Yesterday, the Virginian Pilot published an editorial that proclaimed the FEIS as being a good compromise. That article can be found here:
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/good-compromise-hatteras-driving#comment-1026426
I don't know if they will extend the character limit or nuke the reply entirely. In any case, here it is.
A good compromise on Hatteras driving, I should say not!
The fight for access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area began long before the now infamous presidential executive order 11644 signed by Nixon in 1972. In fact, the Park Service originally intended that Hatteras and Ocracoke be set aside as primitive wilderness, in complete conflict with the 1937 legislation establishing the Seashore. The Park Service’s new proposed plan is also in direct conflict with that legislation and a healthy dose of other federal statutes designed to guide NPS and other federal agencies in their management decisions.
I received my copy of the FEIS (proposed rule) Thursday the 18th of this month. The scales at the post office put this two volume, 1000 plus page document, at 8 pounds 12 ounces. And in spite of my hard earned knowledge of the subjects at hand, I have only just begun to digest this federal work. I have seen enough already to know that what has been presented in this editorial is flawed and often not fact based.
The new rule does not bring predictability to the Seashore except what areas will be permanently closed to both pedestrian and ORV use. The remaining areas will still be subjected to confusing seasonal and nesting closures as they have for the last three years. The proposed new parking areas will not assist anyone in accessing the remote portions of the islands and in fact will eliminate access to significant portions of the seashore to mobility impaired persons such as me. If you study the FEIS you will see this. And if you look beyond the published FEIS, you will also see that the reported economic impact of the Consent Decree, somewhat mild in comparison to the proposed rule, has been white-washed by NPS in their thinly veiled attempt at “putting lipstick on a pig”.
Mr. Luzzatto, When I called and spoke to you yesterday and received your blessing to extend beyond the 750 character limit, I neglected to mention Carter’s E.O. 11989 (1977) and the Park Services’ reliance and use of this order in order to justify these immense, proposed closures. This E.O. requires that NPS determine that “considerable adverse effects” either will be caused or are being caused by ORV’s before an area is closed to ORV use. To date, NPS, neither USFWS nor the various environmental groups have been able to demonstrate anything even remotely approaching “considerable adverse effects” as a result of vehicular access to the Seashore. Instead we are confronted with hundreds of pages of speculation, out of date studies, USGS protocols that were “peer reviewed” by the authors, and it gets worse. One study within the FEIS concerns bird behavior in South Africa, perhaps just a short ferry ride from Ocracoke.
A compromise this FEIS is not. Instead it is a significant derogation of the congressionally mandated mission of this Seashore that will negatively affect the lives of tens of thousands of people from all over this nation, many of whom have visited here for generations, as well as those of us that live here. Without the ability to show “considerable adverse effects”, NPS proposes to change the entire nature of this seashore and our environment. This is not a compromise; this is a tragedy unfolding before our eyes.
I encourage Mr. Luzzatto to come and visit Hatteras Island to see and hear firsthand what this proposed rule will mean to the residents and visitors to this island.
Wheat
Happy Thanksgiving Y'all :)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Yep, Dr. Gill, We Have Radios
Back in the day, when I was a spry 10 year old..you know, back when we had to walk to school and back, in a blizzard, up hill both ways, a bunch of my neighborhood friends began to join the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps which meant, of course, I had to join as well. It was an experience and privilege that in many ways, set the tone for much of the rest of my life. I was part of the last of what was then, and apparently, is still now referred to as "The Old Corps". It was an incredible learning experience. Demands and expectations were extremely high and at times the experience itself was downright brutal.
But you're talking about a bunch of kids from Williamsburg, Virginia that are routinely called upon to greet dignitaries from home and across the globe. The list is long and through the adept hands of some that I had the pleasure to march with, it grows ever longer. Nixon, Ford, Carter, Hirohito (WWII Japanese Emperor), Sadat, Began, are some of the folks we played for while I was in the Corps.
For a taste, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjuGqm8aVQ&feature=related
(probably my all time favorite tune, York Fusiliers, is on this video...last tune)
Anyhow, that led to a long stint of working for the foundation essentially presenting and teaching part of the history of colonial Virginia and a as yet, unformed nation.
You cant spend 17 and a half years talking about and pseudo-living in the 18th century capitol of Virginia without at some point becoming amazed at the army of citizens that banded together to defeat an army of tyranny.
They were, for the most part, poor, ill equipped, under fed and under funded. But they prevailed because they stuck it out.
Many years ago I was a guest in the home of a remarkable historian, Harold Gill. His son Hal and I had been in the Corps together and now worked at the Geddy Foundry in Colonial Williamsburg reproducing 18th century, brass, bronze, pewter, and silver objects. The purpose being to educate the public and preserve the trade as it was practiced at the time.
As we all had a mutual interest in the War For Southern Independence (1861-1865) we began a discussion about Gettysburg. The question was, if you could take any one thing back to that battle, what would it be?
My response was a battery of 105mm Howitzers to march a line of fire toward the Federal lines. The thought being, you probably wouldn't have to kill anybody cause they'd run...
His response was radios.
I've never forgotten that response and the thoughts and message that came with it. Communication would have changed the course of the war.
Its been many a day since I donned my great coat and buckled shoes to carry a basket of newly finished bronze and silver down Duke of Gloucester Street within sight of the spot where Virginia became the first colony to declare independence from Britain.
Is it any coincidence that years later I find myself embroiled in, and teaching about, yet another struggle involving a tyrannical government and their dishonest allies? Perhaps, but this time it's not about what happened in the past. This time it's happening in real time, right in our own back yard.
The oft repeated phrase "the more things change, the more they stay the same" comes to mind. Lets examine the constituent elements.
One relatively poor, underfunded, barely organised citizen army, check!
VS.
Several overly funded, law breaking, "treaty" breaking, overzealous divisions of a tyrannical government, check!
And three divisions of unscrupulous "for profit" allies (think Hessians during the Rev War), check!
I think that pretty much sums it up.
Except this time, we have radios.
One of the most difficult parts of our years long fight for freedom and preservation of access at the Seashore has been communicating the truth and reality about what has been happening on these Islands. We sit and watch the mainstream media ignore all that we tell them while they take any utterance from the NPS and their allies to be gospel.
