Just read this on the Island Free Press, though the release is dated 7/30... I'm guessing you already are aware of these meetings?

"The National Park Service today released more information on the five public scoping meetings that it plans in early August to get input for possible changes to its off-road vehicle management plan at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The public process to consider changes is required by legislation passed by Congress last December as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act that is intended to provide more public access to seashore beaches....

...Seashore Superintendent David Hallac explained earlier this week that the Park Service is exploring these changes with a different public process than it used with the wildlife buffers.

For the buffer modifications, the Park Service released a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) with its preferred changes, then held public scoping meetings to get input and issued its final plan.

This time around, Hallac said, seashore officials are asking for input from the seashore users "right off" at the "starting line."

If you read the article you'll see when and where the meetings are and that comments can be submitted electronically, as well as at meetings and by mail.

www.islandfreepress.org/2...

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Hallac seems to actually get it.

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Hallac seems to actually get it.

I hope you are right. On the other hand, he doesn't have much choice.
The jig is up!

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One of the largest critics of the NPS had a good chat with Hallac the other day. For those that do not know, Bob runs Red Drum Tackle in Buxton and has done much to fight for both ORV and Pedestrian access.
=====================================================

A walk out to Cape Point with Superintendent Hallac!



It was good to be back on the Point for a few minutes. I appreciate Dave Hallac, the seashore's superintendent, inviting me. After a lively discussion and walk out we came to the conclusion that there is only one American oyster catcher chick keeping the point closed. The chick, along with parents, was very mobile. I ask the question if it was time for us to be able to stay in the water and get to the point and Dave said he would get with enforcement down here.

I urge all of you to stay in the wet sand and not get a ticket or even cause a ticket.

The point looks great with a traditional sand island out a hundred yards or so with a deep slough in between. I am sure the Spanish macks are eating it up.

I hope all of you will participate this fall in the discussion on changing the routes and vehicle free areas. Our fishing community did not get very involved with the biology side of the congressional act which occurred this spring. There was something like 10,000 environmental letters against less than 100 from us. Of course Congress did not make or ask this to be a public write in event but NPS did and they continue to harp on numbers.

Again, my thanks go to Dave Hallac for trying to add some transparency to all of this.

Bob Eakes

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Appreciate your posting this info, SwampDuck.

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Bull, his idea of pedestrian access is to change as much of the VFAs to ORV routes as possible. He and the rest of his ilk want people to walk there so they can drive there. This pro predestrian advocacy involves changing dates on village openings and closing, dangerous for Frisco and Hatteras as these beaches can be swiming beaches much longer than the northern beaches.
Interesting that Buxton villagers beach was never considered an ORV route. I realize the logistics of driving make it unlikely that ORV use could be accomplished there but that shouldn't have precluded it from being treated the same as other village beaches, wonder why there was no opposition there.
The Park has to protect some of historical viewscapes it can't all be McMansions, crisscrossing vehicle ruts and parked cars. Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

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I don't have any informed opinion on any of this, however I try to read what I can here and elsewhere. I understand that some parts of the decisions in the past have been very contentious. This is why I thought the article was interesting and hope that there might be some kind of compromises that would allow a positive move forward.

This part of the article is important for those of you who do have informed opinions, and I hope you'll make use of the meetings and the opportunities provided to submit your comments to the powers that be.

********************************
"PLANNED MEETINGS

The five public meetings are scheduled as follows:


Wednesday, Aug. 5, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Ocracoke School, 1 Schoolhouse Road,
Ocracoke Island.
Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 - 8 p.m. McKimmon Conference & Training Center, 1101 Gorman Street, NC State University Campus, Raleigh, N.C.
Monday, Aug. 10, 6 - 8 p.m. –Cape Hatteras Secondary School, 48576 Hwy 12, Buxton.
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 6 - 8:00 p.m. – Hilton Garden Inn, 5353 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk.
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Embassy Suites Hampton Inn, 1700 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666

SUBMITTING COMMENT

You can be involved in several ways:

Attend a public scoping meeting.
Submit comments electronically to: Click to follow link...
Submit written comments by mail to: Superintendent, Outer Banks Group/Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954.
The Park Service asks that comments be submitted electronically or by mail. Faxed comments and e-mails will not be accepted. Please be sure to include your full name and e-mail address, if available, with the comments, so you can be added to the mailing list for information about the planning process. For your comments to be the most useful in developing the EA, please submit comments by Aug. 21.

