Operation Beach Respect Elementary School Art Contest 

The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association in partnership with Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Cape Lookout National Seashore invite 3rd
through 5th grade students from across North Carolina’s beach communities to submit their best artwork of a clean and healthy beach. This contest
is designed to help create and enhance individual awareness and stewardship of the coastal resources of the state of North Carolina.

When: October 9, 2017 to November 15, 2017. All entries must be postmarked by November 15, 2017. Winners will be announced on or before December 15, 2017.

Who: All individual students in grades 3 through 5 in the school systems of Carteret, Dare, and Hyde Counties.

Theme: Respect for our beaches helps keep them clean and healthy. We can all help by showing Respect for Beaches, Respect for Dunes, Respect for Wildlife, Respect for Vegetation, and Respect for Others. What does a clean and healthy beach look like when we help to protect it? All entries should be designed on an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper.

Awards: Three awards will be presented to individual students:
1st Place $250.00

2nd Place $150.00

3rd Place $100.00

Four $25.00 Honorable Mention Awards

JUDGING: Judging will be conducted by members of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, and staff members of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Cape Lookout National Seashore.Decisions of the judges will be final.

All entries become property of NCBBA and may be reproduced for promoting Operation Beach Respect.

Student Information: On the back of each poster submitted by an individual student, the following information should be placed:
1. Student’s name and age
2. School and grade
3. Teacher’s name, address, and phone number

Mail Entries to:
North Carolina Beach Buggy Association - Art Contest
Post Box 189
Nags Head, North Carolina 27959

For Questions Contact:
Harry Nash, Past President
Chairman Art Contest
252-489-9011

On Wednesday June 21st we held our 47th Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament. We had a total of 214 junior anglers from 12 different states. In the 4 to 9 age group we had 90 anglers and in the 10 to 16 age group we had 124 anglers. There were 52 female anglers and 72 male. Our Awards Ceremony at Kelly's Restaurant was the largest ever and app 500 hotdogs, chips,cookies and sodas were consumed.
The results are as following:

4 to 9 Age Group

Sonny Lee                Red Drum  20 3/4"
Brooks Dunn             Blue Fish           7"
Logan Futch              Flounder          11"
Abigail Aleshire         Sea Mullet  12 1/2"
Brady Doyle              Sea Mullet.  12 1/2"
Thomas Rockwell       Croaker        9 1/4"
Logan Futch              Spot             8 5/8"
Susie Metz                Pig Fish               7"

Largest Fish Female:  Abigail Aleshire        Sea Mullet       12 1/2"
Largest Fish Male:      Sonny Lee               Red Drum       20 3/4"

10 to 16 Age Group

Andrew Baine          Red Drum       20 1/4"
Andrew Baine          Trout                    13"
Cee Cee Donohue    Flounder               15"
Landon Craft           Sea Mullet             13"
Browning Pierce       Croaker          10 1/2"
Briana Wilson           Spot                8 3/4"
Jordan Lewis            Spade Fish       7 1/2"
Hunter Belangia       Pig Fish                  9"

Largest Fish Female: Chloe Jensen            Red Drum       17 3/4"
Largest Fish Male:     Andrew Baine           Red Drum      20 1/4"

Largest Fish Overall:  Sonny Lee               Red Drum       20 3/4" 

See photo gallery for pictures taken by Pete East

From the Island Free Press. Includes details on Monday's celebration of life in Buxton.

Irene Clare Nolan October 2, 1946 – March 3, 2017

FRISCO - Irene Clare Nolan, 70, of Frisco, N.C. passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia after a respiratory illness.

Irene was the Editor and Co-Owner of The Island Free Press, an online newspaper that covers Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.

After moving to Hatteras Island in 1991, she married C.A. Boxley of Frisco, who preceded her in death. Irene became the Editor of The Island Breeze, a new monthly publication on the islands. For 16 years, she helped build the paper into a popular community publication, focused on local news and activities.

In 2007, she and her business partner, Donna Barnett of Hatteras, launched The Island Free Press, the first and only online newspaper to cover the southern Outer Banks. The newspaper quickly became an important community resource for residents and visitors.

Irene had many friends on the island, and she has served as a volunteer for numerous community organizations and non-profits, including the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation. She was a good humored, generous woman who always maintained her journalism principles and never held a grudge. She respected people, and they respected her.

Irene was a graduate of the Indiana University School of Journalism, where she also majored in Spanish. She worked as a journalist her entire adult life.

In 1969, The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., hired her as a clerk in the women’s department. She quickly moved up the ranks, working as a features writer and eventually becoming one of the first female newspaper managing editors in the country. In that position, she oversaw a staff of more than 200 and managed a $13 million news department budget.

It was under her direction in 1989 that The Courier-Journal staff was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, journalism’s highest honor, for the newspaper’s coverage of a tragic school bus crash that claimed 27 lives.

Irene regularly broke ground as a female journalist during her career. She was a news junkie to the core, always on top of breaking news stories and the drama of politics.

Irene was born on October 2, 1946 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and she was the daughter of the late Raymond Jerome Clare Jr. and Jean Rodriguez Clare.

Irene is survived by her two children, Kathleen (Fred) Andres of Louisville, Ky. and J. Christopher Nolan of Lexington, Ky.; and nine grandchildren, Clare, Molly, Parker, Matthew, Caroline and Lilly Andres, and Emma, Abby and Jack Nolan. Also surviving are her siblings, Ray Clare of Carmel, Ind. and Kathy (Grayson) Winterling of Easton, Md; nieces and nephews, Angela (Gabe) Revell, Emily Clare, Bryan Dee and Megan (Kevin) Fisher; and several great nieces and nephews.

She also dearly loved her best friends, Charlie and Daisy, her loyal dogs who kept her company in her later years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church in Buxton, N.C., with the Rev. Toni Wood and the Rev. Pam Stoffel officiating. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Louisville, Ky. (details pending).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation, PO Box 442, Hatteras, N.C. 27943, www.hicf.org.

Twiford Funeral Home, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.

Help support the Red Drum Tournament my becoming a member of the RDT BOOSTER CLUB Applcation in the Shopping Cart under Special Items and Special Events!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Important Information Regarding  Public Meetings on Beach Access

The National Park Service has requested public input on the proposed action to modify wildlife buffers and establish corridors.  We are requesting your participation either in person, via letter or both.  Written comments must be delivered or postmarked no later than May 14, 2015. Email comments can be entered @ https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=65752 .This is your opportunity to make a statement regarding changes to the ORV Management Plan as currently administered at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  A great deal of time & effort has gone into bringing about this opportunity required by the passage of Section 3057 of the Defense Authorization Act - 2015. This act requires NPS "to insure that the buffers are of the shortest duration and cover the smallest area necessary to protect a species....." and your comments, to be considered, need to be directed to this end. 

Following are some primary points of interest for your review and consideration as you prepare your comments:

 General Statements - Overall Assessment

• Buffers and Corridors proposed shall not be contingent upon NPS having the resources (funding and staff) to do the monitoring required.  Fiscal budgeting must insure the availability of these resources.
• If chick movements (regardless of species) requires changes in buffer location, the buffer perimeter should move accordingly and not be merely enlarged.  Natural barriers, (ie. dunes & ponds) should be a limiting factor in buffer delineations. 
• Access closures at the spits & points determined by the collective impact of PIPL, AMOY, and CWB.  Actual changes to pedestrian or ORV access if the resource management procedures followed for AMOY and CWB imposes restrictions override the positive changes proposed to PIPL buffers.
•  

American Oyster Catchers/AMOY

• Pre-nesting closures - should not be required with robust monitoring efforts that detect nests soon after eggs are laid.  Visitors should expect restrictions the same as over the past 6 years. 
• Nesting buffers - Buffers to remain unchanged at 150m.  An ORV corridor at a minimum of 25m from a nest is proposed by NPS.  Overall - POSITIVE.
• Unfledged chicks' buffers - NPS proposes no change (200m) & no ORV corridors, unchanged compared to last 6 years. UNCHANGED.  NPS chose to ignore NCWRC recommendations which could have resulted in a positive impact.  
• Removal of closures - NPS proposes no changes (the later of Jul 31or 2 weeks after chicks have fledged) the definition of fledged is 45 days after hatched.  - UNCHANGED.  NPS chose to ignore NCWRC recommendations which could have resulted in a positive impact.
• Overall - the positive effect of providing a corridor during nesting is welcomed but changes to size & duration with regard to fulfilling the requirements of the new law are basically - NEGATIVE TO MINOR POSITIVE.
•  

Colonial Water Birds

• Pre-Nesting Closures - No changes are proposed to current procedures.  The likelihood that pre-nesting closures will impact visitors will be entirely dependent on where the closures are established in March of each year; visitors should expect their experience to be affected by pre-nesting closures in the same way they have experienced over the past six years-UNCHANGED.
• Nesting Buffers / Un-Fledged Chicks' Buffers -Nesting buffers for least terns are proposed to be reduced from 200m to 100m; buffers for other CWB are proposed to be reduced from 200m to 180m.  These changes are viewed as inconsequential; the impact to access compared to the past six years is UNCHANGED.  NPS chose not to use NCWRC proposals which are less restrictive and which would likely result in a positive impact to access.
• Isolated nests- Nest/s not located near or within a colony receive the same level of protection as does a colony increasing the risk of significant & unwarranted closures - UNCHANGED.
• Removal of closures - NPS proposes no changes (the later of Jul 31, Aug 15 for black skimmers or 2 weeks after chicks fledge) - UNCHANGED.
• Overall - NPS proposed changes to the size of closures and duration of closures are inconsequential and therefore do not fulfill the requirements of the new law - NEGATIVE.
•  

Piping Plover(PPL)/Wilson's Plover(WIPL)

• Location -Resource management procedures apply wherever PIPL nesting activity occurs.  PIPL activity has occurred at Cape Point, South Point, and on the Ocracoke side of Hatteras Inlet.  Any changes where PIPL closures occur will be determined by where PIPL decide to nest.  Impact of proposed changes on the location of PIPL closures - UNCHANGED.
• Pre-Nesting Closures - No changes are proposed to current procedures.  The likelihood that pre-nesting closures will impact visitors will be entirely dependent on where the closures are established in March of each year; the visitor experience is likely to be the same they have experienced over the past six years - UNCHANGED.
• Nesting Buffers - Nesting buffers are proposed to be reduced from 75m to 50m.  Risk that pedestrian and ORV restrictions will affect the visitor experience - IMPROVED.
• Removals of Closures- No changes are proposed to the procedures currently in place.  Closures will be removed the later of July 31 or two weeks after the chicks have fledged.  Impact on access of removal of closures -UNCHANGED & unacceptable.
• Unfledged chicks'- ORV buffers are proposed to be reduced from 1000m to 500m.  Pedestrian buffers are proposed to be reduced from 300m to 100m.  An ORV only corridor located 200m from the unfledged chicks in situations where the 500m buffer is not available is proposed.  Reduction in buffer sizes and the provision of an ORV corridor will potentially increase access from levels experienced over the last six years - IMPROVED.
• Size of closures - NPS proposal will likely reduce the size of closures (dependent upon AMOY and CWB activity) - IMPROVED.
• Duration of closures - NPS proposal will not reduce the duration of access closures with regard to fulfilling the requirements of the new law - NEGATIVE.
•  

Sea Turtles  

• Incubation closures - 10m X 10m symbolic fencing is UNCHANGED.
• Nest relocations - NPS proposal does not provide for nest relocations.  When a sea turtle nest blocks access to an ORV area and no other way around the nest exists, the nest should be relocated to a vehicle free area. 
• Hatch Window Closures - Closures are expanded when activity is detected in the nest or when the age of the nest approaches the expected hatch date.  NPS recommends five changes, all of which will reduce the size and duration of closures which have been experienced over the past six years.  All are viewed as VERY POSITIVE.
  • o   Hatch window buffer expansion will be installed on Day 60 instead of Day 55. 
  • o   Buffers on either side of the nest will be reduced from 52.5m to 15m consistent with NCWRC guidelines and CHAPA proposals. 
  • o   Buffer behind the nest will be reduced from 15m to 5m minimum consistent with NCWRC guidelines and CHAPA proposals.  Change will in many cases allow an ORV bypass behind the nest to continue to exist during the hatch window. 
  • o   NCWRC procedure to allow daytime driving in front of nests which are within the hatch window if resources exist to monitor the nest and remove ruts before the end of the day when other access options are not available will be adopted. 
  • o   Special Consideration for Nests Laid after August 19 - NPS has determined that sea turtle nests laid after August 19 are typically unsuccessful at the seashore due to the colder fall weather conditions.  Accordingly, NPS proposes that the 10m x 10m nest incubation closures for nest laid after August 19 should not be expanded unless activity is detected in the nest.  This change will significantly reduce the size and duration of closures experienced after October 19 of each year.
  •  
  • POST September 15 Night Driving Buffer - No changes are proposed to the ORV night time buffer of one half mile which is currently instituted beginning September 15 when night driving restrictions are listed.  This distance is prescribed in order to avoid the risk of lights distracting the hatchlings as they leave the nest and move to the water.  This procedure will continue to restrict nighttime access between September 15 and October 19 after other proposals describe above are implemented.  NPS should adopt the use of light penetration barriers sufficient to mitigate this risk and which would therefore allow driving to within 15 meters on each side of the nest.

Additional Information:

• Public Meetings to Present  Proposed Actions to Modify Wildlife Buffers and Corridors

Monday, May 4

Ocracoke, North Carolina

Ocracoke School, 1 Schoolhouse Road, Ocracoke, NC  27920

6 PM to 8 PM

Tuesday, May 5

Buxton, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras Secondary School, 48576 Hwy 12, Buxton, NC  27920

6 PM to 8 PM

Wednesday, May 6

Raleigh, North Carolina

NC State University Campus

McKimmon Conference and Training Center, 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, NC  27695

6 PM to 8 PM

Thursday, May 7

Hampton/ Norfolk, Virginia

Embassy Suites Hampton Roads, 1700 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA  23666

6 PM to 8 PM

Friday, May 8

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Hilton Garden Inn, 5353 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC  27949

6 PM to 8 PM

 Specifically, the law requires the National Park Service (NPS) to review and adjust Wildlife Protection Buffers by June 19, 2015.  This section of the law requires that "...buffers are of the shortest duration and cover the smallest area necessary to protect a species, as determined in accordance with peer-reviewed scientific data; and... designate pedestrian and vehicle corridors around areas of the Nations Seashore closed because of wildlife buffers, to allow access to areas that are open."

CHAPA's recommendations were sent to the Superintendent for his consideration on April 10, 2015.  We believe the recommendations offered can be implemented with minimal disruption to the NPS resource management processes already in place at the Seashore.  We also believe our recommendations will balance resource protection and pedestrian / ORV access at the Seashore in a way that is consistent with the intent of the law.  

What You Should Do:

We ask you all to keep informed, to participate in the public meetings, and to make the Park Service aware of your reaction to their actions over the coming weeks and months as the law is implemented. Public participation and input remain critical to the success of achieving our goals of more reasonable pedestrian and ORV access within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  

In addition to following our communications, we urge you to visit the NPS webpage titled   "2015 National Defense Authorization Act Actions Update" and to visit www.IslandFreePress.org  to stay current with the latest information.

Important Information Regarding  Public Meetings on Beach Access

The National Park Service has requested public input on the proposed action to modify wildlife buffers and establish corridors.  We are requesting your participation either in person, via letter or both.  Written comments must be delivered or postmarked no later than May 14, 2015. Email comments can be entered @ https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=65752 .This is your opportunity to make a statement regarding changes to the ORV Management Plan as currently administered at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  A great deal of time & effort has gone into bringing about this opportunity required by the passage of Section 3057 of the Defense Authorization Act - 2015. This act requires NPS "to insure that the buffers are of the shortest duration and cover the smallest area necessary to protect a species....." and your comments, to be considered, need to be directed to this end. 

Following are some primary points of interest for your review and consideration as you prepare your comments:

 General Statements - Overall Assessment

• Buffers and Corridors proposed shall not be contingent upon NPS having the resources (funding and staff) to do the monitoring required.  Fiscal budgeting must insure the availability of these resources.
• If chick movements (regardless of species) requires changes in buffer location, the buffer perimeter should move accordingly and not be merely enlarged.  Natural barriers, (ie. dunes & ponds) should be a limiting factor in buffer delineations. 
• Access closures at the spits & points determined by the collective impact of PIPL, AMOY, and CWB.  Actual changes to pedestrian or ORV access if the resource management procedures followed for AMOY and CWB imposes restrictions override the positive changes proposed to PIPL buffers.

American Oyster Catchers/AMOY

• Pre-nesting closures - should not be required with robust monitoring efforts that detect nests soon after eggs are laid.  Visitors should expect restrictions the same as over the past 6 years. 
• Nesting buffers - Buffers to remain unchanged at 150m.  An ORV corridor at a minimum of 25m from a nest is proposed by NPS.  Overall - POSITIVE.
• Unfledged chicks' buffers - NPS proposes no change (200m) & no ORV corridors, unchanged compared to last 6 years. UNCHANGED.  NPS chose to ignore NCWRC recommendations which could have resulted in a positive impact.  
• Removal of closures - NPS proposes no changes (the later of Jul 31or 2 weeks after chicks have fledged) the definition of fledged is 45 days after hatched.  - UNCHANGED.  NPS chose to ignore NCWRC recommendations which could have resulted in a positive impact.
• Overall - the positive effect of providing a corridor during nesting is welcomed but changes to size & duration with regard to fulfilling the requirements of the new law are basically - NEGATIVE TO MINOR POSITIVE.
•  

Colonial Water Birds

• Pre-Nesting Closures - No changes are proposed to current procedures.  The likelihood that pre-nesting closures will impact visitors will be entirely dependent on where the closures are established in March of each year; visitors should expect their experience to be affected by pre-nesting closures in the same way they have experienced over the past six years-UNCHANGED.
• Nesting Buffers / Un-Fledged Chicks' Buffers -Nesting buffers for least terns are proposed to be reduced from 200m to 100m; buffers for other CWB are proposed to be reduced from 200m to 180m.  These changes are viewed as inconsequential; the impact to access compared to the past six years is UNCHANGED.  NPS chose not to use NCWRC proposals which are less restrictive and which would likely result in a positive impact to access.
• Isolated nests- Nest/s not located near or within a colony receive the same level of protection as does a colony increasing the risk of significant & unwarranted closures - UNCHANGED.
• Removal of closures - NPS proposes no changes (the later of Jul 31, Aug 15 for black skimmers or 2 weeks after chicks fledge) - UNCHANGED.
• Overall - NPS proposed changes to the size of closures and duration of closures are inconsequential and therefore do not fulfill the requirements of the new law - NEGATIVE.

