Dewey and Mary Parr Request Your Prayers concerning beach driving and walking

Dare County Adopts a Preserve Our Beach Access Campaign

Dare County Adopts a Preserve Our Beach Access Campaign

We commend Warren Judge, Chairman, and the Commissioners of Dare County for adopting a Save Our Beaches Campaign.

We further commend Carolyn McCormick, Director, and members of the Dare County Tourist Board for providing a grant of $80,000.00 to make this important venture possible.

The County has hired Gary Gross to coordinate the campaign. Gary has a background in marketing, broadcasting, and communications. His duties will be to maintain a web site, keep in contact with legislators, provide up to date information to the public regarding access issues, and be available for speaking engagements.

We encourage you to join in their efforts to save our beaches for public use by visiting their new web site. You can access the Dare County Preserve Our Beaches web site by clicking on their logo below.

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Pray People Pray
Ask your Churches and Prayer Groups to pray for Judge Terrence Boyle

Under the terms of the Consent Decree, those who signed off on the Consent Decree Document are obligated to comply by the document as it stands and can not return back to the court unless there is a just cause to do so. However, according to Consent Decree, p.15 article 32 it states, “The Court may modify any requirements of this Consent Decree” That means that Judge Boyle can change things if he so desires.

It is our prayer that Judge Boyle will begin to question the decision to close our beaches during the height of the tourist season. Hopefully one of these questions will be what the Consent Decree has done to the health and welfare of those who live on these Islands. In the past year how many birds hatched on the Islands? Does the number justify destroying the lives of the humans who remain on the Islands after the birds fly away? Does it justify in these troubled times to devastate the economy of Dare and Hyde Counties? Does it justify causing home owners to go into foreclosure because of the loss of tourism because of the beach closures? Is it worth hurting our children because businesses have had to lay off their mothers and fathers? Let us pray that Judge Boyle will consider the rights of all concerned and come up with some plan that will give relief to the unfair terms of the Consent Decree.

People who live on these Islands have always prided themselves as law abiding citizens. Even though we know that the Consent Decree is an unfair law that has destroyed our traditional way of live we who live here, and those who come to these Islands annually, have done their best to abide by the law.

People who live on these Islands have always prided themselves as law abiding citizens. Even though we know that the Consent Decree is an unfair law that has destroyed our traditional way of live we who live here, and those who come to these Islands annually, have done their best to abide by the law.

It is our sincere prayer that God will reach down and touch the heart of Judge Boyle and he will realize that he has the power in his hands to make the necessary changes in the Consent Decree that will bring relief to those who are suffering.

Please Pray for Judge Terrence Boyle. Do like we are told in the Good Book. Pray for all that are in authority.

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Dewey Parr

A peaceful demonstration was conducted by Islanders as they lined the streets at 7:00 am. to the entrance of the Avon Fire Station. The purpose of the demonstration was to let the Defenders of Wildlife and the Audubon Society know how they feel about the devastation they have caused on these Islands. It was organized by Rob Alderman with the help of his friends. Rob called it, :"Stand in the Sand Part 2" We are anxiously awaiting to see what, " Stand in the Sand Part 3" will be." Check out Rob's web-site: www.fishmilitia.com

Island Residents lined the street at the entrance to the Avon Fire Station to let the Defenders of Wildlife and the Audubon society know how they feel about the devastation they have caused to these Islands by leaving the bargaining table of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee and bringing suit on the people and the National Park.

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National Park Service News Releases for 2008

Dewey Parr

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE November 3, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111 ext. 148

NPS to Allow Videotaping of 8th
Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Meeting

Superintendent Mike Murray announces the decision to permit Dare County to videotape the upcoming 8th meeting of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee. The 2-day meeting is scheduled to be held at Wright Brothers National Memorial on November 14-15, 2008. The videotaping will be authorized under the terms and conditions of a special use permit. The purpose of the videotaping is to provide video documentation of the meeting to share with the public via Dare and Hyde County government access television channels and via the web.

