point access in ?

[derf]

C&P from rdt ....
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More Info About the Point and access from Bob...
Hello,

Dave Goodwin and I met again on Cape Point with Superintendent Phil Frances and Mary Doll. I think they were surprised at how rapidly the resource staff had repaired stakes and signage. The safety area south of the point is still not open and even though the super had agreed to open - - - Dave and I noted all of the flooding on the ramps and inter dunal road at ramp 44 and requested the floodgate be open on the south beach. I guess maybe they are going to study or whatever but the campground is going to be a soggy mess for Memorial Day.

I spoke this morning with Karen Sales, the staff biologist for the area, and she related how the Point closure has nesting American Oyster Catchers, 5 piping plovers showing spring behavior, least terns, and royal terns.

I have a bad feeling about Cape Point and I ask all of you to call Phil Frances at 252-473-2111 ext 148 and express yourselves.

Thanks,

Bob Eakes

The closure is there only because they did on a weekend after all of the powers said that it would not be there.
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also this info has been posted on the NCBBA board
derf

[SuBourbon]

Follow-up from DAGOBX:


Update on South Beach Closure

On very short notice (15 minutes) I was invited to meet with Mary Doll, Karen Sayles, Gary Henson, and two additional NPS persons at Cape Point to agree on a route through the "safety" area south of the Point, where the beach was closed to the water with no through-traffic.

Upon arrival, we gathered at the safety closure while Mary told of a corridor through the area in the high beach between the surf & dune line. There were tire tracks there where someone had previously driven. On further study, Karen Sayles suggested that all of the stakes closing the area be taken down & that a corridor landward from the surf up across the "hump" of the beach (some 60-80 ft. wide) be designated an ORV corridor, for safe passage between the Point & South Beach at any tide. There is one lonely clump of grass in the corridor, but it was deemed expendable. For the time being, there will be no parking allowed within this corridor. The beach had built out some, but NPS wants to wait & see if it builds out some more before removing the no parking signs. The seemed concerned that someone might get stuck in this area trying to pass around a parked vehicle (the sand is pretty soft in there). I was assured by Gary Henson, ranger, that he would keep an eye on it & remove the signs when conditions improve.

While I was there, staff reconfigured the stakes into a corridor for safe passage. Karen's idea proved to be the most practical of the two. We now have access from the Point through to South Beach.

While this is only one of many promises fulfilled, it is certainly a step in the right direction. Acting Superintendent Phil Francis has kept his word on at least this occasion. I hope that this is the start of an effort to balance wildlife & human needs within the Seashore.

I, too, have met & talked with Mr. Francis - "Phil", as he insists on being called. I believe he is someone who will listen to what we have to say - as long as it is reasonable & logical - and at least TRY to accomodate our needs. There will be some things that he cannot do. Otherwise, I am reasonable certain that Phil will make an effort to address our questions/requests with either action or at least a discussion on why he cannot grant it.

Yes, it would be great if all of the misaligned, unnecessary closures could be fixed with the snap of Phil's fingers. But we all know that is not possible. Phil has only been "on the ground" here for about 10 days or so -vacation notwithstanding - has the task of not only listening to our gripes, but also getting his staff in line. He realizes that a lot of the problems out here stem from a lack of communication between headquarters & field staff. He is changing that situation. Along with this, he is trying to establish lines of communication with the residents & users. All in all a large job for someone that's only been here effectively for 10 days.

I fully agree with Bob Eakes in his statement that we need to give Phil the time to get a grip on things out here. We cannot expect things to change overnight - that's unrealistic. But I believe things ARE going to change - FOR THE BETTER.

So we all need to chill out & see what happens. And be supportive of these efforts to improve things.

The key phrase here is "Cautious Optimism".

Let's give the man a chance............

__________________
"Preserve & Protect....NOT PROHIBIT"

[derf]

thanks for the update russ
derf

[derf]

another post from another board....

sterday, 10:18 PM
dagobx
O.B.P.A. Board Member

Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: HI
Posts: 332
I think
that things are a little overstated on the "other boards". I did post on RDT, so if you want to have a read, it may help you understand the situation.

