It’s been a while since I sat down here with the intention of writing for the blog. But then, since the DEIS comment period, things have been a bit slow on the Island and I needed a brain break. The wheels are turning again, the inks in the well, and a new nib on the gander’s gift.
In theory, on the morrow, Cape Point should finally be open for full access which will be welcomed. As many know, Hatteras Inlet was finally opened last week; having been closed for the last months in spite of the fact that no birds have nested there for years. I was out there today and it was a pleasure to drive and fish the rip.
It’s Cape Point that I’m concerned with or more accurately, the turtle nests that will soon come into hatch window and require full beach closures effectively eliminating access to the Point via Ramps 43 and 44. The Hook is covered up with Least Terns, also full beach closure which cuts off access via the salt pond road and 45.
I wrote about this before but did not ask the obvious question. That is, when is NPS going to begin the construction of a road behind the dunes and around the turtle nests so we can still have access?
By law, as per the “enabling legislation” they are required to. The area is adaptable, it’s clearly needed and it is unquestionably for recreational use; the three tenants stipulated by the Congress specific to this area. Remember, they said “shall be developed for such uses as needed” not, “give it a thought”.
So, Mr. Murray, where is our road?
On another note, it’s getting close to the end of public comment on our much needed bridge replacement as the deadline is the ninth of next month. If you like coming to Hatteras, and value your life and the lives of those you love, please take the time to learn about the issues and tell NCDOT to build the bridge NOW!
Irene Nolan at www.islandfreepress.org has written some excellent commentary on the subject and provides links for information and where to submit comment. Please have a look and help us replace this three mile span that should have been replaced 17 years ago and now enjoys a service rating of 2 out of 100.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
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Build a road for access? Are you kidding? The NPS? That's common sense idea and no one in the DOI/NPS are allowed to use common sense.
ReplyDeleteYou should phrase this differently. Something like. "Recreational users DON'T want a road around the closures or the beach." Then guess what will happen, they'll build a road!