The National Park Service believes that videotaping will:

1. Enhance the transparency and openness of the process
2. Provide the public as a whole an opportunity to observe the proceedings
3. Provide a means for educating interested parties about the proceedings and issues
4. Provide an opportunity for the Committee to show its diligence, civility, and hard work on the important issues before the Committee

There have been concerns expressed about allowing videotaping at this time, in the middle of the process. The concerns expressed include:

1. The potential to focus on individuals and their comments, rather than on the substance of the issues at hand (focus on the problem, not the people)
2. The potential to encourage grandstanding to and in front of the camera
3. The potential to inhibit open dialogue, creative ideas, and general discussion

The Committee did not reach consensus on reversing the decision, made at the beginning of the negotiated rulemaking process, to not allow videotaping

To address these concerns, the NPS will work with the County to issue a Special Permit that meets the needs of transparency, openness, and support of, rather than hindrance to, the work of the Committee.

"This has been a very difficult decision," said Superintendent Mike Murray." "I believe the concerns expressed about potential negative impacts of videotaping are real. After careful consideration and consultation with many, I have determined that the benefits of permitting videotaping do outweigh the real costs. Based on the email messages and phone calls that we receive on a regular basis, there is a need for accurate information about beach access, the negotiated rulemaking process, and the legal mandates that must be met by NPS in the ORV management plan. Videotaping will allow many more people to observe the meeting discussion, hear the different points of view, and judge them for themselves. Ultimately, NPS must weigh the benefits of transparency and broad public outreach against the effectiveness of the committee and its intent and purpose. NPS has determined that potential benefits of videotaping outweigh the potential negative impacts on the negotiation process. We will take it one meeting at a time to ensure my assessment of the issue is accurate and will re-evaluate the situation, as needed, after the November meeting."

National Park Service Beach Access Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111, ext. 148

As of September 24th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 90 nests have hatched or been removed.

Park visitors will find a few remaining full beach turtle closures throughout the Park. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, all sea turtle nest that have reached their “hatch window” of day 50 will be protected with a full beach closure (dunes to surf) until that particular nest hatches. Nests that reach 50 days of incubation after September 15th will also be protected by full beach closures. There will be no ORV access in front or behind these nests unless otherwise posted. These closures will apply to ORV beaches and Village beaches that are open to driving. These closures were deemed necessary to protect emerging hatchlings from the lighting effects of night-time driving, which re-opened September 16th.

National Park Service Beach Access Report for September 11, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111, ext. 148

Beginning on September 15th, visitors will see an increase in full beach turtle closures throughout the Park. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, all sea turtle nest that have reached their “hatch window” of day 50 will be protected with a full beach closure (dunes to surf) until that particular nest hatches. Nests that reach 50 days of incubation after September 15th will also be protected by full beach closures. There will be no ORV access in front or behind these nests unless otherwise posted. These closures will apply to ORV beaches and Village beaches that are scheduled to be opened to driving. These closures were deemed necessary to protect emerging hatchlings from the lighting effects of night-time driving, which re-opens on September 16th.

As of September 11, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 74 nests have hatched or been removed.

As of September 16th, in areas open to ORV use, night driving is allowed with a night driving permit. There is no cost or limit to the permit and permits are available online at www.nps.gov/caha, all park Visitor Centers and Campgrounds, Outer Banks Visitor Bureau Visitor Centers, and local tackle shops. Night beach driving permits will be required for off-road vehicle use (signed/dated by the driver and displayed in the windshield of the vehicle) on all Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean beaches between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from September 16 to November 15. For further information, please call (252) 473-2111 ext. 148.

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: July 29, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111

Access Update for the East Side of Cape Point

Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the east side of Cape Point has reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective immediately. The area is now open to ORV traffic from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. The nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from 10:00 pm until 6 am.

The nesting season for beach nesting bird species is winding down in the Cape Point area; however, colonial water bird nests and chicks are still present in the pre-nesting area west of Cape Point. This area is still posted with signs and symbolic fencing as being closed to vehicles, pedestrian and all pets. Staff will continue to monitor the area for bird nesting activity, as well as for an increased number of sea turtle nests in the area.

National Park Service Beach Access Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111, ext. 148

Two areas of interest that reopened this week

Ramp 44 reopened on July 22 and there is ORV access south to the southern end of the “bypass” area. South of that is open to pedestrian access to the end of Cape Point.

Hatteras Spit reopened on July 24 and there is ORV and pedestrian access south from the southern terminus of the Pole Road on the ocean shoreline, around the tip of the Spit to “the Rip” and along the sound shoreline. The area is experiencing a high rate of shoreline erosion and will be monitored daily. It is highly probable that at mid-tide, sections of the shoreline will be impassible and, therefore, it may become necessary to install a safety closure for ORVs.

