June 2008 Letters to the Editor |
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New Letters to the Editor....06.30.2008
2:10 pm Beach Access Issues Our family just returned to the mountains from our annual trip to Hatteras. We have been making the eight- hour trip for six years now. We were very concerned when we heard about the beach access. We are North Carolina born. My father-in-law is retired from N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He helped to build the boat access area on Ocracoke. The Outer Banks are very special to our family. We enjoy the quiet, non-commercial aspect that we find there. We can be a family there and not have to deal with the craziness at other beaches. We respect the unspoiled beauty that OBX offers. We don’t drive on the beach, we surf fish a little or pier fish, but we do want access to the beach to walk, sunbathe, pick up shells or just watch the sunrise. There are a lot of people in N.C. who havent heard a thing about this. I think this is our state and the people should be able to decide the outcome of this, not just a few. It is a long trip for us to come there but it is worth every minute. If other people want to go to Myrtle Beach, I say, good. Those folks just can’t appreciate what we have here. We want to keep our beaches and we intend to let our local representatives know how we feel. Keep us informed. Brigitte Creson Marion, N.C. Thank you for getting the word out! The only credible information that I have been able to get is through your Web site! Keep up the good work and thanks again for presenting fair and reliable information. Rob Shay Frisco The proposed legislation (to set aside the consent decree and return to the interim plan) is legislation is thrilling! I am in the process of writing my senators and representative as I type this. Open access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore means more to me than words can express. I want to thank the staff of The Island Free Press for being on point on the access issue. Preserve and protect, not prohibit. Nathan Jones Portsmouth, Va. Since 1967 my family has traveled to the Outer Banks for at least one week per summer and usually one in September or October. Last week the 11 members of my family spent seven frustrating days trying to get to the most enjoyable areas on the Outer Banks -- Cape Point, Hatteras Inlet, and Ocracoke Inlet -- only to find these areas closed to use by people. Notice these most popular areas are adjacent to the highest residential density areas. Now the areas open to people are "small" strips on the straight beach where the most frequent user used to be the species being discussed, but now is a congested area of folks just trying for elbow room. The special interest groups’ focal species got the prime/majority of the acreage that is now and restricted from being used for the purpose the park exists - National Recreation Area for people. This is just the opposite of what a common-sense special case control and restriction should be. Designate far less frequented used (miles) of straight beach for species (breeding season only) controlled use and designate the most popular areas for use by the people who pay the bill for it to exist as a National Recreational Area to begin with. The past foolishness of a bureaucratic committee with far too many seats at the "all must agree" table has in fact guaranteed failure to apply common sense solutions. End that approach. Political correctness is not the goal for deciding use issues. Say what you mean and mean what you say and let common sense prevail. The public (me included) is getting short shrift due to the court being used to force the agenda of special interests following the National Park Service ineptitude to manage the facilities for public use. If I cannot use it, I want my tax money back. Robert Walker Pleasant Gap, Pa. I would like to share with your readers a perspective of the beach closure issue. I am a developer, so we deal with the environmentalists and their tactics on a daily basis. What they plan to do is to take away as much of the beach as possible. They first take little bites that don't seem too bad, then the take a big grab. Next they will back off a little then come back for another grab. They will continue to increase the regulations by bits and pieces until there is nothing left. The only people who will be allowed to access the beach will be the Park Service and the Audubon Society. Once they have established the habitat, then they will argue that these areas are permanent protected areas and will be protected forever under the permanent beach access plan that is supposed go into effect in the next couple of years. After they have established those areas for three years, then they are permanent. As I understand it, there is talk of “wintering areas” for piping plovers which translates into year round closures. The Audubon Society is a formidable foe with a national presence and lobbyists in Washington. I fear that Elizabeth Dole's bill is doomed to failure, since she will need votes from around the country. It will be very difficult to vote against the birds and for fishermen in pickup trucks. If her bill is defeated, then she will have saved face with her constituents and respond to the defeat with “I tried”. The only chance the island will have in restoring beach access is through mitigation. If the members of Congress can the vote on a fair compromise that helps the birds and restores access, then you have a win-win. Mitigation would include the following: In all other areas where development must destroy a habitat like a wetland, developers must mitigate the damage by creating new habitat elsewhere. In this case, we must create new wetlands or streams on a 2-1 basis, creating two acres for every acre destroyed. Here we can do the same thing. Out in the sound behind Buxton and Frisco is a long stretch of sandbar appropriately called the Bird Shoals. It is a long sandbar that is covered most of the time but exposed at low tide. This makes it a barren bar with no vegetation. The proposal is this: Hire a dredge to dredge the channel from Hatteras to Buxton and deposit the dredge material onto Bird Shoals, thereby creating an island 5 to 10 miles long. Since it is an island, it would create a nesting shoreline roughly three times that, 15 to 30 miles of shoreline. The birds would have an ideal place to nest undisturbed by human activity. Furthermore, it would protect the birds from the real culprit of nesting pressure, predators -- no people, no snakes, no raccoons, no cats, etc. Perhaps the Park Service could require a permit for beach driving that would help to pay for the cost of maintenance and repair of the island. Be prepared. The environmental people will not want to accept this option. The reason is that this is not about the birds. It’s about the people. Their real goal is to get people off of these areas and to restore it as a natural, undisturbed conservation area. They use the birds as a tool to accomplish their goal. They are anti-people. Once the people are removed, then they will be the only ones that are allowed to visit. I truly believe that something like this is your only chance. The environmentalists make their living doing this. They never sleep. They never stop, and they never give up ground that they have conquered. Mark Sowers (Credit for the idea to Doug Sowers) Midlothian, Va. My family and I have been vacationing on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands for the past 12 years and have recently found that our favorite beaches are closed to access. We understand the need to protect the nesting birds, but it’s a bit troubling that there has been a lack of documented science or even a requirement by the judge to require these documents be produced in support of the environmental groups’ arguments prior to any decisions being made. I’m also surprised that there has been no discussion of trying to find a solution that would support both the needs of the birds and the residents and business owners of Hatteras and Ocracoke. Given that the areas that were closed to ORV use are some of the most used areas (at least by my family), it would be nice if it were possible to redirect the birds to nest in other less used portions of the available beach, thereby supporting the birds and mitigating their impact to the local community. I realize that this may not be possible, but it would be nice to at least have someone discussing these types of solutions and determining if it is possible to implement. With that idea in mind I did a quick search on the Internet for redirecting nesting selection and found a study on that topic "Directing Nest Site Selection of Least Terns and Piping Plovers" by Jeffrey F. Marcus, John J. Dinan, Ron J. Hohnson, Erin E. Blankenship and Jeanin L. Lackey. These authors are from the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska. This study showed that it was possible to redirect the nesting selection process of the piping plover, supporting the needs of the birds and that of the mining industry and recreational user. Although the findings of this study may not provide a solution to issues in Hatteras and Ocracoke at least it points out that there may be a solution other than closing the beaches. If we are going to use science to close the beach, perhaps a better solution is to use science to find an optimal solution that supports everyone’s needs and allows us to reopen the beaches. Jim Hood Fairfax, Va. About your editorial asking for civility, I don’t think relationships in the villages are too bad yet. Recall that two major wars impacted North Carolina --The American Revolution and the War Between the States. In both of these conflicts friends were pitted against friends, neighbors against neighbors, families against family, with homesteads burned, atrocities committed and innocents slaughtered. These wars were fought over loss of freedom and a way of life. Is there a similarity here? Regarding your call to respect the bird lawyers, I have a real problem respecting anyone who lies and distorts to further their goals and cause harm to others! Bob Davis Buxton I have been coming to Hatteras since the early ‘70s. There is no other place in the world that I want to spend my summer, fall, winter, or spring