We suffer as Derb Carter stands in front of Judge Boyle and proudly proclaims that he and his ilk have stopped all progress on legislation that would restore management of the Seashore to levels more akin to those intended by the Congress as they established this place and the media doesn't blink; the true story remains unseen.
But, we do have radios.
Back in '02 as I was completing my university level course work to acquire certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, we explored the workings of the Internet and learned about a theory called "the 12 degrees of separation".
The concept is that I/we, know somebody that knows somebody, that knows somebody that knows...etc and that virtually anybody in the developed world could be contacted via a chain of about 12 people.
So we're in a war for freedom and access and the Internet becomes our radio. And the more we post and re-post, the more we share our story and successfully encourage our friends to do the same, the more people are exposed to the travesty of lies, broken promises, and broken laws.
Since we cant get the help of mainstream media, it's up to us to take it to the people. We have at our disposal, facebook, for example. A free form of communication that enables us to quickly and effectively spread the word about what befalls us. Lets use it to our advantage. The "dark side" does.
It works! Let me share a letter I got just the other day via that very venue.
"Jeff, after learning more about the FEIS, I got to asking myself "What could I do"? I know its gonna take a boatload of cash to battle the dark side. There has got to be something that I could do from all the way up here in Ohio. Today alone I wrote a letter to President Obama and Jimmy Buffett. I've written letters to congress, state reps yadda yadda yadda... But I still feel the need to do something! I thought about having some sort of fundraiser up here in Ohio, but have no clue on how to pull that off. I've been involved with many charity/fund raising events in the past, but they were all local. How could I grab the attention of northeast Ohio, and get them to give a damn? Almost every day I see a car with an OBX sticker on it, and I bet the majority of the drivers of those cars have no clue what is going on down on HI. I ask you because you seem to be very knowledgeable, and you are one of the few who are on the front lines of this battle. I'm gonna keep racking my brain up here in the Buckeye State, meanwhile, if you think of anything that I can do from up here, let me know...
Thanks Wheat,
(redacted)
So what I ask and propose is that when you see a post about access, the bridge, or even the continuing hypocrisy of the "dark side", post it, share it, and strongly encourage your friends to do the same.
If all of us do this all of the time, the word will get out and maybe one day, it'll fall into the right hands and begin to raise some eyebrows so that something may be done to end this tyranny.
Yep, we've got radios Dr. Gill.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
But you're talking about a bunch of kids from Williamsburg, Virginia that are routinely called upon to greet dignitaries from home and across the globe. The list is long and through the adept hands of some that I had the pleasure to march with, it grows ever longer. Nixon, Ford, Carter, Hirohito (WWII Japanese Emperor), Sadat, Began, are some of the folks we played for while I was in the Corps.
For a taste, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjuGqm8aVQ&feature=related
(probably my all time favorite tune, York Fusiliers, is on this video...last tune)
Anyhow, that led to a long stint of working for the foundation essentially presenting and teaching part of the history of colonial Virginia and a as yet, unformed nation.
You cant spend 17 and a half years talking about and pseudo-living in the 18th century capitol of Virginia without at some point becoming amazed at the army of citizens that banded together to defeat an army of tyranny.
They were, for the most part, poor, ill equipped, under fed and under funded. But they prevailed because they stuck it out.
Many years ago I was a guest in the home of a remarkable historian, Harold Gill. His son Hal and I had been in the Corps together and now worked at the Geddy Foundry in Colonial Williamsburg reproducing 18th century, brass, bronze, pewter, and silver objects. The purpose being to educate the public and preserve the trade as it was practiced at the time.
As we all had a mutual interest in the War For Southern Independence (1861-1865) we began a discussion about Gettysburg. The question was, if you could take any one thing back to that battle, what would it be?
My response was a battery of 105mm Howitzers to march a line of fire toward the Federal lines. The thought being, you probably wouldn't have to kill anybody cause they'd run...
His response was radios.
I've never forgotten that response and the thoughts and message that came with it. Communication would have changed the course of the war.
Its been many a day since I donned my great coat and buckled shoes to carry a basket of newly finished bronze and silver down Duke of Gloucester Street within sight of the spot where Virginia became the first colony to declare independence from Britain.
Is it any coincidence that years later I find myself embroiled in, and teaching about, yet another struggle involving a tyrannical government and their dishonest allies? Perhaps, but this time it's not about what happened in the past. This time it's happening in real time, right in our own back yard.
The oft repeated phrase "the more things change, the more they stay the same" comes to mind. Lets examine the constituent elements.
One relatively poor, underfunded, barely organised citizen army, check!
VS.
Several overly funded, law breaking, "treaty" breaking, overzealous divisions of a tyrannical government, check!
And three divisions of unscrupulous "for profit" allies (think Hessians during the Rev War), check!
I think that pretty much sums it up.
Except this time, we have radios.
One of the most difficult parts of our years long fight for freedom and preservation of access at the Seashore has been communicating the truth and reality about what has been happening on these Islands. We sit and watch the mainstream media ignore all that we tell them while they take any utterance from the NPS and their allies to be gospel.
We suffer as Derb Carter stands in front of Judge Boyle and proudly proclaims that he and his ilk have stopped all progress on legislation that would restore management of the Seashore to levels more akin to those intended by the Congress as they established this place and the media doesn't blink; the true story remains unseen.
But, we do have radios.
Back in '02 as I was completing my university level course work to acquire certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, we explored the workings of the Internet and learned about a theory called "the 12 degrees of separation".
The concept is that I/we, know somebody that knows somebody, that knows somebody that knows...etc and that virtually anybody in the developed world could be contacted via a chain of about 12 people.
So we're in a war for freedom and access and the Internet becomes our radio. And the more we post and re-post, the more we share our story and successfully encourage our friends to do the same, the more people are exposed to the travesty of lies, broken promises, and broken laws.
Since we cant get the help of mainstream media, it's up to us to take it to the people. We have at our disposal, facebook, for example. A free form of communication that enables us to quickly and effectively spread the word about what befalls us. Lets use it to our advantage. The "dark side" does.
It works! Let me share a letter I got just the other day via that very venue.