During the remainder of July, August and September, park visitors will experience a shift in the resource protection areas as birds fledge and sea turtle nests approach their expected hatch dates. As experienced in 2007 under the Interim Strategy, and again this season, some full beach closures will be implemented as turtle nest approach “day 50” (from the date when the nest was laid) in expectation of hatching. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, beginning September 15, all sea turtle nests that have reached their hatch window at day 50 will result in full beach closures.

If have not done so you might want to take this opportunity to explore Goggle Earth as pointed out in this Beach Access Report.

Go to the park website and click on the “Off-Road Vehicle Information – More….” Link in the top middle of the page, click on “Current ORV Access Information (Reports and Maps),” click on “Current Interactive Beach Access Map using Google Earth.” A free download of Google Earth is available for first time users or click on “(date) current beach access map” link for repeat users. The program allows you to zoom into any stretch of beach in the National Seashore to check the status of access and protection resource areas. The underlying Google Earth map imagery is dated (2004-2006) and may not always match the actual, current shoreline. The National Park Service color-coded line overlays are based on recent/current GPS readings and reflect actual shoreline locations and access status. In other words, the color coded lines (green, yellow, red) indicate the actual shoreline access status, even though in some cases it appears on the image that the line is located landward or seaward of the outdated base image of the shoreline. (See disclaimer on the maps) We are working with Google Earth to acquire more current base maps. The maps are updated periodically and the date of the most recent update is indicated on the link.

National Park Service Beach Access Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111, ext. 148

News on the “water boundary” issue: We frequently hear the question – “Can I walk in the water around a full beach closure to access those stretches of beach that are open beyond the closure (with restricted access)?” According to the DOI Solicitor’s Office, from a legal point of view, the NPS jurisdictional boundary on the ocean shoreline, in most cases, is the mean low water mark. However, “on the ground” in the field, when it is NOT low tide, it is not clear how the public, (or the rangers who enforce the regulations for that matter) can determine the exact location of mean low tide at that precise time. For all practical purposes, unless otherwise posted*, passage by a resource closure is permitted if the closure is small enough in length for a person to see the opposite posted boundary (less than a half mile) and if one is able to walk at least knee deep in the low tide (surf) zone the entire distance and re-enter into an open area. Visitors must use their own discretion as to whether it is safe to walk this close to the pounding surf zone and if the distance passing through the closure in the surf zone is of short enough distance to the opposite closure boundary that they feel they can safely bypass the protected area of the beach. Rule of thumb: If you are on the shore, i.e., if your feet aren’t wet, within these closed areas, then you are violating the closure and are subject to the relevant penalties. Under NO circumstances are pets allowed through these areas. In addition, this is not recommended for small children.

“In some cases, there will be signs to prohibit any access past a given point. These areas will be signed accordingly with “Shoreline closed at all tides to pedestrians and ORVs.”

On paragraph 22 of the Consent Decree, it states that “NPS retains discretion at all times to enforce more protective closures or take other measures, if considered necessary, consistent with its obligations under law and this Consent Decree.” Please understand that violations of these resource closures will result in more stringent interpretation of this admittedly difficult situation. NPS staff continues to work with the Solicitors and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to come to terms with this issue. It is safe to say “when in doubt, avoid entering these areas.” Entry into clearly marked, posted protection areas is a violation of the Consent Decree and park regulations and may result in court charges.

The mileages, distances and descriptions in this report are approximate and reflect the best information available at the time the report is prepared. The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report. Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field. All resource protection areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers.

Let’s Enjoy It While We Can

Many Visitors to the Old Gray House were overjoyed to learn they could now walk to Cape Point. Some reported that shelling was great and they plan to return. Below is the Beach Access report from the National Park conveying the good news. They are doing a great job of keeping the public informed. Read this report carefully and you will see that our joy might be short lived, because of the turtle hatchings. Now that our National Park has been taken out of the Superintendents hands no longer will we be allowed to walk or drive around a turtle nests. The Judge and the environmental groups who are now running our park have decided that turtle nests that have reached 50 days from the day the nest was laid will result in full beach closure. This means there will be no walking or driving once again. Wonder what other stupid ideas they will come up with. When baby turtles hatch they head for the ocean. Who knows they might decide to close Highway 12 next.

