July 2008 Letters to the Editor |
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New Letters to the Editor....07.28.2008
8:00 am
Beach Access Issues Business owners are looking at the beach closings from a purely income (for them) point of view. If I use the same selfish reasoning, the closings have been great for me. I recently spent a week on Ocracoke and went out to the South Point (open to pedestrians) via my boat. I had the place to myself and caught a couple of nice drum, to boot. I had resigned myself to the fact that the Ocracoke that I loved in my youth was gone forever, inundated under a tide of commercialism that has turned the place into an outpost of the Jersey shore. This gave me a chance to relive and enjoy the place for the reasons that drew me there in the first place. By the way, it’s about time the animals won one! Michael Oei Narberth, Pa. I have just visited http://www.gopetition.com/online/18790.html and signed a petition to be presented to the US Senate and House in an effort to keep our Cape Hatteras National Seashore open for off-rRoad vehicles (ORV) access as in the past. Access in the past has been accomplished under an "interim plan." This interim plan accomplished ORV access responsibly with appropriate, not punitive, closures as needed to protect nesting birds and turtles. The National Audubon Society and its lawyers, while participating (supposedly sincerely) in a Park Service-sponsored negotiating process designed to develop a permanent ORV plan by 2011, went behind our backs and blindsided us by bringing a lawsuit, in between their supposedly sincere negotiating sessions, in federal court to circumvent the interim plan and implement more restrictive rules immediately (without any public input). In response to the suit, the judge threatened to close the seashore to all ORV access until 2011, when the new permanent plan is to be completed. We (fishermen, vacationers, surfers, island business owners, county government, etc. -- essentially all folks who live here or who enjoy coming here) were forced to sign the "consent decree" to avoid the judge's threat of total closure. As a result, we have witnessed a series of sweeping new closures of all the prime fishing areas as a result of new nesting bird buffer areas that are 10 times larger than under the interim plan. In short, we have been blind-sided, betrayed and out-lawyered by a very few Audubon Society folks with access to essentially unlimited funds. The federal judge's decree is now the law of the land and can now only be overturned literally by an act of Congress (legal grounds for appeal appear to be scant). So, we have asked for and received the support of all of our area elected representatives at the county, state, and federal levels, and they have introduced a bill in both houses of Congress (SB3113 and HR6233) to repeal the judge's decree and return ORV management to the Park Service's interim plan. It will be heard in a Senate subcommittee on July 30. You can listen live to the committee hearing by clicking here on July 30 at 2:30 p.m. More importantly, you can add your voice to the many who have already signed a petition supporting a return to the Interim Plan by clicking here. Please do so. Our future access to the seashore depends on your involvement! Jim Boyd Nags Head What a terrific guest column by Jeffrey Golding. My husband and I couldn't agree with him more. We've vacationed for many years at Ocracoke and the Outer Banks. We were there in October, 2007. We had no idea any of these issues were taking place. We haven't heard about it or seen it in the news. We just found out a couple of days ago when a friend returned from Ocracoke. When we asked about his trip, he told us about the beach closures. We were heartbroken. We come to ride the beach, surf fish, and relax in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We love wildlife, too, and also try to be very respectful of their place on the beach as well. However, it appears that Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society, and the Southern Environmental Law Center hide behind the protection of birds as their agenda, but the real issue is control. As Mr. Golding stated these groups only wish to deny the American people access, but not themselves. What they and Judge Boyle have set into motion is a disgrace. The American public should be outraged. The real environmentalists are those of us who come to enjoy the true beauty of nature and share that beauty with our family and friends. Fisherman, surfers, bikers, beachcombers, ORV enthusiasts, and those who simply enjoy experiencing the outdoors should never be denied access to those beaches. In today’s fast-paced world we don't get much time to relax so we should certainly be allowed to enjoy a part of our great nation's natural resources. Our heart also goes out to the locals who have been negatively affected by this consent decree. We have contacted our local representatives about supporting S3113 and HR6233. We hope those that feel as we do will do the same. Roxanne Leland Georgetown, S.C. We know the Native Americans and wildlife were here first. I am Native American and my people are no longer a tribe, because of the white man. I do not want to see the Wildlife become as desolate and have to leave on account of “man” not understanding, not appreciating their space and place in this world. I have seen first hand as a resident of the Outer Banks that the majority of visitors come onto the beaches and leave their trash, glass bottles, disobey all posted signs regarding all laws -- such simple laws as no glass, no dogs at certain times. These people don't care about their own pets, to have them on the hot sand during times that the city disallows such, so why do you listen to them? You know they are not going to care about sea turtles, birds' eggs, etc. In fact, people were so ignorant that they killed a young whale that had beached itself. Instead of calling wildlife rescue teams, they took it upon themselves to push on the injured mammal. There was no hope with inexperienced humans getting involved with nature. Let nature have some room! People do not need the whole eastern coast of Outer Banks and Hatteras to have fun. How would you even tell a sea turtle or bird exactly where they're supposed to lay their eggs and nest? At least, at minimum, allow them a place where they can see that there is some peace and give them at least a chance to nest where there is some room without non-caring humans, disobedient visitors, reckless drivers, drinking underage people -- all who wouldn't care if a sign was up anyway. Let God’s animals have their God given area. He put the animals where He did, and we should let them be and respect where they live. I hope those of you who think you need the whole beach to drive on will have an awakening and see that people pay to see wildlife, enjoy seeing wildlife, love wildlife, and need wildlife, and do not need to drive on sand, trash a national park and its beaches and that you really need to allow a sense of not trying to rule a place that was fine before you started messing it up by your very presence. It is the presence of humans that is the problem. What's wrong in defending wildlife? I strongly oppose companion bills HR 6233 and S 3113, legislation that calls for a return to the failed management strategy that has degraded Cape Hatteras National Seashore and forced the piping plovers, loggerhead turtles, and other imperiled wildlife that depend on these special beaches to pay the price. On any given day during peak season, as many as 2,200 vehicles line Cape Hatteras' long string of shoreline. During nesting season, these vehicles may damage or destroy the nests of already-imperiled shorebirds and turtles, pushing them closer to extinction. In the last decade alone, birds that were once common on these shores have declined by an average of 86 percent. The U.S. District Court of Eastern North Carolina issued a consent decree on April 30, 2008, to protect the fragile ecosystems of Cape Hatteras while the National Park Service develops long-overdue driving rules for these special beaches. Hatteras is the only national seashore without such a plan. The consent decree puts much needed protections in place and is the result of collaboration and consensus among local residents, county governments, the National Park Service, environmental groups, scientists, scientists, sportfishers and a coalition of ORV groups called the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance, who all share one goal -- protecting this special place. And