vacations. Where are the "special interests groups" when seagulls and other wildlife on the beaches are in distress or need help with an injury or broken wing, leg, etc? I was on Frisco Beach on Saturday, June 21. We noticed a bird that was moving slowly in the water, and then it sat on the beach moving very little. Some other people around us also noticed the bird and came down to check if it needed help. One of the people in the group called a number that she had been given by a "special interest group" to report problems. We were told that someone would be coming by to check on the bird. My friend and I waited until dark and no one ever came. The bird got up enough strength to make one last flight into the water and drifted away. It's the people on the beach, who love and cherish the beautiful beaches, wildlife and fishing at Hatteras, who want to preserve and maintain the peaceful co-existence of wildlife and mankind. I remember my kids growing up learning about the mating rituals and habitat of the shorebirds and catching their first bluefish on the Point. All this, because we were allowed to visit the beaches and partake of all their beauty! I can't bear the thought of my grandchildren not being able to enjoy the island's beauty "up close and personal." Kathy A. Harris Beaverdam, Va. About the trespassing and expansion of buffers for the birds, whoever was driving like a maniac on the beach should have his or her license taken away. No one who lives on the Outer Banks would go out to the beach just to kick up some sand. Everyone I know has more respect for the beach and its environment. It is a small percent of people who drive like idiots, and these are the people who give beach driving a bad image Trafford Hill Avon The trespassing and violation of the bird closure is really sad. Maybe we need a sand militia to keep watch. We may not like the new rules, but we must comply with them. I find it hard to believe that this being done by conservation-minded surf fisherman. It needs to be stopped....but how? Joe Roy Felton, Del. Since access to Cape Point and surrounding beaches is now in the hands of tree-hugging fools, I plan to spend my four weeks of vacation dollars in another state. B.K. Duvall Millersville, Md. I enjoyed reading your articles very much. I have a soft spot in my heart for Cape Hatteras. I was in the Navy there from 1956 through 1958. There are friends I wonder about -- Andy and Stocky Midgett, George Fuller, Leon Jennette, Mary and Sara Burrus. Also the Lighthouse Restaurant. I’d be interested to know if they are still around. Curt Murphy Bakersfield, Calif. I come to the Outer Banks four or five times each year. My in-laws own a place in Kill Devil Hills. I spend every day of my time on the Outer Banks on Oregon Inlet. I want to be able to drive on the beach. That's the reason I come. That's where I want to be! Please keep the beaches open to ORVs! Kenda Sovero New Market, Md. The vandalism of and trespassing in bird closures is a shame. Not only will the locals and visitors who obey the rules, no matter how much they personally disagree, suffer more limited beach access, but it just adds fuel to the fire for misguided enviros. They who want to shut down the beaches, regardless of the loss of access to those whom it was created for (all of us) and the financial ruin of the whole OBX community, will point to these vandalisms to press for nothing less than shutting the beaches down permanently. I hope they catch the egghead and hit him with the full $5,000 for each violation. Jeff Stebelton Lithopolis, Ohio Scotty the sea turtle goes home Now that story makes me smile. Thanks y'all. Beth Glaser Charlottesville, Va. Ocracoke’s July 4 celebration Sounds like the perfect day! I am a little sad though. My house rental starts on Saturday, July 5. Any luck on activities going on through that weekend? Happy Fourth of July everyone! Pam Null Goochland, Va. Villages get ready for July 4 fireworks displays The article was great, but the pictures were awesome. Joy Crist did an outstanding job with both. Barbara Madison Grahamsville, N.Y. Precious Memories I so love reading these stories. I knew many of the people mentioned in the stories. My grandmother was Kate Austin Burrus. My father was Decator Austin. My dad's sister was Minnie Burrus. My uncle, of course, is retired Sheriff Bert Austin. I try to get to Hatteras at least once a year now. My dad passed away eight years ago. He hadn't lived on the island since the early ‘40s. I feel like I can feel his presence every time I go there. Thanks for the great memories. Karen Hayes Virginia Beach, Va. New island skate park is a labor of love and faith My son is a huge fan of Three 1 Six! Since he is only 6, it is comforting to know that when he is there he is in a safe environment with lots of incredible older kids acting as role models. Thanks to all involved for providing the youth such a fabulous place. Kristin Gray Hatteras Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation is expanding its role Thank you for your article by Amberly Dyer on the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation’s newest effort in providing information and education to the people of Hatteras Island. We are excited about this new venture and feel that it is one more service that we can provide to cancer patients and their families. We look forward to each month having a guest speaker that will share insight on services that are available and enlightening us on new treatments that are being considered. The Island Free Press is reaching thousands of people each day and we appreciate your helping us to spread the word. Donna Peele Secretary Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation. New island art gallery in Hatteras village Seaworthy Gallery has a beautiful looking building. Looking forward to the opportunity to visiting in July. Richard Fralin Richmond, Va. New Letters to the Editor....06.23.2008 3:45 pm Return the management of the seashore to the Park Service
First and foremost I want to thank you for all you do to keep us island wannabes informed about what is happening on our beaches. As a visitor to the area for over 15 years, I truly enjoy being able to relax when in town. And this relaxation comes in the form of being on the beach. I support open and free access to all and hope one day it will be like it used to be for all citizens. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your efforts and you should be awarded the Pulitzer for your reporting of the facts. Jim Boggs Charlottesville, Va. As the old saying goes, "If it isn’t broke, don't fix it." Well, that is common sense. Common sense was thrown in the garbage when The National Park Service and all of those fine hardworking folks stood in federal court against a stacked deck. The consent decree is a prime example of legislation from the bench. It was designed in such a manner to guarantee the total closure of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and it tramples the Constitutional rights of residents and visitors alike. Then to add insult to injury and kicking someone when they are down, editors of certain newspapers feel that Congress has no business in this matter. When I was in school, I was taught that the legislative branch of government created laws and that the judicial branch made sure we abide by the law. (This is broken, since legislation from the bench occurs daily. That really needs to be fixed.) I also was taught that Congress represented the citizens of our great country. Surely that means individuals have the right to seek their assistance from those representing them. Taking that into consideration, I, like many folks, have wriiten to members of Congress urging the passing of the legislation recently submitted. Being a native of Hatteras Island I know for a fact that the folks of Hatteras and Ocracoke have weathered many storms and adversities. The unity shown by the recent events, such as the “Stand in the Sand” barbecue are prime examples of residents and visitors standing together to fight against the issues facing them. Thank you to everyone standing up for our beloved Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Jasper Williams, Jr. Hatteras Native I think it's very wrong to put animals over people. If these people love animals so much, why don't they help all the ones in shelters or stand on the side of roads to keep them from getting run over. It must be nice to have nothing better to do than stir up trouble for the good people of the OBX. Please give the beaches back. Enough is enough . Marhea Vines New Hill, N.C. Once again, you have written the best editorial I have seen on this issue. You have put it out there in such a plain and factual way that it is hard for me to imagine how any person thinking with a logical mind could argue these facts or not support this legislation. Please tell me that you have considered submitting this to other major newspapers across the state for publication! We need this type of information and clarity made public to the rest of the newspapers readers, considering the gross misinformation that they are fed from other editorial writers. Renee Tomberlin Burnsville, N.C. Nothing has lifted my heart more than reading about all the progress being made concerning beach freedom. I have been spreading the word to everyone I talk to and giving them the Web site to check out. Most are amazed that what I've been trying to tell them is true. Now they too are spreading the word -- not just to beach people but to all those caring about their freedoms. Some still don't believe until they read it, but they come back willing to help and contact politicians. I hope to be able to give to CHAPA every week, as the beach gives me my sanity and serenity two weeks out of every year. Jill Marshall Ashland, Va. Thank you for the clear and concise rebuttal to both editorials (News & Observer and The Virginian-Pilot). It was very clear from reading them that they only followed Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society, and Southern Environmental Law Center press releases. What startles me is that the higher the level of exposure of the fraud, lies, and lack of science, the less likely it is that the true facts and sound science are relied on to make an editorial writer’s