Photo courtesy www.bryanelkus.com
May 10th is your last chance to support beach access in Cape Hatteras for ANY recreational use (fishing, kiting, surfing, driving, and even walking). A Federal decision will be made shortly that will determine access for the next 15 years. You must send written comments by May 10th.
Please take a few minutes and write a letter/sign the petition https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?parkID=358&projectID=10641&documentId=32596
here is sample letter:
Mike Murray, Superintendent
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
May 5, 2010
Mr. Murray,
It has been brought to the attention of the kiteboarding community that a variety of plans are being considered in response to proposed environmental and ecological concerns. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a sanctuary for many beach goers, sports enthusiasts, wildlife observers and most importantly, the natural environment. We, as a community, feel that it is important for the environment to be protected and thus understand certain steps may be needed to achieve this goal. Thank you for evaluating the options to improve the environmental conditions at one of the greatest destinations in the United States of America.
However, with the aforementioned said, please consider the responses you choose carefully. Minimalist environmental management approaches have worked well throughout the United States’ National Parks. Closing extensive sections of beaches, the sound, and water ways will strip away the very nature and reason for why we appreciate the land in its current state. It can be said with great certainty that all frequent and casual users of this place intend to preserve its natural beauty and respect its wildlife.
We strongly feel that the Historical, Cultural, and Economic ramifications of the proposed plans have not been adequately addressed by the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) as is required.
Should the environmental changes impact our communities’ sport (as it would in Plans D, E, & F) we would be forced to reconsider our frequent and environmentally friendly utilization of the Outer Banks. Other user groups such as surfers, fishermen, beachcombers, and virtually all other forms of tourism will also be discouraged from visiting Cape Hatteras if beach closures are greatly expanded. This will have a severely negative impact on the local economy and way of life that the residents of Hatteras Island have enjoyed for many generations. It will also take away something that is important to the lives of thousands of people throughout the United States and around the world.
If people, and especially children, can not experience the environment how are they going to learn to help you protect the environment?
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