PA Jeeps

Land Use Office => National Issues => Topic started by: Rick_Bear on May 29, 2008, 10:36:36 pm

Title: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: Rick_Bear on May 29, 2008, 10:36:36 pm
Well, we just lost another battle.

http://islandfreepress.org/2008Archives/05.05.2008-ThreePopularAreasClosedtoORVsUnderConsentDecree.html
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: REBELjeeper on June 01, 2008, 06:05:32 pm
This is why I'm slowly losing interest in four wheeling.  I love to do it, but it's getting so rediculous to find any place that's legal to wheel (Good example is Trails Rd in Airville, PA) is being closed down and barred off.  Closest place now is Rausch Creek, and how long is it gonna be till the tree huggers or industrialists take this over to?  It really aggrivates me, so I've been doing the muscle car thing.  They can't outlaw that....yet.... >:(
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: Rick_Bear on June 02, 2008, 01:10:08 am
Yeah, it's very frustrating. 25 yrs. ago I could tell you of about 12 different places to go within 20 miles of my home. Nothing fancy or seriously hard-core, but quite entertaining to say the least. Idiots ruined that for us all. Most of the others we lost due to the lack of "organization" and/or "somebody else" will fix it for me attitudes, which really haven't changed much over the years.

Rausch Creek does have one advantage if you want to call it that. That being they are MOTORSPORTS supported and backed.

It's all about numbers.....The number of those enjoying must out number those against it and get involved in the processes needed to keep it going.....PERIOD......Waiting idly by for others to do it alone will end in its certain demise.

Public lands are just that, public lands. But due to the lack of organized mass lobbying on our sports participants part we have been gobbled up by the environmentalists looking to save a frog, bird, or an insect. Where in OUR "Constitution" does it state ALL creatures are equal....? I think it states that ALL men/women are equal. My oh-my how the times have changed against us. BUT we have nobody to really blame but the thousands among us for not getting involved. And it's ONLY going to get worse until involvement becomes second nature just as placing that $30.00 on the counter is at a "Pay-to-Play" park. Involvement has to start somewhere people or WE will be stuck sitting in traffic on a paved road forever. What good will all those modifications do you there...?

The thoughts that "privately" owned/leased land is safe needs to be addressed individually. ANY property can be threatened. ESPECIALLY these days. I suggest everyone start READING and INVESTIGATING into what OUR legislators are discussing and contemplating. We've been blind sided for too damn many years and it's HIGH TIME we prepare and react as others have done against US over the past 25 years.
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: billiejf on June 02, 2008, 11:46:11 am
Rick is 100% correct.  Many people in our type of organization (I'm not saying PA Jeeps specifically), but it goes across the board in 4wd organizations, believe that there is some mass organization out there fighting for their rights.  They believe that United is that organization.  Well, United is an organization, just like PA Jeeps (but with less money) that has a handful of people doing all of the work (most of them volunteers) and they need the membership to get involved or this will continue to happen.  Carla Boucher is the attorney for United and she works endless hours trying to keep her hand in every pot, but she's one person - she does not have a team of lawyers behind her.  I know some people think that the $15 per member per year that is paid to United should pay for a whole team, but before saying that you should do the math ($15 X 10,000 members = $150,000 per year).  When was the last time you hired a team of lawyers for $150,000/year?  It can't be done.

Paragon is a perfect example of how a privately owned park can be obliterated in a heartbeat by an organization larger and with more resources than what we have.  Preston Stevens said for years that we were putting all of our eggs in one basket with Paragon, while people got less and less involved in the planning processes for public lands and sure enough, we lost Paragon.  We then turned back around to look at public land and low and behold, it was gone too.  I know it sounds preachy and like a lot of work that no one has time to do, but you'd better seriously start thinking about getting involved in one of these organizations (PA Jeeps, Middle Atlantic, United, BRC, Tread Lightly, etc etc etc) or buy yourself a street rod and start facing emissions laws, etc -- yes, the "other side" is after them too.  Before you know it, most forms of recreation will be a vague memory to all of us.  Bottom line is, GET INVOLVED!  Ask the leadership of any of the above organizations about what you can do to help instead of complaining that they haven't done anything to protect your right to recreate.  Coincidentally, there is a Middle Atlantic meeting being held this coming Sunday in Bel Air MD (not that far from PA) and they are BEGGING people to attend.  I can provide that info if you're interested.