it's working. Since some of the most sensitive areas were closed to vehicles, birds like the piping plover and the American oystercatcher have been bouncing back. These bills are short-sighted legislation that would be an enormous step backward for our wildlife and local communities. If this legislation passes, it will allow special interests to dictate how Cape Hatteras National Seashore is managed and set a dangerous precedent for attacking the laws that safeguard our parks and seashores. Basing decisions on how to manage Cape Hatteras on the desires of a handful of special interests would be a disservice to the wildlife and natural resources this national seashore was established to protect -- not to mention the thousands of locals and visitors alike who enjoy these beaches every year. P. Wolf Kill Devil Hills What a magnificent article by Jeffrey Golding. I am going to send a copy to Senators Voinavich and Brown. I have already sent a message asking them help and to get behind the bills in Congress for opening beach access. My family has been camping at Cape Hatteras for 21 years. My wife since she was a young girl in the mid-‘60s. My in-laws came even longer. This year's beach closings certainly got all of us upset since we are avid ORV beach people. I understand the potential economic hardships this can and will cause to all of the local merchants and business owners. They are indeed a large part of this wonderful coastline of beaches. The closing of the beaches is a bunch of hogwash. Rest assured that the Bass and Hamm families here in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, support all of you fighting those who are against free and open beach access on Hatteras and Ocracoke. Together we will succeed! Steve Bass Columbus, Ohio We always make two trips to Hatteras every year, but this will be our last year. We will go to a state that wants tourists instead of birds. Lester Swearengin Mineral City, Ohio What somber news (in current editor’s column on Dispatches from the Beachfront). Our two weeks in paradise when we surf on South Beach near Ramp 49 will not happen. I hope we get congressional action soon to end this lunacy. What about "human" rights? Steve Budosh Towson, Md. My family and I have been coming to Avon and the Outer Banks for over 25 years. We rent a beach house in July and again in August. In all the years that we have driven on the beach, we have never seen anyone driving recklessly or at an unsafe speed. We have never seen anyone lose a child like you see at the public beaches with lifeguards. The beach is as clean now in 2008 as it was 25 years ago, maybe even cleaner. People were and continue to be concerned about the conditions of the beaches. This includes tourists as well as the locals. People help each other out without even having to ask, whether it be helping someone stuck in the sand or someone needing a jump start. A lot is made about driving on the beach. Essentially, it is parking on the beach. In reality, there is very little driving taking place. From the ramp to the beach and then back off the beach again when you leave, it is less than five minutes of actual driving on the beach. We look forward to the continued access to the great beaches of the Outer Banks. It is a unique experience that should be enjoyed by all at all times. David LaManna Camillus, N.Y. My last trip to Hatteras was February, 2007. It was good to run into former students and hear the stories of their lives. I taught there from 1972-1976, when the beach was opened from Oregon Inlet to the Ocracoke Ferry and on Ocracoke from the ferry to the village. Recent e-mails from former students and friends say the situation has become crazy. Who could think a stupid bird would have the right of way over the people who grew up on Hatteras and lived there all their lives? Hello! I am told no one will waste gas to go on a vacation where they cannot even go on the beach. You have no idea how many have moved away because they could no longer stand the outside influence pushed on them. When I live there, I remember hearing no one had ever died in a hurricane. Maybe that could be nature’s solution to the nesting problem. It would wash away the nests on the beach. Stay high and dry, all you Hatterasmen. Lou Wengenroth IV Middletown, N.Y. Ten places that are off the beaten path During our visit in May, someone asked my husband what there was to do on the island. I couldn't believe it! We were running out of time to do all we wanted. I wish we could have handed that person Danny Couch’s guide. Thank you! Ann Ianuaria Jefferson, Ga. Vacationer’s Journal: Hatteras village My father started coming to Hatteras in 1948 and started bringing the family in 1957. Yes, yes things have changed. Some are good, and some, well, let’s say they changed. I have been coming every year to Hatteras Island and stayed in the village of Hatteras. Younger years and through high school, we stayed at the Durant, then houses at Hatteras Colony. My parents have a house in Florida. We don’t go. Friends go to Myrtle Beach. We don’t go. We go to Hatteras. Standing on the oceanside next to the edge of the surf, I can drift back to 1957 and be as thrilled to be there in the present as I was in the past. But.now with a greater appreciation. Amen! Larry Deem Belpre, Ohio Thanking The Island Free Press Thanks so much for your dedicated reporting on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. My family and I have been regular visitors to Avon and Hatteras since 1969. We now spend long weekends very two to three weeks year round in Frisco, and it is such a pleasure to read your Internet newspaper. Keep up the outstanding work! Michael McNichol Hampton, Va. As I a homeowner down here, I appreciate all of this information that you provide to us. Thanks. Stephen Budosh Towson, Md. A REPLY, SIMPLY
New Letters to the Editor....07.21.2008
9:45 amOne of the most difficult issues that those of us who support free and open access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area have faced over the years has been public perception and a considerable lack of understanding of the issues we deal with here. If you couple that with a great deal of media attention that claims this issue is about endangered birds vs. ORV users, though utterly false, it further complicates the picture. Just off Cape Point, the collision of the Gulf Stream from the south and the Labrador Current from the north plays an exceptional role in the very nature of these islands. That interaction produces what could be described as one of, if not the most, dynamic beach systems in the world. Having spent years perusing MODIS satellite photos from NASA, NOAA, Google Earth and other sources, I have yet to find a single place on earth that mimics what we enjoy here. Most people don’t understand just how vulnerable to the whims of nature we truly are. As I write, Tropical Storm Cristobal churns off the coast and is headed this way. High surf and tremendous rip currents will ensue. The potential for flooding of the island is enormous. Certainly all of the spits and points will be overwashed and having just come off a full moon, the effects will be magnified substantially. One can only wish that the environmental groups that brought about the consent decree would acknowledge this as fact. Historically, the bird and turtle numbers bear this out. I began this as a response to a letter sent to The Island Free Press by a person identified as R. Jackson from Asheville, N.C. (Letters to the Editor, July 7) He clearly felt that those of us who fight to preserve access are “yelling that the sky is falling.” He explains further his position when he writes, “I asked both doctors about what we had been reading on the message boards about the surgery, and they both replied, ‘Usually those who have successful surgeries are not on the message boards because they are out living happily and healthy lives. You are reading messages from a small percentage.’" Mr. Jackson, you make an exceptionally valid point. And based upon that same logic, were the consent decree not affecting us the way it is, the users and stewards of this national seashore recreational area, we wouldn’t be making a fuss either and could go back to discussing fishing and tackle as we have done for years and would certainly prefer to do. Despite his claims of being a silent partner in many “realty transactions,” which could certainly be truthful, apparently there seems to be a lack of first hand knowledge about how this market works as well as how closing the majority of beaches at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area