We are dedicating this section of our web site to the issue Driving and Walking on the beaches of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. If you would like to express your views on the subject of Driving and Walking on the beaches this is the place to do it. If you want your comments posted on this page please provide your name, address, and phone number with permission to print. (Phone number and mailing address will not be used only to contact you if needed)

To help you understand our present situation I am presenting our plea for prayers and then attempting to put in common language rather than legal gibberish our present dilemma.

1. Urgent Request for Prayer
2. god answers prayers
3. what is the immediate situation
4. humor helps
5. Learn something New Every Day - Is it Legal to Walk to Cape Point
6. Park Service Bulletins - Second Act of Vandalism
7. Memorial Day A time To Remember
8. News Release about federal legislation
9. keep our beach open rally
10. NEW - Is Toyota supporting the Audubon Society?
11. NEW - June 16, 2008 Editorial Upsets Islanders
12. NEW - high tea at sea
13. NEW - Friends Working Hard To Save Our Beaches

Urgent request for HELP

These twin girls need your help. They are Kendal, left, and Krystle Woods, both 7 years old. They have an older sister, Heather, 18. The three girls are the daughters of Thomas and Anne Woods, and they are a family that depends on the tourist trade for survival. The Woods own and operate the Island-Hide-A-Way Campground in Buxton. These are just two of hundreds of children who will be hurt as a result of the action of those who desire to close our beaches.

Our total way of life, and the economy, is being destroyed on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands as a result of a the decision that was made on a motion filed in U.S. District Court by The Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society requesting an injunction to stop beach driving in parts of the Cape Hatteras National Recreation Area. The National Park Service owns the total beach area on Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. From all appearances, the judge’s final decision on this injunction will eventually stop beach driving and foot traffic in all of the favorite areas frequented by islanders and tourists. At the present time in the Buxton area you can no longer drive on the beach from 10 pm to 6 am, or walk or drive to Cape Point and portions of the South Beach due to bird and turtle enclosures anytime. There are similar situations at Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke. The results of this decision are already beginning to take its toll on the families on these Islands who depend on the tourist trade and access to the ocean for their survival.

What can you do to help?

We are told in the Good Book to, “Pray for kings, and all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life, in all godliness and honesty.” Please help us by praying that our Islands will be able to continue to be a place where people can come to find peace and quiet. Use your prayers to help keep Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands wonderful retreats from the rest of this hectic world.

PRAY, Ask the Good Lord to touch the hearts of the leaders of these environmental groups to back off demanding more and more of the Islands be closed to beach driving and walking. PRAY, that the members of these organizations will wake up to what they have done to the economy of these Islands. It is hard for me to understand how anyone could support organizations like these that seem to have little concern for people. If members of these organizations had any consciences at all they would be demanding their leaders stop the movement to make Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands nothing more than a bird sanctuary like Pea Island.

PRAY, they will become aware of the hardships they have placed on the people on these Islands. As a result of what they have done businesses are beginning to suffer and individual families are feeling the results. Businesses have no other alternative but to cut back. Vacationers are beginning to have second thoughts about coming to Hatteras and Ocracoke. Many home owners who depended on rentals to pay the mortgages are in trouble. Family after family, on and off the Island, is facing future hardships as a result of what has happened here at the beginning of the tourist season. Dare County will soon feel the affects. There will be less tax revenue to support the infrastructure and schools. There is no doubt property values will drop and foreclosures will increase.

PRAY, that our Senators and Congressmen who make the laws in Washington will look into this matter and consider changing the law that has to do with the endangered species act. Until those who govern we the people come to realize that man was given dominion over the birds that fly and the animals that walk, there will be little or no hope left for free and open access to the beach that was promised to the Islanders at the time the Cape Hatteras National Recreational Area was instituted.

In my opinion the dye is cast. Hatteras and Ocracoke can only look for things to get worse. It is my feeling that the next thing coming will be a fee and limited number of vehicles allowed to drive what little is left of the beach. I can also envision the day will come when you will have to pay to walk the Beaches of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

God Answers Prayers

Thanks be to God. There is always Hope. Your prayers have opened up a new door that might take the control of our beaches out of the hands of the court and the Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife.

We asked you to pray specifically for our leaders:

PRAY, that our Senators and Congressmen who make the laws in Washington will look into this matter and consider changing the law that has to do with the endangered species act. Until those who govern we the people come to realize that man was given dominion over the birds that fly and the animals that walk, there will be little or no hope left for free and open access to the beach that was promised to the Islanders at the time the Cape Hatteras National Recreational Area was instituted.

Look what your prayers have done.