"Jeff, after learning more about the FEIS, I got to asking myself "What could I do"? I know its gonna take a boatload of cash to battle the dark side. There has got to be something that I could do from all the way up here in Ohio. Today alone I wrote a letter to President Obama and Jimmy Buffett. I've written letters to congress, state reps yadda yadda yadda... But I still feel the need to do something! I thought about having some sort of fundraiser up here in Ohio, but have no clue on how to pull that off. I've been involved with many charity/fund raising events in the past, but they were all local. How could I grab the attention of northeast Ohio, and get them to give a damn? Almost every day I see a car with an OBX sticker on it, and I bet the majority of the drivers of those cars have no clue what is going on down on HI. I ask you because you seem to be very knowledgeable, and you are one of the few who are on the front lines of this battle. I'm gonna keep racking my brain up here in the Buckeye State, meanwhile, if you think of anything that I can do from up here, let me know...
Thanks Wheat,
(redacted)
So what I ask and propose is that when you see a post about access, the bridge, or even the continuing hypocrisy of the "dark side", post it, share it, and strongly encourage your friends to do the same.
If all of us do this all of the time, the word will get out and maybe one day, it'll fall into the right hands and begin to raise some eyebrows so that something may be done to end this tyranny.
Yep, we've got radios Dr. Gill.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Hypocrisy Redefined
Well folks, daylight savings time is upon us once again and already Christmas commercials begin to fill the airwaves. Shorter days and cooler waters bring the Drum and Stripers we think about all year, and the days of shorts and t-shirts become few. And now that the Anglers Club Tournament is over, the Islands will begin their passage to a turtles pace while we still seek gifts from the sea along these narrow ribbons of sand.
And we wait to see what befalls us this winter as the attempt at destroying the legacy, culture, and future of this magnificent Seashore continues.
The shocking part of it all, is that all of the things I mention above have been consistent for years. Winter I understand and expect, but this incessant drive to rob us of these beaches is not only amazing, but well beyond irritating.
I was cutting and salting baits for the tourney the other day and during a break I came upon a post on facebook from the Greystone Project which took my ire at those that seek to wreak havoc upon us to an entirely new level.
We've all seen hypocrisy before but Audubon, or Auto-ban if you prefer, has now redefined the term. Were there a Nobel Prize for Hypocrisy they would surely prevail. And knowing their thirst for money, would pursue.
The first time I was floored by their hypocrisy was when I watched a 60 Minutes segment by Leslie Stahl that talked about Caspian Terns that were breeding on a dredge island in the Snake River. This "species of least concern" was/is decimating the U.S. taxpayer funded, hatchery raised, micro-chip implanted, endangered Salmon. The birds eat so many of these salmon that USFWS has employees rake through the bird poop on the island to recover as many microchips as they can.
USFWS decided to trap and relocate the birds but Audubon sued to stop them and prevailed.
They sued so that a non threatened, non endangered bird that breeds worldwide, can continue to decimate an endangered species.
This year takes the cake.
We all know how Audubon has sold their property in Corolla. You know, the one they were supposed to preserve as primitive wilderness in perpetuity and never paid taxes on. And they sell it for high density development to include hundreds of retail outlets..
But at the same time they reject the proposed seven mile bridge in Currituck claiming that it will bring to much development to the very same place they sold their property, specifically for high density development.
They also complain about potential storm water run-off harming wildlife in the sound on a new Currituck bridge while at the same time advocating a 17 mile span to get from Bodie to Hatteras Island; all the while opposing the 3ish mile short bridge option all together and helping to put human lives at risk though we hear nothing about storm water run-off and harm to wildlife on that monster span.
Huh? What?
Now these folks have upped the ante!
The Greystone Project post that sent me into tantrums and caused me to swear like a sailor for about fifteen minutes marked yet another milestone in the definition of the term hypocrisy.
Now Audubon wants to sell oil and gas leases in their privately owned "nature preserve" where they openly state that 36 species of bird are in decline. But as we've seen before, when it comes to nature vs. profit, in this case, potentially huge profit, Audubon is going for the cash and nature takes a hike.
And this is happening while Defenders of Wildlife and the Southern Environmental Law Center are suing BP for the gulf oil spill.
These are the people that want us off these beaches even though they cannot show that we impact wildlife and ignore the USFWS "Finding Of No Significant Impact" issued in 2007.
Here's the link to the article posted by Greystone:
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/01/audubon_society_sanctuary_cons.html
I can't help but shake my head in dismay.
At the same time, I'm inspired by their idiocy as they have openly revealed themselves for who they truly are and confirmed what we've been saying all along. The oft used statement "it's not about the birds" rings more true now than the bells of Westminster Cathedral and Notre Dame combined.
This new profit seeking venture must have been cleared by Defenders and SELC as well, for we see no mention of a potential lawsuit to stop these proposed drilling leases. Will they profit also?
I know this much is certain, If Dare County were to propose an exploratory drilling platform at the Fresenden Center to fund the upcoming lawsuits necessary to force NPS to obey the laws extant and return this Seashore to the people, SELC would be standing at the courtroom door waiting to file an intent before you could bait a hook.
Lets all hope that Audubon and their co-conspirators are given the national media thrashing they deserve for all of these actions.
Perhaps the new Congress will also lend us a hand and finally allow passage of legislation that will forever end this 30 plus year fight for free and open access to the nations first National Seashore Recreational Area.
And also, with the first Republican House and Senate in North Carolina since the late 19th century and Bassnight out of the "sit on the fence and do nothing" mode, we can look forward to resolution assisting not only access but the new bridge as well.
Write these people, pressure them to act, and do not relent.
Remember also that the time for us to act to preserve access draws nigh and funding is needed for the legal expenses that will come with that action. I urge all that read this to take the time to assist the Outer Banks Preservation Association in raising the necessary monies. Please log on to http://www.obpa.org/ to find out how and where you can help. Every dollar that goes into the legal fund helps us regain that which has unlawfully been taken from us, and helps to preserve this Seashore for future generations.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
And we wait to see what befalls us this winter as the attempt at destroying the legacy, culture, and future of this magnificent Seashore continues.
The shocking part of it all, is that all of the things I mention above have been consistent for years. Winter I understand and expect, but this incessant drive to rob us of these beaches is not only amazing, but well beyond irritating.