will affect that market in the future. I would imagine that a year from now he will have become very educated in that subject as it will be next year that the true impact is felt. I had a very lengthy conversation with R. Stewart Couch, owner of Hatteras Realty, recently, and in the process, he easily answered my questions about what we face in the future. You see, Mr. Jackson; virtually all of the reservations for his company are locked in by May. In other words, the dates are set and deposits for those reservations are received. And it was not until the end of April that the consent decree was signed and ordered into effect as of May 1. And only much later did the owners of businesses within the bounds of the park get to see what the decree entailed. I cannot refute your claim that numbers were up in May. Though if they were, it was a result of plans having been made long before the consent decree was signed into law. You wrote: “To some islanders and some of the tourists who visit, the recent closures are upsetting. However, to the majority of people who are landowners and business owners and tourists, these closures mean little and are not affecting their decisions to visit Hatteras.” This statement is in direct conflict with Stewart Couch’s estimate of losses for next year. Now that this year’s visitors know what is closed, he estimates that his business will lose $700,000 next year, and the loss for property owners who will not have rentals will be $3 million. This is reflected again in an informal survey of visitors conducted by Cape Hatteras Business Allies, in which approximately one third of those surveyed said they would not return, another third said they would either cut their visits based upon the availability of open beach, and the rest declined or had no time to fill out the remainder of the form. Consider also that NPS recently released its park visitation report, which includes numbers for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Fort Raleigh, and Wright Brothers National Historic Site. Visitor numbers at those locations alone are down by 20 percent. Most ORV users normally bypass those locations just to reach the beaches, having already “been there, done that” in previous visits. The restaurant owners or operators whom I know personally tell a very different story to me than what you profess to have heard. I suppose living here, noticing the lack of traffic and all the empty parking lots I see as I venture about during my day gives me a perspective that you and many others don’t share. The statement that “The law is on the side of the environmentalists. That is why the judge did what he did, because he enforces the law” is mistaken and uninformed. What occurred on April 30 with the signing of the consent decree changed the very nature of this National Seashore Recreational Area, which is a violation of congressional law. Not just one law, but six separate laws, not including the enabling legislation that created CHNSRA. If you would like a list, read the guest columns by Dr. Mike Berry and me posted on www.islandfreepress.org If your claim that violation of law refers to not having a permanent ORV plan in place. Excuse me while I inform you that a plan was developed and finalized and presented to NPS for entry into the Federal Registry in 1978. It was sent to NPS headquarters and then subsequently disappeared, never having been entered into the record. Hence the present lack of a formal, permanent plan. In respect to the lack of a formal plan, NPS began the Interim Management Strategy to carry us through a period of negotiated rulemaking. The very parties that brought suit resulting in the consent decree participated in the process of developing that strategy. It was signed off on and entered into the record last summer. This, at least in theory, would allow all parties to voice their opinions in the rulemaking process, while still protecting wildlife, and would finally result in a plan satisfying the 1972 executive order that started this mess. Unfortunately, the actions and litigation of the environmental groups have hijacked this process entirely. Now even, they stall this process, apparently in an effort to claim the rulemaking process a failure and once again force their will, at taxpayer expense, upon the Park Service and the citizens of this nation and at the detriment of those that have chosen to live out their lives in this utterly unique, amazing and beautiful place. Mr. Jackson, with all due respect, I’m 47 years old, 45 percent permanently disabled and can’t get out to the beach without the aid of my truck. The consent decree cost me my job at a local tackle shop, and I struggle to make ends meet. Any time you want to make up my loss of income, you are welcome to. I will never accept public assistance and so refuse to consider unemployment benefits. But I keep my head up and try to inspire others to fight for the freedom to enjoy this resource as I have. Not just for us old fishermen but for the children who will never have the experience of watching a meteor shower from the Point or see the space shuttle take off on a clear winter night if the environmentalists get their way. And that’s just the beginning of a long list of stunning experiences that I could relate -- stunning experiences that need to be shared with all those who would come to our “Paradise,” including you. Please join our fight and help to regain the access promised us and the natives of these islands, so that generations of visitors, Americans and folks from afar, are able to share the wonders while preserving, protecting, but not prohibiting access to this incredible place. Jeffrey Golding Buxton Beach Access Issues I have continued to read about the ongoing dilemma regarding the closure of many ORV beaches to the residents and visitors to The Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Being an environmentalist at heart, I can understand the need to protect the wildlife of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. However, I find the current restrictions completely ridiculous. I have been a return visitor for over 20 years, and I have visited Cape Point on every single visit. It saddens me that my visit this year will not include that visit. Nor will it include watching the adults, children, and grandchildren enjoy searching for their treasures from the sea (seashells) that occupies quite literally hours of their time. There has always been an inner peace that I leave Cape Point with that is unmatched by any other East or West Coast beaches, including Cokie Beach on the island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. And, yes, I am aware that there are other choices, but our freedom of choice has been removed from us. And I do believe that the majority of people are respectful to all forms of wildlife that inhabit your beautiful area. It is with both anticipation and a sense of dread that I am beginning to pack for my trip to the OBX with 22 other family members from Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Michigan. We shall come and enjoy ourselves, of that I sure, but I do know that it will just not be the same. And nothing other than some compromise on those restrictions is acceptable. If you have ANY other suggestions about what beach area I can take a group of small children to find shells, I am open to suggestions, as both Cape Point and South Beach have restrictions. Terry Kohler Middlebury Center, Pa. Amen on letting the air out of your tires and being courteous to other drivers while on the beach. There were some very nice and honest people on the beach July 4 weekend because my husband lost his wallet near Billy Mitchell Airport, and someone turned it in. The Frisco Rod and Gun mailed it back to us with everything accounted for, including the money. It is nice to know there are some honest people left in this world. Dawn Karnes Chesapeake, Va. Protect the beach so we can spend more time as people enjoying Hatteras. We used to come three times a year and now come twice. Should we give up and find a beach my handicapped wife can enjoy? I hate Myrtle Beach, but she can walk out on it with effort. Driving out on Hatteras is our easy access. Should we call it quits and move on? Almost bought a place, but I'm now afraid to waste our money. Bruce Holmes Vienna, W.Va. The groups that advocate closing large sections of our beaches here and elsewhere believe they are helping save their selected species, but forget nature already has its balance. The whole of creation is a miraculous beauty that we all share. It’s