Piping Plover(PPL)/Wilson's Plover(WIPL)

• Location -Resource management procedures apply wherever PIPL nesting activity occurs.  PIPL activity has occurred at Cape Point, South Point, and on the Ocracoke side of Hatteras Inlet.  Any changes where PIPL closures occur will be determined by where PIPL decide to nest.  Impact of proposed changes on the location of PIPL closures - UNCHANGED.
• Pre-Nesting Closures - No changes are proposed to current procedures.  The likelihood that pre-nesting closures will impact visitors will be entirely dependent on where the closures are established in March of each year; the visitor experience is likely to be the same they have experienced over the past six years - UNCHANGED.
• Nesting Buffers - Nesting buffers are proposed to be reduced from 75m to 50m.  Risk that pedestrian and ORV restrictions will affect the visitor experience - IMPROVED.
• Removals of Closures- No changes are proposed to the procedures currently in place.  Closures will be removed the later of July 31 or two weeks after the chicks have fledged.  Impact on access of removal of closures -UNCHANGED & unacceptable.
• Unfledged chicks'- ORV buffers are proposed to be reduced from 1000m to 500m.  Pedestrian buffers are proposed to be reduced from 300m to 100m.  An ORV only corridor located 200m from the unfledged chicks in situations where the 500m buffer is not available is proposed.  Reduction in buffer sizes and the provision of an ORV corridor will potentially increase access from levels experienced over the last six years - IMPROVED.
• Size of closures - NPS proposal will likely reduce the size of closures (dependent upon AMOY and CWB activity) - IMPROVED.
• Duration of closures - NPS proposal will not reduce the duration of access closures with regard to fulfilling the requirements of the new law - NEGATIVE.

Sea Turtles  

• Incubation closures - 10m X 10m symbolic fencing is UNCHANGED.
• Nest relocations - NPS proposal does not provide for nest relocations.  When a sea turtle nest blocks access to an ORV area and no other way around the nest exists, the nest should be relocated to a vehicle free area. 
• Hatch Window Closures - Closures are expanded when activity is detected in the nest or when the age of the nest approaches the expected hatch date.  NPS recommends five changes, all of which will reduce the size and duration of closures which have been experienced over the past six years.  All are viewed as VERY POSITIVE.
  • o   Hatch window buffer expansion will be installed on Day 60 instead of Day 55. 
  • o   Buffers on either side of the nest will be reduced from 52.5m to 15m consistent with NCWRC guidelines and CHAPA proposals. 
  • o   Buffer behind the nest will be reduced from 15m to 5m minimum consistent with NCWRC guidelines and CHAPA proposals.  Change will in many cases allow an ORV bypass behind the nest to continue to exist during the hatch window. 
  • o   NCWRC procedure to allow daytime driving in front of nests which are within the hatch window if resources exist to monitor the nest and remove ruts before the end of the day when other access options are not available will be adopted. 
  • o   Special Consideration for Nests Laid after August 19 - NPS has determined that sea turtle nests laid after August 19 are typically unsuccessful at the seashore due to the colder fall weather conditions.  Accordingly, NPS proposes that the 10m x 10m nest incubation closures for nest laid after August 19 should not be expanded unless activity is detected in the nest.  This change will significantly reduce the size and duration of closures experienced after October 19 of each year.
  •  
  • POST September 15 Night Driving Buffer - No changes are proposed to the ORV night time buffer of one half mile which is currently instituted beginning September 15 when night driving restrictions are listed.  This distance is prescribed in order to avoid the risk of lights distracting the hatchlings as they leave the nest and move to the water.  This procedure will continue to restrict nighttime access between September 15 and October 19 after other proposals describe above are implemented.  NPS should adopt the use of light penetration barriers sufficient to mitigate this risk and which would therefore allow driving to within 15 meters on each side of the nest.

Additional Information:

• Public Meetings to Present  Proposed Actions to Modify Wildlife Buffers and Corridors

Monday, May 4

Ocracoke, North Carolina

Ocracoke School, 1 Schoolhouse Road, Ocracoke, NC  27920

6 PM to 8 PM

Tuesday, May 5

Buxton, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras Secondary School, 48576 Hwy 12, Buxton, NC  27920

6 PM to 8 PM

Wednesday, May 6

Raleigh, North Carolina

NC State University Campus

McKimmon Conference and Training Center, 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, NC  27695

6 PM to 8 PM

Thursday, May 7

Hampton/ Norfolk, Virginia

Embassy Suites Hampton Roads, 1700 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA  23666

6 PM to 8 PM

Friday, May 8

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Hilton Garden Inn, 5353 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC  27949

6 PM to 8 PM

 Specifically, the law requires the National Park Service (NPS) to review and adjust Wildlife Protection Buffers by June 19, 2015.  This section of the law requires that "...buffers are of the shortest duration and cover the smallest area necessary to protect a species, as determined in accordance with peer-reviewed scientific data; and... designate pedestrian and vehicle corridors around areas of the Nations Seashore closed because of wildlife buffers, to allow access to areas that are open."

CHAPA's recommendations were sent to the Superintendent for his consideration on April 10, 2015.  We believe the recommendations offered can be implemented with minimal disruption to the NPS resource management processes already in place at the Seashore.  We also believe our recommendations will balance resource protection and pedestrian / ORV access at the Seashore in a way that is consistent with the intent of the law.  

What You Should Do:

We ask you all to keep informed, to participate in the public meetings, and to make the Park Service aware of your reaction to their actions over the coming weeks and months as the law is implemented. Public participation and input remain critical to the success of achieving our goals of more reasonable pedestrian and ORV access within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  

In addition to following our communications, we urge you to visit the NPS webpage titled   "2015 National Defense Authorization Act Actions Update" and to visit www.IslandFreePress.org  to stay current with the latest information.

CHAPA’s recommendations to NPS for compliance with the legislation SEC.3057 Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area

click to download PDF.

Section 3057, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area was passed in December, 2014 as part of The 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. Now law, this bill requires the National Park Service (NPS) to review and adjust Wildlife Protection Buffers by June 19, 2015. Specifically, this section of the law requires that “…buffers are of the shortest duration and cover the smallest area necessary to protect a species, as determined in accordance with peer-reviewed scientific data; and… designate pedestrian and vehicle corridors around areas of the Nations Seashore closed because of wildlife buffers, to allow access to areas that are open.”

NPS is currently developing their plan to implement this legislation and intends to release it to the public before the end of April.

CHAPA’s recommendations were sent to the Superintendent for his consideration on April 10, 2015. We believe the recommendations offered can be implemented with minimal disruption to the NPS resource management processes already in place at the Seashore. We also believe our recommendations will balance resource protection and pedestrian / ORV access at the Seashore in a way that is consistent with the intent of the law. We encourage you to read this document.

Representatives from the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA), North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA), Cape Hatteras Anglers Club (CHAC), Dare County Commissioners, and Hatteras Island businesses have been engaged in the effort to develop the CHAPA recommendations since the law was passed. Over the past two months, this group has met with Superintendent Dave Hallac and members of his staff on several occasions to discuss and share ideas about what steps should be taken to meet the intent of the law. In addition to meeting with the Superintendent and members of his staff, we have also met with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).

Another section of the law titled “Construction of New Vehicle Access Points” states that new vehicle access points and roads should be constructed “…as expeditiously as practicable; and…in accordance with applicable management plans for the National Seashore.” CHAPA priorities were sent to the Superintendent on March 5. Following distribution, we met with the Superintendent and members of his staff to discuss. We are awaiting priority decisions to be announced by the NPS.

NPS has developed a website to track their actions to implement the law as they are announced. The website is titled “2015 National Defense Authorization Act Actions Update” . We recommend that you visit this website to be aware of announcements as they occur.

NPS intends to schedule approximately five public meetings to present the changes they intend to make and to gather input immediately after their release of their plan in April. We will advise you of the dates and locations for those meetings when they become available.

We ask you all to keep informed, to participate in the public meetings, and to make the Park Service aware of your reaction to their actions over the coming weeks and months as the law is implemented. Public participation and input remain critical to the success of achieving our goals of more reasonable pedestrian and ORV access within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

        2507 S. Main Street, High Point North Carolina, 27263.

7^th Annual NCBBA Red Drum Tournament

2015 Angler Application

Applications for the NCBBA 7^th Annual Red Drum Tournament will be

Honored on a first paid basis! Those registered by September 1^st will receive a free tournament t-shirt.

Enclosed is a check for $100.00 with my Application for October 22– 24, 2015

Complete all items legibly.

Make check payable to NCBBA and mail to:

NCBBA 7^th Annual Red Drum Tournament, 909 Cedar Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Name_______________________________________ NCBBA Member #____________             Address__________________________________________________________________

City_________________________________________ State ______Zip______________

Cell Phone________________________ E-mail _________________________________

Check T-shirt Size: (   ) Small (   ) Medium (   ) Large (   ) XL (   ) 2XL or (_____) 3XL

   Judges: Please check here if you are interested in judging. (____)

(Your Entry Fee will be refunded during registration on the 21st.)

At least 36 people are needed for these positions at the Tournament. If you are interested in being a    judge you will be compensated for your time with a free entry into the tournament allowing you to fish during the times when you are not judging. Each judge works a 6 hour shift at least twice during the 3 day event. Each judge will be assigned a ramp to work and will need a 4x4 vehicle to cover a 3 or 4 mile area of the beach between the ramps.

                 NCBBA may reject any Application and Entry Fee.

2015 Schedule of Events

Wednesday, October 21^st    10:00 A.M. – 11:59 P.M.

Registration at Frank & Fran’s, Avon

Wednesday, October 21^st            6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

(Doors open at 5:30 P.M.)

Hors devours, General Meeting and Judges Meeting

50/50 Raffle NCBBA Membership & Merchandise Table

At Cape Hatteras Secondary School Cafeteria

(Ticket Required)

No alcohol or tobacco products allowed on school grounds

Thursday, October 22^nd  12:01 A.M.-11:59 P.M.

Tournament fishing 2 miles north of Ramp #23 to south of Ramp #38 to no driving zone.

Friday, October 23^rd 12:01 A.M. – 11:59 P.M.

Tournament fishing (Same area as 10-23)

Saturday, October 24^th 12:01 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Tournament fishing (Same area as 10-23)

Saturday, October 25^th 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.

(Doors open at 4:00 P.M.)

Banquet Dinner, Winners Prizes Awarded and a good time for all.

Raffles, NCBBA, CHAC & OPBA Membership & Merchandise Tables

At Cape Hatteras Secondary School Cafeteria

(Ticket Required)

No alcohol or tobacco products allowed on school grounds

All Tournament Participants receive I ticket for each night. Limited number of additional tickets will be available during registration at Fran & Fran’s for $15.00 for adults & $10.00 for those 12 & under.

Richmond Fishing Expo, Doswell, VA, Meadow Event Park Jan 16th thru Jan 18th

Another on the road success. We talked to a lot of active members and passed out a lot of information. A good amount of merchandise was sold. All that attended expressed how excited they were to be able to help the organization.

Welcome to the nine new members and three reinstated members that joined the organization. One of the reinstates was Wade Edwards pictured in the photo gallery with his wife.  Mr Edwards still had his tag in the original envelope with all the paperwork. His President's letter was signed by President George Deems. His tag color is a lighter blue. Mr. Edwards was a truck driver and was never home to enjoy the beach so he never put his tag on a vehicle. Although paid thru 2009 he had let his membership lapse.

Thanks to the following members for helping with the Expo, even though it was a football playoff weekend:  Bob King #14112, Scott Ellett #15046, Director Dave Wigginton LM #335, Mike Drewery #14527, Kevin Ryan #7420, Dan Raidabaugh #2410, Jeff Rosenberry #14414, President Harry Nash #6980, Tim Longerbeam #14415,  Dave Mowers #11935 and Jeff Beck #9147.  Congratulations to Jeff Beck #9147 for signing up 5 new members, for which he will receive an Achiever Shirt.

Carol Mowers

NCBBA #10999

Membership Director   

Merchandise Director

RALEIGH FISHING EXPO January 9-11, 2015

The Fishing Expo was a success for NCBBA. Seven new members joined and two old members reinstated their membership. Many members stopped by the booth and expressed their appreciation for what NCBBA does as an organization.There was a lot of excitement about changes forthcoming in the management of the Park.

I appreciate the help from the following members for volunteering their time to work the booth: Brian Trotter #12373, Dave Mowers #11935, Larry Offenhauser #12349, Gary Michael #922, Director Al Adam #13459, Jim Clarke LM#14703, Ken Hurst #10680, without your help NCBBA could not put on the show.

On to Richmond Fishing Expo January 16-18, 2015. Come and see me if you are in the area.

Carol Mowers

NCBBA #10999

Membership Director

Merchandise Director

P. O. Box 189
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 473-4880
www.ncbba.org

Press Release
(12/12/2015)

The US Senate has passed the National Defense Authorization Act 2015 (NDAA) and with it a major package of 44 wilderness, parks and energy bills including Preserving Public Access to Cape Hatteras Beaches Act. This Act, the result of a lot of hard work and a final compromise in the halls of congress, is a ste forward to be enjoyed by all who treasure the opportunities to access Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

On behalf of the NCBBA I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the long and arduous fight that will now allow the process to begin toward the restoration of reasonable, science based management programs and practices governing access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. Our special thanks to; Our representatives in DC – especially Congressman Walter B. Jones, Senator Richard Burr, Senator Kay Hagan, Senator Joe Manchin (WV) and the able and hardworking members of their staffs. The involvement and good council of Dare County, led by Commissioner Warren Judge, allowed us to go to DC with the full backing and support of Dare County which opened doors previously inaccessible.   Only through their understanding of our dilemma and their support were we able to see this work through to fruition.  

Since before the establishment of the Federal Advisory Committee (REG-NEG committee) in 2007, the coalition later named Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Association (CHAPA) and formed as a project of Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA) has worked nonstop to bring about the changes needed as a result of the National Park Service’s failure to follow a Presidential order. The coalition, supported largely by donations to/from NCBBA, OBPA, CHAC, UMAPA and other groups and individuals too numerous to list, will forever be in debt to our many supporters.

This bill gives NPS the opportunity to correct and modify the existing ORV Rule without waiting 5 (five) or more years. The requirements are minimal in this four (4) page bill – buffer modifications, coordination with the state of North Carolina, driving rules, Vehicle Free Area sizes/locations and the expeditious construction of new vehicle access points and roads. We look to NPS establishing reasonable regulations that will protect all resources, based on peer reviewed science and input from the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. We look forward to working with the NPS and the newly appointed superintendent and offer our services to assist in any manner found to be appropriate.

Jim Keene, Director, Legal and Legislative Affairs

North Carolina Beach Buggy Association

252-862-6798

Park Service names new superintendent
of Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Courtesy of the Island Free Press

The National Park Service's Southeast Regional Director Stan Austin announced today that Dave Hallac has been selected as superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the Outer Banks Group. 

Hallac has managed the Yellowstone Center for Resources, the resource management and science division at Yellowstone National Park, for the last three years.  He will start his new assignment at Cape Hatteras in early January 2015.

“We are very pleased to have Dave returning to the Southeast Region,” Austin said.  “He has a proven track record of working with other land management agencies and he has extensive experience working collaboratively with local community groups and friends associations.  He also understands the value of both preserving the resources and enjoying the recreational opportunities they offer.  His skill set is a great fit for Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks Group parks. We are very excited to have him on our Southeast Region management team!”

In his current position, Hallac oversees a number of park programs, including wildlife and aquatic sciences, vegetation ecology, wetlands, and forestry, climate change, hydrology, geology, historical preservation and Native American tribal relations.  He also oversees the park's planning, compliance, and science communications program. He leads a variety of high profile, complex conservation initiatives, such as carnivore conservation, native fish restoration, trans-boundary bison conservation and management, and climate change research.

Prior to going to Yellowstone, Hallac spent more than a decade in south Florida in a variety of positions, including managing natural resources programs for Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks and implementing Everglades restoration projects with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Hallac has a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries biology from the University of Vermont.  He is an avid fisherman who also enjoys running, scuba diving, and boating.  He and his wife, Robin, and their four children will move to the Cape Hatteras area with him in January.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to manage these park units that mean so much to millions of local residents and visitors,” Hallac said.  “I spent many summer vacations in the Outer Banks with my family so I have a great appreciation for the resources and the memories that people make there.  I am also excited by the opportunity to work with park staff and strengthen relationships with the community to collectively care for these amazing places.”

The Outer Banks Group is comprised of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.

NCBBA’s 6th Annual Red Drum Tournament Final Results

There were 250 anglers, judges & winners from the 2013 tournament competing for over $8,500.00 in cash & prizes. They represented 14 different states. Tim Snyder from Tucson, AZ traveled the longest distance.

Registration began Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. Day #I fishing began at Midnight after the cold front moved thru, resulting in 25 – 30 MPH NW winds, but the Citation Red Drum were there. The 1^st Session ended at 6:00 A.M. with 3Puppy Drum (18 – 27 in.), 6 Yearlings (27 -39 in.) & 5 Citation Red Drum (over 40in.) caught, measured & released alive!

Day #1 Session #2 started at 6:00 A.M. kept out Judges hopping with 36 more Red Drum being landed, measured & released alive! I more Citation, 26 more Yearlings & 9 Puppy Drum were caught by the time the Session ended at Noon.

Day #1 Session #3 ended at 6:00 P.M. & it produced 23 more Red Drum! Jimmy Reynolds landed a 50.75 inch Red Drum! Fishing is great! The Leader Board has big changes after this afternoon’s Session with the 4^th & final Session of Day #1 to go yet tonight until midnight.

Day #1 Session #4 produced 3 more Citation Red Drum & a new Leader Overall! Jaime Fajardo of Fuquay Varian, NC landed the Largest Red Drum ever caught in this tournament with a 52 inch fish!

Day #2 Session #1 was the slowest Session of tournament with only 4 more fish being landed.

Day # 2 Session #2 resulted with only 9 more Red Drum caught.

Day #2 Session #3 continued to be slow as the weather has turned warm & the wind shifted to a more Westerly way. There were only 4 fish caught, but 1 was a Citation!

Day #2 Session #4 slowed down even more as the winds went calm and the ocean water calmed down even more. It was a great night for star gazing but only 3 Red Drum were caught during the session and none of them were citations.

Day #3 started off as day #2 ended. The wind went calm and the fish took a nap. Only 1 Red Drum and 1 Bluefish were caught between Mid-night and 6:00 A.M.

Day #3 Session #2 was slow with only 2 Puppy Drum caught.

Day #3 Session #3 resulted in lots of small Bluefish, but no more scoring fish were caught.

