good news from the weekend

[longcaster]

I spent the wekend at the NC GOP convention getting a resolution for access passed.

The Republican Party of NC is now fully behind our fight for access.


_______(Organization Name)_______

RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE BEACHES
ON THE CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE RECREATIONAL AREA

WHEREAS, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA) was created by Congress in 1937 as America’s first National Seashore with the promise that people would always have access for recreation; and

WHEREAS, a tourism based economy has been developed on Bodie Island, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, where the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area is located, comprising part of the area known as the Outer Banks of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, access to the beaches of this area has always been the defining element of the visitor’s complete seashore experience and is the foundation of the area’s economic base upon which thousands of families depend for their livelihood; and

WHEREAS, the National Park Service has managed the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area and in July of 2007, adopted an Interim Protected Species Management Plan (Interim Plan) to protect the natural resources of the CHNSRA while still providing for public access to the most popular and traditionally used beaches of the area; and

WHEREAS, in October 2007, environmental groups filed suit in U.S. Federal Court seeking to enjoin access to large areas of the CHNSRA resulting in a Consent Decree issued in April of 2008 by the U.S. Federal District Court modifying the Interim Plan and resulting in the closure to the public of large areas of the CHNSRA; and

WHEREAS, the unprecedented closures as a result of the Consent Decree has created significant economic harm to businesses in the area and disrupted a recreational heritage which has been responsibly enjoyed by families for generations; and

WHEREAS, in January 2009, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) introduced H.R. 718, to reinstate the Interim Management Plan on the CHNSRA, which he first introduced as H.R. 6233 on June 11, 2008; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 718 would set aside current mandates put in place in the wake of the Consent Decree, restore public access and improve economic conditions by reinstituting the Interim Management Plan until the National Park Service establishes a long-term management plan for use of the CHNSRA.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the _______(Organization name)_______ supports open public access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area consistent with promises made in the enabling legislation, and recognizes the importance of recreational access to sustain the economic viability of this unique area and finds the Interim Management Plan, of the National Park Service, the most effective tool available to regulate the area, until a long-term plan can be adopted.
This the ____ day of ____________, 2009.

_______(Organization Name)_______

By: _______________________________________
(name), (title)

ATTEST:

____________________________________
(name), (title)

[TheRick]

Longcaster- Thank you for your hardwork in the fight for access. I saw your post on Frank's site intially. A couple questions if you don't mind... Is the resolution mainly to create awareness? will it have any direct affect/influence on the pending bills in congress? Thank you.

[Steve Coleman]

Too bad the GOP is like a toothless old dog now. No bark, no bite.

Hopefully the dems will support this but right now the votes will most likely be strictly by party line.

Every little bit helps tho!

Steve

[longcaster]

Originally Posted by TheRick

Longcaster- Thank you for your hardwork in the fight for access. I saw your post on Frank's site intially. A couple questions if you don't mind... Is the resolution mainly to create awareness? will it have any direct affect/influence on the pending bills in congress? Thank you.

It has raised awareness. There are 100 Counties in NC. They all stood up and said they will try to help.

Will it do any good? Yes. It will last as long as we can keep the preasure on.

[TheRick]

Great, I'm sure some of those folks weren't even aware of whats going on in Dare. Hopefully it will help get some momentum going. Thanks again Longcaster.

[surffishn]

Longcaster, Thank You! I know you have put in a lot of time and effort.It is much appreciated. Paul

[Chunkah]