natural for some to survive and some not to survive. Nature can and will take its course, without interference or "help." It is a more natural response to leave the birds alone and quit killing/removing everything that is deemed potentially harmful to them. The raccoons, foxes, and all the other animals are living their natural lives, and if they kill a bird, that is the way of the balance of nature. I think, as a whole, that these groups are trying to control nature and that, in itself, is a futile goal that hurts people and the other living things that inhabit our world. Martha McCullough Buxton There was a small article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on July 13. The National Parks Conservation Association is now beginning an attack on Assateague Island, where they have "over-the-sand" driving for camping and fishing. There is no lawsuit as of yet, but the people who utilize that facility are becoming more aware of the politics involved. A fisherman, Howard Quillen, vice president of the Assateague Mobile Sportfishermen's Association was the man interviewed. If more and more people see that they, too, can be affected, it may influence more politicians to take some sort of citizen-favored action. Jill Marshall Ashland, Va. I cannot believe that the Point is closed. I visited in July with my wife and four kids. Although I just surf fish a little, my kids loved the Point last year for the shelling. What a shame -- over a stupid little bird. Jeff McDuffie Asheboro, N.C. I, too, am a 40-year plus visitor to the Outer Banks, and as an avid surfer/surf-fisherman, it is extremely disturbing how this entire process seemed to be a shoe-in from the plaintiffs' perspective. There appears to be a complete failure by Judge Boyle to order the required period of public comments, and also he disregarded the lack of scientific documentation needed to make an informed decision in the matter. As for the patrons of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore who show absolutely no respect for the area, I can only hope you do get caught and are somehow dealt with -- to the full extent the law! I think there are a lot of us who visit and live there who want our seashore returned to us. Bill Cooper Wilmington, N.C. We finally made it the week after July 4. We are glad we missed all the festivities. What we found when we did arrive was in some ways better and some ways worse than we expected. The campground on Sunday was all but deserted, so we took our usual two campsites on Lane D. On Monday, we went to the beach. We went to Frisco because we figured Ramp 43 would be crowded since it was the only ramp in town. We found a moderately crowded beach, but there was a spot big enough. We encountered extremely powdery sand, despite the rain, and encountered only one stuck vehicle - one that didn't belong out there. My oldest son was happy to help her out of the hole with his newly resurrected Wrangler. Let us talk about "pavement drivers" for a minute. Despite the fact that they do foolish things out on the sand, most of them believe the hype that their car manufacturers sell – that their vehicle is unstoppable. We all know that is wrong and spend at least part of our trip helping others out and educating them. I have always done this, and my sons continue the practice. They are also volunteer firemen and one an EMT, so helping is their nature. During the week, we ran into more than usual people with vehicle problems, but nothing really unusual. We all have to remember that there are always those out on the beach who are confused or misguided, and they all benefit from advice -- especially when they are up to the frame in sand. Remember that all this is normal. What was not normal on July 4 was that all these problems came together when there were too many people and too few open ramps. Normally if Ramp 43 is blocked we just go to 44 and head north. If someone was in trouble on 44, just drive around, since there was usually enough room. This July 4 weekend made life really hard and required more courtesy and help than a lot of people were willing to give. The pavement drivers were still in their dog-eat-dog mode from the cities and interstates. It takes an islander or a country boy to understand the "I help you and you remember me when I need it" idea. Buddhists do well also with their understanding of karma. Back to the travelogue, we tried Ramp 43 and found that it was almost empty on Tuesday. Plenty of room, only one stuck driver, great surf and good fishing. We went to Ocracoke and drove the airport beach, ramp to ramp, and it wasn't crowded. We fished the beach at Ramp 43 the rest of the time, and some at "night." All in all, we had a great time. We even fished in the rain a little and had fun. We saw two people appear to enter a bird area at the end of the Ramp 43 beach. My youngest son tried to warn them away, but they were gone by the time he got there. That brings us another point. Most walkers are hotel guests and are unaware of all the rules we need to follow and probably think that all the fuss is just about ORVs. They don't read the signs -- do people ever read signs? -- and just go for a walk to see the birds. They need help and education also. The most prevalent "violation" we saw was people letting dogs loose to play in the water, and it seemed that the rangers were on top of that. As for out-of-control parties on the beach, you should remember that you do not have to interfere personally in something like that. Don't expect a ranger to happen by at the right time, just use that cell phone and call them. They will appreciate the heads up and take care of it. There is no excuse for mass littering or any other misbehavior like that. We have called the rangers before and will in the future when needed. Like police elsewhere, they can't act if they don't know it is going on. Sometimes it is just ignorance, like some kids having a wood fire in a hibachi at the campground near dry grass in a high wind. The boys put on their fire department jackets and had a firm talk about not wanting to be roasted while they slept, and the fire went out. I know that everyone is on edge about the beach access troubles and that makes tempers short, but that still does not provide a solution. I would like to thank all the businesses we interacted with during our stay and assure them that unless the beaches are closed down entirely, we will be back. I know that is only one drop in a very large bucket, but you only get full one drop at a time. To the rangers we interacted with, both at the campground and elsewhere, thanks for your courtesy and helpfulness during what obviously is a stressful time for you as well. Keep up the fight for free beaches. We can legislate them out of our hair if we work hard enough and convince a whole lot of legislators that our cause is just. Bert Smith Richmond, Va. Baby sperm whale stranded on Avon beach What a rare opportunity to educate visitors! Granted, it was at the expense of the whale's life, but valuable, nevertheless. Mary Dickens Florence, S.C. Thanking Hatteras Island vacationers Dear Hatteras Island vacationers: As a merchant who depends upon the discretionary spending of travelers, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have vacationed here on Hatteras Island. In these uncertain economic times, many have had to sacrifice to take a vacation. Many have given up the traditions of dining out with the family or chartering an offshore fishing boat to justify going on vacation. In spite of record high gas prices and unprecedented beach closures, many of you came to enjoy the hospitality that only Hatteras can offer. I am extremely grateful to the thousands of people who continued their time-honored annual pilgrimage to Hatteras Island in 2008. We are all very thankful that you chose to spend your vacation with us this year. Kevin Conner Hatteras Island Free Press is helpful to this visitor Just want to say thank you for providing us this newspaper. I visit the Outer Banks every fall, and because of your publication, I am able to keep abreast of all the changes, as well as local information. Let's face it, this year certainly has been a year of change, and without the information provided in your newspaper, it would have been difficult to make reservations for this fall’s fishing trip. I commend you for your dedication and hard work. Darrell W. Easley Harrisburg, N.C. Scotty the sea turtle goes home Sounds like high times on the good ol' lighthouse beach. Joe Ward Louisville, Ky. ‘My House is Worth What?’ television show When will the Cape Hatteras