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June 16, 2008 Editorial Upsets Islanders

Dewey Parr

This editorial in the Va. Pilot hamptonroads.com/2008/06/orv-fight-no-place-congress which services the Outer Banks has caused quiet a stir on the Islands.

The Va. Pilot also owns the monthly publication, The Island Breeze which is located on Hatteras Island. The editorial, which most people assume is stating the newspapers position against our efforts to restore open and free beach access back to the Islands by seeking legislation to return back to the rules negation process. To say the least it is quiet a shock to the Islanders to learn that the newspaper that services our area is not concern with the destruction of our way of life and the economy of the Islands.

Below is the rebuttal, to the editorial by John Couch, president of the OBPA, Outer Banks Preservation Association. www.obpa.org

John Couch, President of the OBPA Outer Banks Preservation
Organization speaks out Against the Editorial in the
Virginia Pilot, ORV fight is no place for Congress.

Dear Editor;

It is unbelievable that a newspaper such as the Virginian Pilot, should advocate that the citizens of the United States of America abdicate their 1st Amendment right to petition their elected officials for a redress of a wrong but instead place their faith in a single federal Judge who presided over an issue framed by a well funded, high profiled, single issue, Non Governmental Organization special interest group.

And furthermore, the Va. Pilot declares in the same column, contradictory positions that state the National Park Service should manage the resources according to sound science and then states the resources be managed by a set of draconian rules by the new “Resource Managers,” the Special Interest Groups and a compliant U.S. Solicitor sitting in a smoked filled room, where the scientific basis for those rules is never viewed by the public challenged or tested in open court.

It is erroneous to claim the Interim Bird Strategy Plan at Cape Hatteras is somehow weaker than the provisions in the consent decree. The Interim Strategy Plan was a public process comprised of input from citizens, environmentalists, USFWS, NPS and USGS, that offered the best available science for the protection of the wildlife. The National Park Service issued a FONSI report that showed a “finding of no significant impact” to the wildlife. This was the plan to guide the public through the Negotiated Rule Making Process until NPS could write the final rule.

The consequences of the consent decree are economically harmful and having a negative effect on the tourist-based economies of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. It has turned the public against the protection of birds, has frustrated the visiting public who are not getting the visitor experience they come to expect and they are professing not to return next year. Rental cancellations are being felt by the rental industry but I guess that is OK with the editor of this paper.

It makes me wonder if those editors ever actually think about what they are writing, or if they just advocate what they receive in a Press Release as their own thought.

If you have an opinion about trying to obtain legislation to take the control of these Island out of the hands of the Court, Audubon Society and the Defenders of Wild Life and returning it back to the National Park Service and the people let us know. Send us your comments. Include name, address, phone number and permission to print if you would like it on our website. Send comments to: OldGrayHouse@aol.com

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Did Toyota Give $20 million dollars to the Audubon Society?
I wrote my Toyota Dealer to find out.

Dewey Parr

My name is Dewey Parr. My wife and I live on Hatteras Island, NC and we own and operate the Old Gray House Gift shop in Buxton. I bought a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner from your dealership (Priority Toyota Greenbrier). I had been hearing about the great performance of Toyotas from my daughter who I bought one for in another city, so I decided to switch from my brand of automobiles I had always owned. My daughter was right for I have been more than pleased with Toyota. Not only is the performance superb, but your service department and personnel are fantastic. The only problem I am having is a water leak on the driver’s side that I need to make an appointment with you to fix. It is not easy to come from Hatteras to have my car service, but my wife and I feel it is worth the effort to own an automobile as great as a Toyota. With that said I have a question I want to ask you. Your answer will be the deciding factor if I will buy another Toyota from you or even recommend Toyota to anyone else.

Before asking the question I need to brief you on what is happening to ORV driving on the beaches of the Hatteras and Ocracoke Island and other parts of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. If you are not aware I suggest you take the time to update yourself by checking out the Island Free Press owned and operated by Irene Nolan, editor. .