I was cutting and salting baits for the tourney the other day and during a break I came upon a post on facebook from the Greystone Project which took my ire at those that seek to wreak havoc upon us to an entirely new level.
We've all seen hypocrisy before but Audubon, or Auto-ban if you prefer, has now redefined the term. Were there a Nobel Prize for Hypocrisy they would surely prevail. And knowing their thirst for money, would pursue.
The first time I was floored by their hypocrisy was when I watched a 60 Minutes segment by Leslie Stahl that talked about Caspian Terns that were breeding on a dredge island in the Snake River. This "species of least concern" was/is decimating the U.S. taxpayer funded, hatchery raised, micro-chip implanted, endangered Salmon. The birds eat so many of these salmon that USFWS has employees rake through the bird poop on the island to recover as many microchips as they can.
USFWS decided to trap and relocate the birds but Audubon sued to stop them and prevailed.
They sued so that a non threatened, non endangered bird that breeds worldwide, can continue to decimate an endangered species.
This year takes the cake.
We all know how Audubon has sold their property in Corolla. You know, the one they were supposed to preserve as primitive wilderness in perpetuity and never paid taxes on. And they sell it for high density development to include hundreds of retail outlets..
But at the same time they reject the proposed seven mile bridge in Currituck claiming that it will bring to much development to the very same place they sold their property, specifically for high density development.
They also complain about potential storm water run-off harming wildlife in the sound on a new Currituck bridge while at the same time advocating a 17 mile span to get from Bodie to Hatteras Island; all the while opposing the 3ish mile short bridge option all together and helping to put human lives at risk though we hear nothing about storm water run-off and harm to wildlife on that monster span.
Huh? What?
Now these folks have upped the ante!
The Greystone Project post that sent me into tantrums and caused me to swear like a sailor for about fifteen minutes marked yet another milestone in the definition of the term hypocrisy.
Now Audubon wants to sell oil and gas leases in their privately owned "nature preserve" where they openly state that 36 species of bird are in decline. But as we've seen before, when it comes to nature vs. profit, in this case, potentially huge profit, Audubon is going for the cash and nature takes a hike.
And this is happening while Defenders of Wildlife and the Southern Environmental Law Center are suing BP for the gulf oil spill.
These are the people that want us off these beaches even though they cannot show that we impact wildlife and ignore the USFWS "Finding Of No Significant Impact" issued in 2007.
Here's the link to the article posted by Greystone:
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/01/audubon_society_sanctuary_cons.html
I can't help but shake my head in dismay.
At the same time, I'm inspired by their idiocy as they have openly revealed themselves for who they truly are and confirmed what we've been saying all along. The oft used statement "it's not about the birds" rings more true now than the bells of Westminster Cathedral and Notre Dame combined.
This new profit seeking venture must have been cleared by Defenders and SELC as well, for we see no mention of a potential lawsuit to stop these proposed drilling leases. Will they profit also?
I know this much is certain, If Dare County were to propose an exploratory drilling platform at the Fresenden Center to fund the upcoming lawsuits necessary to force NPS to obey the laws extant and return this Seashore to the people, SELC would be standing at the courtroom door waiting to file an intent before you could bait a hook.
Lets all hope that Audubon and their co-conspirators are given the national media thrashing they deserve for all of these actions.
Perhaps the new Congress will also lend us a hand and finally allow passage of legislation that will forever end this 30 plus year fight for free and open access to the nations first National Seashore Recreational Area.
And also, with the first Republican House and Senate in North Carolina since the late 19th century and Bassnight out of the "sit on the fence and do nothing" mode, we can look forward to resolution assisting not only access but the new bridge as well.
Write these people, pressure them to act, and do not relent.
Remember also that the time for us to act to preserve access draws nigh and funding is needed for the legal expenses that will come with that action. I urge all that read this to take the time to assist the Outer Banks Preservation Association in raising the necessary monies. Please log on to http://www.obpa.org/ to find out how and where you can help. Every dollar that goes into the legal fund helps us regain that which has unlawfully been taken from us, and helps to preserve this Seashore for future generations.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
To Remember Or Forget The Past?
I must admit, it’s quite an honor to have so many friends and acquaintances coming up to me on the beach and pestering me to continue my writings here, though truthfully, there hasn’t been much to write about.
I was asked why I didn’t comment about the NPS decision to move a turtle nest to a location in front of Ramp 44, knowingly creating a situation that would terminate reasonable access to Cape Point for an undetermined time frame as well as forcing many to drive the incredibly rutted “salt pond road” which would have been as easy by boat as it was via my truck. Thanks again, Mr. Murray for providing yet another, unsafe, salt water filled, vehicle damaging, journey to and from the beach.
The issue of course was the decision to place the nest where it was as opposed to moving it 60 odd yards to the right which would have put it on higher, safer ground, and still allowed access to the Point via 44. After all, a nest was moved from the narrows to a location several hundred yards to the North, earlier in the year because of storm swells and surf forecasted to be in the 12 foot range.
Now before anyone starts fussing at me, I am well aware that North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission protocols state that the nests must be moved straight back from their original location toward the foot of the dune line. However, this particular nest was moved into an area that is particularly prone to flooding during high surf where relocation some 60 or so yards further North would have placed it in an area that typically remains dry even during storm conditions and also allowed for safe access to Cape Point
The nest issue is now a moot point but the condition of the “salt pond road’ is not and I would hope that NPS repairs this egress quickly and in a manner not like that which was utilized in the “reconstruction” of the foot of Ramp 44 else many months will pass before the road is usable again. After all, the law, specifically the “enabling legislation”, requires you, Mr. Murray, to develop this area for recreational use as needed; ergo, fix the damn road.
What got me thinking about this post wasn’t just the prodding I received but a conversation I had with a friend of mine on the Point some days ago. In this case, a retired surgeon who is always pleasant to talk to and loves to fish the Point and liked this place so much that he and his wife decided to move to, and live here when they weren’t off on their interesting adventures elsewhere.
As you may surmise, the conversation was in regards to future access and cetera. What struck me were two comments he made about access and the future of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Both comments were directly related in the context of the conversation and as fishing that day was only slightly faster than continental drift, I had a lot of time to think of what he spoke.
The phrase he first shared was that there has to be a way to strike a balance between access and wildlife. The second, that Hatteras (and Ocracoke) need stop thinking about how things used to be and begin to think how things can be in the future.
