|
Dare County Commissioners Visit Radio Stations
to Keep Public Informed
About ORV Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore
 Dare
County officials are making every effort to put out the brush fires
generated by a recent Court Order issued by U.S. District Judge Terrence
W. Boyle on July 17 indicating that the National Park Service is not in
compliance with legal requirements to authorize and manage off-road
vehicle (ORV) use at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Dare
County
Commissioners,
including Chairman
Warren Judge
and Vice Chairman
Allen Burrus,
have been making the rounds of local radio stations and have ensured
that County staff will keep such information sources as the website at
www.darenc.com and Government Access
Channel 20 up–to-date with the facts on the issue to clarify the
situation and quell rumors.
``Dare County
Commissioners
support free and open access to the beaches on the Cape Hatteras
Seashore and we are participating in the negotiated rulemaking process
to adopt driving rules for the Seashore and do not want to see those
negotiations preempted by any effort outside the negotiating process,’’
said Judge.
The National Park Service (NPS)
has recently closed portions of the seashore to protect Piping Plover
nesting areas, but opened other previously closed areas to compensate
for the closures.
``The Dare
Commissioners
support the protection of endangered species and all rules and
regulations meant to protect them. We expect the same respect for the
men and women and children who wish to use the Seashore for recreation,
a long-standing and treasured tradition,’’ explained Judge.
Judge and
Burrus urge residents and visitors alike to seek out the facts on this
issue and not react emotionally to rumors or hearsay that is
circulating. In addition to the website and cable channel, anyone having
questions or wishing to confirm information, heard or read, may call
Dorothy Toolan,
Dare County Public Information Officer, at 252-475-5903.
PHOTO:
Dare County Commission Chairman
Warren Judge
(left) explains the County position that the Hatteras Seashore should
remain accessible for the recreational use of residents and visitors in
response to a question by morning radio host Moose Smith of Max Media’s
Beach 104 on Thursday morning. He cautioned that those using the beaches
must respect and support the Law Enforcement Division of the National
Park Service to the fullest extent to preserve the environment as well
as the privilege of using those beaches.
|
