Vandalism of Resource Protection Closure Signs Results in Expansion of Buffer

Vandalism of symbolic fencing marking a shorebird closure in the South Beach area of Cape Hatteras National Seashore was discovered early Saturday morning.  Approximately 1.7 miles east of Ramp 49, a park ranger patrolling the area discovered and documented twelve posts with “Area Closed” signs broken off at the sand line and several carsonite closure markers pulled out at the shoreline.  During the investigation, two sets of footprints were found along the edge of the fence line that extended from the dunes to the waters edge.  No footprints or tire tracks were observed entering the closed area which was established to protect a least tern colony; no birds appeared to have been disturbed during the act of vandalism.  As prescribed in the court ordered Consent Decree, this closure violation resulted in a mandatory expansion of the closure area by 50 meters to the west.

The recent court approved Consent Decree related to shorebird and sea turtle protection at the Seashore requires the National Park Service to automatically expand the closure area by 50 meters if a confirmed deliberate act disturbs or harasses wildlife or vandalizes fencing, nests, or plants.  Park staff documented the site and expanded the closure as ordered in the Consent Decree.

Superintendent Mike Murray reiterated the need for all parties to meet the Consent Decree requirements.  "I urge everyone to consider that future acts of intentional vandalism to resource protection areas will result in greater expansion of the buffers.  These expansions are not discretionary under the Consent Decree," stated Murray.

For more information about closures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore and visitor opportunities, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/caha.

Representing all of our members…“Supporting Recreational ORV Access”……..

Jim Keene, President, NCBBA

NCBBA Board of Directors

contactus@ncbba.org

Everyone said it would just be a matter of time before a mysterious 'covert' case of vandalism would occur. And just like predicted no one knows who did it, not even a tire track or any other traceable sign of  'who-done-it'. Heck might even of been a Eco-Nazi setting us up to have even lees beach to drive and fish................just like predicted.

On a good note I hadn't planed any trips down there this year that would of lasted more than a day or two and I'll still do them just to support the tackle shops, resturants and what not. Sure hope they/we get it all figured out by next year because the family cottage week in Hatteras is planed for then.

What a hot load of crap !!

Tom Oregon inlet is closed, the south side (Pea Island) has been closed for years in an attempt to apease the Eco-Nazis as a wildlife preserve and the north side was one of the first new closeures this year. I think you're wrong about the tackle shops being the only ones affected because before and after the summer tourist season most go down there to fish and most of them want to be able to drive their 4 wheel drive tackle box to the fishing spots. Those/us folks spend $$ everywhere, super markets, resturants, motels, etc. and a lot of surfers are the same because to park and look over the dune senario is a pain. Besides the access to walk the beaches are just as closed as driving access so it's going to be a zoo down there this summer. 

Kent Dorfman wrote Dang Jay, that's just not right to tell a man he's wrong.  You make a good point though, I'm thinking in terms of summer months, not the off season.  Still, I think the big bucks get spent by the yankee tourists.  They save up their money all year and then blow it all while they are at the beach.

Ok so if I'm not right I guess I'm ...............................

How bout if I just say I don't agree that should be PC enough to keep me out of that dreaded bottom 10%

A lot of those yankees are beach going types too and weather they've got binoculars or heavers in their hands they too want to drive the beaches. He!! even the Eco-Nazis want to drive the beaches, how else are they going to plant false violations and blame/watch us Bubba's   

No offence intended (  ) but this is what happens when we encourage these birds to nest too close to the water

This is/was the nesting area that was roped off to keep us avian killing, bait slinging, beer swilling rednecks from chasing these poor little birdies to higher ground away from the forces of mother nature and this was just the weak little nor'easter from this past weekend. Karma is a mofo fosho