On June 11, 2008 , U.S. Senators Elizabeth Dole, Richard Burr, and Representative Walter Jones, introduced legislation to allow off-road vehicle use in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore which would nullify the consent decree and return management to the park under its interim management plan. This legislation is contained in House Bill 6233 and Senate Bill 3113.

What does this mean?

Simply stated it means that the control of our National Park will be back in the hands of the people and under the management of the Superintendent and his staff. It means that a select few who used the courts to hijack our National Park will have to listen to the will of the people as it should be in America.

What do you need to do now to help?

First and foremost continue praying. Secondly contact your Senator and Representative from your state requesting they support House Bill 6233 and Senate Bill 3113. This needs to be done immediately.

When you e-mail, or write, ask for a reply and a copy of the bill so you will know they received it. My philosophy is, no reply no vote. If my Congressperson doesn’t vote for this then I will not vote for them.

How do I find my Senator’s and Representative’s address or e-mail?

For your representative click here www.house.gov

Select your state and contact and contact them immediately.

For your senator click here www.senate.gov

Select your state and contact them immediately.

Will the bill pass?

Your prayers caused God to touch the hearts of our leaders in Washington to introduce legislation to revert the control back into the hands of the people. Now it will be your letters and contacts with your senators and representatives from your particular state requesting them to vote for the passage of the legislation. God expects us to take action.

It’s Time To Take Action
Do It Today
Contact Your Legislators
Ask Them To Vote For
House Bill 6233 and Senate Bill 3113

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 26, 2008

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.

National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 24, 2008

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.

It was last Memorial Day weekend that someone took away my precious swing from under the Old Oak Tree. It is this 2008 Memorial Day that they have taken away my access to the beach. When I went to the beach today and looked towards Cape Point and realized I might never be able to go there again it was like taking candy from a baby. Since the days when I was a baby on this Island going to Cape Point has been a highlight of my life. My thoughts went back to those happy childhood days when Doc Folb rounded up all of us kids and drove us to Cape Point for a day of fun. To suddenly realize that, due to my health, if they should stop beach driving I could never go to Cape Point again brought tears to my eyes.

It brought tears to my eyes to realize I might never watch the waves clashing at Cape Point again because of what the Audubon Society and Defenders of Wild life have done to our Islands.

I was saddened to learn that there are some living on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands that want to see our beach access closed. I was even further surprised to learn that some of them own and operate businesses on the Islands.

In no way would I question their right to advocate no beach access. The wonderful thing about America is that we are granted the right to differ with others. It is this freedom my father fought for in World Wars I and II. The thing that troubles me about these people is they seem to be hiding their opposition to beach driving and working undercover to circumvent the efforts of those that want to preserve the right to drive and walk the beach.

Businesses that are against beach access seem to forget that in this situation you can’t have your cake and eat it too. You cannot have it both ways. You are either for helping the community and those that are working diligently to preserve open beach or you are against it. Some want the dollars spent by the ORV drivers and yet they work undercover to stop ORV’s from being on the beach. What they forget is if there is no beach driving those who have been supporting their businesses over the years, especially in spring and fall, will not be here to do so. Nor will the local residents who discover they are working to stop beach access support them. I personally have no problems letting it be known who is on what side of the fence on the issue of keeping our beaches open. In America we also have the right to not support or recommend those businesses to others. In the past we have sent many Old Gray House visitors to other businesses. I definitely will no longer send anyone to another business that I know is out to cut this communities throat by working against free and open access to beaches. I further question how they can look an Islanders in the face knowing their actions have put some out of work and deprived little children of the necessities of life.

To me this is the final episode in a long struggle, which began with my ancestors on these Islands, to preserve what was promised to them in the beginning of our Cape Hatteras National Recreational Park. We were told our beaches would always be open and free and our access to the beach would never be blocked. As you well know that promise was broken many years ago. This is the reason why Islanders like my grandmother Gray used to say “If the national park service was standing on a mile of Bibles and made you a promise it would be a lie”.

This being Memorial Day weekend I just came back from the graves of my Island ancestors. It is my custom to pay respect to our family members who have passed on. My mother and father are buried on this Island along with all of my mother’s ancestors except one and that is Kendrick Gray. His remains are not here through no fault of his own, but his spirit walks with me every day at the Old Gray House. While I was decorating the graves this year I renewed my pledge to help carry on the battle to preserve our access to the beach.

My Mother and Father’s Grave

Today On My Knees I Took An Oath On My Father and Mother’s Grave In The Buxton Cemetery To Fight For Free And Open Beaches On Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands

I say to every Islander that you need to take an oath on your ancestor’s graves that you will stand up and be counted in this the final fight to save our beaches.

I stopped by many other grave sites today taking time to remember and wonder what they would be doing or saying about what is happening on the Islands this Memorial Day. I am sure there has been much unrest in all of the Island cemeteries this day.