You will see that the Audubon Society along with others has taken it on themselves to enter into the Federal Court an injunction to stop or limit driving on the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Recreational Area. The federal court ruled in their favor and as a result businesses like ours are slowly being destroyed. In fact the entire economy of this area is in danger. Families and children are starting to suffer as a result of the loss of income. Thousands of ORV drivers are upset from all over the country. Read the letters to the editor in Island Free Press Internet Newspaper. Probably many of them writing in are your customers.

In the last few weeks I have been told over and over by my customers who come to the Old Gray House do not buy a Toyota. When I asked why the answer is the same each time. Toyota is giving millions of dollars to the Audubon Society.

My question to you is it true?   If it is then I feel it would be counter productive for the Toyota Company to support an organization that is against driving on the beach.

Should the response be that it is true then I in all conscience can no longer drive a Toyota let alone own one, regardless of how pleased I have been with my Toyota and your service.

I will await your answer and should you not answer I will assume that the answer is yes, Toyota is condoning the action of the Audubon Society by providing the money to help put me and other Outer Bankers out of business.

Dewey Parr
Buxton, NC

Reply From My Toyota Dealer

After some research I found out that Toyota has joined with the Audubon Society in a project called Together Green. Toyota, through a 20 million dollar grant, is funding the project for 5 years. Here is an excerpt from the media announcement:

Together Green will include three program components: -- Innovation Grants to fund dozens of on-the-ground projects each year that employ creative approaches and engage diverse communities to help achieve measurable land, water and/or energy conservation results. Grant requirements will broaden project participation and promote innovation by uniting Audubon's national network with environmental and community partners. -- Conservation Fellowships to train and foster up to 200 promising environmental leaders who can serve as role models, expert guides and organizers for engaging new and diverse audiences in effective conservation action. -- Volunteer Days to be offered at Audubon Centers and other locations nationwide, providing hands-on opportunities to address environmental problems and take part in restoration activities.

This project (see the website at www.togethergreen.org has not even begun yet and has no direct link to the bird conservation efforts that are threatening to end driving on NC beaches. I myself enjoy driving on the beaches of the outer banks and we sell many 4x4’s for that purpose. I hope in the end that a solution can be found that makes everyone happy. We certainly do not want to lose your business and fear that if beach driving ends our business will be affected as well

My Reply Back To My Toyota Dealer

Thank you for your response. There is no doubt your business will be affected as a result of Toyota's ties to the Audubon Society. To me the solution is simple. Toyota needs to make a public statement that they do not condone the actions of the Audubon Society and to withdraw their funds.

By Toyota giving these people money they are helping to destroy businesses and the livelihood of hundreds of families on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Little children will be hurt because of their parent’s inability to provide for them. To say there is no direct link would be like giving a $20 million dollar grant to the terrorists in Iraq that are killing our troops and then saying there is no link to their goals to destroying America. We also hope in the end there could be a solution, but at this time it appears the Audubon Society is bound and determined to continue their efforts to close our beaches.

Dewey Parr
Buxton, NC

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Second Act Of Vandalism of Shorebird Closure Fencing

Dewey Parr

In a National Park Service News Release dated May 18, 2008 a report of a Second Act of Vandalism of Shorebird Closure Fencing has occurred. This is resulting in expanding the closure 50 meters (164) feet more. It appears someone is deliberately attempting to shut our beaches down. It still does not make sense to believe it is anyone that is in favor of beach driving. It is similar to the first closure. Who do you think is doing this? Read it for yourself.

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: May 18, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111, ext. 148

A second vandalism incident to a signed resource protection area was discovered by Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff on Friday, May 16th, 2008. Park staff found over 1,500 feet of fence protecting an American Oystercatcher nest had been damaged. This closure area is located on the ocean side of Hatteras Island, about .8 of a mile north of Buxton in a pedestrian use only zone.

The park ranger called to investigate the vandalism found that 20 fence posts had been broken, five signs pulled out of the sand, and three carsonite closure signs are missing. The ranger documented one set of bare footprints going from post to post on the beach and then into the dune area. The footprints entered the closure area; however, the nest appeared undisturbed. Over 1,300 feet of fencing was damaged on the west side of the dune and about 274 feet combined on the north and south sides on the open beach.

A recent Consent Decree related to shorebird and sea turtle protection at Cape Hatteras National Seashore requires the National Park Service to automatically expand the closure area by 50 meters if a confirmed deliberate act disturbs or harasses wildlife or vandalizes fencing, nests, or plants. Park staff documented the site and expanded the closure 50 meters (164 feet) to the south as ordered in the Consent Decree. This closure expansion is located in a pedestrian only area and will not affect ORV users.

