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Jones files bill to void new Hatteras access rules
(National Park Service)
The legislation would also erase a 2008 U.S. District Court consent decree that settled a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and mandated measures to restrict access, particularly for off-road vehicles.
Jones’ legislation calls for re-instituting the National Park Service’s Interim Management Strategy, which is considered less stringent than the consent decree and the new rules.
A statement from Jones’ office said the interim strategy was backed up by a 113-page opinion by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The opinion, according to the statement, found that the interim plan would not put piping plovers and sea turtles at risk.
“The federal government needs to remember that Cape Hatteras was established to be a recreational area for the American people,” Jones said in the statement. “But taxpayers can’t recreate without access to the beach. The goal of management ought to be a balanced approach between visitor access and species protection.”
The Cape Hatteras Preservation Association, which has filed suit to block the park service plan, praised the legislation.
In a statement, Allen Burrus, vice chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, called the legislation “a practical solution to provide recreational access while at the same time assuring that shore birds and sea turtles are properly protected.’
Burrus represents Hatteras Island.
Management of access was first mandated by a presidential decree in the 1970s. No specific plan was put in place until recent years, when a long and unsuccessful process of trying to bring all parties to consensus defaulted to the park service.
The new rules require a permit costing $120 for a year and $50 for a week. They also limit access to some popular fishing, surfing and beach-combing areas along the seashore. They went into effect last week.
The bill was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. Jones introduced a similar bill in 2009 that was not enacted.
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charlie says:
“Management of access was first mandated by presidential decree.” That president is dead and gone. So should his “decree” be gone. I thought decrees went out when we no longer had a king.
Dave Douglas says:
I’ve got my fingers crossed that this passes, it is about time some logic was brought to the table!
Koyaanisqatsi says:
Thank You Walter !!!
Derek Dinkler says:
I commend U.S. Rep. Walter Jones for displaying common sense. I have not gotten involved enough in the insane rhetoric and actions of the environmentalist that are fighting beach access but I compare it to not allowing anyone to jump in the pool; instead they just have to sit and look at the pool from the deck.
NagsHead2 says:
It must be an election year. Walter has been MIA for years. In any case, I’m pleased with this bill.
Lisa says:
Where was Walter these past many years while people have been fighting this thing tooth and nail with enormous amounts of time and money? Of course this bill needs to pass. Of course. But Walter Jones gets no praise for doing something he should have done years ago. He’s only gotten his rear in gear because he has a serious challenger and it’s election time. No one is fooled by his sudden interest in CHNSRA.
So you know says:
This is NOT Jones 1st attempt at passing a bill for access. Maybe if you paid more attention to the issue you would know this and not bash someone who has tried their best from the start.
This is actually his third attempt.
So You Know says:
This is 3rd attempt at legislation by the congressman to get this mess resolved. Jones has been involved from day one.
Native son says:
Yea,U.S. Rep. Jones,the Bodie Island Lighthouse is still taking on salt and rain,but you were assured by the Park Service that it was’nt being damaged by the corrosive mix.I guess it only affects trucks and cars and steel-hulled ships.Time for you to go also.P.S. thanks for the e-mail.
ekim says:
Dead on MS LISA He’s doing this for votes, This should have been done YEARS AGO!!!
Mike says:
Finnaly some common sense….now, if this does pass, what will happen with all the permits already sold? Will I get a refund?
Mermaid says:
So what has Stan White done this whole time to remedy the problem…?
Mr. Natural says:
Jones said in the statement, “But taxpayers can’t recreate without access to the beach.” No one has been denied access to the beach. The plan simply limits where vehicles can be. Keep in mind this is a national park, not a national parking lot. “Recreate” actually means “to put fresh life into, to refresh or restore in body or mind . . .” Every American has access to this beach to recreate. In fact it will be more refreshing and more will come now that it’s not overrun by big, gas-guzzling vehicles.