episode be aired? Becky Crow Water Valley, Miss. (Editor’s Note: It will be some months before the show is aired. We will let you know when the schedule is announced.) Fundraiser for Carey Le Sieur scholarship On July 10, an extremely successful fundraiser was held for the Carey Le Sieur Scholarship Fund in the tri-villages Community Center. The success was due to the efforts of Dr. Bentley and Sandra Crabtree, as well as many others whose names we can't remember. There were so many involved and the outpouring of love and affection was very evident. Such a caring and loving community. There were many, many items donated by the local shops and individuals for the silent auction -- not to mention the array of baked goods. And the band from Frisco was outstanding. Everyone seemed to have a good time and enjoy an evening of real fellowship. My wife and I are so grateful to each one of you. Claude Le Sieur Lewes, Del. Precious Memories I haven't seen Buddy Swain in a long time. However, I printed all of his articles and gave them to mom, Elise Dixon. She has really enjoyed every one, as I have. As a suggestion, you know our people here are passing away and their stories should be told. Perhaps, you could visit some of the "old folks" and hear their stories – such as my mother and my uncle, Nacie Peele, the oldest man in Hatteras village. Mom has a few problems with everyday life, but ask her about her uncles Ander and Luther and even my great-grandmother, and she has a really good recall of how Hatteras was in the '30s. Bertie Dixon III Frisco Shooting the Breeze: New dispatches from the beachfront Airing down 101, the rest of the story : One size does not fit all. What you air down to depends on tire size, tire type, and load on the vehicle. You can be in just about as much trouble airing down too much. The below article is an example of how to optimally air down radial tires for best sand operation. http://www.4x4now.com/sfjun96.htm This approach will help you from airing down too much. When you really go too low in pressure, the center of the tread tends to concave in toward the rim, thus putting the weight on the tire outer edges. These edges tend to dig into the sand sort of like a very aggressive tread, rather than float over the sand. When running on the pavement, you will get excessive wear on the tire outer edges as well. You will also be more likely to break a rim seal at such low pressures. When aired down, you can break a rim seal if you spin rapidly, especially if a lot of torque is being applied, as in towing. I have watched a guy trying to extract another vehicle from soft sand. His rims spun enough inside the tires to actually burn rubber. Fortunately, only one seal was broken, and he was able to put on his spare to get off the beach. It is possible all his seals were damaged, even if only one failed. I've seen another similar incident in someone trying to extract himself from soft sand by continuing to drop the pressure and spinning. Bottom line is that the 18-20 pound rule, while close for most of the vehicles seen on the beach today, is not necessarily where you want to be. For example using the above method my 4Runner with 265/70/R17s is best at 22 front and 22-24 rear, depending on load. Ted A. Hamilton (aka Salvo Jimmy) Maybe everyone should get a permit to drive on the beach. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, we would go to Delaware and get a list of items to have in the car and the proper driving rules. Some people just won’t listen. I personally watched as several people got stuck this year only because they would not lower the pressure in their tires. I’m sure they had no safety items, as well. Maybe if everyone would pay attention, it would not give fuel to the groups trying to close our beaches who want to make us look like a bunch of fools. Pat Conley Avon More on beach access issues Once again I see Mr. R. Jackson of Asheville (Letters for July 7) questioning the veracity of the reports in The Island Free Press. It is simply amazing for me to understand what his problem really is, considering the tenacity he displays in this effort. Perhaps the real truth is not identifiable by Mr. Jackson or "his" truth is different and it is a burr under his saddle to be confronted by the facts. His answer is to discredit the source of fair information, throw a cloud over it, and continue to attempt to dissuade the public from its correctness. I also find it curious that all enviros are left-wing Democrats. Really, Mr. Jackson, your blanket condemnation really reveals the narrow view with which you see the world as it is rather than what you would prefer it to be. Your poll of the public is as scientific as the Voglesong report that was used in an attempt to close the beaches By the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was not peer-reviewed and was dismissed as invalid. You see more in the way of half-truths and omissions from the side you support rather than from the access groups. Read the transcripts, Mr. Jackson. Once again, sir, the facts and nothing but the facts. They appear to scare you and thus your continued attack against the bearer of the facts rather than their source. State your case with facts rather than innuendo and half truths. You mention the "majority" of visitors, business owners, and residents. What are the specific numbers, sir? What majority? The ones with which you communicate? Perhaps they are the "left-wing Democrats" you fear so much. Finally sir, the law is not entirely on the side of the Audubon Society, the Defenders of Wildlife, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, but in the hands of an activist judge who invited those groups to pursue their course of action. It has been twisted from common sense to common disaster. One must wonder about those thousands of people nationwide, good intentioned folks, who feel they are helping defenseless creatures but are really being duped into supporting the extreme elements of those societies. Perhaps that is your fear, Mr. Jackson, that they will find out what is really happening and change the agenda to a more humane one that takes into account the needs of humans also. There is room for sharing the resources of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Perhaps the legislation proposed in Congress will serve the public of all these United States and mandate a more reasoned application of hijacked environmental law. Lawrence Cullen Frisco While I appreciate your efforts to be fair, I have to take offense at your defense of the parties who are trying to close the beaches on Hatteras and Ocracoke. Over the years I have learned that these groups have agendas that do not include fairness to anyone. Their attitude is more condescending than helpful. They feel that their opinion is fact and can very rarely produce fact to back their push for what they want. I find, in my humble opinion, that once they decide they want something, they will bully their way until getting what they want. They count on our kindness, senses of fairness and equality, to disarm us while they plan an attack to achieve what the want behind our backs. Then when we least expect it, they strike. Most of us don't even know how they got into the position to even demand a settlement! What gave them the right to demand anything? How did the U.S. government lose the right to manage our national seashore? And why am I paying a U.S. government employee to go out and watch birds for an eight hour shift? My reply to your "in all fairness" talk is to ask for the answers to those questions above. Then, find someone in Congress or the Senate to realize our public property has been hijacked by private interests for their personal gain. Who do I write to help in this fight? Michael Dente Williamsburg, Va. The guest column by Jeffrey Golding is an excellent post Unfortunately, I fear that the National Park Service has itself been lobbied so extensively by the environmental terrorists groups that they, too, are too green. I have faith that we will regain access, but it will be very restricted. I believe this whole case will be a success for the environmental terrorists groups if they gain one square foot more of beach. The outcome will not be business as usual. There will be greater attention to all wildlife and more restrictions will come to bear. I honestly believe that everyone that loves these beaches needs to force the NPS to further "develop" the park as needed. The NPS operating legislation clearly states that areas of the park that are especially adaptable for recreation will be developed as needed. We