Destruction of government property and entering a resource closure are federal criminal violations, each subject to up to a $5,000. fine and up to six months imprisonment.

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: June 25, 2008
CONTACT: 252-473-2111, ext. 148

Vandalism of Shorebird Closure Fencing

A new act of vandalism/trespass to posted shorebird protection areas has occurred at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this time on Bodie Island Spit just north of Oregon Inlet. On Sunday, June 22, 2008, Seashore staff discovered damaged fencing and off-road vehicle tire tracks that violated three resource protection areas that were in place south of Ramp 4 towards the inlet.

The violation apparently occurred between the hours of 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2008. The park ranger who investigated the violation observed one sign destroyed and numerous, obvious tire spin-out tracks in the sand, including zigzagging across the beach, “doughnut” tire marks, and evidence of sand thrown considerable distances from the tire tracks, which suggest the vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed for conditions. At the time of this press release there are no leads to the identity of the vehicle or operator.

The April 30, 2008 court ordered Consent Decree, which resolved a lawsuit related to shorebird and sea turtle protection at the Seashore, requires the National Park Service (NPS) to automatically expand the closure area by 50 meters if a first confirmed deliberate act disturbs or harasses wildlife or vandalizes fencing, nests, or plants. In this case, Seashore staff documented the incident and expanded the closures by 50 meters each as ordered by the Consent Decree. The Consent Decree also requires that if a second such act occurs, the buffer shall automatically be expanded by 100 m. And if a third act occurs, the buffer shall be expanded by 500 m if NPS determines it is necessary to minimize the extent of further disturbance.

“This was an egregious violation, plain and simple,” said Superintendent Mike Murray. “Irresponsible behavior such as this not only puts nesting birds at risk, which under the Consent Decree, leads to more stringent protection, it also reduces access for the many park visitors who do comply with the rules.”

Destruction of government property and entering a resource closure are federal criminal violations, each subject to up to a $5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.

For more information, call 252-473-2111 ext. 148.

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Keep Our Beaches Open Rally
A Huge Success

By

Dewey Parr

I am overjoyed to announce that the Save Our Beach Bar-B-Que held Saturday June 14 in Buxton was a tremendous success. If nothing else has happened good out of the dirty deed done to these Islands by the Audubon Society and The Defenders of Wildlife it has united the Islanders and their many friends off the Island. Never have I seen such team work. Many donated food, as well as their time to prepare and serve it. The food was absolutely delicious. The entertainment was outstanding. It would be impossible to name all the good people who have joined in to help raise money to ward off the destruction to the economy of these Islands by two uncaring organizations. These organizations appear to care more about a few birds than the welfare of others.

Two people in particular that worked tirelessly to make this a special day were Rob Alderman and Lynne Murray.

Lynne Murray and Rob Alderman

Rob Alderman and Lynne Murray both say the success of the day was not due to them but the result of the unselfish donations made by others.

The main purpose of this gathering was not merely to raise money but to create an awareness of the hardships that are being heaped on those who have a business or own property. All this week in our little shop we have heard one after another lament over how disappointed they are that they can no longer walk or drive to their favorite places to enjoy the beauties of the Islands. Many have said they will never be back and if they had know the beaches were closed in many areas even to walking they would never have come. Others have said they would return to show their support for the locals who live here. Over and over we have heard people question how this can happen in America? How can two organizations, with lots of money, steal an Island out from under the people?

It is true the Islanders and friends off the Island might never be able to match the money these organizations have at their disposal. But they have something more powerful. They have the determination to work together to right this wrong. Anyone who has ever witnessed the majesty of beaches of Hatteras and Ocracoke are buoyed on to free our beaches from the clutches of the Audubon Society and the Defenders of Wild Life.

If you really love the Islands you need to rally around the combined efforts of the organizations that have joined together to keep our beaches open. They have a web-site know as the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance or for short CHAPA. The goal of this alliance as stated on their website is:

CHAPA believes in "Free and Open Access" for all users and is working diligently to unite fishermen, surfers, kite boarders, wind surfers, shell seekers and all other forms of beach goers, so to protect their access on Hatteras and Ocacroke Islands.
Click here to go to the CHAPA website. www.accessPreservation.org

On this site you find updated information concerning beach driving and walking. The site will also provide you with information to direct your money donations to help keep our beaches open. All funds received go directly to necessary expenses such as legal fees.