Taken at face value, which I’m sure he intended them to be, both statements are true, but…
That’s not usually the way the first statement is used. Frequently stated, “We need to strike a balance”, is a comment often justifying closures of significant portions of the Seashore to access of any form. It’s also been used to temper the ire of the extremists who seek to deprive the public of these amazing, user maintained beaches.
My issue with the comment, particularly in junction with the latter stated, “think not about the past but of the future instead”, is that with the phrase “strike a balance” comes the implication that things were out of balance prior to all of the events that have had such a devastating impact on these islands.
Where is the science and statistics that imply that access impeded or harmed wildlife? Where can DOW, Audubon and SELC and the National Park Service show real harm? Where is the” injury in fact” as required by the Supreme Court?
Why do we have to fix what wasn’t broken to begin with?
The Congress addresses the issue in the National Environmental Policy Act as well. In 40CFR1500.1 section b) states “NEPA procedures must insure that environmental information is available to public officials and citizens before decisions are made and before actions are taken. The information must be of high quality. Accurate scientific analysis, expert agency comments, and public scrutiny are essential to implementing NEPA. Most important, NEPA documents must concentrate on the issues that are truly significant to the action in question, rather than amassing needless detail.”
The reality is that things were balanced before all of this nonsensical, taxpayer wasting, economically destructive, access denial began; else the various parties that would remove us from these beaches would have cause, which they decidedly, do not.
It is therefore imperative that we remember how things were on these islands prior to the 2007 Interim Management Strategy, The decree of forced consent, and the 810 page aberration that is the2010 DEIS because what was access back then is what access should be in the future.
Richard Nixon’s Executive Order 11644 requires NPS to establish a set of rules for off road vehicle use and even as amended by Carter does not warrant denial of vehicle use unless harm exists. So where is this harm? Of the thousands of pages of studies, comments, and the like, that I and many others have read regarding these issues, conspicuously absent is any real evidence of harm or injury to wildlife.
Instead, we are overwhelmed by enough speculation to open a Vegas betting parlor and collection of ignored and broken federal law.
Adding insult to injury, NPS takes what is supposed to be an ORV management plan and applies it to all forms of access to the Seashore while disregarding the economic impacts of their proposed rule as well as the traditional cultural values and use patterns of both residents and visitors alike as required by NEPA, claiming that there is insufficient evidence.
NPS was given a task of writing a rule to manage ORV use. Such a rule had been in place, albeit unofficially, since 1978. That rule provided free and open access for the citizens of this nation as was intended by congress. And that rule should be the policy of Seashore management until such a time as science and statistic bear out the notion that access to these beaches impedes and causes significant impact to wildlife.
It should be pointed out that as NPS proffered what became the 2007 Interim Management Strategy, which was much like the 1978 IMS under which the Seashore had since been operated, official or not, The United States Fish and Wilflife Service issued, in respect to the proposed rule, a FONSI, a finding of no significant impact. In other words, access as it had been managed since '78 was not causing harm to wildlife and there exists the governments own admission of that fact.
So, to the good doctor I say, I will continue to remember the Seashore as it was before this recent mess began. I will continue to belabor NPS and the extremists about their inability to show harm and their violation of law. And I will continue to fight the senseless changes proposed by those people and the harm they have inflicted, and plan to inflict, upon us all.
Some things, my friend, are worth fighting for. This is one of them. I hope that you and thousands of others will join us in this fight to “preserve, protect, not prohibit”.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
I was asked why I didn’t comment about the NPS decision to move a turtle nest to a location in front of Ramp 44, knowingly creating a situation that would terminate reasonable access to Cape Point for an undetermined time frame as well as forcing many to drive the incredibly rutted “salt pond road” which would have been as easy by boat as it was via my truck. Thanks again, Mr. Murray for providing yet another, unsafe, salt water filled, vehicle damaging, journey to and from the beach.
The issue of course was the decision to place the nest where it was as opposed to moving it 60 odd yards to the right which would have put it on higher, safer ground, and still allowed access to the Point via 44. After all, a nest was moved from the narrows to a location several hundred yards to the North, earlier in the year because of storm swells and surf forecasted to be in the 12 foot range.
Now before anyone starts fussing at me, I am well aware that North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission protocols state that the nests must be moved straight back from their original location toward the foot of the dune line. However, this particular nest was moved into an area that is particularly prone to flooding during high surf where relocation some 60 or so yards further North would have placed it in an area that typically remains dry even during storm conditions and also allowed for safe access to Cape Point
The nest issue is now a moot point but the condition of the “salt pond road’ is not and I would hope that NPS repairs this egress quickly and in a manner not like that which was utilized in the “reconstruction” of the foot of Ramp 44 else many months will pass before the road is usable again. After all, the law, specifically the “enabling legislation”, requires you, Mr. Murray, to develop this area for recreational use as needed; ergo, fix the damn road.
What got me thinking about this post wasn’t just the prodding I received but a conversation I had with a friend of mine on the Point some days ago. In this case, a retired surgeon who is always pleasant to talk to and loves to fish the Point and liked this place so much that he and his wife decided to move to, and live here when they weren’t off on their interesting adventures elsewhere.
As you may surmise, the conversation was in regards to future access and cetera. What struck me were two comments he made about access and the future of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Both comments were directly related in the context of the conversation and as fishing that day was only slightly faster than continental drift, I had a lot of time to think of what he spoke.
The phrase he first shared was that there has to be a way to strike a balance between access and wildlife. The second, that Hatteras (and Ocracoke) need stop thinking about how things used to be and begin to think how things can be in the future.
Taken at face value, which I’m sure he intended them to be, both statements are true, but…
That’s not usually the way the first statement is used. Frequently stated, “We need to strike a balance”, is a comment often justifying closures of significant portions of the Seashore to access of any form. It’s also been used to temper the ire of the extremists who seek to deprive the public of these amazing, user maintained beaches.
My issue with the comment, particularly in junction with the latter stated, “think not about the past but of the future instead”, is that with the phrase “strike a balance” comes the implication that things were out of balance prior to all of the events that have had such a devastating impact on these islands.