opinion known. Your courage to write the truth (and the supporting facts) about what is going on here, without the bitterness and acrimony we all feel toward the "dark side" helps us to grasp how very important each nuance matters to the whole of the problem. James Harris Southern Shores My family and I came to the Outer Banks several years ago to escape the Myrtle Beach atmosphere. We fell in love with the area and its people. I don't believe we would rather vacation any other place. My sons and I try to surf fish each time we are on the island. The key word here is “try.” Our fishing skills still leave a lot to be desired. As with most folks, we drive to the Point, South Beach and several other areas to fish and also allow our grandchildren a play area without the congestion of other popular beaches. We stand behind you folks in your ORV battle, and our hope is that this can be resolved in a manner that will return the beaches to the National Park Service where it should be before it ruins this beautiful island and its economy. Over the years we have stopped short of areas that the National Park Service has closed due to nesting birds, but never felt cramped because there were always other places to drive. With this consent order you don't know what's open and what's not. Seems to change day by day. We as a family have no intentions to stop our twice-a-year run to the Outer Banks, but hope that beaches will have the access of the old days. I am an avid outdoorsman and protection of species is important, but when it affects local and national interest and economies, a stand must be taken. We are the humans in this equation. Keep up the good fight . Ward Green Hurricane, W.Va. Very good article. Glad to get a balanced overview of the whole situation. The rhetoric on both sides has been rather confusing. I love the Outer Banks (family has been coming here since 1970) and want to see the beach open and free for all to enjoy, but couldn't agree more that actions like villianizing folks on the environmentalist side or intentionally disobeying closures will in the end do nothing but help shut down access. Hope all can keep their heads, work through the process, and support the introduced legislation to restore the status quo. Then working to complete a management policy will ensure everyone has access to these shores we love while taking reasonable steps to protect the wildlife that is part of them. Please, no more pulling up posts and tearing down barriers. No more daily special signs for boiled plover. Let the system work, and God bless Senator Dole and the others. Jeff Stebelton Lithopolis, Ohio Although all the beach management issues are so very important to us all in Hatteras, I think all the complaining and sending out negative messages to the rest of the world is keeping tourists away needlessly. They think the island is closed -- beaches and all. And that is not even remotely true. Karla Goodenough Hatteras I vacation here every year, and if the wildlife is in trouble, then something needs to be done about it. Becky Broome Reidsville, N.C. Fantastic editorial! In reality, I think you speak for at least 90 percent of the people with your approach to this subject. Personally, I have spent many spring, fall, and winter days on these beaches, flying my kites and enjoying the solitude. I long ago learned not to come in the summer. I intend to return this fall, probably for Thanksgiving. However, I think I will probably go to Davis Island, where the restrictions are fewer. It's harder to get there, much more primitive, and not a good restaurant in driving distance. But the consent decree has taken away the real reason I will burn the expensive gas in my four-by-four to get there. I will miss the excellent hotels and restaurants of the islands that I normally frequent, but at South Core Banks, I still feel free. Robert L. Wasson, III Statesville, N.C. Our family has enjoyed the Outer Bank beaches for many years. Campfires with cookouts under the stars at Cape Point. Shell hunting, sunbathing, relaxing using our four-wheel vehicles to get out there. We are careful not to disturb wildlife, respectful of mother earth by cleaning up after ourselves. It saddens my heart to know that our grandchildren will not be able to enjoy this. I understand the need to protect wildlife and respect our environment, but is there not a concern that these folks can also upset the balance of nature by having too many birds and not enough to feed them. We get overpopulation of deer in our area, and they starve to death. We must live in peace and harmony. We must teach our children well to protect, respect, and enjoy the wonders of this good earth. Lois Valencia Lewisberry, Pa. I enjoyed reading your recent editorial piece on Outer Banks beach closures as it does a good job boiling down the situation for those folks who might not be aware of all the facts leading to this mess we find ourselves in. I can also understand how you as a journalist would want to provide both sides of the story. While I appreciate your call for civility in this matter, and the position of The Island Free Press on beach access is made perfectly clear, your attempt to “humanize” the opponents of beach access fell flat for me. To be considered human is perhaps the best I can say for North Carolina Audubon, Defenders of Wildlife, and their counsel. The most charitable side of me thinks that they earnestly believe in their own misrepresentations. On the other hand, everything I have seen, read, or otherwise learned regarding the situation leads me to the conclusion that they represent a nefarious, outrageously selfish minority user group who seek to turn the best portions of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area into their own bird watching arena, regardless of harm inflicted on local community and citizenry at large who are the rightful owners of the public lands in question. Further, press releases by these plaintiffs in the litigation resulting in the consent decree are so full of half truths, misinformation, and outright falsehoods (in that order as per good propaganda) that it is hard to believe any respectable media institution would repeat them. Unfortunately, they do. As a government environmental professional working in the resource management field, I am appalled at what is occurring at the CHNSRA. It is not only representative of bad public policy but an outrageous case in which a special interest has succeeded in dictating to a federal agency critical resource management decisions for public lands without public input or independent scientific review. In my estimation, the consent decree stands out as one of the worst of public lands policy directives in recent U.S. history. Given this, it should be no surprise that the plaintiffs declined to contribute to your publication. They hide behind a wall of self-righteousness, secure in the knowledge that they succeeded in imposing their special interest on the federal government, based on what amounts to a legal technicality. The expense of their action in terms of economic hardship inflicted on the community and the loss of cherished, environmentally sound public recreational opportunities seem totally lost on them. Also apparently lost in the self-righteousness of these individuals is any critical thought as to what the actual ecological benefit of the consent decree terms might actually be, if indeed there are any. Instead of providing biographical vignettes of these individuals, perhaps you should have challenged them to come meet the island community and listen and learn how the terms of the consent decree are affecting their lives. Better yet, one should challenge these people to present their positions and defend their statements before an independent panel charged with bringing to public light the facts about bird populations on the Outer Banks and the effectiveness of existing natural resource management strategies (formerly) being carried out National Park Service professionals. I doubt they would rise to these challenges. Chris Egghart Richmond, Va. I would like to thank you and your writers for the great job you are doing keeping everyone informed of recent events about the beach closures. Not everyone that is greatly affected and saddened by recent events lives on the islands and has access to the local news of the day by word of mouth. Some, like me, live hours away but still want to know the latest news and what we can do to help. Thanks for providing news and infomation for everyone who stands with the people of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Denise Simpson Mechanicsville, Va. Just found your site while looking for something else on the Internet and have got to say it's great. My family was originally from Hatteras village, and it's great to be able to keep up on changes that are going on in the village. I've got some great old pictures of life in the village that are pre-‘40s that I'll get together and send your way -- lot's of my Dad (Decatur "Tate" Austin) and all of the old family. Michael Desmond Austin Johns Island, S.C. Your masterful editorial thoroughly “nailed” the issues currently facing the Cape Hatteras Seashore and the issues and positions expounded by both sides of the controversy. You have expertly put into print (cyber print) every thought I have had concerning the two editorials you referenced, as well as the spin and also the sins of omission the bird people are feeding the press and the public in general. Thank you! I have had the thoughts but not the ability to verbalize. I have been concerned about our inability to reach the general public in any effective way to counter the strong emotional appeal the Audubon Society and their allies make in their presentations. Dr. Berry is a powerful ally, as is The Island Free Press, but the public masses are swayed by the print editorials you referenced and TV, which could echo the theme of the prints. I don’t think there is a lot of hope for the two bills in Congress to move out of committee without finding some way to get our story to the committee members. Your editorial would be one way if we could get them to read it. Perhaps a faxed copy to each committee member would help. . I think also that your editorial points to a national situation that perhaps newspapers