Frank Moore says:
Trying to get information as to what Stan White has done or plans to do is next to impossible. Since he was given the seat he now holds the only thing that we know about him with any bravdo is that he is going to run again (actually for the first time). Thank you Walter for all you do.
junkman says:
Park the gas guzzlers and walk to the beach. Get some exercise and improve your health. If Jones spent more time trying to improve the state of health care and less time on things like this we’d all be better off.
rande says:
I think Mr. Natural and Junkman are either not well informed or just general curmudgeons. many of the areas of the beaches are now longer accessible by either orv or pedestrians. and “walk to the beach”, fairly insensitive there, how exactly are handicapped individuals suppose to “walk to the beach”? The Cape Hatteras National Seashore was created for ALL people, created with our tax dollars, and maintained with our tax dollars. The NPS’s role is to maintain the parks, not govern them, or issue decrees. Same can be said for the judge that started this crap too, his job was to find the defendant guilty or not guilt, not enter an opinion. And while there is a glimmer of hope that this can be overturned by congress, I hold little hope at this point that they will finally do something right.
Lisa says:
Perhaps my characterization of Jones being absent on this was incorrect. It would be more accurate to say that he has been entirely ineffective. He introduced a bill in 2000 which generated no cosponsors and no hearings were held. The next bill was introduced in 2008. He managed to get a few cosponsors and a subcommittee hearing but the bill never made it out of the subcommittee. The same bill was re-introduced in 2009 with a few cosponsors but no hearing was held. Last time I checked, the Repubs took the House effective in 2011. Yet no bill was introduced until after the ORV rules went into effect. So this begs several questions. Why did he not introduce the bill in 2011 before the ORV rules became effective? Why can’t Jones generate any interest or support for these bills? Why can’t he get them out of subcommittee? Why is he, a Rep from a coastal district, not on any committee that pertains to natural resources? He serves on the Fin Svcs Comm and the Armed Services Comm. And by the way he was passed over for a leadership position on the Armed Svcs Comm due to his signing on to Dennis Kucinich’s articles of impeachment against George Bush. IMO, the answer to these questions is that Jones has no juice up there on the hill; no power; no network except among liberals who support the enviro lobby. He’s been ostracized by the leadership and his fellow Republican Reps due to his liberal voting record (see N&O story yesterday ranking Jones as one of the most liberal Repubs in the House). So You Know, there you have it. You’re right that Jones is not absent on this issue, he’s just completely ineffective.
Beachlover says:
It is not a PARK!! It is a national seashore.. The legal name is CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE RECREATIONAL AREA! It was created for people to use to drive out, walk ect. The biggest majority of people go to Hatteras & Ocracoke to drive out on the beach. Some of the best fishing spot will be blocked off to WALKING and driving. It is one of the main tourist attractions that draw the people to the islands. so how do you think they will make a living.
So THANK YOU Walter Jones for this, everyone that loves the CHNSRA appreciates it!
Hatteraslocal says:
Junkman, I dont think you get it. Without the beaches, Hatteras island does NOT make money. Restaurants, stores, ect. make their money because of the tourist. Business is slow during the winter. Summertime is when everybody makes their money. But with the beaches close, people will no loner come to Hatteras island. People like coming to Hatteras island because they are able to have the freedom of driving on the beach and have fun with their families. In most places you cant drive on the beach or do the things you are allowed to do in Hatteras. Also, people dont want to come here and spend their vacation next to a pool. They want to be able to enjoy driving on the beach. Us, Hatteras island locals make money because of our beautiful beach. And without it, we will no longer be able to make money which means we will no longer be able live in this beautiful place we call home!
Brendan says:
I have ben enjoyoig the CHNSRA since 1980. I drive out to the beach to fish and enjoy the sun. I spen money at the hotels, tackel shops and grocerie stores in the area. If I pay a fee vto drive on the beach. that leaves me with less cash to enjoy spending in the area around Cape Hatteras.
tickedoff says:
What makes you people think this legislation will be passed?