Where is the science and statistics that imply that access impeded or harmed wildlife? Where can DOW, Audubon and SELC and the National Park Service show real harm? Where is the” injury in fact” as required by the Supreme Court?
Why do we have to fix what wasn’t broken to begin with?
The Congress addresses the issue in the National Environmental Policy Act as well. In 40CFR1500.1 section b) states “NEPA procedures must insure that environmental information is available to public officials and citizens before decisions are made and before actions are taken. The information must be of high quality. Accurate scientific analysis, expert agency comments, and public scrutiny are essential to implementing NEPA. Most important, NEPA documents must concentrate on the issues that are truly significant to the action in question, rather than amassing needless detail.”
The reality is that things were balanced before all of this nonsensical, taxpayer wasting, economically destructive, access denial began; else the various parties that would remove us from these beaches would have cause, which they decidedly, do not.
It is therefore imperative that we remember how things were on these islands prior to the 2007 Interim Management Strategy, The decree of forced consent, and the 810 page aberration that is the2010 DEIS because what was access back then is what access should be in the future.
Richard Nixon’s Executive Order 11644 requires NPS to establish a set of rules for off road vehicle use and even as amended by Carter does not warrant denial of vehicle use unless harm exists. So where is this harm? Of the thousands of pages of studies, comments, and the like, that I and many others have read regarding these issues, conspicuously absent is any real evidence of harm or injury to wildlife.
Instead, we are overwhelmed by enough speculation to open a Vegas betting parlor and collection of ignored and broken federal law.
Adding insult to injury, NPS takes what is supposed to be an ORV management plan and applies it to all forms of access to the Seashore while disregarding the economic impacts of their proposed rule as well as the traditional cultural values and use patterns of both residents and visitors alike as required by NEPA, claiming that there is insufficient evidence.
NPS was given a task of writing a rule to manage ORV use. Such a rule had been in place, albeit unofficially, since 1978. That rule provided free and open access for the citizens of this nation as was intended by congress. And that rule should be the policy of Seashore management until such a time as science and statistic bear out the notion that access to these beaches impedes and causes significant impact to wildlife.
It should be pointed out that as NPS proffered what became the 2007 Interim Management Strategy, which was much like the 1978 IMS under which the Seashore had since been operated, official or not, The United States Fish and Wilflife Service issued, in respect to the proposed rule, a FONSI, a finding of no significant impact. In other words, access as it had been managed since '78 was not causing harm to wildlife and there exists the governments own admission of that fact.
So, to the good doctor I say, I will continue to remember the Seashore as it was before this recent mess began. I will continue to belabor NPS and the extremists about their inability to show harm and their violation of law. And I will continue to fight the senseless changes proposed by those people and the harm they have inflicted, and plan to inflict, upon us all.
Some things, my friend, are worth fighting for. This is one of them. I hope that you and thousands of others will join us in this fight to “preserve, protect, not prohibit”.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
Monday, September 20, 2010
Of Access, The Bridge, And Now They Want To Kill The Horses!
OF ACCESS
When I was growing up, one of the most anticipated moments of the year was when we packed it up and left Virginia to visit my mothers home in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where we'd spend a nice chunk of summer. Coming from Williamsburg, where at the time, traditional values and ways of life were a very big part of almost all things, visiting her tiny hometown where generations of families had lived and died, further enhanced my appreciation and understanding of that aspect of life; tradition.
And what a contrast. All of the streets and even the main road were dirt. My Grandmother still spoke, wrote, and read Scots Gaelic. She also held a tract of land that was a royal grant from King George III, tax free, "forever and a day". She refused an electric oven in favor of the coal fired stove she'd always cooked on and not one soul complained. (laughing) Tradition!
Just a few miles down the road was the coast and another tradition filled hamlet called Port Morien. Every morning, excepting Sunday of course, the watermen would leave the docks to ply the seas in search of lobsters, cod, mackerel, and other tasty treats. The same is true here on Hatteras Island and always has been. And in both cases, the respective governments and their regulators have mucked it up.
I suppose when some folks think of commercial fishing down here, they think of different things such as charter boats or crabbers, oystermen, or those that set nets of one sort or another, out to sea, to harvest their catch. But they're not the only ones. A few of these folks also fish directly from the beach as they were promised that they would always have the right to do. It is after all, a traditional activity that even the National Environmental Policy Act requires be considered in any management decision, relative in this case, to the Seashore.
Last check, two turtle nests on South beach, separated by probably a half mile or better were keeping that much beach closed and preventing these guys from being able to fish that entire swath. This closure also prevented any access by recreational fishermen and those families that just wanted some quality beach time. In other words, everybody!
Ok Mike, you're required to provide the commercial fishermen access and the enabling legislation requires you to "develop" the area if its for recreation, it's needed, and it's adaptable. The interdunal road between Ramp 44 and Ramp 49 is still there and it needs opened in order to satisfy extant federal law. I should need say no more though I likely will.
TO THE HORSES
The point of the "tradition" comments comes largely from the story about the horses I read today. The critters in question live on the north end of Bodie Island at or about Corolla. These are descendants of Spanish Mustangs that arrived here 500 years ago and have rightfully earned a place in the hearts of many and a place on these islands as well.
Enter the gubment, again. The same one that's trying to force us off our beaches, doing the best job they can at delaying the construction of a new bridge, is now wanting to eliminate the horses.
Some might say that's an alarmist statement and I can understand that. However, anybody that's been involved with the fight for beach access in some fashion or another is well aware that the time honored tactic that affects us so dramatically is that the gubment takes things in pieces.
It's a sure fire bet that any animal USFWS considers a nuisance has got cross-hairs on its back. If you don't believe me, go talk to the "thousands" of geese they gassed, yes gassed, at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge even though they had no way of discriminating between migratory and resident birds.
So anyway, here's a link to the article. These folks are determined to get anything they don't like off these beaches.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WILD_HORSES?SITE=NCWIN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
GUARD THE BRIDGE!
Well it appears that NCDOT has had enough of the federal horse poop they can handle and wants to proceed with the record of decision that would replace the ailing Bonner Bridge after 30 years of study.