The Final Results are: Jaime Fajardo of Fuquay Varian, NC leads all anglers with a 52 inch hawg! Jimmy Reynolds of Round Hill, VA is now in 2^nd Place Overall with a 50.75 inch drum. Largest Red Drum Day #1 is Glen Allen of Clayton, NC with a 48.50 inch fish. He also caught the first fish of the tournament at 12:20 A.M. Day #1, 2nd Largest Red Drum is John McKee of Durham, NC with a 48.00 inch fish. The Largest Red Drum Day #2 is Donald Beard of Hampton, VA with a 46.50 inch fish. The 2^nd Largest fish of Day #2 is a 46.50 inch Red Drum caught by Hank Connelly of Culpepper, VA. Bob Butler of Waldorf, MD has the most Red Drum with 7 fish. Anna Jarvis of Stella, NC is the Ladies Leader with a 32.75 inch fish. Senior Division (65 & over) is also led by Bob Butler of Waldorf, MD with a 44.75 inch fish. George Sloop of Salisbury, NC has the Biggest Sea Mullet (over 14 in.) with a 2.06 lb. 17.50 in fish. Junior Division (under 16) was won by Jared Haynes of Wilson, NC with a 27.00 inch Red Drum. Bluefish (over 16 in.) was won led by Hunter Durrer of Charlottesville, VA with an 18.50 inch fish. Day #3 Largest Red Drum was won by Mike Eastridge of Charlotte, NC with a 27.75 inch fish. Day #3, 2^nd Largest Red Drum was won by Jim Davis of Worton, MD with a 26.00 inch fish.

After 3 Days, 66 hours & 11 Sessions of fishing 106 total Red Drum have been caught; 12 Citations, 60 Yearlings & 34 Puppy Drum caught, measured & released alive thanks to dedication of our Judges, all Red Drum were released alive!!. Scott Allsbrook caught 5 fish & 4 of those were Citation Red Drum!

David K. Joyner #5678

NCBBA RDT Tournament Director

The House Select Committee on the Use of Off-Road Vehicles on Cape Lookout National Seashore will hold a Public Hearing.

DAY & DATE:   Wednesday, October 29, 2014

TIME:                  3:00 PM

LOCATION:       Crystal Coast Civic Center

The views of interested parties will be heard concerning:

The House Select Committee on the Use of Off-Road Vehicles on Cape Lookout National Seashore will hold a meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, from 3:00 to 6:00 p. m., at the Crystal Coast Civic Center located at 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

The meeting agenda will consist of opportunity for public comment on the National Park Service's (NPS) Draft Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement that "evaluates whether to allow ORV use at the Seashore. If ORV use is permitted, the Plan/DEIS addresses how to manage that use in compliance with the Seashore's enabling legislation, executive orders, NPS management policies, and other laws and regulations to ensure protection of the natural, cultural, and recreational values of the Seashore's dynamic coastal barrier island environment for present and future generations."

In order that their statements may be made a part of the record, speakers are encouraged to provide the Committee with a copy of their prepared remarks at the time of the hearing; however, written remarks are not required. Speakers are encouraged to bring additional copies of written remarks for the public and press.

Oral presentations will take place in the order determined by the Chair, and will be strictly limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes. Persons who wish to present additional information to the Committee, and any person who cannot be scheduled or heard in the time provided, may submit a copy of their statement to the Committee Clerk prior to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2014, for inclusion in the record.

Note:  As many persons as possible will be scheduled and heard within the time reserved. Because of time limitations, it may not be possible to schedule all who request to speak.

Persons having questions about the Committee meeting or other matters related to the Committee may contact Jennifer McGinnis, Committee Counsel, at (919) 733-2578, or Nancy Fox, Committee Clerk, at (919) 733-6275.

Respectfully,

Representative Pat McElraft, Chair

I hereby certify this notice was filed by the committee assistant at the following offices at 1:24 PM on Monday, October 20, 2014.

Dianne Russell (Committee Assistant)

Seashore's Acting Superintendent Updates NCBBA Members

                                             By KYM A. HALL

If there is anything that can be guaranteed, it is change.  Just as the ever changing and dynamic barrier islands of Cape Hatteras National Seashore constantly shift and alter, the people who are responsible for managing and protecting the seashore is ever changing.  

As some of you may know, I am currently serving in a temporary detail as the acting superintendent of the Outer Banks Group, which includes the seashore.  As the previous superintendent transitioned out and into his new position in the Southeast Regional Office, I transitioned into new responsibilities and challenges to fill the gap left in the interim until a new permanent superintendent is selected.  Currently, I am serving as the deputy superintendent of Glacier National Park in Montana, whose rugged mountains are in stark contrast to the gentle rolling dunes of the seashore.  

I am excited and humbled at the opportunity to continue the great work that is being done here and to bridge the gap of change between myself and the new permanent Superintendent.  

During the nearly two months that I have been on the Outer Banks, I have had the privilege and opportunity to meet members of  the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association and discuss our shared goal of protecting and preserving this special place and enhancing access, so that visitors and residents can better enjoy this inspiring resource.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, NCBBA held an Operation Beach Respect event and invited seashore staff to participate.  Several employees assisted with the clean-up and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with NCBBA members and share in the barbecue afterwards.  I want to thank you for including our staff is this wonderful program and allowing them the opportunity to work with a partner who shares a common interest in keeping our beaches pristine.  I would also like to extend a huge "thank you" to all your members who participated in the clean-up!

In past articles, we have shared with your members some of the exciting and progressive natural resource-related plans and beach-access projects we have in the works.  I wanted to provide an update as to where we are with some of these projects and where we hope to be in the near future.  I know that your members have a passion and appreciation for the Seashore and are very interested in how we manage and protect this dynamic, ever-changing place.

ACCESS PROJECTS UPDATE

In March 2012, as a secondary planning effort to the ORV Management Plan, an environmental assessment was conducted to evaluate the impacts for potential developed areas within the seashore to increase public access to the beaches.  

The proposed developments will  facilitate visitor access along the seashore, provide a variety of visitor use experiences, provide a satisfying visitor experience throughout the Seashore for all visitors consistent with the purpose for which the seashore was established, ensure that future and current roads, ORV ramps, foot trails, boardwalks, and parking areas promote the safety of all visitors, minimize conflicts between different types of recreation users, and protect the seashore’s natural, cultural, scenic, and aesthetic values.

Just in time for the fall fishing season, newly constructed Ramp 25 opened to the public on Sept. 11, becoming the first completed project under the ORV Management Plan.  The next phase of this project will be the installation of a parking area, which has been funded and a contract has been awarded, though a start date for this project has not been set at this time.

The second major project that will be initiated will be Ramp 32, which will include a foot path and a 10-car parking lot.  The Ramp 32 project has also been funded and a contract has been awarded, though no official start date for the work has been set at this time.

UPDATE ON RESEARCH PROJECTS

North Carolina State University and U.S. Geological Survey researchers conducted a study to assess the effects of predator and vehicle management practices on breeding American oystercatchers at the seashore during the 2014 breeding season.  The researchers are reviewing and processing the 10,000 hours of video and heart rate recordings that they collected during the field season.
 
“Turtle Sense” (Phase 2) is still underway with nine turtle nests with sensors still incubating.  To date, 19 sensors and 14 communication towers have been installed in the field.  Although the data collected is limited, the preliminary results look promising for the sensors' ability to predict hatching and emergence.
 
The seashore has finalized an agreement with Virginia Tech to conduct piping plover research at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  The objective of the agreement will be to aid the National Park Service in evaluating several of the adaptive management initiatives outlined in the Off-road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement.  The study is scheduled to start during the 2015 breeding season.  A graduate student has already been selected for the study and is planning a site visit soon.

In closing, I want to express my appreciation for the opportunity to be able to share with you the work that is going on at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  To be able to keep your members apprised of our accomplishments and future plans is something that I truly feel is important.  I also want to thank the members of NCBBA for making me feel welcome to the Outer Banks and ensuring a smooth transition between my time here and the new superintendent.  

My goal is to ensure that the great work that has been going on and the relationship we have built with each other continues in the interim.  I have truly enjoyed the beauty of this wonderful place and challenges associated with preserving and protecting the seashore for visitors -- not only for today but for generations to come.  

Though fall is officially here and the weather is cooling for the season, I hope that each of you is able to get out there and enjoy the seashore as I know I will during the remainder of my time here.  On behalf of not only the National Park Service but Cape Hatteras National Seashore, I hope everyone enjoys the wonders of fall and great fishing.

(Kym Hall is acting superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This article is reprinted with permission from the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association September 2014 newsletter.)

ORV Access Reopens to Cape Point

Acting Superintendent Kym Hall announced today the reopening of the east side of Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National Seashore near Buxton, NC to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective immediately. The sea turtle nest previously restricting ORV access was excavated and the protection area removed this morning, August 26. The area is now open to ORV traffic from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily. The Bypass road is also open. Motorists should be watchful when passing a second sea turtle nest located 0.5 of a mile south of Ramp 44 with an ORV corridor behind the nest.

From May 1 – November 15, ORV traffic is allowed to utilize the beaches from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and night driving is prohibited from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. The exception is from September 16 – November 15, ORV routes will reopen to night driving when no turtle nests remain on that route, or portion of that route.

The pre-nesting area west of Cape Point remains in effect and is posted as closed to vehicles, pedestrians and pets.

For up-to-date information on currently open or closed areas, check the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Google Earth maps at: http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm

Burr offers amendment to Sportsmen's
Act to ensure beach access

By IRENE NOLAN

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC, today offered an amendment to S 2363, the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2014, that would help ensure public and ORV access to North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

The Burr amendment is identical to S 486, which passed unanimously through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on June 18, 2013.

The amendment would modify the National Park Service's ORV plan and final rule for the seashore, which became effective in February 2012. It would set rules and parameters for the Park Service to follow when it considers limiting public access to beaches, including off-road vehicle access.

Under the amendment, the Park Service must review and modify wildlife buffers to ensure that are of the shortest duration, cover the smallest area necessary to protect resources, and designate pedestrian and vehicle corridors around resource closures. 

It also instructs NPS to undertake a public process to consider making slight changes to night driving restrictions, extending seasonal ORV routes in the spring and fall, and modifying the size and location of vehicle-free areas.

Finally, it orders the NPS to construct new vehicle access points as expeditiously as possible.
 
“Federal restrictions on beach access have hurt North Carolina and local businesses along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore for years – it has done damage to our local communities and our local economy,” Burr said in a news release.  “We must ensure that North Carolinians and tourists from around the country have access to North Carolina’s scenic treasures, and the Sportsmen’s bill offers the perfect opportunity to address this pressing issue once and for all.

"Over a year ago, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reached a compromise that was a critical step forward in the effort to allow people to have access to our beaches while at the same time addressing any potential environmental concerns.  It is my hope that we can take up this amendment and allow the Senate a chance to finally vote on it.”
 
The House version of S 486, introduced by Congressman Walter Jones, R-N.C., was included in HR 2954, the Public Access and Lands Improvement Act.  That bill was passed by the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote earlier this year.
 
Sportsmen's groups, including the American Sportfishing Association and Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, are supporters of S 486.

The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act was introduced by Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., in May. It has 45 Co-Sponsors. 

As of yesterday, there were 13 proposed amendments to the legislation.

"If you have a chance call and thank Senator Hagan (202-224-6342) for her leadership on S 2363," Warren Judge, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners said in an e-mail today. 

"We need you to call Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid, 202-224-2158, and show your support for the amendment and ask the Majority Leader to allow the amendment to move forward.   Please pass this on to all you have contact with.  Remember this is a bipartisan Sportsmen's Act, so supporters are a group much greater than us."

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For information on The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2014 and to read the text of the bill, go to http://www.senate.gov/ http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:s.02363:

To read a IFP story on S 486 from June 18, 2013 and the text of the bill as amended by the Senate Committee, go to http://islandfreepress.org/2013Archives/06.18.2013-SenateCommitteePassesSubstituteVersionOfBillToOverturnORVPlan.html

UPDATE:  Park Service modifies buffer for nesting terns in north Avon

By IRENE NOLAN, Island Free Press

Superintendent Barclay Trimble today allowed the modification of a buffer around a least tern nest in north Avon that had closed the ocean beach in front of about nine houses on Pamlico Court.

Trimble said today that the required 100-meter buffer was reduced to 50 meters.

Park Service public affairs specialist Cyndy Holda said that a park biologist did field tests yesterday to determine at what distance the nesting bird would be flushed off the nest. The bird was "bumped" off the nest when the biologist got within 50 meters of the nest. So the buffer was cut in half.

Holda said she understands that only about three houses are now affected.

The Park Service also straightened out the path between the toe of the dune and the closure that serves as a foot path for people in the  houses who want to get past the closure to the area of beach that is open.

Holda noted that, according the Park Service's Final Environmental Impact Statement on the off-road vehicle plan and final rule, the superintendent has the discretion to reduce buffers in some cases.

According to the FEIS, the park can "reduce those buffers in the immediate vicinity of paved roads, parking lots, campgrounds, buildings, and other facilities, such as within the villages or at National Park Service (NPS) developed sites, the NPS retains the discretion to provide resource protection to the extent possible while still allowing those facilities to remain operational.” 

The incubation time for least tern nests is about 21 days.  The nest is thought to have been established last Saturday and is located near the northern Avon village boundary and just south of a pre-nesting area for colonial waterbirds.

If the nest hatches, the buffer for unfledged chicks is 200 meters.  If the nest is lost, the buffer will stay in place for two weeks in case the pair tries again.

Least tern nest closes oceanfront in north Avon
By IRENE NOLAN, Island Free Press

The National Park Service discovered a least tern nest on Sunday that has closed the ocean beach in front of nine houses on Pamlico Court on the very north end of Avon.

The Park Service established  a colonial waterbird pre-nesting area north of Avon in the spring, but this pair of birds nested just south of the pre-nesting area.  

The buffer distance for a least tern nest is 100 meters, which is about 328 feet or a little longer than a football field. Therefore, the resource closure extends in front of about nine oceanfront houses on Pamlico Court in northern Avon.

This is the first time that anyone involved in the beach access issue can remember that a resource closure for nesting birds has closed the beach in front of houses in a village.

Outer Banks Group Superintendent Barclay Trimble said yesterday that he had already fielded phone calls from Warren Judge, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, and at least one rental manager.

He said the Park Service has closed the ocean beach just up to the toe of the dune, so that the occupants of the cut-off houses can cross over the dune and then head south along a narrow path between the dune and the closure to gain access to the open beach just south of Pamlico Court.

"It's not an easy walk," said Beth Midgett, rental manager for Midgett Realty, who visited the area yesterday. The company handles two houses affected by the closure.  Both are occupied this week.

One, she said, is on the southern end of the closure and is not as much of a problem as the other one, which is the very first house in northern Avon.  That house, she said, is occupied by a family with a grandmother who has mobility issues and cannot manage the walk in the deep sand behind the dune to the ocean beach that is open.

"They are not at all happy," Midgett said, noting that they had been planning all  year for this vacation and chose the oceanfront house for the easy access.

According to park biologist Eric Frey, the average incubation time for a nest is 21 days and chicks usually fledge in 19 to 20 days.  

The closure for unfledged chicks is 200 meters, which could mean more oceanfront closures in a few weeks for northern Avon.

Even if the nest is not successful, the closure will remain in place for two more weeks to see if the pair of bird will try again with another one.

If the nests hatches, Trimble said, "We'll just have to see where the chicks go after that."

At any rate, the oceanfront closures won't end anytime soon and could extend into August.

The least tern is not a federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act.  It is listed by the state of North Carolina as a "species of special concern."

The state said when the Park Service was formulating its new off-road vehicle plan that it did not intend that the protections for these birds be as extensive as was being proposed. The Park Service said it had an obligation to protect the species of special concern.

Jan Harvard and her husband own a home on Pamlico Court and split their time between Rocky Mount and Avon.

"It bothers me that they (the Park Service) just go on and on with these closures," she said yesterday. "It seems like they're trying to ruin the economy of Hatteras Island.

Certainly, Beth Midgett noted, this oceanfront closure will have economic consequences for the owners of the houses that are rentals and for the companies that handle them.

This morning, Midgett Realty was calling the folks who have the houses rented in the coming weeks to inform them of the situation.  And, at the height of the rental season, they're aren't many other rentals to which they could be moved.

"It was just a stunner for them," she said.

Midgett then made another point about the contentious issues that surround the park's ORV rule and final plan and the opposition to it by many who think there should be more reasonable access for all.

"This has never really been about beach driving," she said. "It's about access, and it's just out of balance."

Boyle rules against CHAPA in lawsuit to stop ORV rule

By IRENE NOLAN

Federal District Court Judge Terrence Boyle of the Eastern District of North Carolina today ruled against the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance in its lawsuit to try to overturn the National Park Service's off-road vehicle law and final rule for the seashore, which became effective in February 2012.

The lawsuit was filed the same month the ORV plan became effective against the Secretary of Interior, Director of the National Park Service, and superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Defenders of Wildlife and the National Parks Conservation Association, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, were allowed as defendant-intervenors.

The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in Washington, D.C., but was handed back to Boyle, who handled the original lawsuit, filed in 2007 by environmental groups, against the Park Service for its lack of an ORV plan. That lawsuit was settled by a consent decree in 2008.

The lawsuit claimed, among other things, that the federal government had not taken into account the seashore's Enabling Legislation, the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, and other administrative and regulatory laws when it prepared its Environmental Impact Statement. It also challenged the  Park Service's preparation of an socioeconomic study that was part of the EIS and claimed that the EIS was not supported by science

The plaintiffs asked for a summary judgment in their favor based upon the briefs  submitted to the court.  The defendants and the defendant-intervenors also asked for summary judgment based on their briefs to the court.

Boyle heard oral arguments in the case on March 24.

In his order today, he denied the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment and granted the motions of the defendants and intervenors to dismiss the case.

He found in favor of the defendants and intervenors on every point that was raised, except one. Therefore, the language in the order that their requests for summary judgment were "granted in part and denied in part."

The defendants and intervenors had argued that CHAPA did not have standing to file the lawsuit.  Boyle ruled that the group did have standing.

"At bottom," Boyle wrote in his order, "CHAPA asks this Court to flyspeck NPS's environmental analysis in order to identify any minor deficiency to propound as a basis to reject the final rule, which this court cannot and will not do."

The Island Free Press will have more coverage of Boyle's ruling in the next few days.

David Joyner, President ,

North Carolina Beach Buggy Association P.O. Box 189,

PO Box 189 Nags Head, NC 27959
 

Dear Mr. Joyner:

I wanted to take the time to show my appreciation and give thanks to the members of North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) who volunteered their valuable time and energy during your organization's Operation Beach Respect cleanup on Saturday, April 5, 2014.

NCBBA's dedication to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is greatly respected and appreciated. Visitors flock to the Seashore because of its' unparalleled pristine beaches. Having your members present at all access ramps to pass out literature and garbage bags to visitors utilizing the beach and then asking each visitor to take that bag, and scan the area they intend to use for litter is an excellent educational opportunity, keeps our beaches clean, and gives visitors a sense of ownership and pride. With four total cleanups scheduled this year your impact will be noticed throughout the season.

Thank you again for everything you and the members of NCBBA have done and will continue to do to protect the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Your dedication and time is an invaluable asset to protecting this special place.

