Future of OBX

[GarnerFJ40]

So everyone that was in OBX this past weekend for our trip noticed the meeting signs for the future of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the ORV ban. Our president said it best when he said and I'm quoting, " We may be some of the last people to drive these sections of beach."

Here's some of the video from the meeting, each clip is about 12 minutes long, and yes can get lengthy. If you want to be a little more informed about the stances of both parties, history of the use, and the future injuction "Banned ORV" areas, check these out. If you watch only one of them, watch the third. You'll notice these were alot of the areas we were driving over the weekend.

Judge rules on the injunction this Friday...

http://media.putfile.com/Bobby-Outten-Dare-Co-attorney-on-ORV-suit-pending
http://media.putfile.com/John-Couch-on-Cape-Hatteras-National-Seashore-history
http://media.putfile.com/Frank-Folb-with-maps-of-beach-closures

[highlandcruzer]

Originally Posted by GarnerFJ40

" We may be some of the last people to drive these sections of beach."

I told my wife the same thing when she said she was cold and miserable.

Scary. Keep your fingers crossed.

[mtweller]

I could only get the third video to play, but DAAAAAMMMMMNN!!!!! No more Cape Point??

[cruiser4life]

Yep, this is what I've been posting about for a while. This is a big deal and essentially tuns most of the ORV access into wildlife sanctuaries - not what CHNS was intended for...

Everyone that cares should take time today to still speak up. It isn't too late, take action today!!!!!!!!!

The court hearing is tomorrow, no word when the actual judgment will be made.

Save Hatteras and Ocracoke Island - Hatteras PleaCast

[uzj100]

This is crazy. This will basically destroy all business out there. I am all about saving some species however at some point common sense has to come into play.

[southerncruiser62]

I agree, and I really hated to see the frustration in business owners in buxton. Our club made a presence in signing a petition that local business owners had put together, it was just sad to see the locals who rely so much on the traveling fisherman and average beach driver seem almost as if they were out of ideas and it had almost become fact that there wasn't much they could do.

I wish it was someone more locally making the final decision because I think the community and economy shock would be more realistic for them to make judgement. It small towns like Buxton that really make you appreciate things and I hate that this could put so many locals in danger.

[little_joe]

Interestingly the Judge who is hearing the case was hand-selected by the environmental groups for this case because in a previous trial, he stated "Driving on the beach is illegal!".

Hrm, wonder what the outcome will be? :(

[GarnerFJ40]

Funny how our justice system is SUPPOSED to be impartial, and rule only on the facts presented.

[cruiser4life]

I probably wasn't clear earlier because I was posting from my car and in a hurry but the last line in my above post is an actual link.

Use the e-mail function to get it to others for some last minute input.

Link:

Save Hatteras and Ocracoke Island - Hatteras PleaCast

[cruiser4life]

Originally Posted by uzj100

This is crazy. This will basically destroy all business out there. I am all about saving some species however at some point common sense has to come into play.

You are right, businesses will suffer greatly.

Also, this really isn't about saving certain wildlife. It's about a much greater cause that revokes our right to access those areas of the beach and using wildlife as a point of leverage.

As most of you know, their claims about the wildlife in question that they are trying to protect aren't even close to accurate. They are skewing facts and ultimately not stating the truth to further their cause.

[cruiser4life]

Originally Posted by southerncruiser62

I agree, and I really hated to see the frustration in business owners in buxton. Our club made a presence in signing a petition that local business owners had put together, it was just sad to see the locals who rely so much on the traveling fisherman and average beach driver seem almost as if they were out of ideas and it had almost become fact that there wasn't much they could do.

I wish it was someone more locally making the final decision because I think the community and economy shock would be more realistic for them to make judgement. It small towns like Buxton that really make you appreciate things and I hate that this could put so many locals in danger.

I am glad you guys / gals did what you could while you were there. Good work.

Keep your fingers crossed (along with hitting that link and doing what you can). Senator Basnight is firmly behind the effort to keep the beaches open, let him know you appreciate and support his position as well as letting all other elected officials hear your voice (Senator Dole and Senator Burr for North Carolinians). Many folks have been at this for a long time, a surge at the finish would be a good thing.

[highlandcruzer]

I clickety clicked all over with my info, FWIW.

It just seems unreal, like a bad dream. There's always been OBX wheelin'! I'm on the edge of my seat awaiting the outcome.

[Silascrum]

I had no idea. I'll be following this in the news tomorrow.

It is incredible how much push and pull these environmental groups have. It disgusts me.

Hopefully the mood on this thread tomorrow will be a positive one...

[Silascrum]

Story on WRAL this morning:

Beach-Driving Case Heads to Court :: WRAL.com

[WES1977]

If driving on the beach is banned then I guess I have no reason going there.

I did plea on your site just hope it wasn't to late.

[Eskimo]

Let's not forget Toyota's $20 million donation to the Audubon(or however the hell it's spelled) Society.. :shaking head:

[WES1977]

Originally Posted by Silascrum

Story on WRAL this morning:

Beach-Driving Case Heads to Court :: WRAL.com

Should Beach-Driving Be Banned? :: WRAL.com
That poll starts off with I want to answer no to, and then another question I want to say yes to. The right answer is yes.

I hope they don't try to confuss people like that in the trail

[cruiser4life]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

Let's not forget Toyota's $20 million donation to the Audubon(or however the hell it's spelled) Society.. :shaking head:

Yes, that's pretty ironic given the current situation don't you think??

[mtweller]

Looks like they may have reached a compromise...


Judge Drives Beach-Access Lawsuit Toward Settlement :: WRAL.com

[GarnerFJ40]

NCBBA President Jim Keene, along with the other attendees at the hearing, were contacted this evening by the attorneys for CHAPA asked that a clarification be sent to all interested parties in this injunction…..Judge Boyle did not set a new hearing date and has charged the attorneys “to continue their negotiations”.

The AP newswire which some of you have read is incorrect . Expect to see a correction in tomorrow’s paper and on the internet websites very soon…..

[stevezero]

The public is being asked for its opinion for development of ORV access for the Southern Outer Banks (Portsmouth and Cape Lookout). It may be for the entire outer banks area.

Fill it out and email or snail mail it in. Its a large file at the bottom of the link, but there is one in ms word format.

NPS PEPC - 2008 Alternative Options Workbook: Cape Lookout National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/EIS

[uzj100]

Filling it out now. Sending the link to others. Thanks!

[little_joe]

I wonder where Blue Ribbon and United 4WD are in this? Is it on their radar?

Thanks for the link stevezero.

[cruiser4life]

Good, informative, current article:

newsobserver.com | What's driving beach restrictions

These two passages should get your attention:

The court is sending a clear message that it does not care what the public thinks. This is an insult to citizens who have taken the time and their personal resources to attend the meetings, sit at the table to negotiate in good faith and provide factual information and constructive comment to the Park Service.

Under the settlement proceedings, there is no public discussion of economic impact. The "settlement" will definitely affect the lives and economic well-being of thousands of citizens who live and own businesses and property in the villages on the Outer Banks. Businesses will close, and families will suffer. The value of property will decrease.

[uzj100]

What does this mean? Is it a done deal? Or is this just an opinion of what is going on and how the enviro people are skewwing the data in their favor.

[cruiser4life]

Not a done deal but certainly seems headed in bad direction for those who oppose having current ORV beach access taken away.

It is more than an opinion though, he clarifies many points most of the public probably isn't aware of...

This article ran today, the decision is pending.