The environuts has the politicans in their pockets!! GET REAL!! BTW Mr. Jones a little to late dont you think?Junkmsn what about the handicapped that can’t walk to the beach-..what goes around…..
Dazed and Confused says:
When is the next election?
Lisa says:
May 8th is the primary. Jones is being challenged by Frank Palombo, former New Bern Police Chief http://palomboforcongress.com
Carol says:
Lisa you are right on ! I’ve seen this first hand. It has been very frustrating for the past four years seeing bill after bill get introduced and passed. This is a violation of our civil liberties as Americans. We have not been allowed to walk on the beaches and it has caused a total economic collapse of the islands economy. On top of the recession and the storms and hurricanes we deal with, I can’t tell you the level of hopelessness that we feel. Our elected politicians need to represent us and fight for us or resign and get out of the way so someone else can. County and state levels! We need to support this bill and gain back the right to go to our beaches. Hatteras island dances with the harmony of nature every day, I was born there and have always respected nature’s beauty and understood the need for balance. We don’t need the yogi bear police to teach us or police our beaches! I say to them go back to the coastlines of Kansas where you belong and leave us alone, we were doing just fine without you, no make that we were better off without you. Support HR 4094. America’s beach-free again
Bill says:
Should I wait to buy my permit?
Do not want to pay for something that may get overturned in the end?!
John says:
Thank you Rep. Jones for doing something. It’s just a total shame the Outer Banks has been thrown under the bus like this. Not in the name of conservation but for several groups (Southern Law & Audubon) special agendas.
Manteo Native says:
My family has been on the outer banks for 8 generations, with the 9th on the way. Man has lived in harmony here for hundreds of years with nature. Then come the tree hugging hippies buying up beach homes for rental, and wanting no one on the beaches at all. First step, start with the national seashores and say its because of the birds. I wonder how many of them have ever actually been on the beach or seen the birds. Most of us respect them, and the respect us, keeping distance. Ive never seen a bird get hit by a driver, but now liberals are letting birds ruin the very economy that brings here to enjoy the beauty. I have no problem with paying a fee to drive on the beach, but use it to add addtional rangers to enforce proper driving on our beaches. 9 of 10 times its a drunk tourist driving that is cutting up and disturbing the habitat. Clear the way to drive on the beaches Mr Jones, or this voter will be casting his vote for another candidate. You have lived on the easy life of washington dc too long! Remember the people who vote and put you there!
Perry says:
This may pass the Republican House, but its chances in the Democrat Senate are nill. Remember when Burr and Dole introduced a similar bill when this all started? It was killed in Committee – Republicans 12 Yea, 13 Democrats NAY. ‘Nough said.
There is a meeting scheduled on Hatteras on March 20. Hope to see y’all there, with bells on.
Perry says:
Junkman:
50 meters around a plover next included pedestrians. I thought that meant “walkers.”
LoggedOff says:
Worthless… Jones and the other 534 losers wasting space on The Hill these days. Who in their right mind thinks that Obama will sign this bill?? Have you seen gas prices, the DOE Secretary, and environmental leanings from the White House lately?? Get real… And this bill dies when the 112th Congress goes out…in 11 months. Too little, too late. For crying out loud, he couldn’t even convince Bush to issue Executive Order on this. I wrote Jones 4 letters about this, begging him to stand up, be vocal, get in the news, defend Dare County residents, strike passion. I got back the same old song and dance, passive, non-emotional, respect the judicial system crap. But what else should I expect from a member of Congress that rode in on Daddy’s coat-tails, as a Democrat, only to become a Republican when he didn’t like being in the minority anymore. Walter: you and your fellow losers sold us out. Step aside in the primary and give someone else a chance to save the remainder of our freedoms before they are gone.
Joshua Harden says:
First it was people a few years ago crying about fishing permits, now this.
Tom Stewart says:
Why should one group be forced to pay for access to the beach, when others allowed to access for free. Beach access is beach access. If you walk or ride its the same. If one group is required to pay for access, all groups should pay for access.