Sincerely,

Barclay C. Trimble Superintendent

cc:        Mr. Harry Nash

Director of Public Relations, NCBBA

March 25, 2014

Superintendent Barclay Trimble

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area

1401 National Park Drive

Manteo, NC 27954

Dear Superintendent Trimble:

Thank you for meeting with us (NCBBA Officers) on March 19, 2014. We appreciate your time and the information that you were willing to share with us during our discussions of on-going and future projects within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA). As we emphasized during our discussions, the NCBBA was founded in 1964 within the CHNSRA and dedicated to support the Seashore as stated in our mission statement, of which neither our Mission Statement nor our support has wavered for 50 years.

Of the many points discussed, answers to the following were most disconcerting:

1. With an additional $2+M annual dollars coming to CHNSRA from ORV (permit) fees, you reported that there will be no lifeguards on any beaches within CHNSRA. Your explanations/comments were that;

              a) Monies cannot be used for on-going programs – yet those monies hire 4 enforcement rangers, 3 heavy equipment operators, 4 beach Information Rangers, a research coordinator and a sales staff (12) for the permits. We appreciated your positive remark and are thankful that you will be further investigating the possibility of finding funds elsewhere and rectifying this issue. We are available if there is something that we can do or someone we may contact in support of your efforts.

              b) Most disturbing was the declaration that once visitors step into the water, they are no longer on NPS properties and therefore others should be responsible for their safety. Your aside that “The citizens of Ocracoke are only interested in their ratings with Dr. Beach.” further shows that the NPS policy that “the protection of human life is the highest priority” is being blatantly disregarded.

2. I again ask for copies of “detailed” accounting and justification of expenditures of monies received from ORV permit sales. (My letters are dated 11/3/13 & 1/7/14 .) You replied that the information sent in reply to my requests was the complete budget/report of spending, and nothing else was produced to specifically account for the monies expended. (My letters are dated 12/23/13 & 2/14/14) As noted, I cannot believe that a local NPS entity can receive and disburse millions of dollars without a detailed and transparent accounting of these specific funds. Your letters are written with adequate vagueness to make it impossible to see how these monies are being applied, as required by the ORV Plan. In addition to my previous requests (still unanswered) I am asking for a list (number not names) of personnel by department for the years 2009 thru 2013, and for personnel paid (and for what months); not personnel budgeted.  We discussed ways to improve community relations, and the continued smoke screens coming from CHNSRA headquarters only widen the divide with the community.

3. Additionally, it is beyond comprehension how a federal agency can write regulations governing areas of CHNSRA that do not exist. In this regard I am speaking of ramps and roads that have yet to be constructed which were offered in the proposed rules as justifiable alternatives to the permanent closures (e.g. ramps 1, 2, 23 – 27, etc.). In my opinion, your agency purposely deceived the public and more importantly – the rulemaking, regulatory review chain, including the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs by leading them to believe that the Ramps listed (e.g. 2.5, 23.5, 32.5, etc.) actually existed. The fact is, they did not exist then and they do not exist now despite the $4M in ORV user fee revenues received to date. On many occasions, the NPS has said that monies generated from ORV permit fees would be used to construct the new ramps and also be used for improvements to beach access.

To date, the NPS has failed to do anything concerning access and has done little (other than maintenance) to improve any of the existing access areas while proceeding with extensive access closures.   Accordingly, I am writing to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Congressional Representatives of North Carolina so that full accountability of your actions and inactions concerning beach access at CHNSRA can be reviewed by the GAO and obtained for reference by the general public.   

I anticipate a reply with detailed explanations of expenditures and would be happy to further discuss what is anticipated, if I have not made myself clear. Finally, under the Freedom of Information Act, I request that you make the information I requested available to NCBBA and I also request a formal written response to this letter.

Sincerely,

W. James Keene, Director, NCBBA

PO Box 1615

Nags Head, NC 27959

jim.keene@ncbba.org

cc:

US Senator Richard Burr, NC

US Senator Kay Hagan, NC

US Senator Joe Manchin III, WV

US Congressman Walter Jones, NC

Dare County Commission Chairman, Warren Judge

Build a Bridge

NCBBA’s continuing fight for beach access will go on until a reasonable compromise is reached with NPS and we can again access the Recreational Area set aside by congress for the benefit of America’s families.

Access to these beaches will have added limitations if the continuing battle for the replacement of the Bonner Bridge is not soon resolved. Keep in mind that the groups fighting to close our beaches are the same groups fighting to further delay the building of a reasonable replacement for the deteriorating Bonner Bridge with The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) at the forefront of both obstructionist groups.

We at the NCBBA will continue to focus on the beach access issues with an eye to the bridge progress we invite you to educate yourselves and participate in the fight to “BUILD THE BRIDGE”. If we can’t get there, it will not matter what ramps are open. This is all a part of the SELC et al strategies.

You can keep informed at the following sites:

Long-Term Solutions for N.C. 12 Breaches : http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/bonnerbridgephase2/

N.C. DOT 12 Facebook Page put up by NC DOT: https://www.facebook.com/NCDOT   (they are not the enemy!)

Bridge Moms on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgemoms

The moms will not & should not accept further delays that will place the welfare of their children & families in jeopardy!

Jim Keene,

NCBBA Past President

Christmas Cheer!     A time for giving.

On December 12, 2013 NCBBA Director Pam Smith presented a check for $250.00 to Laura Heitsenrether of Cape Hatteras Electric cooperative for the Toys for Tots Program. The dollars were raised during the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association’s Red Drum Tournament. Toys donated by participants of the tournament were also donated to the program.

On December 14, 2013 NCBBA Director Tom Heggie presented a check for $1000.00 to the Outer Banks Hotline Executive Director, Lynn Bryant, to help the Hotline fulfill the Christmas wishes of children in Dare County who were not involved in the community’s Angle Tree Gift Project. Today more than 100 children are on the Hotline’s list.

The residents of Hatteras Island are suffering economic hardship due to the closure of the Bonner Bridge. Because of this the NCBBA Board of Directors also voted to donate $4000.00 to the people of Hatteras Island who need assistance during the trying times.

These funds were raised thru our Red Drum Tournament held each year and headquartered in Avon. The funds will be delivered to the Hatteras Island Methodist Men.

The NCBBA has often worked with the Hatteras Island Men by making donations that are directed to help the people of Hatteras Island. This non-profit organization based in Buxton is, unlike national/statewide organizations, dedicated to helping folks who live on Hatteras Island. 100% of donations go to helping HI families that are in need regardless of the circumstances. 100% of the monies stay on the island and are used without monies going to salaries, overhead or out of area managers. These funds help those in need of food, utility payments, medicines, clothing or other necessities. You can support the Hatteras Island Men by donating to HI Men, PO Box 472,Buxton, NC 27920 (Mr. Walt Fulcher @252-475-0147-daytime only)

You can also donate thru NCBBA and PayPal@ Contactus@NCBBA.org. While there you can also join NCBBA, help our organization grow and keep in touch with what is going on in our organization and within Cape Hatteras National Seashore RECREATION AREA. The NCBBA is a non-profit organization, founded in 1964, and is dedicated to the preservation of and vehicular access to the natural beach resources of the Outer Banks through conservation, a code of ethics for beach behavior and support of local, state and federal officials and other organizations dedicated to these same goals.

Harry Nash, Director NCBBA

Dare County and North Carolina Department of Transportation officials encourage the public to contact the Southern Environmental Law Centers Board of Trustees to express concerns regarding Bonner Bridge and delays in construction of the replacement bridge. The project is currently on hold following a series of legal challenges by the Southern Environmental law center on behalf of the Defenders of Wildlife and National Wildlife Refuge Association.

Click here to view the letter from Governor McCrory to the trustees.

Stephen E. O'Day, Chair of the Board
Phone: 404.815.3527
Email: soday@sgrlaw.com
Mailing Address: 1230 Peachtree Street N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309

Frederick S. Middleton III, President
Phone: (434) 977-4090
Mailing Address: 201 West Main Street Charlottesville, VA 22902

Deaderick C. Montague, Vice President
Phone: (423) 267-5400
Mailing Address: 1426 Williams Street Chattanooga, TM 37408

Joel B. Adams, Jr.
Phone: (828) 251-9700 ext. 1
Mailing Address: 545 Merrimon Ave Asheville, NC 28804

Marcia A. Angle
Phone: 919-490-1481
Email: mangle@duke.edu
Mailing Address: 4312 W. Cornwallis Road Durham, NC 27705

Paul K. Brock Jr.
Phone: (423)267-3776
Email: pbrock@brownassoc.com
Mailing Address: 819 Broad Street Chattanooga, TN 37402

Dell S. Brooke
Phone: (205)323-1508
Mailing Address: 801 5th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35223

Cathy Brown
Phone: 615-936-1000
Email: cathy.j.brown@vanderbilt.edu
Mailing Address: 2200 Children's Way Nashville, Tennessee 37232

Marion A. Cowell, Jr.
Phone: (704) 806-7124
Email: Mcowell@kilpatricktownsend.com
Mailing Address: 214 North Tyron Street Suite 2500 Charlotte, NC 28202-2381

J. Stephen Dockery III
Phone: (704) 334-2324
Email: sdockery@fiduspartners.com
Mailing Address: 121 West Trade Street Suite 1800 Charlotte, NC 28202

James G. Hanes
Phone: (276) 472-2888
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 457 Burkes Garden, VA 24608

Matthew Hapgood
Phone: (704) 720-9623
Email: mhapgood@flyrightinc.com
Mailing Address: 7275 West Winds Boulevard Concord, NC 28027

Mark B. Logan
Phone: (434) 977-6979
Mailing Address: 1255 Apple Tree Lane Charlottesville, VA 22901

Nimrod W.E. Long III
Phone: (205) 323-6072
Email: nimrod@nimrodlong.com
Mailing Address: 2213 Morris Ave Birmingham, AL 35203

Allen McCallie
Phone: (423) 785-8240
Email: amccallie@millermartin.com
Mailing Address: 832 Georgia Avenue Suite 1000 Volunteer Building Chattanooga, TN 37402

Edward Miller
Mailing Address: 204 East High Street Charlottesville, VA 22902

Terri Montague
Phone: (404) 391-1592
Email: tmontag@emory.edu

Susan S. Mullin
Phone: (434) 376-2244
Mailing Address: 700 Ridgeway Farm Lane Brookneal, VA 24528

Jean C. Nelson
Phone: (615) 244-5263
Email: jnelson@landtrusttn.org
Mailing Address: 209 10th Avenue South, Suite 511 Nashville, TN 37203

Charles Patrick
Phone: (843) 727-6512
Email: cpatrick@rpwb.com
Mailing Address: 174 E. Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401

William H. Schlesinger
Phone: (845) 677-5343
Email: schlesingerw@caryinstitute.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box AB Millbrook, NY 12545

Kathryn S. Smith
Phone: (803) 252-7994
Email: Bigpapa_cabbie@hotmail.com
Mailing Address: 120 Edisto Ave Columbia, SC 29205

Thomas F. Taft
Phone: (252) 752-2000
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1766 Greenville, NC 27835

Williams Want
Mailing Address: 81 Mary Street Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 239-1000
Email: bwant@charlestonlaw.org

Nancy White
Mailing Address: 9013 Wildwood Links Raleigh, NC 27613

Oregon Inlet Bridge To Cape Hatteras National Seashore Closed Due To Safety Concerns

Reaching Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina just got a lot tougher. The state Transportation Department has closed the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over the Oregon Inlet on N.C. 12 along the Outer Banks due to safety concerns.

There are just two ways to reach Hatteras and Ocracoke islands -- either via the Bonner Bridge, or via ferry.

"We have no idea how long it will be before it reopens," Cyndy Holda, the National Seashore's public affairs officer, said Tuesday afternoon of the bridge closure. "They are talking ferry service will start up again tomorrow from Stumpy Point. So the trip is worth it, but may take a lot longer."

According to the Transportation Department, "(R)outine sonar scanning of the bridge identified scouring concerns, or areas where too much sand has eroded from the support structure of the bridge. As NCDOT crews continued to monitor these conditions, inspections revealed additional areas of concern, which led department officials to decide to close the bridge immediately for the safety of all residents and visitors of the area."

Department officials issued a release Tuesday stating that the bridge would remain closed at least as long as it takes for additional safety inspections to be conducted and to "make necessary repairs to fortify the structure."

"NCDOT has declared a state of emergency as a way of expediting the process and steps are already underway to begin repair work as soon as possible," the department said.

Since 1989 there has been talk about replacing the Bonner Bridge, which dates to 1963 and is the only evacuation route for the two islands, short of ferries. NCDOT awarded a contract to a design-build team to replace the bridge in August 2011. Design work began immediately and construction of the replacement bridge was originally set to begin in early 2013. All work is currently on hold following a series of legal challenges by the Southern Environmental law center on behalf of the Defenders of Wildlife and National Wildlife Refuge Association.

On Sept. 16, NCDOT received a favorable ruling in the federal lawsuit filed by the SELC when Judge Louise Flanagan issued a 42-page order denying all claims that NCDOT violated federal law when the department studied and selected the parallel bridge.

“Closing the Bonner Bridge is necessary to keep all travelers safe, but we know it will have a devastating effect on the people who live along and visit the Outer Banks,” said NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata in a prepared statement. “We will work to safely reopen this vital lifeline quickly, and hope to be able to begin construction on a new bridge as soon as possible.”

The Bonner Bridge is the only highway access for vehicles between Hatteras Island and the mainland. Until it is safe to reopen, the NCDOT Ferry Division will provide emergency support to move people and cars across the Pamlico Sound.

Ferry Division workers have already tested the emergency ferry ramps at Stumpy Point and Rodanthe, and the division is currently sending four 180-foot River Class vessels to begin operating the emergency Hatteras Island route. All tolls currently in place on the Ocracoke-Swan Quarter and Ocracoke-Cedar Island ferry routes will be waived for residents, emergency personnel and vendors while the bridge is closed and the emergency ferry route is in operation. The U.S. Coast Guard is also currently on standby.

“We expect the emergency ferry route to be up and running Wednesday morning,” said Ferry Division Deputy Director Jed Dixon. “We know the residents of Hatteras Island are depending on us to be their lifeline, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

At full capacity on a full schedule, the route can ferry 760 single cars a day, 380 from each side. A detailed emergency ferry route schedule will be available on the Ferry division web

On October 4, 2014 we will celebrate our 50^th Anniversary. Plans are being made for a grand celebration on the OBX. We will Eat, Drink and Be Merry! We will share memories of fish caught and fish lost, and 50 years of service to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area and the Outer Banks. We will remember those men and women who founded our organization 50 years ago and recognize the efforts of many who have helped our organization grow and develop into the organization it is today.

A steering committee, Chaired by Jim Keene, Past President and Directors Dottie Smith and Harry Nash will be open to ideas and suggestions for this event. Their contact information is posted below for your convenience.

jim.keene@ncbba.org, harry.nash@ncbba.org, dottie.smith@ncbba.org

                             Save the date! October 4, 2014

NCBBA’s 5^th Annual Red Drum Tournament Winners

There were 262 tournament participants consisting of: 34 Judges, 7 Juniors, 49 Seniors, 19 Females and 16 winners from the 2012 tournament competing for over $8,500.00 in cash & prizes. They represent 18 different states. Allan Maly from Dallas, TX traveled the longest distance.

123 puppy drum & 2 Citation Red Drum were measured & all were released alive. Ryan Jackle caught the first fish of the tournament at 12:20 A.M.

Largest Red Drum Overall

Lewis Myers #10162 of Hume, VA                            47.25 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Overall

Mike McKee # 9708 of Durham, NC                         45.50 inches

Largest Red Drum Day I

Ryan Jackle #13474 of Kernersville, NC                   26.50 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Day 1

Mark Gaston #12458 of Leesburg, VA                     26.50 inches

Largest Red Drum Day 2

Scott Ellett #14273 of Mechanicsville, VA               26.75 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Day 2

Scott Allsbrook #8245 of Winterville, NC                26.75 inches

Largest Red Drum Day 3

Alex Sterling of Salisbury, MD                                     26.25 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Day 3

John Young #8556 of Morehead City, NC               26.00 inches

Most Red Drum Registered for the Tournament

         Greg Griffin of Holly Springs, VA                                12 Red Drum Released

Largest Red Drum - Junior Angler (16 & under)

Hunter Durrer of Charlottesville, VA                        25.00 inches

Largest Red Drum - Female Angler

Jeanne Griffin #13803 of Moncure, NC                   24.75 inches

Largest Red Drum – Senior Angler

Jeanne Griffin #13803 of Moncure, NC                   25.75 inches

Largest Bluefish Overall

Keith Workman #13787 of Glenn Allen, VA           23.00 inches

Largest Sea Mullet Overall

                                      David Griffin of Holly Springs, NC                                 17.75 inches 2.23 lb.

NCBBA’s 5^th Annual Red Drum Tournament Winners

There were 262 tournament participants consisting of: 34 Judges, 7 Juniors, 49 Seniors, 19 Females and 16 winners from the 2012 tournament competing for over $8,500.00 in cash & prizes. They represent 18 different states. Allan Maly from Dallas, TX traveled the longest distance.

123 puppy drum & 2 Citation Red Drum were measured & all were released alive. Ryan Jackle caught the first fish of the tournament at 12:20 A.M.

Largest Red Drum Overall

Lewis Myers #10162 of Hume, VA                            47.25 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Overall

Mike McKee # 9708 of Durham, NC                         45.50 inches

Largest Red Drum Day I

Ryan Jackle #13474 of Kernersville, NC                   26.50 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Day 1

Mark Gaston #12458 of Leesburg, VA                     26.50 inches

Largest Red Drum Day 2

Scott Ellett #14273 of Mechanicsville, VA               26.75 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Day 2

Scott Allsbrook #8245 of Winterville, NC                26.75 inches

Largest Red Drum Day 3

Alex Sterling of Salisbury, MD                                     26.25 inches

2nd Largest Red Drum Day 3

John Young #8556 of Morehead City, NC               26.00 inches

Most Red Drum Registered for the Tournament

         Greg Griffin of Holly Springs, VA                                12 Red Drum Released

Largest Red Drum - Junior Angler (16 & under)

Hunter Durrer of Charlottesville, VA                        25.00 inches

Largest Red Drum - Female Angler

Jeanne Griffin #13803 of Moncure, NC                   24.75 inches

Largest Red Drum – Senior Angler

Jeanne Griffin #13803 of Moncure, NC                   25.75 inches

Largest Bluefish Overall

Keith Workman #13787 of Glenn Allen, VA           23.00 inches

Largest Sea Mullet Overall

                                      David Griffin of Holly Springs, NC                                 17.75 inches 2.23 lb.

NCBBA’s 5th Annual Red Drum Tournament Day I Results

There were 212 paid anglers, 34 judges & 16 winners from the 2012 tournament competing for over $8,500.00 in cash & prizes. They represent 18 different states. Allan Maly from Dallas, TX traveled the longest distance.

Day I the cold front moved thru, resulting in 30 puppy drum & 2 Citation Red Drum measured.