across the country would be interested in investigating. That is the tremendous weight these non-profit, well-funded “green” organizations can wield in support of their causes and some of their methods which may involve half truths and other propaganda techniques. Congratulations on the wonderful information source with which you are providing us. It is the true voice of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Wayne Blessing Greensboro, N.C. I wonder what would happen if they found a piping plover nest with eggs in it at the Lost Colony theater. Kenny Brite Avon This is the best and most detailed information on the whole situation. Thank you for you dedication to this cause. Rick McClain Matthews, N.C. My husband and I have been going to Hatteras village for 35 years, where we now have a home and boat. I'm writing about the beach closings at Hatteras and the devastating effect this decision is having on the local economy. Surely there's a compromise between preserving the environment while allowing the people of the area to continue making a living. First of all, this effort by environmental groups insults the intelligence of the locals to the core. These people have an innate respect and knowledge of the land and sea that most of us will never be able to attain. The beach closings make a statement that some people somewhere in an office in Raleigh know more about what's best for Hatteras than the people who live in Hatteras. That's ludicrous to say the least! Secondly, there needs to be a clear understanding of the tremendous strain the beach closings are putting on the economy of Hatteras. All the locals want to do is work hard each day to support their families. This summer the future of many of the locals is very threatened because of an unstable national economy, the price of gas, and the beach closings. All of these factors are having a negative impact on tourism, the main livelihood of most Hatteras residents. While the powers that be are concerned with beach erosion, which all of us are, I think they should also be concerned with the erosion of the middle class. This is just one more example of this country losing its grip on democracy. This policy should be overturned immediately. Communication then needs to be established between state officials and Hatteras residents to find a compromise to this problem. Carol Cruikshank Martinsburg, W.Va. You are one of a few true reporters left in this country. This was a report that was unbiased with respect to both sides with true context. Great journalism! Paul Rudar Midland, Pa. Well done! Thank you. Dan Kramer Buxton My wife and I really enjoy reading all the news that you have been keeping up to date for us. This read is by far the most detail we have seen about the whole situation. Thank you for keeping us informed. Your research is second to none. Rick and Vickie McClain Matthews, N.C. Wonderful writing, as always, but especially in this case. Your call for civility, as is Frank Folb's, is a thoughtful and welcome comment on the entire matter. I am weary of the nastiness, Hollywood liberals, democrats, enviro-Nnazis, etc. All are labels that detract from the validity of the pro-ORV side of this discussion. Please keep up the great work as a sane voice in the face of a stupid situation. I hope we can get it changed. Joe Basilone Williamsburg, Va. I just returned from two weeks in Buxton with my wife, and we made reservations for the same two weeks next year. As well, I hope return this fall. Let's face it, "they" asked for a mile and got two. My wife was appalled that she could not walk the beach shelling while I fished and set up our little portable grill for lunch. We returned the next day and the ramp was closed -- period. What happened overnight? I went out with a local fisherman on Father's Day, and it was downright eerie to see only a Park Service truck and a blue beach umbrella on the Point. The week before, able-bodied men and women could walk to the Point. No more. Were they concerned about an ADA suit being filed on the behalf of those of us who are disabled? Don't think I could make the walk, in the water, with my cane. Yes, I'm upset but not at the people who are hired to do their job. I'm upset because the decision-making process has been taken away from those who know what they're doing and has instead been handed to an individual -- a federal judge. The answer is to let those who are paid to manage the recreational area do their job while the neg-reg process proceeds. Let those who know the beach, the birds, and the fish, and, most of all, the tax-paying citizens all have a voice. I was a medic during one of the most controversial wars in this nation’s history. I was willing to put my life on the line to support our nation and believe that I (we) have a right to walk on a land that I helped defend. John J. Sellers (aka Philly Jack) Harrisburg, Pa. I agree with you 99.99 percent of the time. I know full well that you know your stuff. I appreciate your airing of both parties points. I also do not condone threats, violence or vandalism. However, I do not suffer invading occupiers of our land with ease. By their own admission, with 400,000-plus members, Audubon has how many members here, supporting our economy and utilizing to their own gain and to the exclusion of humans in their realm? I guess about four at any given time! I, again, do not advocate threats or violence, but I want these people and their agenda gone from our beach and my life. I want to see NPS signs that say, as they should, "HUMAN USE AREA." Hawk Hawkins Mechanicsville, Va. I enjoyed your article. You dealt with the facts and put things into perspective, carefully considering both sides of argument. Well stated and factual! Well done! Bob Rehnlund Cary, N.C. This is the best write-up to date on this issue. Your assessment is spot-on! Thanks for sticking to the facts and presenting them so clearly and concisely. I have enjoyed several trips to Hatteras in the past four years and still look forward to more in the future with fishing companions and with my family on our annual vacations. I truly hope that a resolution will come to this issue soon. I also hope that the NPS will re-assume management of this park/seashore. Cape Hatteras National Recreation Seashore is one of the best places I have had the opportunity to visit and I have been to many of our national parks in my lifetime. Thanks for your voice and continued presence. Steve Harter Holtwood, Pa. Excellent article. I would only like to add that it is my opinion that the reason the plaintiffs did not push more for the injunction, which was clearly in their favor, but more for the consent decree, was because the injunction gave them no control over pedestrian access on the seashore, and the consent decree granted them almost as much control over pedestrian access as it did for ORVs. I personally feel that the greater injustice being done here was is the pedestrian restrictions. To not be able to walk in such large areas of national lands is a direct to our Constitutional freedoms. Carlton Blanks Greensboro, N.C. Thank you for a well thought out and fact-filled opinion. Clayton, Diggs Lanexa, Va. Thank you for a wonderful piece. You’re right on. I saw the wanted posters for the first time on Saturday. They made me laugh at first, but I do understand that this is wrong. Matt Burleigh Spotsylvania, Va. Tremendous article. Keep up the great work! Mark Kennedy La Grange, N.C. What a wonderfully superb editorial and postscript. Thank you. Dottie Reed Avon Well said. Brandon Christie Winston-Salem, N.C. I have been following with great interest all of your beach access coverage, and I salute you. You have done a wonderful job with your reporting on this hot topic. This opinion is the icing on the cake! You go, girl! I hope people take your advice about being civil, too! Judy Krisukas Bangor, Pa. You make many good points about the whole issue. You have been, at the least, fair in the handling of the situation. I have read several pro-Defenders articles in the reader's response area. I am with you all the way concerning personal threats and wanted posters. I will defend to the death anyone's right to disagree with me on any issue, just as I will defend anyone's other rights under the Constitution. Free and open discourse is the foundation of our way of life. What really gets my goat, though, is that other people feel that the only way to get what they think is right is to make up "facts" to suit their purposes. I can't say that the people you know from the other side are the ones misrepresenting the facts, but someone over there is. Like many of the people in the Defenders group, I am well educated and have had several college courses in the sciences, although my degree is in music education. I am well aquatinted with the working of the scientific method as it applies to the natural sciences, astronomy, and several other disciplines. I have worked with Boy Scouts in several capacities and am a big supporter of real wildlife management and conservation. I have supported and been a member of the NRA for over 30 years and that is where my experience comes in with groups like Defenders of Animals, PETA, ELF, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. Good examples of their "science" abound in studies with no peer review, are not published, and contain claims made with no scientific backing at all, and all sorts of wild claims. This is not science. This is propaganda and is a dishonorable way to conduct one’s self in a civilized society. The SELC in on a new campaign to shut down the donation of game to feed the hungry, a program in many states, by quoting a study that claims that there are dangerous levels of lead in donated venison. When the study is looked at critically, it is found that the findings are almost completely untrue and in most cases represent mishandling of small portions of game by the processors. When I process game, I remove any "bloodshot" meat, where the bullet has passed through, with a good margin around it. I don't eat lead in my game. The NRA has had conflict with these people for years and has many lawyers on staff to deal with them and others. You people are new to the game and need to get up to speed quickly unless you want to get steam-rollered again like with