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4/26/2013
Status Report: S.486, Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras Beaches Act
We (CHAPA, OBPA & NCBBA) have just returned from DC and visiting several Senators and attending the subcommittee hearing on S.486. Now is the time for everyone to take action without delay.
Whether or not you have contacted your Senators or the Senate committee members previously, you still need to take the time to make a difference. If you have contacted them in the past, you must reinforce your earlier comments with one more attempt to influence their position and actions.
We ask you to contact your Senators and the members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee as quickly as possible in hopes that a favorable Committee markup of S. 486 and ultimately a full Senate vote can occur without delay.
Members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee are listed at http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/members .
You can contact the Senators using one or more of the following methods:
Email:
- Some Senators have public email addresses but most require the use of contact forms managed through their web sites. A directory of Senator email addresses does not exist, but online contact forms can be accessed using the following links.
Web Links:
U.S. Mail (slowest):
- Use the following address & Reference S. 486:
The Honorable (Name)
Energy and Natural Resources Committee (not required if addressing a senator not on the committee)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator (Name);
Telephone (fastest):
- Find phone number on the Senator’s website, or call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and a switchboard operator will connect you.
Articles found on www.islandfreepress.org , www.obpa.org, www.ncbba.org, & your most recent NCBBA Newsletter may help you formulate your thoughts before you communicate with the Senators. However, timing is critical since your letter will be a part of the subcommittee hearing record for S. 486 only if received prior to May 8. We ask that you quickly take action.
Thank you. |
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4/9/2013
Cape Point Closed to Vehicles Due to Plover Activity
NPS announced the clousure of Cape Point to vehicular access as of 4/9/2013 due to breeding activities of a pair of piping plovers near the vehicle route. Pedestrian access remains open at present.
Experince from past years suggest theORV access will not reopen until August, after the Piping Plover and Oyster Catcher nesting / breeding season is completed. Pedestrian access will likely also be closed for much of this period, depending on the exact location of the nests and broods before fledging.
The full text of the NPS announcement:
Cape Point Temporarily Closes to ORV Access
Acting Superintendent Darrell Echols announces the temporary off-road vehicle (ORV) access closure of Cape Point area in accordance with the requirements of the ORV Management Plan for Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
On April 9, 2013, approximately 0.5 of a mile south of Ramp 44 adjacent to the ocean shoreline, National Park Service staff observed piping plover breeding behavior in an area south of what is commonly known as "the bypass." The required buffer of 75-meters to the east resulted in the closure to vehicles. There currently is not an alternative ORV access route through the resource closure to Cape Point. Pedestrian access remains east of the closure along the shoreline to the tip of Cape Point.
For more information on beach access, check Google Earth maps at:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm or call 252-475-9000.
-NPS- |
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4/10/2013
National Parks Subcommittee Hearing Scheduled 4/23/2013 - S.486
The Senate Subcommittee on National Parks announced a hearing to be held on 4/23/2013 to hear testimony on 14 National Parks Bills iincluding S. 486 - To authorize pedestrian and motorized vehicular access in Cape Hatteras National Recreational Area, and for other purposes.
The full agenda for the hearing can be viewed at
http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/4/national-parks-subcommittee-hearing-to-consider
We will update this article as inofrmation becomes available. |
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March 14, 2013
House Subcommittee Hearing on H.R. 819 - "Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act"
On March 14, 2013 the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation held a Legislative Hearing on H.R. 588, H.R. 716 and H.R. 819.
Congressman Walter B. Jones and Warren Judge, Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners gave testimony in support of this legislation. They made clear the problems which have been created for the visitors and residents of the Outer Banks by the promulgation of the ORV rule on February 15, 2012 and the importance of the passage of H.R. 819.
Information concerning the hearing can be viewed at the Hearing website
Links to the written testimony submitted, as well as to the archived hearing webcast are also available on the site. |
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Thursday, 07 March 2013 17:18 |
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Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2013
Senators Burr and Hagan Introduce Senate Bill S.486 to Restore Access to the CHNSRA
North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan introduced Senate Bill S.486 to preserve pedestrian and ORV access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area on March 7,2013.