Ryan Jackie caught the first fish of the tournament at 12:20 A.M. Lewis Meyers leads the Tournament with a 47.25 inch fish. 2nd Place Overall is John McKee with a 45.50 inch fish. The Day #1 Largest Red Drum winner is Ryan Jackie with 26.50 inch fish. Day #1 2nd Largest Red Drum is Mark Gaston with a 26.50 inch fish as time of catch was the tie-breaker. Jimmy Reynolds has the most Red Drum with 5 fish. Senior Division Leader is Jeanne Griffin with a 24.75 inch fish. Jo Lynn Brazie is the Ladies Leader with a 24.50 inch fish. Abbie Sterling leads the Junior Division with a 22.75 inch fish. The Largest Bluefish is 23.0 inch fish caught by Keith Workman. David Griffin has the Largest Sea Mullet is 17.75 inches weighing in at 2.23 lb.

David K. Joyner #5678

NCBBA President

Tournament Director

Message to NCBBA 5^th Annual Red Drum Tournament Participants

Since the partial federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1^st, all beaches, access ramps, parking lots and attractions in Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA) have been closed by the National Park Service (NPS), closed for no other reason than orders from DC to make life as difficult as possible in order to make Americans feel the most pain because of the partial federal government shutdown. “It appears the Obama Administration is truly just making this up as they go along, as they have put out one inconsistent policy after another. States and communities whose economic livelihoods are tied to these national parks deserve better than this Administration's political games to make this shutdown as painful as possible. And parks are not the only areas where the Administration has gone out of their way to block public access, national wildlife refuges and national forests have also been unnecessary barricaded during this shutdown," said Committee on Natural Resources Chairman, Doc Hastings.

The total failure of our President and Congress in DC to do the job that they elected to do, have put NCBBA’s 5^th Annual Red Drum Tournament in jeopardy. We are all hopeful that the government shutdown will end this week, but none of us know if this will actually happen. In the meantime, RDT Officials and the NCBBA BOD are moving forward with plans to hold this event. I looked into relocating the fishing area, but there is no other place that allows night fishing. Walking over is impractical for the judges to measure & return fish alive to the ocean.

Recognizing that you the tournament participants have made nonrefundable lodging arrangements, taken vacation and made other travel plans. The good folks of Hatteras need our support in these tough times & refusing to give in to those who would rejoice in a cancelation. We will hold this event!

Registration begins at 10:00 A.M. Wed., October 23^rd. The Toys for Tots toy drive & Hatteras Island Food Pantry donations will all be held. In the event the shutdown does not end allowing us to fish during the tournament, we will still have tickets for the banquet, the raffles benefiting the legal fund will still be offered and during the awards banquet all registered tournament participants in attendance will be eligible for the angler’s prize schedule awards by a ticket drawing. This is the best back-up plan I could come up with. Recognizing that not everyone is going to be happy, but show your displeasure to your elected representatives & ask them to do the job you elected them to do. We the American People are the unwilling victims of childless behavior by the POTUS and Congress. Thank you all for your patience, understanding and support during this unprecedented time.

David K. Joyner #5678

NCBBA President / Red Drum Tournament Director

Tommy Farmer Casting Seminar

World Casting Distance Champion Tommy Farmer#13043 will conduct a Casting Seminar to be held the Wednesday morning of NCBBA’s 5^th Annual Red Drum Tournament. Everyone should meet just over Ramp #34 in Avon at 8:30 A.M. Tommy will have several Cast Pro rods for demo. Director Mike McNichol will be present for this event. The BOD extends our thanks to Tommy for his continued support of NCCBA & beach access.

Capital City Four Wheelers 28^th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament

Capitol City Four Wheelers will hold their 28th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament October 19^th & 20^th as scheduled. If the beaches are still closed to driving, they will tell folks to walk over in the Villages.

Everyone who they talked with say they are still coming regardless.

This is the type of spirit that makes America great!

Request for Reconsideration of Closures at CHNSRA

Since the partial federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1^st, all beaches, access ramps, parking lots and attractions in Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA), Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site have been closed by the National Park Service (NPS) closed for no other reason than orders from DC to make life as difficult as possible in order to make Americans feel the most pain because of the partial federal government shutdown. This also includes the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Avon Fishing Pier; both are privately-operated businesses located in CHNSRA and operate as concessionaires of the NPS.

On October 11^th, the law firm of Van Ness Feldman, LLP sent a request on behalf of the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Association (CHAPA) for a legal review to reconsider the closures of CHNSRA.

According to public reports and confirmed by a phone conversation with Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Jarvis, the beaches at US Virgin Islands National Park were reopened the weekend of Oct. 5^th following a DOI Solicitor’s Office review of the Park’s enabling legislation. CHAPA hopes a similar legal review will be undertaken for CHSRA. Among other things, the enabling legislation for CAHA provides that the legal residents of the local villages “shall have the right to earn a livelihood by fishing within the boundaries to be designated by the Secretary of the Interior . . . .” The current closures of the beaches, piers, and other facilities at CHNSRA prevent local residents from exercising this right, and we believe are inconsistent with the enabling act for CHNSRA and should be reconsidered.

During the NPHA conference call Oct.11^th, Director Jarvis mentioned Avon Fishing Pier in the context of the new policy that NPS is in the process of finalizing to reopen certain concession facilities that can be accessed by open roads or private lands. CHAPA and the local community would very much appreciate any consideration by NPS of promptly reopening this facility under the new policy. On Sunday, Oct. 13^th, NPS allowed both the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Avon Fishing Pier to resume operating, nearly two weeks after they were ordered closed.

NCBBA is involved in a visit by 10 Wounded Warriors, a planned surf fishing day had to be rescheduled from CHNSRA to the Town of Nags Head. We and these Warriors have been locked out of our Recreation Area.

Your BOD & especially Past President/Access Director, Jim Keene is involved in every aspect of these continuing actions. We continue to fight for free and open beach access for you our members & the American People.

David K. Joyner #5678

NCBBA President

Red Drum Tournament Director

Request for Reconsideration of Closures at CHNSRA

Since the partial federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1^st, all beaches, access ramps, parking lots and attractions in Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA), Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site have been closed by the National Park Service (NPS) closed for no other reason than orders from DC to make life as difficult as possible in order to make Americans feel the most pain because of the partial federal government shutdown. This also includes the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Avon Fishing Pier; both are privately-operated businesses located in CHNSRA and operate as concessionaires of the NPS.

On October 11^th, the law firm of Van Ness Feldman, LLP sent a request on behalf of the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Association (CHAPA) for a legal review to reconsider the closures of CHNSRA.

According to public reports and confirmed by a phone conversation with Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Jarvis, the beaches at US Virgin Islands National Park were reopened the weekend of Oct. 5^th following a DOI Solicitor’s Office review of the Park’s enabling legislation. CHAPA hopes a similar legal review will be undertaken for CHSRA. Among other things, the enabling legislation for CAHA provides that the legal residents of the local villages “shall have the right to earn a livelihood by fishing within the boundaries to be designated by the Secretary of the Interior . . . .” The current closures of the beaches, piers, and other facilities at CHNSRA prevent local residents from exercising this right, and we believe are inconsistent with the enabling act for CHNSRA and should be reconsidered.

During the NPHA conference call Oct.11^th, Director Jarvis mentioned Avon Fishing Pier in the context of the new policy that NPS is in the process of finalizing to reopen certain concession facilities that can be accessed by open roads or private lands. CHAPA and the local community would very much appreciate any consideration by NPS of promptly reopening this facility under the new policy. On Sunday, Oct. 13^th, NPS allowed both the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Avon Fishing Pier to resume operating, nearly two weeks after they were ordered closed.

NCBBA is involved in a visit by 10 Wounded Warriors, a planned surf fishing day had to be rescheduled from CHNSRA to the Town of Nags Head. We and these Warriors have been locked out of our Recreation Area.

Your BOD & especially Past President/Access Director, Jim Keene is involved in every aspect of these continuing actions. We continue to fight for free and open beach access for you our members & the American People.

David K. Joyner #5678

NCBBA President

Red Drum Tournament Director

Message from NCBBA President Joyner

Today, October 1^st is a sad day in America as our elected representatives have all failed us miserably, resulting in the Federal Government being shut down. Residents and visitors now face the consequences of our government’s inaction. This means the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area is completely closed.

Darrell Echols, Deputy Superintendent of the Outer Banks Group stated what has happened to The Island Free Press:

National Park Service staffers came to work this morning to secure and close down all facilities and grounds on the seashore and the other parks in the Outer Banks Group – Wright Brothers National Monument and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

When their work is done, 146 employees of the Outer Banks Group will be furloughed, while 13 will continue working to ensure public safety. Residents and visitors can expect wide-ranging consequences. They include:

•By 7 a.m. all ramps on the seashore – on the Oceanside and the Soundside were chained.

•All visitor centers and maintenance and administrative facilities are closed.

•The road to the Bodie Island Lighthouse will be blocked. The Lighthouse Road in Buxton will be blocked just beyond Flowers Ridge Road.

•All ORV permit offices will be closed.

•All parking areas on the Soundside and the Oceanside will be closed and secured – including facilities at Coquina Beach, Ocracoke Day Use Area, Canadian Hole, Kite Point, the Frisco Bathhouse, and Sandy Bay day use area. Also closed and secured will be all parking areas at various Oceanside ramps on Hatteras and Ocracoke.

•Campers will have 48 hours after today at 6 p.m. to clear the campgrounds.

•Commercial operations within the seashore will also close, including the Avon Pier, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, and businesses that offer attractions such as horseback riding on the beach. The Fishing Center will have until 6 p.m. Thursday to close down.

•The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, a state-owned facility on park land, will remain open.

•The three airstrips in the park area will be closed.

•All National Park Service websites will be closed down, and visitors to the sites will get a message about the shutdown.

Although these restrictions will shut down ORV access to the seashore, pedestrian access will be allowed in areas such as the Oceanfront and Oceanside houses in the villages.

However, access to either the Sound or Ocean beaches by parking along Highway 12 right-of-way and walking in to kiteboard, surfboard, fish, or surf will also be prohibited. For all practical purposes, access to the Sound and the Ocean will be allowed only from private land.

Echols said all of the park must be closed or secured by noon today.

Thirteen park employees will remain on the job, including nine law enforcement rangers, a public affairs specialist, two water treatment plant operators, and one person who cares for the Ocracoke ponies. Paul Stevens, the Chief Law Enforcement Ranger for the Outer Banks Group, will be the incident commander.

Now that the government shutdown has happened this morning, it’s anyone’s guess how long it will last. If this stubbornness from the President of the U.S. on down continues the government & CHNSRA will remained closed.

NCBBA will continue to move forward with plans for the 5^th Annual Red Drum Tournament scheduled to be held October 23^rd – 26^th, hopeful that somebody in DC remembers why they were elected.

Our tournament rules cover the unforeseen:

“The Tournament Director, Head Judge or NCBBA may cancel the complete tournament or any portion of the tournament if circumstances such as bad weather arise. (or CHNSRA closure) If the complete tournament is cancelled, a total refund of entry fee will be made. Once the tournament begins, no refunds will be made.”

Spots are still available for this year’s event. You may register on-line at www.ncbba.org or in person at Frank & Fran’s. NCBBA & the fine folks on Hatteras Island need your support! This total shutdown of CHNSRA will create financial hardship for business owners, their employees & everyone else who relies on the fall shoulder season to carry thru to spring.

Again this year, we will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Hatteras Island Food Pantry & new unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots for Dare County children who otherwise may not have a present to open this Christmas. Please drop off your donations at Frank & Fran’s during the event. We will also accept cash donations anytime during the event. Checks should be made payable to NCBBA & put Toys for Tots or Hatteras Island Methodist Men in the memo line on the check.

The NCBBA Board of Officers and Directors appreciate your past support and participation and hope you will continue that support for the 2013 tournament!

Tight Lines!

David K. Joyner #5678

NCBBA President & Tournament Director

NCBBA’s 5th Annual Red Drum Tournament

We are excited to be doing our NCBBA’s 5th Annual Red Drum Tournament October 24th – 26th, 2013 on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area with over $12,000.00 in cash & prizes up for grabs. Tournament Headquarters will be again be held at Frank & Fran’s in Avon, NC. Registration begins at 10:00 A.M. October 23rd with fishing beginning at 12:01 A.M. October 24th thru 4:00 P.M. October 26th.

The $100.00 tournament entry fee includes: tournament t-shirt & hat, heavy Hors devours on Wednesday evening during the General Rules Meeting & Saturday night’s Tournament Banquet. The tournament is limited to 300 paid anglers. Slots are still available.

Judges are needed! Without them, we could not have a tournament of this type. If you are interested in being a judge you will be compensated for your time with a free entry into the tournament for the times when you are not judging. First time Judges will be notified of your selection & your registration fee will be refunded during registration on Oct 23^rd. Each judge works a 6 hour shift at least twice during the 3 day event. Each judge will be assigned a ramp to work and will need a 4x4 vehicle to be able to cover a 3 or 4 mile area between the ramps. Depending on the draw, some judges are scheduled to do an additional 4 hour shift Saturday afternoon. At least 36 people are needed for these positions.

All proceeds from the last two events have gone to the Hatteras Island Methodist Men to help the fine folks of Hatteras Island recover from storm damage. NCBBA has not given up the fight for beach access or our participation in the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Association (CHAPA)! This year’s proceeds will go to the NCBBA legal fund to help offset legal fees related to the lawsuit CHAPA filed against NPS for our continued fight for “free & open vehicular beach access”.

NCBBA will continue to hold this event as we fight for what is rightfully ours. This tournament is “grandfathered” in the National Park Service’s Final Rule, so we will be able to fish in the same areas as before the final rule. NCBBA has received the Special Use Permit required to allow us to use ORVs in the village beach areas between Ramps #23 and #38 that will be seasonally closed during the tourney and to use ORVs in the “vehicle free area” (VFA’s) between Salvo and Avon. I have received assurance from National Park Service Special Park Uses Coordinator, Steve Thompson that all non-resource closed areas will be opened for this event. We can use any area that is not a resource or safety closure from the Rodanthe Pier south down to the no-driving zone south of Ramp #38. As in past years, this is subject to any full beach resource closures for turtles. We survived the first year under the new rules & we now know how the Final Rule is being interpreted by NPS in regard to beach access for tournaments. The closed North beach areas will be opened at 8:00 A.M. Wednesday for you to scout before registration. For those who really want to get a head start on finding a prime fishing spot, The Capitol City Four Wheelers (CCFW) are holding a 24 hour tournament on Saturday, October 19th & 20th that covers the entire Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

Previous anglers had until May 31st to sign up. Since June 1st registration has been available to everyone on-line at www.ncbba.org or in person at Frank & Fran’s so you too can fish these areas that are otherwise closed to vehicular access the rest of the year.

Head Judge for this year’s tournament will again be David Flanigan. He will again be assisted by Bobby Halstead.

Following my doctor’s orders to make life style changes, I have solicited Past Director, Ervin Gaskins to assist me as Co-Chairman for this year’s tournament. I HAVE NO PLANS TO LEAVE!

Again this year, we will be collecting new unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots for Hatteras Island children who otherwise may not have a present to open on Christmas morning. Please drop off your donations at Frank & Fran’s during the event. We will also accept cash donations anytime during the event. Checks should be payable to NCBBA & put Toys for Tots in the memo line on the check.

Your continued support of NCBBA & beach access is greatly appreciated. This tournament is our single largest fund raiser of the year.

The NCBBA Board of Officers and Directors appreciate your support and past participation and hope the 2013 tournament will be the best yet.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in October!

David Joyner, Tournament Director

(L to R) Jim Keene, NCBBA - David Scarborough, OBPA -

Commisioner Chairman Warren Judge - Dare County, NC

Press release, 8/6/3013

David Scarborough (Director, OBPA - Outer Banks Preservation Association) and Jim Keene (Past President, NCBBA - North Carolina Beach Buggy Association) accepted from Warren Judge, Chairman, Dare county Board of Commissioners a plaque and check recognizing Cape Hatteras as the " Ultimate Fishing Town - Southeast Region" awarded by WFN - The World Fishing Network.  The award was given to CHAPA (Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance a program of OBPA jointly sponsored by NCBBA).  WFN is a nationwide TV network (outerbanks Charter channel 313).  Voting via facebook/tweeter determined the final winners and we want to thank all who participated.  In the final days of voting we lost our nationwide first place standing to a town in NY.  The check received will be deposited in the CHAPA legal fund to assist in our efforts to keep Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area open for the continuing enjoyment of all who want to recreate on our shores.   

NPS releases for public comment a list of 29 projects to be funded with your ORV Permit dollars!

Why should we fund pedestrian access or parking spaces with our ORV permit fees? NPS says "highest priority given to construction projects  that provide access to areas of the beach that are closed to ORVs". 

              Public Comment at this site :http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=54247

Announced today (6-26-13) by National Park Service Outer Banks Group Superintendent Barclay Trimble, the public comment period for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore proposal to facilitate additional public beach access environment assessment will open July 1, 2013 through August 2, 2013.

“Proposed Additional Beach Access”.  was originally released in a shortened (unofficial format) as “Proposed Infrastructure Improvements at Cape Hatteras National Seashore” by former Superintendent Mike Murray prior to his departure.  NPS no doubt believes that the public is gullible enough to believe that the infrastructure improvements will satisfy your beach access requests or are try to pull the wool over your eyes by renaming an old proposition.

This 188 page document may overwhelm most of us but please familiarize yourself with the 29 projects explained in tables 2-1 you can determine the projects that you will comment upon. These 3 tables (2-1, 2-2 and 4-5) give the best description of what is proposed by NPS. Please take note of the comment process and deadlines.  (The link above directs you to the site where the 188 page document can be viewed and commented upon).

It is important that NPS hears from us and not blame their bad decisions on our apathy.  Be specific with your comments, general statements of disgust or challenging remarks will be ignored while clear and specific statements will have to be evaluated.  You will hear more from NCBBA on this issue through our website www.NCBBAonline.com and Constant Contact for those who have given us current email addresses.  Superintendent Trimble will be scheduling public meetings and we ask that you attend and participate.

Funding for the proposed actions below would come from ORV permit fees established 

under the ORV Management Plan/EIS. While this alternative analyzes implementing all 29 proposed developments, a decision onany one of these developments would not affect potential implementation 

of the other developments. Analyzing all 29 developments provides NPS with the maximum extent of possible adverse impacts or the worst case scenario.Facilities would be implemented based 

on funding, cost, and regulatory issues with the highest priority given to construction projects  that provide access to areas of the beach that are closed to ORVs.

  Public Comment website:http://parkplanning.nps.gov/beach_access

                Mike Metzgar

North Carolina Beach Buggy Association

     Director, #5559, Life Member

          Mike.Metzgar@NCBBA.org

               Cell: 540-521-0515

........National Seashore Recreational Area.......

Here are the links and the times:

H.R. 819 :  www.naturalresources.house.gov/link/ 

Select; 1324 Longworth Bldg,  Wed 5-15 @ 10:00 am

S 486:  www.energy.senate.gov//public/  

Select;  Calendar Date May 16 @ 10:00am

Director Mike Metzgar

Upcoming hearing for US Senate Bill #486 on May 15 is at 10 am.