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Is it legal to walk in the water to Cape Point. YES, YES, YES

Dewey Parr

Park Ranger Laura Sturtz called back this morning after checking with the Superintendent's Office. She said, "We don't have jurisdiction below the mean low tide." She further explained if your equipment such as a fishing pole extended beyond the mean low tide you would be in violation. In order to acquire further information I called the Superintendents office to get a clear understanding of what their definition of the mean low tide was. From what I was told you could walk legally to Cape Point as long as your feet are in the water, I went back out to see the situation this evening and there were about five fishing off the Point. I also could not help but notice that the barrier was extended out in the water as you see below. It differs from the picture we took yesterday.

I am inserting this report from the National Park to show you even at this time they are not clear on the water boundary. At this time they have closed the ramp to Cape Point and suspended all walking to Cape Point. Will let you know when I hear more. It appears we can do what we want when we want.

NPS Beach Access Report for June 5, 2008

We continue to receive questions on the “water boundary” issue – “can I walk in the water around a full beach closure to access those stretches of beach that are restricted, open beach for pedestrians?” We realize the situation can be confusing. From a legal point of view, the NPS jurisdictional boundary is clear. It is the mean low water mark. On the ground, however, when it is not low tide, it is unclear exactly where the boundary is located or how the public, or the rangers who enforce the regulations, can definitely determine its location at that precise time. We are working with staff, Solicitors, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to clarify, and hopefully simplify, this issue. We will provide clarification as soon as we have a definitive answer.

National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 19, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
No additional news on the “water boundary” issue as of today’s date though we are making progress on resolving it with the Solicitor’s Office. We frequently hear the question – “can I walk in the water around a full beach closure to access those stretches of beach that are restricted, open beach for pedestrians?” We realize the situation can be confusing. From a legal point of view, the NPS jurisdictional boundary is clear. It is the mean low water mark. On the ground, however, when it is not low tide, it is unclear exactly where the boundary is located or how the public, or the rangers who enforce the regulations, can definitely determine its location at that precise time. We are working with staff, Solicitors, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to clarify, and hopefully simplify, this issue. We will provide clarification as soon as we have a definitive answer.

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You learn something new everyday.

Dewey Parr

Today, Mary and I went out to the area of Cape Point to sit and eat pretzels and watch the waves roll in. We are no longer able drive or walk to Cape Point so we pulled up close to the enclosure and pretended we were at the Point watching the clashing of the waves.

We noticed a person out on the Point on the other side of the closure. We assumed the person inside the enclosure was a park service employee. A park service truck pulled up and circled the enclosure area with two men in it. It looked like they had a gun between them. They hesitated a few minutes and I am sure they saw the person. They would have to be blind not to have done so. As we sat there the person came from the Point walking the wash towards us. The closer he got I came to realize he was not wearing a Park Service uniform and was carrying a fishing pole on his shoulder. This being the case I got out of the car and began taking the pictures you see below. When he came out of the enclosure I asked him if he was with the Park Service and he said, “No”. I said, is it legal to walk the wash to Cape Point. He said, “yes, Mike Murray, Superintendent said in the rules negotiation committee it was ok as long as you walked in the water”.

I was overjoyed to hear this for I would love to walk out to Cape Point even though with my leg problem it will be hard to do. I am sure that all of the tourist will be thrilled to have the experience of walking in the water to the Point. To be safe before I decided to attempt to walk to Cape Point I stopped by the lighthouse bookstore to see if it was true. The person at the information desk did not have answer so she summoned a Park Ranger by the name of Laura. Laura did not have a firm answer but has taken my name and phone number and will have someone call me. I can hardly wait to receive the call. Hope it is true for it will be like Christmas to me to stand on the Point once again. I will definitely wait for the answer before I head for the Point for I would hate to be the first one shot by a ranger. As soon as I receive a call I will let you know if you can walk in the water to Cape Point.

Pictures of a Person Walking in the Bird Enclosure From Cape Point

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Humor Helps Even If It Is Not A Laughing Matter.