You should be aware that your entire comment — including personal identifying information such as your address, phone number, and e-mail address — may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Comments submitted by individuals or organizations on behalf of other individuals or organizations will not be accepted."

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Bull, his idea of pedestrian access is to change as much of the VFAs to ORV routes as possible. He and the rest of his ilk want people to walk there so they can drive there. This pro predestrian advocacy involves changing dates on village openings and closing, dangerous for Frisco and Hatteras as these beaches can be swiming beaches much longer than the northern beaches.
Interesting that Buxton villagers beach was never considered an ORV route. I realize the logistics of driving make it unlikely that ORV use could be accomplished there but that shouldn't have precluded it from being treated the same as other village beaches, wonder why there was no opposition there.
The Park has to protect some of historical viewscapes it can't all be McMansions, crisscrossing vehicle ruts and parked cars. Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

Sea Oat,

Don't ya know, it ain't about the birds or the peds ... it's about the ORVers.

The minute Supt Hallic makes a decision that does not favor ORVers wishes, he will join the ranks of all the other Outer Banks Group NPS Supers who moved/retired to make way for other ORVer cannon fodder.

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Bull, his idea of pedestrian access is to change as much of the VFAs to ORV routes as possible. He and the rest of his ilk want people to walk there so they can drive there. This pro predestrian advocacy involves changing dates on village openings and closing, dangerous for Frisco and Hatteras as these beaches can be swiming beaches much longer than the northern beaches.
Interesting that Buxton villagers beach was never considered an ORV route. I realize the logistics of driving make it unlikely that ORV use could be accomplished there but that shouldn't have precluded it from being treated the same as other village beaches, wonder why there was no opposition there.
The Park has to protect some of historical viewscapes it can't all be McMansions, crisscrossing vehicle ruts and parked cars. Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

Maybe you should go over the the RDT site and tell Bob how you feel in addition to posting it here. It should provide for some lively discussion over there, especially since you are so knowledgeable about the goals of the folks and organizations that want more reasonable access to our recreation area(s).

Like +5QuoteFlag

Bull, his idea of pedestrian access is to change as much of the VFAs to ORV routes as possible. He and the rest of his ilk want people to walk there so they can drive there. This pro predestrian advocacy involves changing dates on village openings and closing, dangerous for Frisco and Hatteras as these beaches can be swiming beaches much longer than the northern beaches.
Interesting that Buxton villagers beach was never considered an ORV route. I realize the logistics of driving make it unlikely that ORV use could be accomplished there but that shouldn't have precluded it from being treated the same as other village beaches, wonder why there was no opposition there.
The Park has to protect some of historical viewscapes it can't all be McMansions, crisscrossing vehicle ruts and parked cars. Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

"ilk. Pronoun. Represents a group of items of the same type. Has a connotation of the typed group being of bad or questionable character."

I surf fish and drive on the beach to do so. I also want more access to get there. Guess you're questioning my character! I invite you to come fishing with me. That's not a threat. You may come to the realization that those that I fish with and those around me fishing (and driving a vehicle to get there) may not be such bad people after all.

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I thought it was good that Bob Eakes and Supt. Hallac got together.
At least they were willing to talk to each other about access.
It seems they acted more like adults about it than we do on this forum.

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All I meant by my comment was that he understands the need to reach out to the local community. Remember when they were going to cancel the lifeguards? The former superintendent communicated that via press release. This guy seems to get that it's better to pick up the phone and create some relationships instead of governing from on high.

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Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

S.O. - We can certainly agree to disagree. I respect your right to your opinion but years ago I had the opportunity to have many exchanges with Jason Rylander. For every evil you claim Bob is I think the same of Jason and his ilk.

I may indeed not like whatever the final outcome is, but do appreciate the attempt of Hallac gathering insight from all sides to assist in doing his job.

Cheers!

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Bull, his idea of pedestrian access is to change as much of the VFAs to ORV routes as possible. He and the rest of his ilk want people to walk there so they can drive there. This pro predestrian advocacy involves changing dates on village openings and closing, dangerous for Frisco and Hatteras as these beaches can be swiming beaches much longer than the northern beaches.
Interesting that Buxton villagers beach was never considered an ORV route. I realize the logistics of driving make it unlikely that ORV use could be accomplished there but that shouldn't have precluded it from being treated the same as other village beaches, wonder why there was no opposition there.
The Park has to protect some of historical viewscapes it can't all be McMansions, crisscrossing vehicle ruts and parked cars. Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

"ilk. Pronoun. Represents a group of items of the same type. Has a connotation of the typed group being of bad or questionable character."

