September 9, 2009

Mike Murray

Superintendent

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

1401 National Park Drive

Manteo, N.C. 27954

Re: Village seasonal closures

Dear Superintendent Murray;

The Negotiated Rule Making process for conflict resolution ended in February of 2009 but still raises questions to the continuing management of seasonal and safety closures of the seashore. Of particular interest to access organizations and Outer Banks businesses suffering economically under the "consent decree" is the continuing closures of public beach in front of Frisco and Hatteras Villages and south of Ramp #1.

Previous public statements from the National Park Service indicated a decision would occur upon the completion of the Negotiated Rule Making process. Additional statements by NPS indicated that a reopening of the once seasonal opened beaches of the villages would constitute a precedent favoring seasonally opened beaches. In fact what has really happened is a precedent has been set for the last 14 years to keep these beaches closed and somehow they should be treated differently. The public has endured these closures unnecessarily and unfairly in the past and consequently there are no guarantees the NEPA process will be completed on time. The current management policy favors private beaches over public beaches.  Public perception begs the question, is there a deal that has been struck between the government and private property landowners to keep these beaches closed? There continues to be a lack of public access to these areas and there are no plans in the immediate future to provide access. The original publicly approved ORV plan of the late 1970's, clearly states those beaches be opened September 15 to May 15. By contrast these seasonally opened beaches have historically been opened more than closed.

The National Park Service cannot continue to advocate for the enjoyment of our beaches to the privileged few over the rights of enjoyment by the public. These beaches should be opened September 15 and closed May 15 according to NPS guidelines and public record.

Sincerely,

John B. Couch, President

OBPA

P.O. Box 1335

Buxton NC  27920

Larry Hardham, President

Cape Hatteras Anglers Club

P.O. Buxton, 145

Buxton, NC  27920

Jim Keene, President

North Carolina Beach Buggy Association

P.O. 940

Manteo, NC  27954

Bill Mandulak, CCA N.C. State Chairman

Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina

4809 Hargrove Rd, Suite 123

Raleigh N.C. 27616

Cc:

Marc Basnight, N.C. Senate Pro Tem

Walter B. Jones Jr., N.C House Representative

Richard Burr, Senator N.C.

Kay Hagan, Senator N.C.

Beverly Perdue, N.C. Governor