As I stopped by Doc Folb’s marker in the Buxton Cemetery today the sweet memories rolled of those times he took us to the beach. I am sure he is proud of his families’ efforts to keep our beaches open and free.

After leaving the Buxton cemetery I visited my Grand parent’s grave in the Jennette cemetery located in front of the Buxton Post office. There I made a similar vow to work for open beaches.

I am sure my Grandparents are not resting well in their graves as a result of the lack of concern by the Audubon society and the Defenders of Wildlife for those who treasure these Islands.

Many of us due to health and age no longer can fight the battles of life like we used to do, but we can encourage and lend our support to those that are willing and able to carry on the battle to keep our beaches open and free for public use. I am grateful that we have many individuals who are not native to these Islands who are carrying on the fight. These are people on and off the Island who have come to love the Island and the Islanders so much they are willing to devote their time and energy to keeping our beaches open. Everyone needs to let them know how much we appreciate their effort.

This morning as I made my way to the Orange Blossom for my morning apple ugly fix there stood a lovely lady passing out flyers and asking people to help preserve beach access. Later when I went to Food Lion there was Tom Woods on the parking lot talking to people and passing out flyers. As I made my to the beach to take a longing look at Cape Pont there was Geinny Luizer and Joan Berg greeting and sharing information with people. All over the Island today there were workers trying to get others to realize what is happening to our Island. We all need thank God for good folks like them who care this much.

From what I have seen of this tragic Memorial Day Weekend in the village of Buxton on Hatteras Island as result of our closed beaches can best be summed up in a picture I took of the sign board at Finnegan’s Dinning Haul. One can only wonder what it will be like next Memorial Day.

Finnegan’s Sign Board Says It All. Everywhere You Look On The
Beach You See Signs and Roped Off Areas. It Says To Me People
Are No Longer Welcome On Hatteras and Ocracoke Beaches.

Signs and Roped Off Areas

Below is a copy of the Save Our Beach flyer that was being passed out Memorial Day by those who are working to keep our Beaches Open. Contact your representative from your state. Remember this is a federal issue. Make a copy and ask your friends to help.

If you are from another state you can best help by writing your Washington representatives from your particular state. This is a federal issue and your representatives should be made aware of the problem. Your representatives votes on the funding for this park. I would further advise you to ask your representative for a response to your letter or e-mail.

Dewey Parr
Buxton, NC

Dole, Burr and Jones Introduce Legislation to
Allow Off-road Vehicle use on Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr and U.S. Rep. Walter Jones today introduced legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives 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 and citizen access to a significant portion of this National Seashore.

“I share the concerns of many North Carolinians about the negative ramifications that severely restricting off-road vehicle use at CHNS will have on the local community and economy,” said Dole. “Beach users and members of the local community deserve to have their voices heard to ensure the development of a long-term plan that protects the natural habitat of the Seashore while maintaining its economic and recreational benefits.”

“As Ranking Member on the National Parks Subcommittee, I always try to make sure that North Carolinians have access to our state’s scenic treasures,” said Burr. “It is unfortunate that people are prevented from accessing Cape Hatteras at times because of the new restrictions. I am certain we can come to a compromise that allows people to have access while at the same time addressing any potential environmental concerns.”

“The consent decree has once again shown that managing the Seashore through the courts – without public input – is always a bad idea,” said Jones. “This bill would restore reasonable public access and would bring the public back into the process on a level playing field by reinstituting the Interim Management Strategy until the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee can produce a final rule.”

If 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.

Background

In 1972, President Richard Nixon issued an Executive Order that required all federal parks, refuges and public lands that allow off-road vehicles access to develop and implement a detailed management plan to regulate and assess environmental impacts. CHNS never developed a management plan, and as a result, Cape Hatteras has been out of compliance for over three decades.

In December 2005, the NPS developed a three-phase plan to begin the negotiation process and create regulations that would allow CHNS to meet compliance standards; however, on July 17, 2007 an injunction was filed by the Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society to prevent off-road vehicle use until a management plan is established and approved. A settlement negotiation process ensued, and on April 30, 2008, a federal judge approved a consent decree, proposed by the plaintiffs and agreed to by the parties involved in the case – the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The settlement, which went into effect on May 1, 2008, requires that all seashore ramps be closed to ORVs from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. through November 15, 2008, that buffers for nests and chicks are clearly defined and in some cases more restrictive, and that deliberate violations of the buffers will result in an expanded restricted area.

Keep Our Beach Open Rally A Huge Success

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.

Let’s all get behind the efforts of
CHAPA and give them all the help we can.

The pictures above are from the Save Our Beach Bar-B-Que.

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

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

June 16, 2008 Editorial Upsets Islanders

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 re