As always, the best place to read about it is Island Free Press.
http://islandfreepress.org/PivotBlog/
Also Bridge Moms have a new way to help with a new letter on their facebook page. If you care about someone that crosses that bridge and you're a mom of any definition, please help by spending a little of your time to support a new bridge.
http://www.facebook.com/bridgemoms?v=wall
Well folks, I hope you'll find it in your hearts to help. Ive got some reels to spool and rigs to tie so I'm off to chores.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
When I was growing up, one of the most anticipated moments of the year was when we packed it up and left Virginia to visit my mothers home in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where we'd spend a nice chunk of summer. Coming from Williamsburg, where at the time, traditional values and ways of life were a very big part of almost all things, visiting her tiny hometown where generations of families had lived and died, further enhanced my appreciation and understanding of that aspect of life; tradition.
And what a contrast. All of the streets and even the main road were dirt. My Grandmother still spoke, wrote, and read Scots Gaelic. She also held a tract of land that was a royal grant from King George III, tax free, "forever and a day". She refused an electric oven in favor of the coal fired stove she'd always cooked on and not one soul complained. (laughing) Tradition!
Just a few miles down the road was the coast and another tradition filled hamlet called Port Morien. Every morning, excepting Sunday of course, the watermen would leave the docks to ply the seas in search of lobsters, cod, mackerel, and other tasty treats. The same is true here on Hatteras Island and always has been. And in both cases, the respective governments and their regulators have mucked it up.
I suppose when some folks think of commercial fishing down here, they think of different things such as charter boats or crabbers, oystermen, or those that set nets of one sort or another, out to sea, to harvest their catch. But they're not the only ones. A few of these folks also fish directly from the beach as they were promised that they would always have the right to do. It is after all, a traditional activity that even the National Environmental Policy Act requires be considered in any management decision, relative in this case, to the Seashore.
Last check, two turtle nests on South beach, separated by probably a half mile or better were keeping that much beach closed and preventing these guys from being able to fish that entire swath. This closure also prevented any access by recreational fishermen and those families that just wanted some quality beach time. In other words, everybody!
Ok Mike, you're required to provide the commercial fishermen access and the enabling legislation requires you to "develop" the area if its for recreation, it's needed, and it's adaptable. The interdunal road between Ramp 44 and Ramp 49 is still there and it needs opened in order to satisfy extant federal law. I should need say no more though I likely will.
TO THE HORSES
The point of the "tradition" comments comes largely from the story about the horses I read today. The critters in question live on the north end of Bodie Island at or about Corolla. These are descendants of Spanish Mustangs that arrived here 500 years ago and have rightfully earned a place in the hearts of many and a place on these islands as well.
Enter the gubment, again. The same one that's trying to force us off our beaches, doing the best job they can at delaying the construction of a new bridge, is now wanting to eliminate the horses.
Some might say that's an alarmist statement and I can understand that. However, anybody that's been involved with the fight for beach access in some fashion or another is well aware that the time honored tactic that affects us so dramatically is that the gubment takes things in pieces.
It's a sure fire bet that any animal USFWS considers a nuisance has got cross-hairs on its back. If you don't believe me, go talk to the "thousands" of geese they gassed, yes gassed, at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge even though they had no way of discriminating between migratory and resident birds.
So anyway, here's a link to the article. These folks are determined to get anything they don't like off these beaches.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WILD_HORSES?SITE=NCWIN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
GUARD THE BRIDGE!
Well it appears that NCDOT has had enough of the federal horse poop they can handle and wants to proceed with the record of decision that would replace the ailing Bonner Bridge after 30 years of study.
As always, the best place to read about it is Island Free Press.
http://islandfreepress.org/PivotBlog/
Also Bridge Moms have a new way to help with a new letter on their facebook page. If you care about someone that crosses that bridge and you're a mom of any definition, please help by spending a little of your time to support a new bridge.
http://www.facebook.com/bridgemoms?v=wall
Well folks, I hope you'll find it in your hearts to help. Ive got some reels to spool and rigs to tie so I'm off to chores.
Tight Lines,
Wheat
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Thoughts And Pictures From The Point
I would be telling a tall tale if I were to say anything other than the last week has been quite interesting. In fact, in some cases, it was a lot more interesting than I would have preferred.
Enter Hurricane Earl that thankfully began to fall apart and eventually took a seaward course away from the Island. Having been in Charleston two days after Hugo and seen what 140mph+ winds can do to a place, and living through the devastation caused in York County Va. during Isabel, I decided to scoot. I should have stayed but "better safe than sorry" made sense at the time.
After spending what felt like an eternity wondering how my abode and it's contents had fared the storm, Dare County announced that Highway 12 would open South of the Bonner Bridge at 7am Saturday morning. I woke at 2am and was on the road at 3:15 heading HOME. Anyone that knows me well is aware that it just about takes an act of God to get me to leave the Island to begin with, and I can never get back to soon. Arriving at the bridge at about 6:15 I spent the wait with friends I've known for years which made it kinda fun though we all wondered how things were, and what we would find when we arrived.
Enter Hurricane Earl that thankfully began to fall apart and eventually took a seaward course away from the Island. Having been in Charleston two days after Hugo and seen what 140mph+ winds can do to a place, and living through the devastation caused in York County Va. during Isabel, I decided to scoot. I should have stayed but "better safe than sorry" made sense at the time.
Earl on the way.
Parked before the bridge.
What I didn't realize as I was sitting there talking to everybody was that my brake hose had just come undone and the result, of course, was that I essentially had no brakes for the ride home, stress city. I made it though, and all was well. Thankfully my friend Ed was coming to town and Sunday morning he was able to get a temporary fix in order so I could remain mobile. This island first takes your heart, then your money, and then your truck.
I made it back out on the sand Sunday afternoon after helping repair damage to a friends trailer (post brake work) and wet a line without much success, but, such is the norm after a good blow. I did get the pleasure of some great company and a chance to talk to Kim Mosher about the newly released video "Piping Mad" which has since gone "viral" on the net and has fired up a lot of people about the travesty and impact of the absurd management policies in place here now, and proposed for the future; all in violation of federal law. She, her husband, and the Greystone Project, funded by a generous gift from Rob Schonk have done one heck of a job of exploring some of the issues that plague us and deny the people of this nation access to their public lands without the use of sound science, or the weight of law.
What I didn't like about the experience was being accused by someone else of having published the video before it was ready for release which I did not do.