O.K.  I'm off my soap box now.  Billie Jeanne

DISCLAIMER:  THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ABOVE ARE PURELY MINE, BUT THEY ARE BASED ON 20+ YEARS IN ORGANIZED 4 WHEELING AND AFTER 14 YEARS OF DONATING COUNTLESS HOURS OF MINE AND MY FAMILY'S TIME ON BEHALF OF THIS SPORT.
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: emgraz on June 02, 2008, 12:59:01 pm
Billie Jean,

Please e-mail me the info on the meeting this Sunday, I don't think Matt and I have any plans....we might be able to attend....

Erica

2yellolabs@comcast.net
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: billiejf on June 02, 2008, 01:51:10 pm
Erica (and all),

Below is the information for the Middle Atlantic Meeting.  You should let Tico know that you plan to come, if you do.  Thanks -- I hope to see some get involved.  Tico's email address is:  t.carreras@yahoo.com

Billie J
***************************************************************************************
Hello fellow enthusiasts,
 
Keith has asked me to post the location of the Associations meeting. I hope this is sufficent time for you to plan your participation. It is Sunday morning at 10 AM on June the 8th, MaGerk's in Belair , Maryland. the address is:
 
Magerks PUB & Grill
near 120 S Bond St,
Bel Air, MD 21014-3836  for direction use the LINK
 
Telephone:  410-638-7701
 
While this is an officers meeting, the general membership is always invited and concidering the fact that we have not had an overall meeting for the Association it might be a good time for them to show and participate as well. There is much to be covered and resolutions need to be handled. The Staff at Magerk's is both friendly and efficient, they offer a breakfast fair to liven up your palot and I wouldn't be surprise if you leave the location a few pound heavier.
 
Please convey this message to your membership for maximum attendance. Thank you an see you guys at MaGerk's.
 
Tico Carreras
Vice-President MAFWDA
President MRR
 
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: REBELjeeper on June 02, 2008, 06:36:41 pm
Thanks Rick, and Billie.  ;D  That's what I wanted to say, but I have a hard time typing what I'm thinking.  I'd love to be able to help organize something, as would my fellow Jeepers, and offroaders.  Some I'm sure you guys already know.

I fully agree that pretty soon, all vehicles that are considered "recreation"- anything from Muscle cars to motorcycles will be impossible to own, and operate due to absurd regulations.  It gets old really fast.
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: Rick_Bear on June 03, 2008, 02:06:48 am
Just thought I would add into this subject since I did happen to grab the support of my dear friend Billie Jean.

For all you that have taken the time to read this, please remember what you have read. Memorize it, follow the advise, and pass it on to all those other enthusiasts you come across every chance you get.

Yes, land use issues and documents are long winded and quite boring. But, ultimately within the "words" once you read them thoroughly you'll see how you are being placed on the "extinction" list. And that list of extinction is NOT going to be supported due to your loss of entertainment. It's going to be swarmed upon like a pack of wolves cornering a helpless, grazing fawn. And once they know they have the upper hand they will move in for the kill......End of "grazing"... :'(

STAND AND BE HEARD IN NUMBERS......GET INVOLVED BEFORE THERE IS NOTHING...!!!

Hell, your John Deere Lawn tractor is next after the OHV is exstinct. "THEY" will NEVER stop...So GET STARTED.
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: 92YJ on June 03, 2008, 07:33:36 am
You both make a good point. Couldn't have been said any better.
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: chasm on June 12, 2008, 11:23:00 am
Tuesday, I had the Rubi down in North Carolina. I had to pose for a pic on the beach.
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/jeepchasm/100_3723.jpg)
The way things are going, this may be only a memory!
  ???
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: 92YJ on July 24, 2008, 09:21:11 pm
 


          Anyone know the latest ruling on this?
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: billiejf on July 26, 2008, 10:33:01 am
Still ongoing...  just received this today from Dave Hook:


-----Original Message-----
From: Irene Nolan [irene@islandfreepress.org','','','1')">irene@islandfreepress.org]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 5:27 PM
To: dhook17322@comcast.net
Subject: News on Beach Access on Free Press


ON BEACH ACCESS ISSUES PAGE

Senate subcommittee sets hearing on bill to set aside consent decree

The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on National Parks has scheduled a hearing on
Wednesday, July 30, at 2:30 p.m. on a bill that would set aside a consent
decree and reinstate the National Park Service's interim strategy to govern
ORV use on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore until there is a long-term
rule.