need to counter act this environmental terrorist force with equal, if not greater, force to swing the pendulum of reason back to the sane side. I'd suggest a request to pave two lanes out to the breakers at the Point, erect structures for supporting the public's interest, such as tire inflation stations, bathroom facilities, fish cleaning stations, trash depositories, NPS towing and emergency services. Educational kiosks with video presentations to help educate the children on how important free access to our national treasures is and what they can do to maintain the parks and equality of access by all use groups. All of this is probably excessive, but the mere fact that we are entitled to these "developments" and can push them into being will swing the balance of power back to the side of reason. I have vacationed on the island for 15 years. I have written to governors, senators, the Department of the Interior, and National Park Service. I have filled out the workbook, commented on the Federal Register, and donated to the cause, and I'm fed up. I just returned from a week’s vacation in Buxton, and I came home a day early because of the closures. I am not planning to come back in 2009. I'll consider coming back in 2010 if the beaches are open to humans. Thank you Island Free Press for providing us this resource to vent our frustrations. Tim O'Neill and family Severna Park, Md. Thanks for all this paper has done to keep people informed of all that is happening. An article finally appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, but it was a very small excerpt from The Virginian-Pilot, saying that everyone was coping and the consent decree wasn't all that bad. I still am working very hard to pass the word about sending the letters to politicians, donating to the legal fund and buying T-shirts. Also, to tell people not to give up on their Hatteras trips as your businesses need all the support anyone can offer. We come down every fall, and will continue to do so. Thanks again for each and every bit of information that is published. Stand strong and tall. Jill Marshall Ashland, Va. I returned home Saturday after a two-week stay in Hatteras village. While I am saddened by the impact of the beach closings on local businesses, I am even more upset by the disrespectful behavior I witnessed of some visitors to the island. Every night during our stay, we went for a walk along the shore. Every night, people were playing "flashlight tag" with crabs. Fun, except every person we passed flashed their light directly into our eyes! Keep the lights pointed down, people! On July 3, a group of about 10 adults and children were on the beach setting off fireworks after sunset. Most upsetting, however, was on July 4, before sundown. A group of eight teen-agers were drinking copious amounts of beer on the beach. They had dug a deep hole beside the wreck at the end of Flambeau Road and were tossing their empty beer cans into and around the hole. Being a former Girl Scout, I picked up and disposed of the cans left on the beach, but I would have needed a 30-gallon bag to remove the cans from the hole. When I went back an hour or so later, the hole had been filled up by the returning tide. The cans were buried. I kick myself for not saying anything to the teens, but I'm a 50-year-old, 5-foot-tall woman, and I wasn't about to start a confrontation with a drunken mob of entitled twits! I don't think the Park Service should be concerned with full-time law enforcement, but there is more damage being done to the environment in Hatteras than the dwindling numbers of some birds. People who can't behave themselves should be kicked off the beach. Lori Peterson Herndon, Va. The guest column by Jeffrey Golding is a good article and to the point. I wish to make the concerns of my family and myself known. On average, my family or portions of it have been traveling to Cape Hatteras National Seashore since the mid-1970s. We started off camping in the Frisco campground in pup tents from the back of a motorcycle (my parents), to camping in family-sized tents (my parents, my brother, and myself), to camping in a camper/trailer, to finally renting a house for a week or sometimes two. In the houses we rent, my family (my father, mother, brother, myself, my wife, my aunt and uncle, and my two cousins) stays in one house, while my aunt's sister and her family (usually six to eight people) stay in another. In total, the number of people we bring to the area is anywhere from 15 to 20 people, depending on who can get the time off work to come. We average coming out from Kentucky at least once every two years or so. Here recently, it's been yearly. This June, we came out despite the fact that we learned of the ORV access restrictions just two days prior when my uncle called to check with Frisco Rod and Gun about the fishing conditions. He was told that there was no fishing conditions because his favorite fishing spot (Cape Point) was closed down due to this ridiculous consent decree. So this year we came out anyway, and my father and uncle spent the majority of their vacation in the rented house, vowing not to return if the decree wasn't lifted. My wife and I are expecting our first child this week, and I was ecstatic about the possibility of bringing our daughter to the seashore next summer. However if things don't change, I will never get that pleasure. My thoughts and prayers are with the good people of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands who have welcomed us with open arms for 30-plus years. We have contacted our senators and representatives to attempt to gain their support for the legislation introduced regarding the area. We have also passed the word on to any person driving a vehicle with an OBX license plate or sticker on it. Thank your for publishing the facts in your paper and keeping us land-locked Hatteras lovers informed of what's going on. We just wish we could do more. Please keep up the good work and the good fight as well. The Broderick Families Georgetown and Carlisle, Ky. I can't believe that the government would drop the ball on this like it has. The townships out on Hatteras Island don't have a lot to dip into when it comes to tax dollars. When you take away the access to the best fishing and watersports on the East Coast, then the economy is going to fall plain and simple. There is too much history for a far-left group to be able to deprive the locals, not to mention the far-away returnees (as far away as Canada, to say the least). My family vacations at Hatteras in the summer months, and I hope to someday be able to move there. If we as a state lose the ORV access, we will lose what this state has always been known for. I was in a local bait shop in Salvo for about an hour and the attendant said he usually has three people behind the counter at that particular time of the morning. He was the only one working because of the lack of patronage. One person came in during the time I was there, and all he wanted was directions. The places of business will not survive like this. Please keep the beaches open for ORV access. This is our heritage. Alan Marlowe Concord, N.C. With the high cost of gas, there is no longer a reason to come to Hatteras if I can't use the beaches. Thomas Jarrett Trenton, N.J. I am a frequent visitor and disagree with the closures. Is it possible, however, that the real villain is the Endangered Species Act or some other federal law? Do these laws require the closing of the beaches but have just not been enforced? Did the judge have a choice? Should these federal laws be the real target? Rich Collins Millsboro, Del. What is wild is that the environmental special interest groups are able to come to people’s homelands and have areas closed to the natives. Cape Point is were we have always gone to do our fishing for many generations. They have closed off area to us, but they can come in to do their research and kill a baby chick. These are the predators that should be banned from the beaches. My family has lived on Hatteras Island for many generations. We have survived many hardships, and now people who are not even from here are completely dictating our way of life. Our beaches are the entertainment of this island. They are our best asset. Why are our elected officials taking their time to resolve this issue? These are America's beaches. Sharon Peele Kennedy Buxton Windsurfers get upside down at Hatteras Loop Fest I send my congratulations to all parties involved in this event. Having more events like this during the year could really help to draw more people to this area. I