Dewey Parr

As in all situations it is often the humor that makes the hard times bearable. If you have been in the service you know what I mean. Many of the sign boards on the Island have had information on them about the issue. Some have been rather humorous such as the Restaurant sign board that kept changing the menu special of the day. Day after day the menu changed to read such things as: fried piping plover, boiled piping plover, piping plover stew, piping plover pot pie, and so forth. At a gathering of the Anglers Club there was a big jar full of Pickled Piping Plover Eggs. Tee shirts are beginning to emerge as well as bumper stickers with saying like, “Piping Plover Taste Just Like Chicken”

I think the best one yet is the one I came across this morning when I went to get my Sunday paper and apple ugly fix at the Orange Blossom Bakery and Restaurant. They have created a tasty Piping Plover Egg Nest for you to eat. See pictures below.

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What is the immediate situation?

Dewey Parr

The Judge has ruled in the favor of the Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society . The Islanders are living under the threat of a total closure. The ruling provides for your tax dollars to pay their lawyers. Both sides signed off on the so called negotiation settlement between the National Park and the environmental groups. The other parties on the sidelines, also with tongue in cheek, agreed. What else could they do? They realized the law was on the side of the environmental groups due to President Nixon’s edict stating that it was illegal to drive in a National Park that did not have a formalized management program? The ruling calls for additional closures depending on birds, turtles and deliberate violations on existing closures.

A deliberate violation is when some idiot on either side of the issue takes it on themselves to create more closures of the beach to walking or driving by violating the sanctity of a bird or turtle enclosure. The Judge ruled that with each act additional portions of the beach would be closed. I call it one two, three, “you are out”. We have already had two deliberate acts and additional beach has been closed. No one knows who tore down the fence posts around the bird enclosures. It doesn’t make sense to think that those who want to keep the beaches open and free for public use would have done it. What do you think? The situation is like being in school and the teacher punishes the entire class as a result of the actions of one bad student.

At the present time there are areas closed to walking and driving waiting for birds to land. Evidently the birds call the park service and make reservations for particular areas. As I understand these are areas where birds have visited in the past or scraping has occurred. I still am not familiar with how the areas are determined nor is anyone else. If an egg is found, it is Katie Bar the Door. The thing that I don’t quiet understand is why the Birds do not seem to land in front of the million dollar houses that line our federally owned beaches which would bar the rich from walking there. I call these federally financed private beaches. They are private for there is little public access to these areas and property owners have the right to bar anyone from crossing their property to go to the beach. Guess if the birds and turtles only choose the area where poor people can access the beach, it won’t be long until Hatteras and Ocracoke will only be a place where the rich and famous can afford to live or visit.

As I see it management of the park is in the hands of the federal court and environmental groups. The superintendent and his staff are nothing more than enforcers of the law. They have little or no other function than to collect fees and act as security force to protect the birds and turtles from humans. As a school teacher I used to present a park ranger as our friend that taught us about the environment and the beauties of nature. In the minds of our children on the Islands they are now being seen as gun-toting protectors of wild life that might shoot us or any wild life that endangers a bird or turtle. They are being branded as killers of cats, coons, foxes, and anything else that sets foot on park service land that endangers bird eggs. Recently many residents and children in the village of Buxton were concerned when they heard round after round of bullets being fired. Some thought it was park rangers engaging in target practice preparing to shoot anyone that entered a bird nesting enclosure accidentally or otherwise. It is rumored that the Park Service has brought in outside professionals that have no emotional attachment to the community to handle security. Many now question why we are paying high salaries and benefits to national park employees when our state police and sheriffs department could do the job more effectively.

Some see to think so. Plans are in effect to raise money for legal fees to attempt to take the issue back to court. Those involved are to be commended for their efforts and definitely are worthy of our support. As you are aware this can be a long and intensive emotional and legal battle full of delays and ups and downs. It will be costly and involve dedication on the part of those who work tireless to make the change. Will it work? Who knows, but it is better than rolling over and playing dead.

There are four things you can do to help. First and foremost pray for these Islands. Write your Washington Delegation requesting that the Hatteras and Ocracoke beaches be kept open and free for public use. Send letters to the editors of newspapers to call attention to the problem. Lastly if you are so inclined make a donation to efforts of the OBPA to fight the problem through the courts. Please do not send money to us but contact John Couch, president of the OBPA

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