Also:
. New Park Service reports on beach access and ORV mileage and the new
resource management report.
. The little oystercatchers that could: An update.

On Fishing Page:
. Bill would give commercial fishermen help to offset high fuel
prices.
. Farm-raised tilapia may not have benefits for heart health.



http://www.IslandFreePress.org
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: 92YJ on July 29, 2008, 07:37:07 am
     

                 Thanks !
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: Betty Udich on July 31, 2008, 11:09:47 pm
A group of us are going to Avon down on Hatteras Island for a couple of weeks starting saturday 8/2. We'll post any new information. As of this moment the Hatteras Point is reopened to ORV traffic.
Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: C2kraft on August 04, 2008, 10:56:03 pm
Today I received a letter from Representative Todd Platts of the 19th District, after I submitted a petition found here http://www.gopetition.com/online/18790.html The more people that submit this petition the better. Our congress men/women need to know our position on this issue. If you have never driven on the OBX beaches it is a great time and definitely worth saving the ability to do so.

Chris

**Update**

Below is the response from Representative Robert P. Casey, pertaining to the online petition that I submitted to him.

Dear Mr. Kraft:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding S. 3113, a bill to address off-road vehicle and public access rights at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) in North Carolina. I appreciate hearing from all Pennsylvanians about the issues that matter most to them.

Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina introduced S. 3113 on June 11, 2008. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and National Resources, of which I am not a member. This legislation would reinstate a so-called "Interim Management Strategy" for CHNS which, among other things, would establish regulations for off-road vehicle and public access along the Seashore.

Current law requires all federal parks that allow off-road vehicle access to develop and implement a management plan governing their use. CHNS never developed such a plan, and, as a result, has been out of compliance for decades. In July 2007, groups concerned about this situation successfully sought an injunction in U.S. District Court, causing certain lands along the Seashore to be closed to public access pending a final Court ruling. On April 30, 2008, these groups reached a settlement, known as a consent decree, that appears to balance the interests of those who wish to use off-road vehicles at CHNS, and those who are concerned about the impact these vehicles may have on local plant life and wildlife populations. While the consent decree has since allowed for these lands to be reopened, S. 3113 would reject this compromise, reinstate the interim management strategy and provide for a final regulation governing off-road vehicle use to be determined through the standard Department of Interior rulemaking process.

You may be interested to know that the Energy Committee's Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 3113 on July 30, 2008. Should the Committee decide to approve this legislation and send it to the full Senate for consideration, please be assured that I will keep your views in mind.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.

If you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to visit my website, http://casey.senate.gov. I invite you to use this online office as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office or share with me your thoughts on the issue that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.



Sincerely,
Bob Casey
United States Senator

Title: Re: Hatteras & Ocracoke Island News
Post by: Rick_Bear on September 14, 2008, 10:52:35 pm
UPDATED NEWS
Attention Fishermen and others interested in ORV Beach Access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area;