know there must be other people out there that have skills on the water but no place to go to display them. Keep up the great thrills. Bill Bell Sr. Etters, Pa. Baby sperm whale stranded in Avon This is a very interesting follow-up to my sister-in-law’s recounting this experience her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter literally observed while on vacation last weekend. I believe it is extremely wonderful that so much educational and medical research was enacted immediately, and this encounter will continue to be so thoroughly investigated. The impact this has on not only the health of marine life (which cannot be diminished, hopefully ever) but also to the onlookers’ knowledge of marine life itself is paramount. My great-niece is an extremely intelligent young child of 8 who will never forget this experience. Thanks for the excellent coverage and will look forward to reading about the necropsy pathology results in the future. Sally Baker Lutz, Fla. New Letters to the Editor....07.07.2008 10:00 am Guest column: The case for passing legislation Being a regular (or should I say a former?) visitor to the OBX, I congratulate Mr. Golding on one of the best columns I have read. I have always enjoyed coming down to fish different areas of the beach because of the beach access. I would make at least four trips yearly, and for the past three years, I have brought my family for a full week. Unfortunately, unless things change, this will be the last year we return. I so much enjoyed Mr. Golding’s column that I read it three times and had my wife, son, and daughter also read it just to understand why we are deprived of the beach access that they so much enjoyed. Mr. Golding brings out many issues that I was not aware of and states some statistics that were apparently overlooked during the hearings. It is my opinion that this article, along with all supporting documents, should be sent to the North Carolina delegation in Washington to further educate them on the negative impact this has on the economy. Can anyone say just how many plovers and oystercatchers we are talking about to cause such an impact? As I said, this will be the last year I/we visit the Outer Banks until such time changes are made. Being from Maryland, I guess we can always start going to Ocean City again. But it won't be the same. John Eckes Sykesville, Md . Mr. Golding's argument for returning control of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area to the National Park Service is well written, thoroughly researched, and thoughtfully presented. The data and facts Mr. Golding presented are concise, logical, empirically based, easily obtainable, and free of taint from illogical special interest groups, who are concerned only with preserving a number of species of birds who are not even endangered. Judge Boyle should be ashamed of his actions. It is an egregious violation of everyone's civil rights to arrive at a decision on ORV use without contemplating arguments from both sides. Kudos to Mr. Golding on such a well-argued, fact-based article! S. Salomonsen Washington, Pa. Jeff has summarized the situation with accurate information depicting the dilemma of park users as well as businesses that are dramatically affected. I commend Jeff for preparing this information that needs to be shared with every stakeholder and user of the park, as well as any official who can correct this situation. Lynn Pendleton Raleigh, N.C. I want to thank and congratulate Mr. Golding for his detailed investigation of and research into the consent decree - beach access issue. It’s truly a shame that the interim National Park Service plan that was in place was not allowed to be used. It was working with the public agreeing and abiding to it. The Park Service negotiated rulemaking process was progressing with public input. Hopefully now we have the elected officials involved. There still needs to be an investigation, a Congressional hearing of how the extreme environmental groups "got" to Judge Boyle, as it is becoming clear that his decision was not constitutional. We need to get the bad egg out of the basket so this doesn't ever happen again - either in favor of the defendants or plaintiffs. Mike Martin Avon The article in the guest column by Jeffrey Golding has convinced me that this whole thing about beach closures is not about the birds or turtles, but is all about the fish. If the Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society, and The Southern Environmental Law Center could get a fish declared an endangered or threatened species and prevent all fishing on the Outer Banks that is what they would do. Since they can not do that, they have come in the back door with birds. They have closed all of the best fishing areas. The areas that are open to ORVs and fishing are areas where very few fish can be caught. Come Sept.15, when the bird closures are supposed to be lifted, all of the best fishing areas will still be closed because of turtle nests. You won't even be able to get to the inlets to catch bait. I wonder how many other people think like I do. Alfred Rader Shawsville, Va. Mr. Golding’s guest column should be forwarded to all U.S. senators and representatives so they might know the truth and support passing of S 3113. Very good letter. Thanks, Mr. Golding. David Mobley Vandalia, Ohio The Defender of Wildlife, Audubon, and Southern Environmental Law Center leadership and big-city editorial writers (albeit The Coastland Times is not big city) touting how the consent decree is responsible for nesting success is like a politician running unopposed and claiming re-election as a "mandate of the people." When predators, i.e. the competition, are effectively eradicated, as has been the case over the past sic years with the killing of foxes, possums, raccoons, feral cats, etc., how can there be anything but success? The consent decree hasn't had jack-squat to do with nesting success. Listening to that bunch is like listening to Bill Clinton saying "I didn't have sex with that woman." Danny Couch Buxton Sound facts presented in well-written text. I doubt that Jason Rylander and his freshman-comp rhetoric can out-spin this column. If you love Hatteras, it's time to follow Mr. Golding's lead and take tell your elected officials to help take the beach back from special interests. Derek Scott West Chester, Pa. I am with you all the way on this. Return the Hatteras beaches to the public. Let the bleeding hearts rescue and relocate the birds and their nests. Neil Donovan Wilmington, Del. Jeffrey Golding’s guest column was so informative -- if only it could have been presented in court. I can’t help but wonder if our elected officials aren’t being held hostage by environmentalists. Charlie Roughton Buxton Cutting off folks from the most famous places to fish/surf/shell/just visit on the East Coast is just another case of mismanaging our national park program. I am completely disgusted. Capt. Dave Dietzler Morehead City, N.C. Mr. Golding, we thoroughly agree with your column and could not have said it better ourselves. Will you go to Capitol Hill and speak for all of us who love the seashore? We are writing to our senators and representatives today about the closing of the beaches. Will it take until the 2010 deadline to get the interim management plan of the NPS back? We sure hope not. What more can we do? James and Sheri Taylor Carrollton, Va. We knew nothing about this issue until we came down for vacation in June. We’ve been coming for 23 years no. I am an animal lover and appreciate the closures – to a point, but this is way out of hand. How many people are losing their businesses? How many people are they driving away? I stopped at a tackle shop in Frisco, and we were asking where we could drive, and I was shown a newspaper article on the closures that really upset me. It was about how many animals were killed in order to protect the birds. Show this side of the story also. The birds will certainly find another nesting area. There are more than enough protected areas already. As for the businesses and tourists, they may not come back soon enough to help the economy. Open the Point at least. It is certainly a landmark. Linda Mercer Elverson, Pa. The Park Service has done an outstanding job preserving the national treasure of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It seems as if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to overthrow the Park Service, which Congress commissioned to be caretakers of the park. Sharon Kennedy Buxton Thanks for the most informative reading since this whole ordeal has surfaced. Jeffrey