CALL TO ACTION - SAVE HATTERAS ISLAND BEACH ACCESS!

I am writing today to inform you of an issue that has been brewing and one you ALL need to have a say in . . .

Everyone loves the Outer Banks.  No one loves it any more than those who visit here, grew up here, relocated here, or just passed through our beautiful area.  Many areas on the Outer Banks are protected in one form or another by the Federal Government.  Pea Island, Oregon Inlet, and the entire Cape Hatteras National Seashore fall under the purview of the National Park Service which has always allowed "on-beach" access to everyone, including the privilege of driving responsibly on the beach.  How many times have you driven out on one of the Hatteras Island beaches for a day of sunning, surfing, fishing or just soaking in the magnificence of this special place.  This may all come to an end soon.

In the Fall of 2007, the National Audubon Society, the Defenders of Wildlife, and the Southern Environmental Law Center filed suit in Federal Court against the United States to limit or ban access to many of the primary areas of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore including Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, and most of Ocracoke Island.  On March 13, 2008, the Department of Justice Declined to contest the lawsuit which will be heard on April 4, 2008 in Elizabeth City.  This effectively means that vehicular beach access will be closed -- think about the impact this will have on the local economy. 

We on the Outer Banks are asking for your help.  Go to SAVEHATTERAS.COM to get informed on this issue.  Join our fight and click on the "PleaCast" to send a letter to the lawmakers and politicians who can help us protect access to OUR beaches. 

Comments

[Ronnie Roach]

Good to see you today. I hope the ORV access will be resolved soon. I think the damage to the local economy could really hurt those on Hatteras Island. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[BRAD WINSLOW]

Yes I would like to say please keep our beachdriving open to vechiles we love it and it will kill the economy there I'm from Elizabeth city and we pray to God that they will not close them down, Thank you.