NCBBA membership of 4,000+ families is dependent on Senators Burr, Hagan and Manchin's abilities to us their combined powers of persuasion to muster sufficient bi-partisan support to get this critical legislation moving from Committee to the floor restoring access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

We must also reinforce the markup of House Bill 819 at their hearing this week. Contact your Congressman here!  Let them hear from you about Free and Open Beach Access at CHNSRA!

We must return Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area to the visiting public as intended in the enabling legislation. 

NPS cannot continue to manage by "Lock & Key", especially when this particular management style requires additional funding.

Senator Hagan's  bill will return the Recreational Area management to the Superintendent with local knowledge & local support while producing a savings in these times of tight budgets.

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Jim Keene

NCBBA Director and Past President

 NCBBA Members News Release ----- Act Now!

We (CHAPA, OBPA & NCBBA) have just returned from Washington, DC and visiting several US Senators and attended the subcommittee hearing for US Senate Bill 486. Now is the time for everyone to take action without delay.

Whether or not you have contacted your US Senators or the Senate committee members previously, you still need to take the time to make a difference. If you have contacted them in the past, you must reinforce your earlier comments with one more attempt to influence their position and actions.

We ask you to contact your Senators and the members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee as quickly as possible in hopes that a favorable Committee markup of S. 486 and ultimately a full Senate vote can occur without delay.

Members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee are listed at http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/members .

Contact the Senators using one or more of the following methods:

Telephone (fastest) and most effective:

Find phone number on the Senator’s website, or call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and a switchboard operator will connect you.

Email:

• Some Senators have public email addresses but most require the use of contact forms managed through their web sites. A directory of Senator email addresses does not exist, but online contact forms can be accessed using the following links.
• Web Links:

• http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm is a directory of all U.S. Senators with links provided for contact forms for each Senator.
• http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form is a contact form for the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
• U.S. Mail (slowest):

• Use the following address & Reference S. 486:

The Honorable (Name)

Energy and Natural Resources Committee (not required if addressing a senator not on the committee)

United States Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator (Name);

Articles found on www.islandfreepress.org , www.obpa.org, www.ncbba.org, and your most recent NCBBA Newsletter may help you formulate your thoughts before you communicate with the Senators. However, timing is critical since your letter will be a part of the subcommittee hearing record for S. 486 only if received prior to May 8, 2013. We ask that you quickly take action.

Thank you!

Director Jim Keene

#5680 Life Member

Cell (252) 862-6798

URGENT!!! Your action needed! Less than 24 hours left to help!

It has come to our attention that the environmental group, The Defenders of Wildlife, has activated their database of members to try and stop the building of the permanent bridge that is scheduled to replace the temporary bridge on NC HWY 12 in Pea Island at “Irene Inlet”. The project is open for public comment only until tomorrow, Thursday, March 28th 2013.

The e-mail alert urges DOW members to write NCDOT opposing the project, namely Phase IIa of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge Replacement Project. Their call to action “button” which displays photos of a Loggerhead turtle hatchling pleads to “Help Save Sea Turtles – Take Action!” which effortlessly allows the user to send a letter to NCDOT in opposition to this vital project. The Defenders of Wildlife is a primary plaintiff in the lawsuit against replacement of the Bonner Bridge, which is rated 2-100 (100 being the best rating) by engineers.

We need YOU to act RIGHT NOW to help Hatteras Island!

Please immediately copy and paste the letter below into your e-mail and send it to djoyner@ncdot.gov

**You will want to adjust the first line to describe your particular relationship to the island. Feel free to add further comments to personalize the correspondence.

Citizens Action Committee to Replace the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge Letter:

Mr. Drew Joyner
Human Environment
Section Head
NCDOT
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
djoyner@ncdot.gov

Dear Mr. Joyner,

As a (choose one of full time resident, property owner, fellow Dare County resident, concerned visitor etc), I am writing to offer my full support of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge replacement project, and the permanent bridge to replace the temporary bridge at “Irene Inlet” exactly as described in the Environmental Assessment -- namely within the existing NC 12 easement alternative as the Preferred Alternative for Phase Two (a).

I urge NCDOT to move forward as quickly as possible to secure this vital transportation link for Hatteras Island.

Thank you in advance for you action.

(Your name and address)

                Bill Smith
North Carolina Beach Buggy Association
        Director, #7126, Life Member
            Bill.Smith@NCBBA.org
           

http://www.ncbbaonline.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=phocadownloadfile&layout=edit&id=192

Newsletter

There are many exciting activities planned leading up to the 50^th Anniversary and one of the first is the expansion of the NCBBA Educational Scholarship program.

The program was approved by the NCBBA Board of Directors in 1998 providing a 4 year ($2,000) renewable scholarship for higher education to one graduating student from Cape Hatteras and Manteo High School.

• In January 2005 First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills, NC was added to the list of Dare County High Schools and became a part of the scholarship program

• In January 2010 the program was extended to NCBBA members/members children for member retraining or higher education for children in the wake of many lost jobs and a reeling national economy.

• On March 2, 2013 the NCBBA Board of Directors voted to extend the scholarship program to the Ocracoke School in Hyde County and will present one graduating student with a 4 year scholarship.

The 2013-2014 school years represents NCBBA’s 15^th consecutive year awarding $2,000 renewable scholarships for higher education. More than $50,000 has been awarded by the Association since the inception of the program. Currently 11 students are recipients of the scholarship and 4 more will be added at the NCBBA Annual Meeting and Pig Pick being held at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Center on May 25, 2013 at 1pm.

Applications for NCBBA scholarships are available from Dare and Hyde County Guidance Counselors or by contacting Director Mike Metzgar at Mike.Metzgar@NCBBA.org.

Good Morning Members.......

Barclay Trimble is now settling in Superintendent as for the Outer Banks Group of National Parks; Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. He assumed his new duties in late October, 2012.

On February 22nd, Past President, Jim Keene, Director, Harry Nash and I sat down to meet with him and Deputy Superintendent Darrell Echols in an effort to open the lines of communication between out organizations. The meeting lasted 1 ½ hours during which we explained NCBBA’s past contributions to the Seashore and the local community. We also expressed our unhappiness with the Final Rule and NPS lack of listening to of our public comments when they were requested. He listened attentively taking notes and expressed his desire to work with us.

I asked him to write an article for our Newsletter and he seemed pleased to do so. I also invited him to our Annual Meeting, but he has a prior family commitment that weekend. We left the meeting feeling it was time well spent.

Time will tell if this is true and I’ll keep you informed as we move forward.

David K. Joyner #5678

NCBBA President

david.joyner@ncbba.org

House of Representatives - WASHINGTON, D.C. –News Release

Today Congressman Walter Jones (NC-3) reintroduced H.R. 819 - the Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act.  The bill is tentatively scheduled for a hearing before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation on March 14^th.  Congressman Jones introduced the bill in the last Congress and it passed the House of Representatives, but the Senate version failed to make it out of committee.

“This bill is about jobs and the taxpayers’ right to access the recreational areas they own,” said Jones.  “It’s about restoring balance and common sense to Park Service management.  I would like to thank the Natural Resources Committee for scheduling a hearing and for doing what is right for the people of Eastern North Carolina.”  

H.R. 819 would overturn a final rule implemented by the National Park Service (NPS) in mid-February 2012, as well as the 2008 U.S. District court approved Consent Decree.  Both the Rule and the Consent Decree excessively restrict human access to the Recreational Area. 

The bill would reinstitute the Park Service’s 2007 Interim Management Strategy (IMS) to govern visitor access and species protection in the Recreational Area.  The Interim Strategy was backed up by a 113-page Biological Opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which found that it would not jeopardize the species of concern, namely piping plover and sea turtles.

For additional information, please contact Catherine Fodor in Congressman Jones’ office at (202) 225-3415.

Volunteers are Needed, for “The Saltwater Fishing Expo” sponsored by ASA at the Garden State Exhibit Center, Somerset, New Jersey. Vounteers will help man the NCBBA booth and sell merchandise. Would like to schedule 4 hour shifts. Come out and help your organization.

Friday , March 15^th, Noon-8:00 PM

Saturday, March 16^th, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sunday, March 17^th, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Contact: carol.mowers@ncbba.org

Thanks

Carol Mowers

NCBBA #10999

Membership

The rundown of all the events and winners.......

The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association’s (NCBBA) 3rd Annual Red Drum Tournament had 235 paid Anglers, comprised of: 21 Females, 35 Seniors (over 65), 11 Juniors (under 16) from 15 states competing for over $12,000.00 in cash & prizes. A total of 41 drum were caught, 32 of which qualified for the minimum 40 inch length needed for a NC Release Citations & thanks to our fine Judges & the Anglers all the Drum were released alive. Allan Maly from Dallas, TX traveled the furthest.

All proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit the Hatteras Island Hurricane Irene Relief Fund and were donated to the Methodist Men organization in Buxton, NC . The tournament raised $4,130.00 from a 50/50 and 2 donated custom built rod/reel combo raffles. One was a Rainshadow RX7 rod with Saltist reel built by NCBBA Life Member Gary Michaels. The other was a Century rod with a 7HD Daiwa reel built by Ryan White of Hatteras Jack.  Both are longtime supporters of NCBBA.

NCBBA also conducted a Toy Drive for the children on Hatteras Island during the tournament; asking everyone to make cash donations or bring an unwrapped new toy to Frank & Fran’s.  NCBBA collected a truckload of new toys and $526.00 in cash!  Junior Category winner Logan Sheriff  donated $100.00 and Mike Crew the Bluefish category winner donated $300.00 from their prize winnings to help the children.

Fishing began at 12:01 A.M. Thursday with Anglers fishing from 2.5 miles North of Ramp #23 in Salvo to .5 mile South of Ramp #38 in Avon.

Day 1 saw 10 Drum caught and 9 were over 40 inches to earn a NC Release Citation!
Matt Burleigh leads with a 50" fish and Scott Allsbrook is 2nd Place Overall with a 48" fish, Jamie Fajardo leads Day 1 Largest Red Drum with a 47.25" fish & Keith Workman is 2nd Place Day 1 with a 47"fish. Wayne Mathis leads the Largest Red Drum  by a Senior with a 40.75"fish Danny Fletcher leads the Largest Bluefish with a 16.25".George Mood leads the Largest Sea Mullet with a 1 lb. 6 oz. No Female or Junior catches during Day 1.

Day 2 featured 26 more Drum landed with 19 more citations!
Matt Burleigh leads The Largest Red Drum Overall with a 50" fish; Jr. Angler Logan Sheriff now in 2nd Place Overall with a 50". (Time of catch is the tie breaker) Scott Allsbrook leads Day 1 Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 48” Drum & Jamie Fajardo is in 2nd Place Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 47.25" fish.
Ian Gilmour leads Day 2 Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 48 ¼ “fish & Josh Lee is in 2nd Place Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 48” fish.

Day 3 started off with a bang. The first session ended with 5 more drum being caught. 40 Drum have been caught so far with a total of 31 Citations! John Ross leads Day 3 with a 49” fish & Ian Gilmour is in 2nd with 48 ¼” fish. Ian Gilmour leads the Most Caught Red Drum with 5 fish landed. Abbey Sterling (11 year old) leads the Junior Division with an 18” Puppy Drum. Bonnie Connelly leads the Female Division with a 44 ½” fish. John Ross leads the Senior Division with a 46 ¾” fish. Mike Crew has the Largest Bluefish with a 21" fish.
John Ross leads the Sea Mullet with a 1 lb. 11 oz.

No fish were caught Saturday morning from 6 A.M. to Noon & only 1 fish was caught during the final session.

The final results are:

Matt Burleigh won The Largest Overall Drum with a 50" fish;

Jr. Angler Logan Sheriff is 2nd Largest Overall Drum with a 50". (Time of catch is the tie breaker)
Scott Allsbrook won Day 1 Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 48” Drum & Jamie Fajardo is in 2nd Place Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 47.25" fish.
Ian Gilmour wins Day 2 Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 48 ¼ “fish

Josh Lee is in 2nd Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 48” fish.
John Ross won Day 3 Largest Red Drum Each Day with a 49” fish

Ian Gilmour is in 2nd Largest Red Drum Each Day with 48 ¼” fish.
Ian Gilmour caught the Most Caught Red Drum with 5 fish landed.
11 year old Abbey Sterling won the Junior Division with an 18” Puppy Drum.
Bonnie Connelly won the Female Division with a 44 ½” fish.
John Ross won the Senior Division with a 46 ¾” fish.
Mike Crew won the Largest Bluefish Division with a 21" fish.
John Ross won the Sea Mullet Division with a 1 lb. 11 oz.

Thank you all for notifying me about a glitch in our login temporary password email messages.

If you received a password message do not login as it appears our mesage was hacked. Please delete all of the messages you receive today. We are working on the problem and will communicate with you on this Home Page when the problem is resolved.

On February 10, we will reissue the temporary passwords using another method with a different subject line. We will restore the login module on the right side of the home page and hopefully resume the process without any additional problems.

Please accept my sincere apology for this inconvenience.

Director Mike Metzgar

August 24, 2012........ President Joyner reports:

"NCBBA has an approved Special Use Permit from NPS allowing ORV access on the village beaches between Ramps #23 and #38 and in the "vehicle free area" (VFA's) between Salvo and Avon. Today I received assurance from National Park Service Special Park Uses Coordinator, Steve Thompson that all non-resource closed areas will be opened for this event. We can use any area that is not a resource closure or safety closure from the Rodanthe Pier south down to the no-driving zone south of Ramp #38".

The beaches are supposed to be opened on the morning of the 24th.

Our tournament will be held as per the quote below from the NPS Final Rule page 64:

"In addition, the Superintendent may issue a special-use permit for temporary ORV use to: Allow participants in regularly scheduled fishing tournaments to drive in an area if suchtournament use was allowed in that area for that tournament before January 1, 2009....."

Time is running out for everyone to register & have your t-shirt size guaranteed for NCBBA's 4th Annual Red Drum Tournament being held October 25th -27nd, 2012. Registration at Frank & Fran's will begin at noon on Wednesday, October 24th. Fishing begins at 12:01 A.M., October 25th and continues until 4:00 P.M., October 27nd.

We hope to see you at the Tournament!!

Members  Only...........

We currently have slots open for this year's Nags Head Surf Fishing Tournament.

The tournament begins with registration on Wednesday, October 3 and runs through Saturday, October 6. NCBBA provides the registration fee & lodging for team members. Team members are responsible for their costs for bait and food. If you are interested in participating in this year's tournament, please email Bill Smith at bill.smith@ncbba.org with contact information.



Bill Smith
North Carolina Beach Buggy Association
Director, #7126, Life Member
Bill.Smith@NCBBA.org

Cell: 434-996-4291

.......if you want one in your size..........better fill out an application today! The deadline is August 31, 2012 for a guaranteed size. A small t-shirt on a 3XL body looks kinda funny.

The application is on the right side of the home page.....

CHAPA (NCBBA/OBPA).........Strongly Objects to the Court Case Transfer!

CHAPA (NCBBA/OBPA) has filed our objections to the proposed transfer of our lawsuit against DOI/NPS from the DC District Court to the Eastern NC Federal District Court.

In the preliminary hearing, Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said that he was considering the transfer of our suit to Judge Terrance Boyle in NC since he thought Boyle was already familiar with the circumstances of our lawsuit.  You can read our objections at the link below.

Director Jim Keene #5680

8-8-12 transfer of venue - chapa response.pdf

2012 Design Merchandise Sales...........

on the Shop page as Limited Edition Merchandise

IMPORTANT:

As our members and supporters you need to be are aware, Judge Sullivan held a conference with the plantiff's, defendants', and intervenors' lawyers in the CHAPA lawsuit today.

At today's telephonic status conference, after being notified of tomorrow's scheduled hearing before Judge Boyle, D.C. District Court Judge Emmet G.
Sullivan indicated his inclination to sua sponte (i.e., on his own will, without request by any party) transfer the D.C. Court litigation challenging the final CHNSRA ORV management plan and environmental impact statement "to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina as related to Case No. 2:07-CV-45-BO [Judge Terrance Boyle] in that court or otherwise."

Judge Sullivan has directed the parties, by no later than August 6, 2012, to file any objections to such transfer.

CHAPA intends to do so.

Contact the US Senators in your state today……. ask them to support

Ms. Hagan’s, Mr. Burr’s Senate Bill 2372 to restore beach access at CHNSRA.

Hi Folks.........The real facts: 74.5 miles of beach in the Seashore 20.25 miles can be accessed by pedestrian and ORV and 38.75 miles by pedestrians only.

Contact the US Senators in your state today……. ask them to support

Ms. Hagan’s, Mr. Burr’s Senate Bill 2372 to restore beach access at CHNSRA.

US Senators Burr and Hagan .....Bill # 2372 Would Restore Access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore......Call your Senators this week!

[Share This]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), along with Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), reintroduced the Preserving Public Access to Cape Hatteras Beaches Act, a bill that would reinstate the Interim Management Strategy governing off-road vehicle use on Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS). The reinstatement of the original Interim Management Strategy, issued by the National Park Service (NPS) on June 13, 2007, would set aside current mandates and requirements which were put in place in the wake of a consent decree filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina that prevent off-road vehicle (ORV) and citizen access to a significant portion of this National Seashore.

“Restricting ORV use on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has a negative impact on local communities and the local economy,” Senator Burr said.  “We must ensure that our state’s residents have access to North Carolina’s scenic treasures, and I am confident we can come to a compromise that allows people to have access while at the same time addressing any potential environmental concerns.”

If this bill is enacted, the National Park Service’s Interim Management Strategy will go into effect immediately and end upon the National Park Service establishing a long-term off-road vehicle management plan for the use of CHNS by the public.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that includes measures to restore reasonable access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

HR Bill,  #4094, introduced by Congressman Walter Jones, was approved Tuesday to reinstate the plan in place prior to the National Park Service Restrictions. The current law limits areas that you're able to drive on the beach in Hatteras. It is said to protect birds and turtles, but it actually restricts beach access for everyone.

Senate Bill #2372 will go to the Senate next week. Call your Senators .......we can create awareness and have this get a positive vote as well!

US Senators Burr and Hagan .....Bill # 2372 Would Restore Access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore......Call your Senators this week!

[Share This]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), along with Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), reintroduced the Preserving Public Access to Cape Hatteras Beaches Act, a bill that would reinstate the Interim Management Strategy governing off-road vehicle use on Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS). The reinstatement of the original Interim Management Strategy, issued by the National Park Service (NPS) on June 13, 2007, would set aside current mandates and requirements which were put in place in the wake of a consent decree filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina that prevent off-road vehicle (ORV) and citizen access to a significant portion of this National Seashore.

“Restricting ORV use on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has a negative impact on local communities and the local economy,” Senator Burr said.  “We must ensure that our state’s residents have access to North Carolina’s scenic treasures, and I am confident we can come to a compromise that allows people to have access while at the same time addressing any potential environmental concerns.”

