Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation describes itself as “a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.” Naturally, such an organization would have some interest in the ongoing debate over possible beach closures along the Outer Banks, and now you have the opportunity to offer your support.
Below is information from a recent Surfrider email promoting action by all Outer Banks and surf lovers:
The National Park Service has been considering changes to the management of off-road vehicle (ORV) access along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Several alternatives are being considered and our Outer Banks Chapter has taken a position supporting balance between protection of sensitive species and access to the coast. This position is best represented by “Alternative C” in the review process. See the bottom of this email to read the Chapter’s full position.
The Park Service is now asking for input from the public. Please visit their site to submit your comments and thoughts. Below is a sample letter you can feel free to copy/paste and edit to make it your own. Adding personal experiences is best.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore holds a unique ecological, recreational and economic value. I believe that beaches are a public resource and should be held in the public trust for their preservation.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides some of the best recreational resources on the East Coast, including surfing and fishing, but I recognize that if not regulated correctly ORV use may detrimentally affect migratory species that nest in the area. I believe that a balance between access and preservation can be achieved and that allowing continued access with improved management of ORV use to the National Seashore is the optimal solution for this area.
I support Alternative C, a balanced solution that benefits the animal species while guaranteeing humans can continue to enjoy and protect this most-precious coastal resource for years to come.
Please also consider attending one of the upcoming hearings so that your voice can be heard on this issue.
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE click for details:
Ocracoke, NC – Monday, April 26, 2010, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Buxton, NC – Monday, April 26, 2010, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Kill Devil Hills, NC – Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Raleigh, NC – Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Hampton, VA – Thursday, April 29, 2010, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Outer Banks Chapter Statement on ORV Access in Cape Hatteras
The Outer Banks Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation recognizes the unique ecological, recreational and economic value of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We further recognize that beaches are a public resource and should be held in the public trust for their preservation. We understand that for decades the Park Service has allowed access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches by Off Road Vehicles (ORV) with minimal restriction or oversight and that if not regulated correctly ORV use may detrimentally affect migratory species that nest in the area. The Outer Banks Chapter supports beach preservation and protection efforts, but feel that a temporary and or permanent ban on ORV access to these beaches could have an immediate detrimental impact on the Outer Banks economy, and severely limit public access to groups that appreciate, use, and support the protection of these coastal resources. We believe that a balance between access and preservation can be achieved.
It is difficult for one that has not spent significant time on the Outer Banks to consider how limited access to beaches would become without ORV use, access that is the very reason that people from all over the world come to the Outer Banks to visit. In our small community where much of the oceanfront has been developed by homes, this small stretch of National Park is truly one of the last protected places to enjoy the unique resources on Hatteras Island. Hatteras Island offers world class surfing and fishing, much of which can be attributed to its remote location that is accessible only by ORV’s. At this time the Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation believes that allowing continued access with improved management of ORV use to the National Seashore is the optimal solution for this area.
The Outer Banks Chapter implores all parties involved in this issue to find a balance between access, protection and preservation. We recommend managing access of these areas through a combination of permitting, limiting the number of vehicles, and closures when necessary to protect the migratory species that use this area seasonally. The Outer Banks Chapter of Surfrider Foundation supports protection and preservation, and in this unique situation does support the reasonable use of ORVs to allow public access to this area.