     During the latest meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee charged with writing the long term ORV access plan for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area on September 9, 2008, committee member and Dare County (NC) Commissioner, Mr. Warren Judge requested the ability to televise all future public committee meetings on the Dare County public television station and to post the video of the meetings on the Dare County web site. This offer was made to answer the many requests heard by the public to observe this nationally important government rulemaking process.
     Mike Murray, Superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, acting in his role as the Designated Federal Officer for the committee, informed the members that he could only allow this if he had the full consent of the whole committee. After considering the comments of some committee members that were concerned a public broadcast would create a carnival atmosphere and could change behaviors of committee members and then weighing these concerns against the significant public comment heard at the meetings and by constituents from across the country that the process is difficult to follow from afar, needs to be more open and in the public eye, Mr. Patrick Paquette who serves both the Recreational Fishing Alliance Shore Access Program and the United Mobile Sport Fishermen and represents the national recreational fisherman's interest on the committee made a statement to the committee supporting this request. When the question was posed to the committee only 5 of the 30 stakeholder representatives opposed the broadcast. Mr. Paquette stated this was very inconsistent behavior by the committee because at an earlier meeting, a crew from French Television, filming a documentary on global warming was allowed to film part of a meeting. Unfortunately the five objections were enough to allow Mr. Murray to deny the future broadcast request.
     Of the five members that opposed the broadcast, four should not surprise anyone that has been paying attention to this process.  Jason Rylander (Defenders of Wildlife), Walker Golder (NC Audubon), and Derb Carter (Southern Environmental Law Center) are the plaintiffs in the law suit that brought about the draconian measures in the current consent decree that have closed the most important fishing beaches in the Seashore for most of the summer and continues to prevent full access to popular areas like Cape Point and the Southern Spit of Ocrakoke Island, which was named "Americas Number One Beach" in 2007.
     The fourth member to object to the broadcast was Neal Moore of the Cape Hatteras Bird ClubMr. Moore is the same member that made offensive comments on the record to Past President of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Assn and RFA Member Mr. John Newbold during public comment at a previous committee meeting.  Mr. Neal did not even stay in the meeting room to listen to the 12 noon public comment period at the September 9 meeting, choosing to rather sit in a chair in the outer hallway, apparently once again being observed napping.
     What surprised many on the committee and the audience was the fifth committee member that raised a hand in objection to the broadcast; Mr. David Allen who represents the State of NC Wildlife Resources Commission"This is an insult to the hundreds of thousands of out of state recreational fishers that travel to and utilize this precious national resource and sustain the local economy during the fishing season," said Billy Lomniki, President of the United Mobile Sportfishermen.
     After learning of this surprise action by a State of North Carolina Representative, RFA Executive Director Jim Donofrio made the following statement:  "The State of NC has a statute that allows public broadcast of all public meetings and for a representative of the State of North Carolina to deny the public the ability to watch the full committee meetings and make their own judgments of this public process is an outrage.  I guess we know what side the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is on."
     The Recreational Fishing Alliance is calling on all fishermen that are interested in ORV access on the world famous beaches of North Carolina's Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area to make phone calls and send e-mails to Mike Murray, Designated Federal Officer of the committee demanding the broadcast of the meetings be allowed beginning with the next meeting in October.  We further request you contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and protest their representative taking sides when a state official should at least give the appearance of being neutral, and request that David Allen follow the spirit of the NC law allowing such a broadcast.
     Together we can turn this slap in the face into a mandate by the public that this process is supposed to be serving.

Contact Info:                                                       
Mike Murray, DFO CAHA FACA                           
mike_murray@nps.gov

Contact Info:
Gordon Myers
Executive Director                                         
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
gordon.myers@ncwildlife.org


Title: Cape Hatteras National Seashore Draft ORV Management Plan Released
Post by: ddechri on April 22, 2010, 07:53:37 am
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Draft ORV Management Plan Released

March 8, 2010 – The National Park Service (NPS) has published a Draft Environmental Statement (DEIS) for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Plan that would manage ORV use on the Seashore.  The Seashore currently has approximately 68 miles of routes provided under the Interim Protected Species Management Strategy and the consent decree.  17.9 miles are subject to seasonal closures and 50.1 miles open year round, though approximately 17 miles are subject to safety closures.  The DEIS would designate 16 miles as permanently closed.  Route mileage subject to seasonal closures would increase from 17.9 miles to 23 miles and route mileage open year round would decrease from 50.1 miles to 29 miles.  All ORV use off designated routes would continue to be prohibited. 

Comments on the DEIS will be accepted until May 4, 2010.  Click the link below to submit comments, view the full text of the DEIS or view public meeting announcements when available, so check back periodically. 

Additional information found online:

Submit Comments, View Full Text of DEIS or View Meeting Schedule:http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=358&projectId=10641&documentID=32596
View Original Federal Register Notice: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-4637.pdf

For further information, please contact Mike Murray, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent, at 252-473-2111, extension 148.