If this bill is enacted, the National Park Service’s Interim Management Strategy will go into effect immediately and end upon the National Park Service establishing a long-term off-road vehicle management plan for the use of CHNS by the public.

Courtesy of David Scarborough, OBPA Treasurer, you will now have a copy of the latest information on beach access! He provided a line graph that shows the access available at every ramp in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

Click on the 'Current Beach Access' button on the NCBBA home page.

New graphs will be posted as access changes ........you may DOWNLOAD and PRINT the document and take it with you when coming to OBX. David will do his very best to keep us all informed as the summer progresses.

Thank you David!

CHAPA

_____________________________________________

Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance

Post Office Box 1355

Buxton, North Carolina 27920

_____________________________________________

A CALL TO ACTION!!

Urgent-The Timing is Critical!

Do This Today!

Again we solicit you to participate in the fight for renewed access to our beloved recreational area. The week of June 18, 2012 the US House of Representatives will be called to vote on H. R. 2578 "The Conservation and Economic Growth Act". This bill incorporates 14 Titles (Bills) that have already passed the Committee on Natural Resources, including H. R. 4094 - "Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act".

This will be a vote by all members of the House of Representatives, you need to call your representative before this critical vote occurs and request an affirmative vote on this important legislation. We are asking for telephone calls since letters going thru the normal screening processes may not reach your representative in time to solicit his/her vote. Although you will probably be speaking to an aid, your call will be noted and passed on to your representative. Have your friends and family participate, forward this message to your mailing list and post it on your facebook.

A Small Victory for the good guys!!!

I was thrilled to view the action taken this AM (Thursday June 7, 2012) by the House Natural Resources Committee.  By a vote of 24 of 17 the committee cleared HR 4094 (Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area Act) to go to the House floor for vote.  It is unlikely that the bill will go to vote as a stand-alone action but now it is ready to become an attachment or part of an omnibus bill.   Our thanks have been extended to Congressman Jones and the staff that accomplished this to the benefit of both the local residents and visitors to Cape Hatteras.

We know there is still a long way to go but this is the most progress made to date in our continuing effort to restore sanity to the management of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  Please continue to stay in touch with your representatives and express your thanks to Congressman Walter Jones, your Representatives and Congressman Rob Bishop (R-Utah 1st, Chairman Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests & Public Lands) for his support & presentation.

Do not let up, this is but a skirmish in a continuing battle, the first step toward a just settlement that will only be reached by your relentless pressure on both the House of Representatives and the Senate (S-2372).

Jim Keene,

Past President

BEACH CLOSURES:

THE SKINNY ON HATTERAS AND OCRACOKE

By Rick Neumann

“There’s Alabama, I said to Sylvia, spying the white and red license plate on the minivan careening past us along US 95. I never outgrew the age-old childhood habit of counting state license plates on a road trip. We were headed down to Hatteras Island for Spring Break in early April. Typically, over about twenty years, I like to kick off a new fishing season on Hatteras at this time, as the water has warmed sufficiently to coax game fish back into the surf zone to feed. We have never accrued less than forty states out of fifty on the way down. We were already to Rodanthe. The number felt weak to me, so I asked her what the count was. “Uh oh. Looks like only 23 so far”. “We’ll find ten more when we get to Avon and down at the Lighthouse”, I said. Something didn’t feel right as we pulled into the parking lot of Avon Motel and Cottages. There was one lone Jeep in the huge lot. Normally, during Spring Break, the Avon Motel would be abuzz with the activity of dozens of fishermen and beach vacationers. We already had had a jolt while crossing the Bonner Bridge onto Hatteras Island, seeing the ever popular inlet beach totally void of beach vehicles and people on a beautiful pre-summer day.

THE ISSUE: We were not there to fish on this trip. We were there primarily to raise funds to help the legal actions to reverse the NPS/AUDUBON 2008 Consent Decree that forced the closing of huge sections of beach from the northern tip of Hatteras to the south end of Ocracoke. If you detect an angry edge in this piece, you are correct. I am certain that the policies of these dictatorial agencies are heavy-handed, draconian, and without discernible benefit to the birds and turtles they claim to want to protect.

As of Easter, over 70% of the beaches were closed to ORV/Pedestrian access. The reason? To allegedly protect a scant few piping plovers, turtles, and oyster catchers (not threatened or endangered.) OBPA (Outer Banks Preservation Association) President John Couch states that “it is likely that by Memorial Day, there will be less than ten miles of beach access out of seventy available to the taxpayers who own the beaches!”

WHAT THE LOCALS ARE SAYING: Bea, the manager of Avon Motel says simply that her regular visitors have told her that they can’t afford the new steep fees, especially when beach access is so limited. Their reservation rate for this time of year is down 50%. This trend began immediately after the Feb 2008 Consent Decree was rammed into law, deep sixing the rational Interim Plan. In February of this year, the NPS Final Rule took effect, which, John Couch states, “essentially has taken the nation’s first national seashore designated by Congress to be a “recreational area”, and turned it into a wildlife refuge without congressional authorization.” Beach goers at Cape Hatteras have benefitted from open access since before the Seashore was established. Now, for most beach visitors, beaches closed to ORV are de facto closed to pedestrians too, without the means to transport family, children, elderly, and gear. Couch continues, saying that there is a faulty image of dune buggies racing down the beaches, jumping dunes, etc.” As an outdoor writer and ORV fisherman here for twenty years, I concur with John. I know the vast majority of the beach driving fraternity are compulsive protectors of the beach ecosystem, responsible, and go by the rules.

Frank Folb is the longtime owner of mainstay tackle shop FRANK AND FRAN’S in Avon. Frank, a major voice for reason on the closures issue says, simply: “My business dropped immediately by 20% in 2008. I’m off even more now. My shop is my retirement. I had hoped to retire at some point, maybe keep it in the family, or rent back.” The closures are making that difficult, at best, for Frank.

Bob Eakes, like Frank Folb, has his own iconic Hatteras tackle shop RED DRUM TACKLE, in Buxton, just a little south of Avon. His business is off 55% since 2007, and has reduced his staff from ten to three. Bob was told, by NPS bureaucrats that he was “young enough to find a new line of work!” Bob explains, exasperated, “this is what I do! It’s what I know! I know bait and tackle! I have a child to put through school!”

LEGISLATION: Since I live just outside of Washington, DC, I made certain to attend the hearing on House of Representatives Bill 4094 sponsored by Rep Walter Jones (R-NC) on April 27. In a nutshell, HR 4094 will: replace the destructive Final Rule of Feb 2012, with the Interim Plan (vetted in 2007) temporarily.* It will restore much of the access and recreational opportunities that have been summarily taken away from the taxpayers who own it,, while continuing to protect the Seashore’s wildlife and natural resources. S-2372 is a sister bill sponsored by North Carolina’s Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan. The Senate version largely echoes the House Bill 4094, stressing discarding the Final Rule, and re-installing the 2007 Interim Plan.

Warren Judge is the Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners. He is at the forefront of the outrage that many local businessmen are feeling, across the board, Judge points out correctly that “the small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Tourism drives this economy” He and Couch agree: “No visitors, No business!” This bill is nothing more than a flawed attempt to protect the piping plover and oyster catcher! Manage the resource! Don’t close it!” Judge and Couch both testified at the hearing on House bill 4094.

A note: Getting these bills out of committee is a tall order, given the current politics in Washington, DC. Those politicians who prefer over-regulation have employed tactics that can bury a bill so it won’t even come up for a vote.

Rep. Walter Jones was forceful and direct in describing his outrage in his testimony at the hearing. He made the blunt point about the draconian nature of these closures, stating at one point: “If it looks wrong and it smells wrong, then it is wrong!” In summation, Jones went even further: “Mr. Chairman, extremism like this will ruin this country!”

Jeffrey Golding is an Islander who is knee-deep in the specifics and minutia of what the folks on Hatteras Island are being force-fed by the NPS/AUDUBON groups. In trying to explain in layman’s terms the actual size of piping plover “buffer zones”, Golding states:” The 1000 meter buffer-in all directions could fit in 31.5 Lighthouses laying down! Or 750 football fields! The entire village of Ocracoke could fit into a plover closure with room to spare! All this for a scant few birds the size of a ping pong ball on toothpicks.” What the NPS doesn’t want us to know is that in their wild-eyed fervor to protect a minute number of plovers, they routinely kill raccoons, opossums, foxes, cats, muskrats, otters and dogs. This is often done under the cover of night, where only NPS vehicles are allowed, of course. The NPS is apparently unconcerned with altering the natural predation that has existed for years in the coastal ecosystem here.

THE PERMITS: By the Final Rule of Feb 2012, visitors and residents now have to pay $50 for a one week permit. There is a fee of $120 for a year’s permit, but it only counts for that calendar year. If you come to the Beach in July, the cost becomes $120 for 5 months, not twelve. THERE IS NO ONE OR TWO DAY PERMIT! Many visitors that I spoke with are aghast at the ruination of a once thriving coastal wonderland. Don from Manassas Va. Said: “I come down here to the beach to get away from politics and regulations. To see this happening here, of all places, is simply sickening!”

There are only so many grains of sand in left in the Beach Access hourglass. If you, the readers, want to assist the effort to restore a sane, balanced beach policy on Hatteras and Ocracoke, call your Congressman now. Time is critical.

IN CLOSING: I asked two-term US Senator from Oregon, Gordon Smith, to weigh in on this issue, given his record of fighting against extreme activism that hurts the people:

“In my 16 years as an elected official in the environmentally sensitive state of Oregon, I participated in many efforts to balance our environmental and human stewardships. Proposals that exalted one stewardship to the TOTAL exclusion of the other-environment over human, or vice versa- were always too extreme and resulted in bad public policy, lacking in public support. Public lands that are completely off limits to the public, are, by definition, WRONG!

OBPA (Outer Banks Preservation Association)

CHAPA (Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance)

NCBBA (North Carolina Beach Buggy Association)

NPS (National Park Service)

We apologize!!.......The Pig Pickin' Ticket

request was not in the Newsletter.....

Please print and mail this one>>>>

Pig Pickin’ Ticket

Request

Annual Meeting

Saturday May 26, 2012, 1pm

Rodanthe–Waves–Salvo, NC Community Center

Print Name: _______________________________

Tickets will not be mailed and will be available at the

door. NCBBA #_________. Adults $17 in advance

or $20 at the door. Children $8 in advance or $10 at

the door.

# of Adult:_________# of Children____________

Mail a check with this request for $_______

to: NCBBA, PO Box 189, Nags Head, NC 27959

April 26: The hearing will be broadcast live through the House Natural Resources Committee website on April 27, 2012 at 9am.Live Hearing for HR 4094

Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4094 and Oversight Hearing on "Access Denied: Turning Away Visitors to National Parks"

“This is about jobs, it’s about taxpayers’ right to access the recreational areas they own, and it’s about restoring balance and common sense to Park Service management.”

“I am very pleased that the National Parks Subcommittee has agreed to take up this bill,” said Congressman Jones.  “This is an urgent situation.  The access restrictions mandated by the National Park Service’s final rule are significantly impacting the Hatteras Island economy and are totally unnecessary to protect wildlife.  This is about jobs, it’s about taxpayers’ right to access the recreational areas they own, and it’s about restoring balance and common sense to Park Service management.”

H.R. 4094 would overturn a final rule implemented by the National Park Service (NPS) in mid-February, as well as the 2008 U.S. District court approved Consent Decree.  Both the Rule and the Consent Decree excessively restrict human access to the Recreational Area.  The bill would reinstitute the Park Service’s 2007 Interim Management Strategy (IMS) to govern visitor access and species protection in the Recreational Area.  The Interim Strategy was backed up by a 113-page Biological Opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which found that it would not jeopardize the species of concern, namely piping plover and sea turtles.

For additional information, please contact Catherine Fodor in Congressman Jones’ office at (202) 225-3415.

Friday, April 27, 2012 9:00 AM

Add to my calendar

SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS, FORESTS AND PUBLIC LANDS
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Friday, April 27, 2012
9:00 a.m.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON:

• H. R. 4094 (W. Jones), To authorize pedestrian and motorized vehicular access in Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, and for other purposes. "Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act"

AND OVERSIGHT HEARING ON:

• "Access Denied: Turning Away Visitors to National Parks"

WITNESSES AND TESTIMONY:

Panel I

Witnesses are by invitation only. A witness list will be made available once it is confirmed.

BACKGROUND:

The National Park Service is pushing a new management plan at Biscayne National Park that will eliminate access to over 10,000 acres of sport fishing waters and dissuade visitation to other areas of the park. Fishing is an important economic activity that draws tourists and provides locals with an excellent outdoor recreational opportunity. Access to Cape Hatteras National Recreational Area has been severely limited by Park Service management and environmental lawsuits under the guise of species protection. Not only have vehicles been restricted from areas traditionally available, but in some areas pedestrian access was eliminated as well. Due to severe enforcement under the current management plan, local business have seen 50% declines and 19 families were recently put at risk when the Park Service denied access to a stretch of beach needed to retreat from the rising tides.

Related Files:

• Subcommittee Hearing Notice - April 19, 2012

Click on the link below or paste it to your browser and let the VA Pilot know  your feelings on the Access Fees at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area..........

http://hamptonroads.com/polls/how-do-you-feel-about-fees-50-weekly-or-120-year-vehicle-drive-cape-hatteras-national-seashore

Win a Guitar Autographed by Willie Nelson

Here is your chance to win a guitar autographed by Willie Nelson with a certificate of authenticity. NCBBA Members Danny Fletcher #13769 and wife Wanda #14418 donated the guitar to help raise money for our legal defense fund.

Tickets are now available for purchase on the website (www.ncbba.org) at the Music Festival in Buxton on May 5, 2012 and also at the Annual Meeting/Pig Pic on May 26, 2012 which is where the drawing will be held. You don’t have to be present to win.

Tickets cost: $5.00 each, 5 for $20.00, 15 for $50.00 and 35 for $100.00.

Purchase your tickets at www.ncbba.org to support ‘Free and Open Beach Access’.

NCBBA will exhibit at the Music Festival...........Come see us!!!

Casting Seminar

Ryan White, Owner of Hatteras Jack Bait and Tackle Shop in Rodanthe, NC and Distance Casting instructor will again provide a casting seminar on May 27, 2012. This NCBBA sponsored event will be held at the Salvo, NC Day Use Area from 9 am to Noon. We are limited to the first 50 people that register so do so soon! Proceeds will benefit the NCBBA Legal Fund for Access.

Donation is $25 for adults and $15 for Junior under 16 years of age. Your fee may be purchased by Credit Card or Paypalby cicking on the button on the right side of the NCBBA website home page.

If you have questions contact NCBBA Secretary at Dottie.Broadbent@ncbba.org.

The location is the Salvo Day Use area in Salvo, NC on Sunday May 27 at 9am.

The NPS final Rule designates VFA (Vehicle Free Areas) ......

.........this sign makes it look like a PFA (People Free Area)!!

" Leave no footprints behind. Walk in water where footprints wash away"

***************************************************************************************

I cannot believe that these signs were conceived of and produced as a product of rational thinking.

I am convinced that this signage closes the "Pedestrian Only" areas to families with small children who must walk on the moist sand but out of the wave action and to all persons with walking handicaps.  If this is not the case, please post some type of explanation that is understandable to the visiting public.

What has happened to the NPS mantra of "Take only pictures and leave only footprints"?

Perhaps you would like to know the answers to this question as well.......

Contact: mike_murray@nps.gov

Director Jim Keene

North Carolina Beach Buggy Association

It's time to "CRANK IT UP!"on our issues at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area and make sure our Congressmen and Congresswomen support Mr. Jones Bill #4094!

Write them today!!

You'll need you zip code so use this one from the US Postal Service: https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction!input.action

When you're done use either of these links  to find your US Congress Representative:

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

http://www.opencongress.org/people/representatives

PRESS RELEASE

February 28, 2012

NC Congressman Jones Introduces HR Bill #4094 to Restore Access to theCape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area

North Carolina Congressman Walter B. Jones today introduced House Bill _#4094_ to preserve pedestrian and motorized vehicular access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Access to the seashore is now severely limited with the implementation of the long-awaited Final Rule from the National Park Service, which went into effect on February 15, 2012. The controversial rule was issued by the Park Service in spite of an outpouring of public comments in support of reasonable recreational access.

House Bill _#4094_ follows a lawsuit that has been filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA), a grassroots project initiated by the Outer Banks Preservation Association committed to balancing recreational access with resource management. For over thirty years, CHAPA has worked to maintain the seashore as intended by Congress when the first National Seashore Recreational Area was established. Preserving the traditional and cultural values of the seashore has been a fundamental principle of the group, which represents people throughout the United States.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area has been a popular destination for American families seeking affordable, family oriented beach vacation. Under the Final Rule access to some of the most popular areas is no longer available. This has restricted access for many, including the disabled and elderly, and caused financial harm to the communities surrounding the seashore.

Jim Keene, a Director of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association emphasized the importance of people getting involved throughout the United States. He explained, “The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area is controlled by Congress. That is why it is vital that people everyone contact their elected leaders in Washington now and ask them to support House Bill _#4094___.

Contacts:

For more information go to

www.obpa.org or www.ncbba.org

###

The Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA) is a project of the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA), which is dedicated to preserving and protecting a lifestyle historically prevalent on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and specifically at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA).With over 10,000 active members (representing over 38 states and Canada), OBPA and CHAPA work to protect and preserve local beaches within a framework of free and open beach access for all users, including properly licensed drivers and vehicles.

Larry Hardham, President of the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, is presenting a check to Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (C.H.A.P.A.) in the amount of $5,000. Accepting the check for C.H.A.P.A. is Treasurer David Scarborough. This check brings the club’s donations to C.H.A.P.A. to just under $16,000.00 over the last two years.

The Cape Hatteras Anglers Club supports the C.H.A.P.A. lawsuit filed against the NPS regarding the “Final ORV Rule”. The Anglers Club has always supported free and open beaches at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. The club is frustrated with the National Park Service’s lack of response to the public’s comments in the development of the “Final ORV Rule”. The club also believes that proposed resource closures are excessive and will have an adverse effect on the economy here on the Outer Banks without increasing bird or sea turtle reproductive rates.

Follow this link to read about the Surfing Community as they show their displeasure with the recent NPS Final Rule.

http://espn.go.com/action/surfing/blog/_/post/7577679/hatteras-beach-driving-restrictions

A Message to the Membership

In March, 2010 I addressed the membership regarding NCBBA’s & CHAPA’s lack of open communication regarding the FEIS (Final Environmental Impact Study). I find myself in the same situation now that the National Park Service released the ORV Final Rule on January 20^th. The fight for reasonable vehicular beach access has entered a dark new chapter now that the final rule is out and the outrageously priced hard to obtain permit structure has also been made public. NCBBA faces many challenges in dealing with this plan. Very little changes were made from the FEIS to the Final Rule.

The public comments were virtually ignored. The Final Rule is 82 pages long. 59 of which explain why your comments were ignored. How the National Park Service sees the future of vehicular beach access is far different than how the NCBBA Board of Directors (BOD) and membership sees it.

