensome federal government is coming into every aspect of our lives. This signage is just the beginning of surprises the NPS and DOI will dole out on Hatteras. The only solution is to bring this to national attention with an “occupy Hatteras” movement. Maybe a human blockade to restrict NPS vehicle access…..after all shouldn’t the NPS be restricted to the same rules as the general public???
clark - 23-03-’12 17:41