the consent decree. The environmental group work by keeping everyone in litigation until you are financially drained and out of business. Make no mistake, whether the legislation fails or succeeds, the next day they will file another lawsuit to try to take more away. Their presence on the rule negotiation committee is only there to keep the government from completing the process, so they can whine that nothing is being done and that the sky is falling again. All this may sound cynical to you, but keep this little missive and take it out again in two years or five and see if what is here wasn't a good prediction of the truth. Bert Smith Richmond, Va. As usual, a well thought out and reasoned position. It is unfortunate that civility and reason are in such short supply. Al Scarborough Ocracoke I agree 100 percent. The management of the seashore should be returned to the Park Service. I am just a vacationer to this tranquil spot, and I find that on the island, I am at my most relaxed self. My family and everyone I have introduced to the Outer Banks agree that it is so relaxing they can't wait to return. The Park Service has done a wonderful job in the past they should be allowed to continue. Richard Snyder Old Forge, Pa. Rou forgot to mention that Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area was created to be a recreation area, and that once again the U.S. government is breaking a promise that it made -- this time to the island and American public. Tim Sacksteder Great Falls, Va. I was delighted to learn of the Senate bill and House bill introduced to nullify the consent decree and reinstate the National Park Service's Interim Management Plan. I have written to Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, as well as North Carolina Rep. Walter B. Jones, who introduced the House bill and his co-sponsors: North Carolina Reps. Virginia Foxx, Howard Coble, Robin Hayes, and Sue Myrick, as well as Virginia Rep. Virgil Goode to thank them for becoming involved and taking this action. I hope more people will do this. I also plan to write other North Carolina representatives who will have an opportunity to vote on this bill. One thing I don't understand, though, is that there are 13 miles of beach at Pea Island which were let aside as a wildlife refuge in 1937, the same year the Cape Hatteras National Seashore was authorized. Isn't this sufficient for the bird populations? Could the "species of special concern" possibly be taken there to be undisturbed? I enjoyed this article very much and because we vacation there every fall to surf fish. We were already aware that there have been beach closures for the birds and turtles. We didn't grumble about it and might add that we never saw a single person or ORV in an area they should not be in. If we were permanent residents who lost use of their beaches during the spring, summer, and fall, I would probably grumble, however. Jeanne K. York Salisbury, N.C. Your article referenced above is very well written and informative. As a patron of Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke (and ORV access), I applaud your efforts. Seth Johnson Statesville, N.C. Great news. Thanks to The Island Free Press, and especially to Irene Nolan, for the great job you have done to keep the people abreast of the situation and fighting for truth, justice, and the American way. You guys are real super heroes. Keep up the good work! Earl Buffaloe Wendell, N.C. Whoever orchestrated this ploy to remove the care of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore from the National Park Service, either has a personal agenda or has no regard for their fellow American. These are America's beaches. The Park Service was installed here to care for these islands, and they have done a very good job. If it were not for the Park Service, there would be no bird or turtle eggs. They have marked off areas to not be driven in. Most all residents and visitors have respected the order that the Park Service has brought. This whole action has taken a negative turn. Now people who usually come here for vacations with their families are going to other areas that have more recreation to offer. The beach with its wonderful access is what we have to offer. The American public should be the ones to make the decision on what government agency controls the seashores -- not special interest groups and one judge. Sharon Peele Kennedy Buxton I have been to the Outer Banks at least once a year since 1985. My first trip there was with the Biology Department. from East Tennessee State University. I was mostly interested in the birds I would see there, but I fell in love with the whole place. Soon after, I took my mother and other family members and friends. It was always the first place I wanted to go when I got out for summer break. It has always been a place where I felt like I was being healed from another year of work and the stresses of life. My mother also fell in love with the Banks and loved to just sit at Cape Point and watch the people, the birds, and me -- occasionally catching a fish. Even when we weren't there we always had reminders of why we wanted to be back there. Unfortunately, my mother will never be able to return there with me. We had planned on trying to make one more trip there for her, but the good Lord saw fit to take her to another paradise just before school let out. The only place I have wanted to go since her passing is Cape Point. I have dreamed of parking my truck there with the tailgate down and just remembering the times that she and I had there. The time she got stuck in the sand and had to be helped out, the time the bluefish flipped and set a hook in my finger, the time the seagull filled her binocular eyecup with poop. I just want to go there to do some healing. I want to take some new people there and let them feel the wind and experience the storms, let them feel the freedom that I felt there, more than any place I have ever been. I love birds, and I love nature, and I truly want to protect nature, but I also want to be able to be a part of that nature. Sensible use is the way to go here. In all the years that I have been visiting, I have never seen even one instance of disrespect for the birds or turtles or any other wildlife. There has to be a way to satisfy most everyone. I myself want protection for wildlife, but I also want access. I hope that before summer is over and a new school year starts, I can come and pitch my tent at Cape Point campground get up early and drive out to the Point. I miss being able to do that, and I feel stuck here in northeastern Tennessee, much like being stuck there when I didn't know to let the air out of my tires. In closing, I wish that I could be a part of the solution. I teach ecology and biology courses, so I do understand both sides of this issue. The thing I do want all those directly involved to realize is the need to work together. Neither extreme should have its own way. Common sense should rule the way. This includes timely closures of certain stretches, timely openings of certain stretches, alternating routes to and from protected areas, closures at night, more attention to predation, restoring, opening new, or maintaining neglected areas that do not get attention because they may be off the beaten path. A permit with an attached educational track that better explains what the goal and consequences may be if we neglect our responsibilities to nurture and protect. George Larkins Church Hill, Tenn. Stand in the Sand fundraiser Again you came though for Hatteras Island with a wonderful story and great photos. I almost licked my monitor at the sight of the chicken. Wayne and I would have loved to be with you all, but timing was just against us. Keep reporting the great work everyone is doing down there, and I'll keep forwarding it to my "owners - guests - politicians" list from up here. Physically we might not be with you, but we are doing everything we can from Jersey to help make changes! Thanks! Donna Thomas Mercerville, N.J. My greatest appreciation goes out to all those that sponsored and volunteered for "The Stand in the Sand BBQ." I am a nobody in all of this .I hear local businesses and residents comment on ways that would like to help, and I figure out a way to combine it all and then put the plan into effect. I am nothing more than a delegator of responsibility. Over the past few months, we have had two beach rallies, two civic meetings, and one barbecue, and not one of those events would have been possible without the local and visiting population's contributions. I have been humbled by the fact everyone of these events have gone off without a hitch. I would like to thank Lynne Murray for always being a solicitor of volunteers and a general overall secretary at times for me. Without her, I would be running these events by myself. I appreciate Hal from Finnegan's for managing all the bands, while Kim Mosher handled the arts and crafts contributors. Fran Folb was our side dish, bake sale, and overall food manager, and it was she who truly got this ball rolling for a barbecue. A special thanks to Jody Wilson, who has been a right hand woman in all the events and projects I have done for the last three years. I could eliminate all of the World Wide Web's bandwidth trying to type a full list of sponsors and volunteers for the past events, but I assure that all of you are in my mind and spirit, and I know who is truly responsible for these events. Please refrain from any type of thanks or gratitude towards me. Just "Get the Facts and Get Involved" and that will be the greatest appreciation you could show all of us. Rob Alderman Buxton Most excellent! My job prevented my being there physically, but I was there in spirit and donations and know that we are well represented by all involved. You are all the best folks on earth. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Hawk Hawkins Mechanicsville, Va. I just wanted to say "kudos" to Rob and all of the volunteers that made the "Stand in the Sand" such a wonderful and extremely tasty event. That pork was to die for, all of the food was amazing. The kids had a great time at the dunking booth and each of them won Outer Banks Angler DVD's for dunking the nice lady in the booth. Thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of such worthwhile event. It was a great afternoon. Angel Herrell Virginia Beach, Va. Legislation seeks to set aside consent decree Dustin Glasner of Williamsburg, Va., (Letters, June 16) is falling into the same trap that awaits people wanting to help in this situation. He has made the assumption that the playing field is level. Let me assure everyone it is not. The special interest groups are using pseudo-science, innuendo, and lies to push their point and are not bashful about doing it in court. His second mistake is applying soil and woodland dynamics to a sand environment. The only "soil" is that which has been created by man. Sand is the prime component of a barrier island and it, by nature, is movable. Barrier islands protect shorelines by just existing. They keep the worst storm surge off the mainland and ameliorate the effects of these storms. In return, the islands expand, contract, and gain new inlets and, in general, are all beach. The fact that vehicles have been driving on the edges since these vehicles have been invented has not, nor will in the future, have any effect of these beaches. One good nor’easter or hurricane has more effect that the entire history of cars has had. Bert Smith Richmond, Va. Here on the West Coast near Pismo Beach, Calif., self-styled "environmental" groups are trying to shut down ORV access at Oceano Dunes, calling us a special interest. Are humans, families, and our community economies a special interest? Just as we pave highways and cities, reserving a very few special places for human recreation, outings and interaction with nature are more than reasonable. Total closure by way of lawyers and outcry is an affront, perpetrated by sufferers of myopia, who in their enraged tunnel-vision only see ORVs. In fact, the real users are families and friends whose use of ORVs, fishing, volleyball, picnics, and sun centers around the social enjoyment of our outdoors and nature. At Oceano Dunes, many disabled and elderly also find that a drive-on beach is the only way to see the tide. Access to and enjoyment of our great outdoors belongs to all. Kevin P. Rice San Luis Obispo, Calif. We recently returned on June15 from our yearly vacation in Hatteras village and immediately contacted North Carolina politicians to voice our support for Senate Bill 3133 and House Bill 6233. As life-long supporters of environmental initiatives, it was immediately apparent to us that the "special interest groups" attempting to close/curtail the beaches are woefully misguided. We have seen the same (and, unfortunately, frequently successful) legal attempts made in other Eastern Seaboard states. For years now, large areas of the North Carolina shoreline have been made "off limits" to fisherman and bathers alike, based on questionable research by environmental groups attempting to regulate bird life. As a result, the limited areas left for summer visitors becomes more and more congested. Are there any sound studies that support what the SELC, Defenders and Audobon are doing? Kathleen and Richard Frost Carlisle, Pa. I have been going to Hatteras fishing for about eight years now. I could not imagine not being able to access the beaches. The fishing industry is the livelihood of many people who live on the island. The environment is very important to me, but shutting down a lot of the beach for birds is ridiculous. I understand roping off sections for sea turtles but shutting down a beach because of a bird doesn’t make any sense. I am not a biologist, but I don’t think the birds are going to nest where people drive and fish anyway. They are not going to build nests right close to the water. I think wildlife and humans can coexist together on the beach, and everyone will be happy. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a beautiful environment and should be enjoyed by the nature friendly people of Hatteras. Kevin Siler Stokesdale, N.C. This is great. Now the people can speak. Attorney Rylander was quoted saying that "the desires of a handful of special interests would do a disservice to the wildlife and natural resources." What does he think his special interest group is doing -- exactly what he claims the fishermen and beach lovers are doing. I would say there are more numbers of us than them, so that's why they had to try and sneak around and use the judicial system to their benefit. Those special interest groups need to realize that Mother Nature is their worst enemy, and they know they can't beat her. In the long run, they can't beat the people either. Also, based on his actions, the federal judge is a disgrace to the judicial system and hopefully will not be employed by the federal government much longer. Maybe the legislators from North Carolina should look hard at his reappointment when and if it ever comes up. Final point -- give the National Park Service the chance to do their job! R.M. Robinson Chesterfield, Va. I am so happy to see that everyone can still enjoy the fabulous Outer Banks. I think that the people who go to enjoy the beaches are the people who want to preserve it the most. It’s never a good plan to leave the fate of something so fabulous to people who never even spend the time to enjoy it. Ann Pierre Daytona Beach, Fla. More on beach access I am incredibly saddened by the actions on the beaches. The birds are a concern but have not been harmed by this tradition. I have visited the OBX and the islands all my life. I have never harmed a bird or their nest. I respect the beach and the wildlife it holds. It is evident that the birds are not dying nor are they extinct. So what are we protecting? We are protecting an environmentalist group that has no real knowledge of the area, the traditions, and the way of life enjoyed. It is a sad day when a group that has no attachment to anything has the ability to get the courts to say they are correct about a situation they have not experienced nor are willing to experience. Too bad judges are appointed for life. I feel the judge involved has his head in the sand. Politics evidently do play in the courts, even though we are told they do not. I want my great country to stop trying to be politically correct. I really would prefer common sense make a comeback here in the U.S. I have not seen any for quite sometime. I am also not confident it will return. How about we try to teach respect for others and all of our differences? Talk about a concept… Tracy Stevens Mechanicsville, Va. We were very sad to see the access close down there, and we are hoping and praying that the beaches open back up soon. We go down there every summer and stay in Avon at the Sands of Time campground. We have been doing this for years with my family, and since I’ve been old enough to drive, I’ve been going down there. If there’s no beach to drive on, it will hurt business all over. Brad Winslow Elizabeth City, N.C. My first encounter with the Outer Banks was as a 2-year-old in a WWII surplus Army Jeep with my mother and father in 1947. That was when it was permissible to drive down the beach from Sandbridge to Nags Head. I lost touch with the Outer Banks in 1949 with the death of my father, and the sale of the jeep by Mother. But I never lost longing to return. I did in 1971 when my brother and I began the first of 35 annual Hatteras excursions. Back then it was possible to get on the beach at Oregon Inlet and, except for a detour around Buxton, drive the length of the island. Then you could take the ferry to Ocracoke and drive the beach from the top to Ocracoke village. A lot has changed since then. Remember when the first complaint concerning off-road vehicles was that the ruts created by driving in the sand was the cause of beach erosion? Anyone who has ever been on the beach on an incoming tide witnesses the ruts actually slowing down erosion. With that bit of logic, Pea Island Refuge beach access was cut off to vehicles. This fallacy can be overturned by going back a few years when the entire Pea Island area was washed over when a hurricane hit. As a matter of fact, the only areas of the island which were washed over were where beach access had been already prohibited to vehicles for years. An old friend, Clay Caudill, once told me while we were surf fishing just north of Avon, that the island was moving west, and there was nothing man could do to reverse this. To impress his point we went to the Hatteras Light (before the latest move) where he pointed out in the ocean to a spot where the first Hatteras Light had been located. Clay, an avid surf fisherman, had been a Park Service official on Hatteras many years ago. It's too bad that he is not still with us to defend those of us who appreciate Cape Hatteras as he did. As a retired Virginia state game warden, I protected wildlife for 20 years. There are a few bad apples on the human side, but the great majority of hunters and fishermen respect and appreciate this country’s wildlife inheritance far more than the average person who has never had the opportunity to witness nature close up and not just in pictures. Cameron Gray Burkeville, Va. There should never be a single group that has the power to close the beach access. The economic value of this given to one group should be unlawful. I do spend time on the beaches of North Carolina and can tell you that this group is a perfect example of giving an inch and they take a mile. These birds should be nesting back farther away from the shoreline or the tide will destroy their nest which happened here recently when this group closed off the entire area from the shore back to the dunes. This is a major move on the economy and the survival of this area. It worked out much better when they used common sense and fenced off sections that were closer to the dunes to protect the wildlife but left access around these areas that went from the shoreline back toward the dunes so people could drive on the beach to their favorite fishing / bathing spot. If they do close the beaches as they are trying to do now, who will come to stand on the dunes and just look at the water? Not me. I think we're just asking them to use some good common sense in their decision-making. There are ways to save the birds, turtles, and the residents’ livelihoods without closing the entire access to the beaches. Mike Stephens Winston-Salem, N.C. Cape Hatteras graduation Thank you so