“Restricting ORV use on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has a negative impact on local communities and the local economy,” Senator Burr said. “We must ensure that our state’s residents have access to North Carolina’s scenic treasures, and I am confident we can come to a compromise that allows people to have access while at the same time addressing any potential environmental concerns.”
Senators Burr and Hagan have been vocal supporters of access to CHNSRA as the situation has evolved over the past several years. They introduced similar legislation in 2012. That bill went through the hearing process for the National Parks Subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. That committee failed to act on any of the legislation before it in 2012 and the bill died in committee at the end of the 112th congress. The timing of their bill followed the introduction of the House version of the bill, H.R. 819 on February 26th by Congressman Walter B. Jones.
OBPA President John Couch said, "We thank Senator Burr and Senator Hagan for their continued support of the visitors and residents of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. They understand what the Outer Banks are all about -- access by the public to some of the nation's best beaches for family recreation. We are confident that our Senators will be able to lead this legislation through the Senate so that we may once again enjoy this Seashore for the treasure it is." |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 28 March 2013 14:59 |
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Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release:
February 26, 2013
Congressman Jones Re-Introduces Bill to Restore Access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area
North Carolina Congressman Walter B. Jones today introduced House Bill H.R. 819 - the Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act. Pedestrian and ORV access to the seashore is now severely limited due to National Park Service's ORV Rule which went into effect on February 15, 2012. The controversial rule was issued by the Park Service in spite of an outpouring of public comments in support of reasonable recreational access. Congressman Jones introduced the bill last year and successfully led it through passage in the House, while the Senate version failed to make it out of committee.
For over thirty years, OBPA has worked to maintain the seashore as intended by Congress when the first National Seashore Recreational Area was established. Preserving the traditional and cultural values of the seashore has been a fundamental principle of the group, which represents people throughout the United States.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area has been a popular destination for American families seeking affordable, family oriented beach vacation. Under the Final Rule access to some of the most popular areas is no longer available. This has restricted access for many, including the disabled and elderly, and caused financial harm to the communities surrounding the seashore.
CHAPA President, John Couch, expressed gratitude to Congressman Jones for introducing H.R. 819. He said, “We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Jones and the leadership he has shown for preserving access to this American treasure, so it can continue to be used by the people for its intended recreational purpose. ”
Jim Keene, a Director of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association emphasized the importance of people getting involved throughout the United States. He explained, “The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area is controlled by Congress. That is why it is vital that people everyone contact their elected leaders in Washington now and ask them to support House Bill H.R. 819.
Contacts:
John Couch
President, OBPA
P.O. Box 1355
Buxton ,NC 27920
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jim Keene
Director, North Carolina Beach Buggy Association
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
David Scarborough
Treasurer, OBPA
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For more information go to www.obpa.org or www.ncbba.org
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The Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA)is a project of the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA), which is dedicated to preserving and protecting a lifestyle historically prevalent on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and specifically at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA).With over 10,000 active members (representing over 38 states and Canada), OBPA and CHAPA work to protect and preserve local beaches within a framework of free and open beach access for all users, including properly licensed drivers and vehicles.
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The OBPA is a not-for-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) IRS designation. Donations are tax deductible.
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NCBBA Donates $30,000 to CHAPA to fight for Access
Photo: Jim Keene, NCBBA Director (L) and Tom Burke, NCBBA Vice President (R) present a check to John Couch, CHAPA President in the amount of $30,000.00 to be used by the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA) in the continuing fight for free and open beaches. With the National Park Services’ release of the “Final ORV Rule”, the combined organizations believe the NPS has far exceeded their requirements for resource protection and severely penalized the visitors to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. Funds will be used in the continuing efforts to have “The Rule” replaced by a rule reflecting responsible resource management while meeting the mandated recreational aspects of America’s first national seashore.
Local Commentary on Important Access Issues
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