Golding’s last statement says it all. Victor R. Hernandez Hampton, Va. Wonderful job of research and writing, Mr. Golding. If I had channeled all my efforts these past few weeks into a comprehensive dissertation on the problem, I don't think I would have done half as well. An article like this gives me hope that we may still persevere and reopen the beaches we all love. Hang in there about the job. I have been on disability leave for six months concerning my heart and just found that I may go back to work after my trip to OBX next week. If things have finally gone my way, they may go yours to. Bert Smith Richmond, Va. This very informative column gives facts, numbers, and references that are easy to understand and follow. If this letter could be forwarded ( with Mr. Golding's permission) to newspaper editors, fishing columnists, etc., I believe more of "Jane and Joe Public" could fathom the truth about what is happening to our beloved beaches and could end up happening to national parks around the U.S. Maybe even our politicians could see the full scale of effects as not just beaches but could extend to mountainous areas, camping areas, and inland recreational areas that could affect their voting constituents as well. Jill Marshall Ashland, Va. More beach access issues and comments I have continued to read your paper and the editorials, comments, etc. In response to Ms. McCullough of Buxton in a letter posted June 2 -- little does she know whether or not I do have property on the island. And it is quite presumptive of her to assume because I am on the opposite side of the fence that I do not own property on the island. As a matter of fact, I have been a silent partner in many business and realty transactions on the island. Her assumption magnifies the very point I wish to make about yelling that the sky is falling. If anyone has ever had the unfortunate situation to be diagnosed with a rare illness or has had to undergo a major operation in the past 10 years, perhaps you have sought the forum boards to talk about the illness or upcoming procedure. I remember when my wife was getting ready to have a very risky surgery for an illness, and the message boards were full of "gloom and doom" and about the unsuccessful stories others have had. Concerned, I asked both doctors about what we had been reading on the message boards about the surgery, and they both replied, "Usually those who have successful surgeries are not on the message boards because they are out living happily and healthy lives. You are reading messages from a small percentage." I share this story to point out a fact to your readers: To some islanders and some of the tourists who visit, the recent closures are upsetting. However, to the majority of people who are landowners and business owners and tourists, these closures mean little and are not affecting their decisions to visit Hatteras. (Just look at the increases in revenue for the month of May, and the increases in rentals that the realty companies are reporting, despite $4 a gallon fuel prices!) The majority of visitors, business owners, and residents are not on the message boards, and that is because that majority does not share the gossip, innuendo, and threatening verbiage that are posted in the many Web sites. In other words, only the people for whom the "surgery" was not successful -- which is a very small percent-- are on the message boards. They are leading others in to a trap of lies and untruths about the existing laws, who is responsible for what, and how to resolve the issue. It really would be better journalistic practice if your paper would report the real facts about the consent decree. The local ORV group leaders signed off on this decree. No one made them do that. Yet they lead the people on Hatteras to believe they have been lied to. Again, you could be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy by insisting the sky is falling. I went to four local restaurants last weekend, and each one said business is better than ever-- and much better than last year. I asked people on the beach and in Food Lion if they are bothered by the closures. The overwhelming response was "Not really. We can still go on the beach with our kids" or "No. We had heard everything was closed and when we found out how much was open, we were thrilled!" The law is on the side of the environmentalists. That is why the judge did what he did, because he enforces the law. He is a Republican and the "enviros" are left- wing Democrats. Rarely would they ever be on the same side of an issue unless the law supports both sides! Perpetuating lies and misinformation about this is a very dangerous thing to allow. The more you let your readers be fooled by stories, gossip, and rumor, the greater a disservice you are doing to the people on the island and creating a lot of unnecessary hatred and anger. A mob mentality can cause people great harm. Your paper should help by reporting real facts instead of catering to the few who are the "ones whose operation was not a success." R. Jackson Asheville, N.C. The National Park Service has always done a fine job on the beaches. People who drive on the beach have a respect and a love for it and that includes the wildlife and plants. If anyone does get out of line, beach etiquette is quickly explained. We police ourselves. We certainly do not need people who have never been there telling us how it is. I have a question. What happens if a turtle eats a plover? Marcie Riedel Richmond, Va. For the future of beach and natural environment lovers all over the country, we cannot let the enviro-extremists bully people and government into extreme and damaging policy. No one cares more about stewarding and maintaining the quality of the Cape Hatteras environment than the people who live, work, and play here. We must keep the fine tradition of beach-going alive here and in all national seashore and public areas across the country. Once the enviro-extremists get an inch, they will be closing off a beach near you and your children and high-fiving themselves at cocktail parties thousands of miles away. Scott McCaskey Norfolk, Va. The Park Service believes that this latest act of vandalism happened between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.? Quite a large time span. They're quick to slap you with a fine for stepping into the ocean a few feet past the restricted area, but they're never around when the vandalism happens -- and what do they get to do then? Close more of the beach. How convenient. I wouldn't doubt that those who are for these closures are responsible for the vandalism. Perhaps maybe even a member of the Audubon Society. Brandon Waterfield Buxton I find it very sad that a few bad people who are vandalizing can close the beach for everyone. If the park would enforce all the rules, this would not happen. This has been going on for years. You call about someone, and they do nothing. Now they are all gung-ho. It is wrong to punish everyone. The environmentalists could be doing this just to get all the beaches closed. The real people who enjoy the beach would never do this. Pat Conley Avon Death of oystercatcher chick "The chick will be sent off for a necropsy." What for? After an approximate two-minute "chase-and-capture" of a hatchling by a college student, could it be anything but blunt force trauma? To quote Charles Barkley, "I may be wrong but I doubt it." It'll be interesting to see what the NPS report says. About mortality rates of plovers and other shorebirds by their protectors, it reminds me of the old saying, "We have met the enemy, and it is us." Danny Couch Buxton It seems that the Park Service and the experts should leave everything alone. They are killing more with there good intentions than the ORVs and pedestrians. Pat Conley Avon Baby sperm whale stranded on Avon beach My family and I witnessed this event. However, since we had children with us, we left before the whale died. Your article has answered all of our questions. Thank you for your in-depth coverage. Jeanna Murphy Roanoke, Va. Cape Hatteras graduation I am quite impressed with the colleges and scholarships of the graduating seniors. I taught at Cape Hatteras 1972-1976 and was proud of the numbers of kids going off to college my fourth year there. But this is great. The question is how many will return to be islanders when they are finished with their education? And Don Bowers produced another great slide show. Remind you of another class, Don? Thanks once again for the show. Lou Wengenroth IV Middletown, N.Y. |
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