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 feels 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 Off Road Vehicles to allow public access this area.
Photo: Mickey '2M' McCarthy
MORE INFO:
NPS current position:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm
NPS suggested 2009 closures:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=358&projectId=13331&documentID=26028
Watersports representatice, Trip Forman’s perspective:
http://surf-first.blogspot.com/2009/03/trippin-outa-conversation-with-voice-of.html
Local fishermen’s perspective:
http://forum.reddrumtackle.com/showthread.php?t=14003
Audubon’s Perspective:
http://nc.audubon.org/issues-action/cape-hatteras-national-seashore
Defenders of Wildlife’s Perspective:
http://www.defenders.org/programs_and_policy/in_the_courts/legal_docket/cape_hatteras_national_seashore.php
Ongoing Coverage: IslandFreePress.org
http://www.islandfreepress.org/CatBeachAccessIssues.html