much for the beautiful slide show. What great pictures! I've told everyone I know to check this out. You've done a wonderful job and a very sweet thing to honor our children like this. Phyllis Hardin Buxton Ocracoke’s Community Store reopens This is wonderful. We visited that store for the past 20 years and always enjoy going in and looking for things. I remember the old cat that used to stay there. I am so glad. Enjoy and have a wonderful season. Beverly Vogel Manassas, Va. Congratulations to the residents of the village and the folks that have re-opened a landmark on Ocracoke Island. I still have black-and-white photos from our camping adventures to Hatteras and Ocracoke. Wow, 1960 has long past on Silver Lake, but it seems like yesterday on that porch and the docks. Good luck! Steve Fowee Maineville, Ohio Flightseeing with Dwight Burrus I can’t recommend enough taking a tour with Dwight Burrus. His knowledge of the island is tremendous. He is very personable and just a nice guy in general. My wife, 4-year-old son, and I took a ride with him on June 13 and had the most amazing views of the islands, dolphins, sea turtles, and other fish that you could possibly ask for. The converging of the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current is so defined that you have to see it to see what I mean. A trip to the island wouldn't be complete without a tour in my opinion. Brad Steele Jamestown, Ohio New Letters to the Editor....06.16.2008 9:00 am The evolution of a major in the general’s army (Editor’s note: Since I couldn’t stay all afternoon at the “Stand in the Sand” fundraiser, I asked my neighbor Lynne Murray to send me her impressions of the day. In addition to some helpful information,, she sent her thoughts on how she got involved in the beach access issue, which I think is a good lesson for all of us on Hatteras and Ocracoke about being involved – whatever the cause and whichever side you are on.) I volunteered to help organize volunteers at the “Stand in the Sand” fundraiser on June 14. I’ve never been involved in an event like this before. This was all new to me. After the fireworks ordinance last year, I said I was never getting involved in local politics again, as all those hours on the computer are tough on me with prior injuries from when I was a police officer. However, when my neighbor Wendy Eakes took me out to the Cape Point for the first beach access rally, I began to understand what was really going on. I was hooked, thanks to Rob Alderman whose main focus is to bring awareness to people about this issue. Many people on the island were not and are not paying any attention. They say, “It won't happen here. They won't close the beaches.” Well, guess what? I'm ashamed to say that prior to that time I was apathetic and uneducated. However, as I got to know Rob and what he was doing, I offered to e-mail to my prayer chain partners, who have rallied to the cause and to the call. I love them dearly. They care. They showed up at the second rally at the Point and to the awareness meeting at the Fessenden Center in March. And many of them were there working at the “Stand in the Sand” fundraiser for many hours in the hot sun. It was awesome and amazing! I am indebted to Rob Alderman and will always love him dearly for getting my attention on this issue and also the attention of so many others. He gives his heart, soul, and passion to our island. He works 24/7 for us, and when he tells you he's going to do something, he gives 100 percent of himself with no expected credit. Under his leadership, we've been able to accomplish a lot for awareness and getting the information out to folks who are not aware of what's going on. He's helped us raise a lot of money for the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance and the cause of beach access. All in all, it was one of the most memorable days I’ve ever had. Lynne Murray Frisco Legislation seeks to nullify consent decree Truth be told, I have not been following the beach closures and restriction news very closely. But from what I've been able to gather, people are quite upset by the fact that certain areas must be closed due to certain environmental factors. And their outcry is certainly warranted. Beach driving and beach access are obviously part of what makes Cape Hatteras National Seashore so great. It's a major part of island life and local history, and it’s a tourist attraction. Taking that away is like taking away access to Colonial Williamsburg here in Virginia. However, as a biologist, it's important to note the importance and urgency of wildlife/beach conservation. Also, part of what makes Hatteras so great is the abundant wildlife - both flora and fauna. It's imperative that we do our best to keep the environment intact. Without it, Hatteras wouldn't be such an amazing place to begin with. And as a former student of geology, I also understand the need to limit beach driving. Erosion is a real and concrete problem. From what I've observed, the beaches are in fact narrowing. Driving on the sand loosens the grains, allowing longshore drift currents to carry the sand away. Though it may not be an immediate result, over the next 50 years, constant erosion could very well lead to a total disappearance of beaches on the island. All of this, however, is not to say that the changes for conservation being made are right. As a scientist, I understand the need to preserve and protect that which makes nature what it is. But as a longtime visitor (1988) and soon to be resident of the island, I also understand how important history and tradition are. Without them, the charm and way of life I've come to know and love wouldn't be nearly as amazing as it is. But there must be a compromise somewhere. Between complete closure and total disregard for the environment, there exists a solution that will satisfy both islanders and scientists. Unfortunately, both sides have people that cannot understand or comprehend the other’s point of view. This is to be expected, but it represents a major road block on the path to compromise. Though it may not be so easy to make the government and other higher-ups listen to reason and try to understand the lifestyle, I feel that the residents of Hatteras Island would be much more open to understanding the position of the scientists and conservationists. There exists no easy solution to these problems. It's not something that will come overnight. Both sides of the coin need to do their best to understand the other. Absolute commitment to a single point of view will not help ease this situation. A willingness to listen and the ability to compromise, however, will. Dustin Glasner Williamsburg, Va. As owners of two Cape properties - in Frisco and Hatteras village - my wife and I couldn't be happier about the bills introduced to overturn the consent decree and restore sanity to beach access. I am also an environmentalist and a member of my hometown's Environmental Commission, but what Defenders, Audubon, and SELC have achieved is environmentalism run amok. They have made themselves the "special interest groups" in this case, and are on the wrong side of the decision. Their spokesman calling islanders and property owners like us - people who love and respect Cape Hatteras - "special interests" is ludicrous. My wife and I were formerly long-time members of the first two organizations, but resigned in protest, and with a letter of explanation included, over this issue. I still have a hard time believing that this is just about a few pairs of nesting birds, as this is the same excuse that has been used to close popular beaches up and down the east coast. I hope someone is "following the money trail" and perhaps can get to the bottom of why this has come up now. In the meanwhile, congratulations to the elected representatives for doing the right thing; at least someone in Washington "gets it." Let's have subdued cheering now, vigilance as the legislation moves forward, action on the part of us all, and a serious celebration when the interim rules are reinstated. (Hopefully it won't be too late.) I have already written to my local congresspeople as well as our NC ones - and to the two Presidential candidates, who will vote on this issue, too. Good luck to us all! Paul Payton Chatham, N.J. I am a retired wildlife law enforcement officer and life-long wildlife conservationist who wholly support the proposed legislation that will hopefully come before and be approved by the full United States Congress. During my career as a Virginia game warden, I witnessed misguided actions of well intended people on the behalf of wildlife. In my opinion, the recent injunctive court action is a classic example of the aforementioned. I have enjoyed surf fishing on the Outer Banks for the past 25 years and have never witnessed any act, either intentional or unintentional that I considered being detrimental to the well being of any protected species. If I had, I would have considered it my responsibility to have reported and sought prosecution of the same. Additionally, I can state I have never witnessed anything that I considered detrimental to wildlife in relation to the operation of ORVs while on the beach. Because the National Park Service has long taken actions to protect nesting areas, I believe that the mere presence and movement of ORVs (or people for that matter) along established corridors is sufficient to provide protection for the species of concern. I believe that severely limiting access in this fashion is simply not necessary. I am but one angler of the many thousands whose primary reason to go to Hatteras Island is the surf fishing opportunities. My first trip this year is scheduled for mid-October. If the restrictions remain as they are, I will not come there. To the citizens of the Outer Banks, I can only imagine what the economic impact of this misguided action will be if this is not changed. It is obvious to me that the viability of economic heart of Hatteras Island is gravely threatened. I hope this writing will provide a small portion of the support you will need to prevail. Herb Foster Richmond, Va. This is welcome news, but in my opinion doesn't go far enough. It's like being told you aren't being hung with a new rope but will be hung with an old one instead. It's impossible to understand the stupidity