The membership has questioned NCBBA's silence over the last 3 weeks and rightfully so. The Final Rule has now been released and I as NCBBA President have yet to make an official statement. The BOD understands that you want to know what the future holds. I want to assure you that much is being done in trying to determine the best avenue that will give us the best chance for success with the funds we have available. The decisions currently facing this board are difficult and require a great deal of research and contemplation. We are at a delicate final stage in this struggle and there is no room for error. On the surface, it may look like NCBBA isn't busy and has given up, but that couldn't be further from the truth. We (Past President Jim Keene & I) are working all avenues looking for the correct course of action. We are currently engaged in sensitive discussions with our legal team. We need to make correct decisions, not quick ones. This is not TV where legal proceedings take place overnight. Unfortunately, we are unable to wage this war in public. It would be a poor strategy to let our opponents know what we are doing before we do it. We will not expose sensitive, current actions.

We are being frugal with your donations and membership fees by doing most of the legwork ourselves with Jim Keene and a small group of dedicated CHAPA volunteers.  Legal fees are expensive, usually around $550 an hour.  With the NCBBA annual memberships running $25 and renewals $20 per year, the bank account can be drained quickly if we aren't careful. Several of you have been generous with donations and we hope this will continue.  Your BOD will spend every dollar NCBBA has to fight this travesty, but we will not spend it foolishly.

As your President, I ask for your trust and support.  Now more than ever all access minded individuals need to stand together. This is not the time for finger pointing, second guessing or throwing in the towel. (This is why I made the decision to run again for President.) We are all working hard for access. When the time is right, our course of action will be made public.  The NCBBA BOD and CHAPA volunteers are working very hard to protect what we believe is rightfully ours.

Sincerely,

David K. Joyner
NCBBA President

president@ncbba.org

Where has Audubon been?  Where have the Defenders of Wildlife (DOW) been?  Where has the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) been?  They were all here in great numbers when the NC DOT and Dare County were being sued or threatened with lawsuits.  They were all here when the National Park Service and Department of Interior were being sued.  They will be back again to file suit or threaten to sue all of the above before permanent repairs to Route 12 are made, before the new bridge to Hatteras Island is built and when NPS releases the ORV Driving Rule for Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

In the mean time we all suffered thru Hurricane Irene and are only now returning to some semblance of order.  This return towards normalcy has been achieved through the hard work of many individuals, organizations and governmental agencies.  Where have the above litigants been?  Has anyone received an offer of help from The Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife or The Southern Environmental Law Center? Businesses and organizations have raise thousands of dollars to help those in need as a result of Irene and stand to do the same the next time disaster strikes.

When it became clearly evident that financial aid was needed the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association immediately raised $14,115 from their members and made a donation to Outer Banks Charitable Foundation.  A previously scheduled NCBBA October fishing tournament had ALL of its proceeds dedicated to relief organizations; entry fees, raffles, door prizes and winners donating their rewards made up additional donations:  $876 to Locomotion in Buxton & $13,217 to the Methodist Men of Hatteras Island.  Yes, I am thanking the NCBBA for their efforts in raising donations exceeding $28,000 but I am also asking where Audubon, DOW & SELC were?  These three organizations have assets exceeding $315,000,000 yes $315 million (re; Charitablenavigator.org).  I have seen no mention of a single donation or offer of help from any of these wealthy organizations.

Do you miss them?...... fear not they will be back, in person and in the mail requesting donations from the same people they have ignored and whose businesses they are destroying.  Please give careful consideration to whom you give donations.  Make sure you agree with how they spend your donation and do not just give because they produce a pretty brochure and make a tearful plea for your money.

Sincerely,

Jim Keene,

PO Box 1615,

Nags Head, NC   2795252-862-6798

As promised, I will do my best to keep the membership updated on fishing news here and in the Virginia area and Virginia seems to be where the stripers are and may well stay.  There was an unconfirmed (by me) report on an angler out of Oregon Inlet catching two stripers in the ocean off from the Wright Brothers Memorial last week and that is the only North Carolina report I have heard of.  There have been a few blow toads caught on the south beaches from Cape Point to Frisco, but that's it locally.

Stripers are still being caught of Virginia Beach between Fort Story at the north end of Virginia Beach and the southern tip of the eastern shore, Fisherman's Island.  There have been days where over a dozen citations have been caught.  I had the pleasure of going last week when the temperature hit 72 degrees.  Sad to say, with a captain, mate and six anglers we caught just one fish.  The day before, they caught nearly thirty-five!  But other boats did no better.  I heard of only two other fish being caught on two different boats.  So even in Virginia, it can be hit or miss.  Hump back whales put on a huge show, with several broaching quite near fishing boats, causing quite a splash as well.

North Carolina anglers can trailer a boat up and put in at Owl Creek  by the Virginia Marine Science Center, but do this on weekdays.   Weekends it is a zoo and you may well have to pack across General Booth Boulevard at Camp Pendleton .  To leave from Oregon Inlet and go up the coast is just plain too much boat riding and not worth the trip, especially if it's an off day.

Best bet would be to charter a boat at either the Virginia Beach Fishing Center or Rudee Inlet.  I fished on the Big Bull captained by Gary Bullman (252) 202-0439, and other good choices include Capt.  Devon Cage on the Poacher (252) 473 0700 and Captain Aaron Kelly on the Rock Solid (252) 202-6046.  Rather than the expense of hauling your own boat up and back, the cost of Virginia licenses and the pain of launching, makes sense to get several friends together a book a charter.

Tight lines and send us your stories and photos.

Email :FishingNews@ncbba.org

The National Park Service (NPS) has developed an off-road vehicle (ORV) management plan and special regulation to preserve the unique plants and wildlife of this dynamic barrier island ecosystem while permitting the use of vehicles on designated ORV routes. The ORV management plan and special regulation go into effect on February 15, 2012. This FAQ will help you understand changes you need to know and how to get your ORV permit.

1. What is an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV)?

An ORV is any motor vehicle used off of paved park roads; such vehicles must comply with the vehicle and equipment requirements established by the park’s ORV management plan and special regulation, and use designated ORV routes. Any vehicle that does not comply is not authorized for use off of park roads. ATV’s, UTV’s, and motorcycles are not allowed on park beaches.

2. Do I need a permit to use a vehicle off road at the seashore?

Yes. An ORV permit is required.

3. What are the ORV permit options?

There are two types of permits: 7-day/$50 permits (valid from the date issued) and annual/$120 permits (valid for the calendar year).

4. Where do I get my ORV permit?

Starting Feb 15, 2012, you can get your permit at any of NPS ORV permit offices located at:

• Bodie Island at the north end of the Coquina Beach parking lot (8101 NC 12 Highway, Nags Head, NC);

• Hatteras Island by the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (46368 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC); and
• Ocracoke Island by the NPS visitor center (40 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke, NC).

Permit offices are open year-round, 7 days a week, 8 am–4:30 pm (closed Christmas Day). Hours will be extended on weekends and holidays during the summer season.

5. How do I get an ORV permit?

1) Go to one of the permit offi ces listed above--you must bring your driver’s license and vehicle registration with you; 2) Fill in the permit form and view a 7-minute educational video; 3) Sign the permit to acknowledge that you understand and agree to abide by the ORV use rules at the park; and 4) Pay the permit fee.

Once this is done, you will be given a permit and a “proof-of-permit”. The proof-of-permit is a color-coded windshield sticker (for annual permits) or a hang tag for your rear-view mirror (for 7-day permits). The proof-of-permit must be displayed on your vehicle during off -road driving.

6. Are there any specific permit requirements for my vehicle?

Yes. To get an ORV permit your vehicle must:

• Be registered, licensed, and insured for highway use and comply with inspection requirements for the state, country, or province where the vehicle is registered;
• Have no more than two axles and have tires that are listed or approved

by the U.S. Department of Transportation as described at: www.safercar.gov/ Vehicle+Shoppers/Tires/Tires+Rating/ Passenger+Vehicles; and

• Have a low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack, and jack support board.

Other equipment that is recommended, but not required, is a full-sized spare tire, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, trash bag or container, flashlight (if night driving), and tow strap.

7. Is there a limit to the number of ORV permits available?

No. There is no limit to the number of permits available.

8. Where can I get a map of the designated ORV routes?

You can pick up an ORV route map when you get your permit. You can also get this map from the park website (www.nps.gov/ caha), any park visitor center, or any Outer Banks Visitors Bureau welcome centers.

9. Does the ORV permit guarantee that all ORV routes will be open for me to use?

No. There are several reasons that parts of ORV routes may be closed to ORV use:

• There are seasonal closures along certain routes from Apr. 1–Oct. 31. These are shown on the ORV route map;
• Routes may be temporarily closed if the carrying capacity is reached;
• Routes may be temporarily closed if there is a specific need for resource protection; and
• Routes may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.

All closures are clearly signed.

February 2012

10. How does the carrying capacity work?

The maximum number of vehicles allowed on any ORV route at one time is, basically, the length of the route that is open divided by 20 feet (6 meters). This, in essence, allows vehicles to park side-byside, one row deep, as long as there is still room on the beach for two-way ORV traffic to pass behind parked vehicles safely. The carrying capacity prevents overcrowding and best provides for safety and visitor experience. In recent years, such closures have only occurred on the Bodie Island spit for several hours, once or twice a year--and there were still many miles of beach open for ORV use elsewhere on the seashore.

11. Several of my family members have ORVs. Do we need to get a permit for each vehicle?

Yes. You must get a permit for each vehicle.

12. Can family members or friends use my vehicle on the beach if I have an ORV permit for it?

Yes. The person driving the ORV permit-vehicle must have a valid state motor vehicle driver’s license. The ORV permit must be in the vehicle and the proof-of-permit properly displayed. You should carefully review the regulations printed on the ORV permit with any person you let operate the vehicle. Your ORV permit can be revoked if they violate these regulations.

13. I plan to rent or lease an ORV during my vacation. How does the permit work with that?

In general, the person renting or leasing the vehicle should be the one applying for the ORV permit. Businesses that rent vehicles specifically for beach driving may obtain annual ORV permits for their fl eet of rental vehicles and allow renters to use the permitted vehicles. The operator of the vehicle, whoever that may be, must obey the ORV regulations. The business-owned permit can be revoked if a customer violates the regulations.

14. Can I drive my two-wheel-drive vehicle on ORV routes?

Yes. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended however, two-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed if, in your judgment, the vehicle is capable of off-road use in deep, soft sand.

15. What about tire pressure? What if my vehicle gets stuck on the beach?

When driving on ORV routes, tire pressure must be lowered in order to keep adequate traction within the posted speed limit. Tire pressure of 20 psi is recommended for most vehicles. The softer the sand, the lower the pressure needed. Reinflate tires to normal pressure as soon as possible after you return to paved roads. If you get stuck and cannot get your vehicle out, your best bet is to call a commercial towing service. NPS rangers are not allowed to pull or tow your vehicle.

16. Can I tow a boat or utility trailer with my vehicle on ORV routes?

Yes. Towed boat and utility trailers with one or two axles are allowed. Trailers with more than two axles are prohibited.

17. Can I tow a travel or camping trailer (a trailer with sleeping and/or restroom facilities) on ORV routes?

No. Travel or camping trailers are prohibited on ORV routes. If you camp in the park, you must use one of the park’s designated campgrounds.

18. What is the speed limit on ORV routes?

The speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.

19. What are right-of-way rules I need to know?

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians and move to the landward side of the beach when approaching or passing a pedestrian. When traveling within 100 feet of pedestrians, ORVs must slow to 5 mph.

20. Can I drive on ORV routes at night?

Yes, but there are some seasonal restrictions:

• Nov 16-Apr 30, ORV routes are open to night driving 24 hrs a day;
• May 1–Sept 14, ORV routes on ocean beaches are closed to ORVs from 9 pm to 7 am to protect nesting sea turtles; and
• Sept 15-Nov 15, ORV routes will reopen when there are no turtle nests remaining on that route or portion of route. Maps showing ORV routes that have reopened to night driving will be available at ORV permit offices, the NPS Outer Banks Group Headquarters Offi ce (1401 National Park Road, Manteo, NC), and on the park website.

21. Can I leave my ORV parked on the beach if I don’t drive it between 9 pm and 7 am during the seasons that night-driving restrictions are in eff ect?

No. During the restricted seasons, all vehicles are prohibited on ocean beaches.

22. Is a separate permit required for night driving?

No. You only need your ORV permit.

23. Why I do sometimes see ORVs in areas closed to ORVs?

In addition to NPS vehicles being used by NPS employees to conduct approved management activities and emergency response vehicles, the NPS allows ORV use in certain areas closed to ORVs only for very specific purposes, this includes:

• Participants in regularly scheduled fi shing tournaments if such tournament use was allowed in that area for that tournament before January 1, 2009.
• The use of special-permitted ORVs to transport mobility-impaired individuals to a predetermined location in a beach area in front of a village that is not otherwise open to ORV use. Contact 252-473-2111, ext. 121, for more information about this mobility-impaired transport permit.
• Commercial fishermen with a NPS commercial fishing permit when activly commerical fishing--as long as a beach is not a resource closure or a lifeguarded beach. Also, commercial fishermen can drive on the beach at 5 am on days when night driving restrictions are in effect for the general public if they are actively engaged in authorized commercial fi shing activity and able to present a fi sh-house receipt from the previous 30 days.

24. Can I have a fire on the beach?

Yes, but a free Beach Fire Permit is required. Beach fires are allowed from May 1-Nov 15 only on the ocean beaches in front of Coquina Beach; the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras; and the Ocracoke Day Use Area. Fires are prohibited from 10 pm to 6 am year-round. You can get a Beach Fire Permit at ORV permit offices, park campgrounds, and visitor centers.

25. Are pets allowed on the beach?

Yes, but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pets are prohibited within any resource protection closure or on the beach adjacent to pre-nesting closures.

For more information, call 252-473-2111 or visit the park website at: http://www. nps.gov/caha.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Dear Mr. Hampton, (VA Pilot Reporter)

You article and quotes appear to give great credence to the real destroyers of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (this is the true name of America’s first seashore).  Did their lawsuits really save the endangered species that visit our seashore, why don’t they ever publish complete facts when quoting statistics.  I truly believe that the prime objective was the further fattening of the bank accounts of the lawyers they support with their continuing lawsuits.

Where has Audubon been?  Where has Defenders of Wildlife (DOW) been?  Where has Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) been?  They were all here in great numbers when the NC DOT and Dare County were being sued or threatened with lawsuits.  They were all here when the National Park Service and Department of Interior were being sued.  They will be back again to file suit or threaten to sue all of the above before permanent repairs to route 12 are made, before the new bridge to Hatteras Island is built and when NPS releases the ORV Driving Rule for Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

In the mean time we all suffered thru Hurricane Irene and are only now returning to some semblance of order.  This return towards normalcy has been achieved through the hard work of many individuals, organizations and governmental agencies.  Where have the above litigants been?  Has anyone received an offer of help from The Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife or The Southern Environmental Law Center?  Businesses and organizations have raise thousands of dollars to help those in need as a result of Irene and stand to do the same the next time disaster strikes. 

When it became clearly evident that financial aid was needed the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association immediately raised $14,115 from their members and made a donation to Outer Banks Charitable Foundation.  A previously scheduled NCBBA October fishing tournament had ALL of its proceeds dedicated to relief organizations; entry fees, raffles, door prizes and winners donating their rewards made up additional donations:  $876 to Locomotion in Buxton & $13,217 to the Methodist Men of Hatteras Island.  Yes, I am thanking the NCBBA for their efforts in raising donations exceeding $28,000 but I am also asking where Audubon, DOW & SELC were?  These three organizations have assets exceeding $315,000,000 yes $315 million (re; Charitablenavigator.org).  I have seen no mention of a single donation or offer of help from any of these wealthy organizations.

Do you miss them; fear not they will be back, in person and in the mail requesting donations from the same people they have ignored and whose businesses they are destroying.  Please give careful consideration to whom you give donations.  Make sure you agree with how they spend your donation and do not just give because they produce a pretty brochure and make a tearful plea for your money.

Sincerely,

Jim Keene,

PO Box 1615,

Nags Head, NC   27959

252-862-6798

January 20, 2012

Dear Mr. Hampton,

I take this opportunity to send some of my thoughts concerning subject article.(VA Pilot)  I found it interesting that the article started out informing your readers of the forthcoming fees facing those folks that wish to continue driving on the beach to reach their favorite bathing, fishing and surfing spots. You referred to "locals", which struck me, as the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association has over 4,300 active members covering 44 states in this country. I think you would agree that that alone indicates concern of more than just locals.

It did not take long for you to give the floor to Mr. Rylander (from the Southern Environmental Law Center) who proceeded to provide you with some very detailed statistics (Best Available Science). Did you not think it strange that he quoted the years of 2002/2004/2010 & 2011?  Did you wonder what happened to all those years in between? He stated that no Piping Plover chicks survived to fly in 2004. Now, I ask you what that implies? If you will check the NPS release of Friday, you will note that it notes that there is no record of any Plover deaths attributed to ORV activity and only one turtle death, which occurred this past year while the beaches were closed to night driving. No one knows who was responsible. No one except NPS personnel were allowed on the beach, Legally that is. Now I am not going to point a finger on this one but, many did and it was at the ORV community.

You did, then include, interviews from some of the local affected residents and businesses and I am appreciative of that. The NPS says the effect on them is not significant enough to require certain studies  because the effect on the community is less than 100 million dollars. Not sure I am stating this properly but it's close. I don't know about you in the newspaper business, but I about fell out of my chair on that one. Our government sure looks at things differently than I do. But that really doesn't matter at this point of the article because Mr. Rylander has already set the stage for your article and it sure does not sound good for the People, especially the "Four wheel drive enthusiasts" which makes up the membership of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association. I am not sure what a four wheel drive enthusiast is. I believe there are hundreds of Hampton Roads residents that are both NCBBA members and Virginian Pilot Subscribers, that wouldn't know either.

I would prefer that you think of us as people, just like you, that enjoy fishing and other activities on the beach and utilize four wheel drive vehicles to reach the desirable stretches of beach to partake of these activities. We are enthusiastic, very enthusiastic about what we do. Along with the fishing, we regularly clean the highway and beaches. We believe deeply in conservation and we do our very best to support everything in the best interest of the OBX and all it's inhabitants. Why would anyone not want to do this.

You don't know me and I don't know you, wish I did. I delivered the Pilot 55 years ago, my Father before me and my Son after me. Mr. Story, who recently passed away, was my route manager. I Feel like the Pilot is part of my family. The last thing I want is for anything to change that. I read your stuff and hope you will read mine. Might make me feel a little better. This has been a long battle and feelings run deep. Maybe we will bump into each other sometime. I would like that.

In the event someone else was primarily responsible for the article, I apologize for venting in your direction. Feel free to pass this on if you like. I do not expect a response. Just had to write it.

Respectfully,