The thing that got Bob's panties in a wad about is the closure that was installed at Cape Point. You've seen my map of the closure. It is pretty much what Belli wanted when he announced his closure plans on April 9th. That is the way it was done. The real problem about it is that this closure was installed by resource management (not field staff) during the weekend after we all had assurances from the deputy superintendent up to the director of the southeast region (Atlanta) & here deputy that Belli's plan would NOT be implimented. OBPA/CHAPA had even gotten our legal team & hired an environmental firm so both could write legal & biological assessments denouncing the closure as designed. The assessments were delivered to NPS in Manteo, Atlanta and to USFWS in Raleigh. NPS Manteo acted like it was manna from Heaven. Discussions between Manteo & our legal team produced additional assurances that Belli's plan would be trashed. And then that evening (Friday), resource management installed the very enclosure we had been promised would not be utilized.

After expending all the time & $$$ to provide NPS will an excellent assessment - both legal & biological - of why NOT to put up that closure, and then be told that it would NOT be done..........then BAM, in the dark of night they're out there doing it anyway. I don't think you can blame anyone for being highly pi$$ed about it.

Those that went ahead & installed that closure - after it was agreed that it would NOT be put up - should be reprimanded. We must also let NPS know that a closure of this magnitude should NOT become the new template for future closures.

But that's really old news. Your assessment of Phil Francis was accurate. I have met & talked with Phil several times now & I am beginning to think that he may be the jewel we've been looking for out here. He's a fine fellow, IMHO....whether he's a good MANAGER remains to be seen. He will listen to your concerns, discuss possible options, & tell you on the spot whether he can do what you ask, must check it out first, or can absolutely not do it. He DOES return phone calls.

Phil has had several conversations with user groups here, mostly occuring on the beach. He has seen the closures at Cape Point & Hatteras Inlet first hand and agrees that modifications are necessary. Our new biologist, Karen Sayles, who has actually been here for 7 years on temporary assignment for 6 months at a time, is approachable and seems to have some concerns for user accessability. Her job is to protect the wildlife, but where she can justify doing so she will work with us on providing access around closures. She has done this already.

Karen has visited with OBPA on several occasions to explain what she has found on the beach (in the way of bird nests) & what she thinks should be done. But she also asks for our input & many times has taken our advice. I feel comfortable is saying that the old days of the "Bird Lady" & her attitude are gone. I believe we can work with Karen & her staff for the betterment of the wildlife & human recreation. Ditto with Phil Francis.

I know this is a long post, but a lot has happened out here that few know about.

I guess what my main point is that we all need to give Phil Francis the time he needs to get a grip on things out here. Changes will happen, but not overnight. Phil has to get his staff on task before many of these changes can be done. He has held several staff meetings not only in Manteo, but also in Ocracoke & Hatteras. He's not afraid to make sure that his people are on the same page with him. And he's not afraid of getting together with the user/resident public to hear their concerns or suggestions. While the proof will ultimately be in the "pudding", we all must give this man time to accomplish the things he needs to accomplish in order to restore the Seashore & its staff to the point where it is "user-friendly" again.

Bob is right in one respect - if you have a gripe or concern, take it to Phil. Don't take it out on the staff. Staff only carries out policy, not make policy. They want to keep their respective jobs, so they do as they are told by management. All of the sniping, snide remarks, and outright harrassment of the staff that has been going on must stop. Those on staff that incited discontent among residents & users have been dealt with & are no longer in the picture. It is past time that we ALL try to be civil with NPS staff.

I believe a new day dawned when Phil Francis set foot in the offices in Manteo. I believe he will turn things around & return the Cape Hatteras Nationa Seashore into the crown jewel for the public & wildlife as it was in years past. Attitudes are changing. The days of the insolent ranger or biologist are fast disappearing. A new hope that we can all work together has risen.

Let's ALL give Phil & his staff the chance to bring about this new era. We can only benefit from this, regardless of the outcome. Time to put away the knives. But you might want to keep them handy for cutting bait

The operative phrase is "Cautious Optimism".
__________________
"Preserve & Protect......NOT PROHIBIT"
Last edited by dagobx : Yesterday at 10:59 PM.
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derf