of this whole issue. Any reasonable person can see clearly that the wildlife already have huge restricted areas on the Outer Banks where they have virtual free reign. These include the whole of the Pea Island sanctuary, large chunks of Ocracoke, and all of Portsmouth Island on the Core Banks. Look at the map, for heaven's sake. For a very long time, humans have enjoyed walking and driving privileges only on the beaches in established towns, on the beaches between Salvo and Avon, on Cape Point around to Frisco (plus some smaller mostly already developed areas), and areas on the southern end of Ocracoke. The birds essentially have all the rest. I have been driving these beaches for 30-plus years and have never seen anyone violate posted nesting areas. In fact, on the way out to the Point it is common to see large areas with birds resting and nesting behind the security of the posted areas with little concern at all for the people or vehicles passing nearby. People have rights, too, and we need the right to continue the responsible enjoyment of one of the greatest natural resources available in the world today - a small portion of the North Carolina seashore. In this case, we have let a few enviro-snobs twist the nation's legitimate love and concern for the environment into something that makes little or no sense when looked at objectively. We need new legislation to set this whole thing right. I have asked our good Senator Byrd to look into this matter on behalf of the large number of West Virginians who travel to and dearly love this seashore area. His office has responded and I have no doubt that he will support the side of reason and common sense. Robert Keller Shepherdstown, W.Va. Great news! I live in Pennsylvania and will contact my senators and congressmen to support Bills 3113 and 6233. I was in Hatteras in May and was terribly disappointed that I could not get near the inlet. I'm going back next week with my family, and I hope the birds have left so I can get back to my favorite spot in the world (Hatteras Inlet). How about that Elizabeth Dole? Tony Warsavage Doylestown, Pa. As an avid island visitor to enjoy fishing and just getting away from the daily routine, this news gives us a little hope of one day returning to the relaxing surf-fishing of the Hatteras/Ocracoke beaches. For the past 20 years, we have traveled to the island at least once a month during the spring, summer, and fall months. We will continue to support our island friends and fellow fishermen and women in this legislation to come up with a compromise that works for all. Mike Hamby and Carol Fowler Montpelier, Va. Even though we cannot be there, my family and I celebrate with all those at the renamed "Celebration in the Sand," and we have sent a contribution earlier to OBPA to help with fundraisers for the "Stand in the Sand." I had already written to Howard Coble, U.S. Congressman for Rowan and neighboring counties, but will write to Sens. Dole and Burr and Rep. Jones and thank them for introducing this legislation in the Senate and House of representatives. I will also write to Coble and other congressmen encouraging them to support this legislation. I am so happy for the residents of the Outer Banks. Jeanne York Salisbury, N.C. It is about time that the people's voice is heard. This whole situation could have and still can be worked out so that an entire island doesn't go bankrupt to appease a small group of special interest folks. Pam Thomas Alex, Va. We have already contacted Sens. Warner and Webb and Rep. Thelma Drake to ask them to support these bills. Ray and Lisa Winebarger Hampton, Va. We live in a state that glorifies the "shore." We moved here five years ago from Nevada. Coming here, I was excited to show my children the East Coast beaches. I grew up in Virginia and visited North Carolina all of my childhood. I took my children to the Jersey shore and was saddened by what I found -- unkempt, overcrowded beaches you had to pay for and little to no chance to ORV. I then told my husband we must go to Outer Banks, the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen and where you can still enjoy using your ORV and spending the day fishing without being overcrowded and bombarded with boardwalks. The rest of my family was sold and would rather spend a day driving to go to OBX than to drive an hour to the shore. Our family would be sad to see the loss of the beaches of OBX. We love everything about it -- the fishing, the ORVing, the not so many people compared what we see up north. I also have family down there that would suffer a loss if they lose access to the beaches. Please let’s agree on something that can protect the animals, and one of the few traditional beaches left. Kathy Norcutt Erial, N.J. I'm thrilled that our Senate and House of Representatives are here to help us with this matter. Was it ever brought up that a lot of the NPS land was given to the Park Service by people who wanted the public to enjoy the land? Birds and turtles were not mentioned. In Ocracoke, at one time, the only way off the island northward was down the beach. I know the traffic has increased, but I have been on the beach and watched the "turtle lady" do her job, keep the nests roped off, and checked every day. We can be and have been harmonious on the beach! My gut tells me somebody with a huge pocketbook is behind the environmental issue. It’s not about the birds and the turtles. What do they really want to do with this land? We all know the true environmentalists do not have money, not the kind to hire the lawyers they hired, not to bring such a horrific lawsuit to change the lives of very ordinary people who grew up and live on this land and work the sea, who are here to serve and share their homeland with visitors. Norma Dennis Nags Head This is excellent news, and it is very gratifying that our elected officials who can make a difference are taking the actions to do so. Chuck Stanley Fuquay Varina, N.C. It is about time someone teaches the Defenders of Wildlife and friends why America is so great. This hopefully will serve as the final time we need to prove that Democracy works over money and loosely proven evidence. You would think the “special” interest groups like Defenders would have figured out by now that 40 birds is no match for thousands of lives. Matt Stubbs Richmond, Va. The press release from Jason Rylander of Defenders of Wildlife is unbelievable. The perfidy of that man is beyond belief. How can he look at himself in the mirror? Talk about special interest groups -- his special interest groups forced a consent decree that did not consider the rights of the general public. He and his group violated the trust of the NPS and other members of the negotiated rule-making group and the group members that represented the citizens of the USA that through their taxes support our National Park System. Our parks are the property of the general public, and access to the beaches is a vital part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. These are not "special interests." The special interests are the radical environmental groups who place birds and animals above people and have no ethics. Donald Delwiche Fairport, N.Y. I’ve been planning a summer surf trip to the Cape Hatteras area for the longest time -- until I read an article in the latest ESM magazine stating that no more ORVs are allowed on the most popular spots. What’s going on here? Or should I say, what’s going wrong? I haven't been to Cape Hatteras yet and all of the amazing surf stories that I hear about are what attracts me, but now I am very upset because I finally got the time off from work and also saved enough money to make this trip possible with a couple of friends of mine. Now I have to turn around and go somewhere else. Hatteras is known for its great surf, and I can only hope that things will change for the better and not for the worse. I want to visit Hatteras, but I can't until things go back to the way that they used to. Craig D’Aragone Palm City, Fla. Does the spokesperson for Defenders of Wildflife know how ironic his statement "Basing the management of Cape Hatteras on the desires of a handful of special interests would do a disservice" sounds? Is this not what the Consent Decree does? Michael Porter Indianapolis, Ind. The passing of this proposed legislation can not come soon enough. I am so happy to hear this news. I will be writing to my senators and congressmen urging them to support this legislation. Michele Papp Fairless Hills, Pa. Thank you for you very complete reporting on this issue. I and my extended family have been coming to Hatteras each summer since the mid ‘70s and will be back again next week. We have been following this issue closely, and I can say without hesitation that your reporting has been the most complete and well balanced I've come across. Thank you! Jane A. Kelly Charlottesville, Va. This is the best news I’ve heard in awhile. It has me excited about going to the OBX again. My family and I looked forward every year to going to OBX for our family vacation, but it was this past year when all this happened that had my family and I so upset that we were going to back out of our trip to OBX and find somewhere else to go for our family trip. But it wouldn't be the same as being on the beach at the OBX because we love it down there. Let’s hope and pray that the right thing gets done right. Remember that it’s our freedom too. Chip Illian Millsboro, Del. “This attack on the laws that safeguard our parks and seashores could set a dangerous precedent," said Jason Rylander, attorney for Defenders of Wildlife. "Basing the management of Cape Hatteras on the desires of a handful of special interests would do a disservice not only to the wildlife and natural resources the seashore was created to protect, but also to the thousands of visitors who travel to the seashore to enjoy those same resources each year." Wait a minute. Is he referring to the good citizens wanting control back or is he talking about his special interest groups usurping control from the NPS? He should be carefully tossing phrases around like that. I sent a message to both my senator and representative here in Virginia. How about the rest of you concerned citizens? Let us see what a "groundswell" of grass roots opinion can do! Bert Smith |