After the weekend wound down, I ended up out on the sand again and took some pics which I thought I'd share.
The first one says it all. I was out on the Point at about 6:15am the other day and set up to put out a bait with some friends. Not long after I arrived, a truck pulled up and a feller and his (probably 8yr old) son got out and proceeded to toss lures for bluefish or spanish mackerel. Well after a bit, that young feller hooked up on a right big bluefish and immediately gained the attention of everybody. Unfortunately, in spite of fighting it for all he was worth, the fish bit his line and he lost it. I think every soul on the sand that morning said "awwww, bummer", or some variation on that theme.
Later that morning the dad hooked up on a nice yearling drum and managed to land it while his son watched excitedly. That little feller was so proud of his dad it put a smile on everyone's face. And as I watched this scene unfold, all I could think of was, that's what this place is all about: that's why Congress created this Seashore.
I cant count the number of times I've seen this exact scenario out there on the sand as its bound to be in the hundreds if not thousands. The picture says it all.
Of course, one of the really neat things about being on the Point is the sunrise and sunset. What's even more fun is that it's possible to stand in one spot and watch both in a single day. If you've never experienced that, I highly recommend it. Anyway, a sunrise.
Another neat thing about this place is that it gives the opportunity to reflect with just the sound of the surf and the birds.
We also spend a lot of time watching the water while we're on the sand as it often betrays bottom structure that will hold fish. Being 35 miles out in the ocean where the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream collide can produce some spectacular wave action capable of throwing water five or six stories into the air though usually only about half that.
I've talked before about the "Point Community" which makes up folks from all walks of life and from all across the country. It's always fun to fish with these good friends and make new ones as well.
This pic has all the elements, good friends and some nice wave action.
Ed and Grumpy at the Point.
It saddens me that pictures like these and the people shown in them are the true endangered species found on these beaches. If the "dark side" gets there way, never again will photos like these be published because no one will be allowed here to take them.
Please take the time to watch the video "Piping Mad" and help any way you can. One place to watch can be found at http://www.preservebeachaccess.org/
Supporting the fight for access can be accomplished by donating to a variety of organizations including The Outer Banks Preservation Association, http://www.obpa.org/ The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, http://www.ncbba.org/ and others. We cant fight this fight alone and need your help. Again, this is a national, not a local issue. Thanks!
Tight Lines,
Wheat
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Good Day For The Islands And A Sad Day For Me
Well, hurricane Earl is now just about history having moved off after having become a lot weaker as it approached our precious island and homes. As expected, just about everything got flooded to one extent or another and some wind damage occurred as well. A friend of mine lost his trailer which doubles as home when he, his wife, and son come from Raleigh to this place they love so much. And my thoughts go out to Frank Folb who has worked so hard and for so long to preserve access to these beaches, as his shop was apparently flooded this morning as the storm passed.
What hurts is that my good friend decided to throw in the towel and not replace this temporary dwelling. We have spent countless hours standing on the sand fishing, breaking bread, weathering 30mph winds and driving rains, all in the quest for whatever prize we could draw from the depths, sometimes to no avail. But that never mattered as it was about being here and being part of an amazing community of people from all walks of life, from all over this nation, and even the world, who love this place so dearly.
It's not the advent of a new child that prevents the replacement of the lodgings. It's what's on the horizon in terms of access to these shores, or more accurately the impending unjustified, unscientific, and unlawful denial of access to our beaches. Chalk up a victory for the dark side, including NPS, at the usual expense to our community and the American people.
For those of us that love this place so much, this is an incredibly emotional battle that is, unfortunately, far from over. Perhaps though, for the first time, we have finally opened a crack in the door that will allow us to tell our story to the nation. Our cries for help have been ignored for so long in the media, in Washington and Raleigh as well.
Many of you have heard me say good things are coming. Well after a long period of appropriate silence, the day has finally arrived when I and many others can finally spread the word. So without further delay, from work of The Greystone Project and a long list of great folks, including a fine and generous donor, the video "Piping Mad" has been released this day.
It brought tears to my eyes more than once and still does as I know these people and I know their pain and loss.
Please watch this and please join the fight to preserve access to this amazing place by joining or contributing to OBPA. http://www.obpa.org/
Here's the link for the short version. The Long version entitled "Weathering The Storm" should be released soon.
www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=593797982139&ref=mf
Thanks to everybody that made this project happen and all of you that have worked for so long to support access both financially and by spreading the word about the tragedy that besets us all, regardless of where you live or your walk of life.
Together, we can win this fight!
Tight Lines,
Wheat
What hurts is that my good friend decided to throw in the towel and not replace this temporary dwelling. We have spent countless hours standing on the sand fishing, breaking bread, weathering 30mph winds and driving rains, all in the quest for whatever prize we could draw from the depths, sometimes to no avail. But that never mattered as it was about being here and being part of an amazing community of people from all walks of life, from all over this nation, and even the world, who love this place so dearly.
It's not the advent of a new child that prevents the replacement of the lodgings. It's what's on the horizon in terms of access to these shores, or more accurately the impending unjustified, unscientific, and unlawful denial of access to our beaches. Chalk up a victory for the dark side, including NPS, at the usual expense to our community and the American people.
For those of us that love this place so much, this is an incredibly emotional battle that is, unfortunately, far from over. Perhaps though, for the first time, we have finally opened a crack in the door that will allow us to tell our story to the nation. Our cries for help have been ignored for so long in the media, in Washington and Raleigh as well.
Many of you have heard me say good things are coming. Well after a long period of appropriate silence, the day has finally arrived when I and many others can finally spread the word. So without further delay, from work of The Greystone Project and a long list of great folks, including a fine and generous donor, the video "Piping Mad" has been released this day.
It brought tears to my eyes more than once and still does as I know these people and I know their pain and loss.
Please watch this and please join the fight to preserve access to this amazing place by joining or contributing to OBPA. http://www.obpa.org/
Here's the link for the short version. The Long version entitled "Weathering The Storm" should be released soon.
www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=593797982139&ref=mf
Thanks to everybody that made this project happen and all of you that have worked for so long to support access both financially and by spreading the word about the tragedy that besets us all, regardless of where you live or your walk of life.
Together, we can win this fight!
Tight Lines,
Wheat
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