I surf fish and drive on the beach to do so. I also want more access to get there. Guess you're questioning my character! I invite you to come fishing with me. That's not a threat. You may come to the realization that those that I fish with and those around me fishing (and driving a vehicle to get there) may not be such bad people after all.

It is not for me to tell you if you and what's his name are of the same ilk. Not condemning anyone who fishes or access the NP beach with a vehicle and positively not condemning ORV use. I'm calling out those that don't see the value of the VFAs in a national seashore that was intended to permanently be "preserved as a primitive wilderness " and want to weaken the VFAs.

I think that is great that the superintendent spoke, walked, fished, recreated with as many people as possible that are concerned with this CHNS whatever their views on resource protection, access and VFAs.

The constant miss-reading between the lines and responding to things I didn't say or imply is appalling.

Like +3QuoteFlag

Bull, his idea of pedestrian access is to change as much of the VFAs to ORV routes as possible. He and the rest of his ilk want people to walk there so they can drive there. This pro predestrian advocacy involves changing dates on village openings and closing, dangerous for Frisco and Hatteras as these beaches can be swiming beaches much longer than the northern beaches.
Interesting that Buxton villagers beach was never considered an ORV route. I realize the logistics of driving make it unlikely that ORV use could be accomplished there but that shouldn't have precluded it from being treated the same as other village beaches, wonder why there was no opposition there.
The Park has to protect some of historical viewscapes it can't all be McMansions, crisscrossing vehicle ruts and parked cars. Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

"ilk. Pronoun. Represents a group of items of the same type. Has a connotation of the typed group being of bad or questionable character."

I surf fish and drive on the beach to do so. I also want more access to get there. Guess you're questioning my character! I invite you to come fishing with me. That's not a threat. You may come to the realization that those that I fish with and those around me fishing (and driving a vehicle to get there) may not be such bad people after all.

It is not for me to tell you if you and what's his name are of the same ilk. Not condemning anyone who fishes or access the NP beach with a vehicle and positively not condemning ORV use. I'm calling out those that don't see the value of the VFAs in a national seashore that was intended to permanently be "preserved as a primitive wilderness " and want to weaken the VFAs.

I think that is great that the superintendent spoke, walked, fished, recreated with as many people as possible that are concerned with this CHNS whatever their views on resource protection, access and VFAs.

The constant miss-reading between the lines and responding to things I didn't say or imply is appalling.

Well... OK! Sorry I appalled you. You're still welcome to come fish with me!

Like +2QuoteFlag

Bull, his idea of pedestrian access is to change as much of the VFAs to ORV routes as possible. He and the rest of his ilk want people to walk there so they can drive there. This pro predestrian advocacy involves changing dates on village openings and closing, dangerous for Frisco and Hatteras as these beaches can be swiming beaches much longer than the northern beaches.
Interesting that Buxton villagers beach was never considered an ORV route. I realize the logistics of driving make it unlikely that ORV use could be accomplished there but that shouldn't have precluded it from being treated the same as other village beaches, wonder why there was no opposition there.
The Park has to protect some of historical viewscapes it can't all be McMansions, crisscrossing vehicle ruts and parked cars. Not saying I think the
Park got the VFAs perfect but I know what the ORVers wanted and it was wrong.

"ilk. Pronoun. Represents a group of items of the same type. Has a connotation of the typed group being of bad or questionable character."

I surf fish and drive on the beach to do so. I also want more access to get there. Guess you're questioning my character! I invite you to come fishing with me. That's not a threat. You may come to the realization that those that I fish with and those around me fishing (and driving a vehicle to get there) may not be such bad people after all.

It is not for me to tell you if you and what's his name are of the same ilk. Not condemning anyone who fishes or access the NP beach with a vehicle and positively not condemning ORV use. I'm calling out those that don't see the value of the VFAs in a national seashore that was intended to permanently be "preserved as a primitive wilderness " and want to weaken the VFAs.

I think that is great that the superintendent spoke, walked, fished, recreated with as many people as possible that are concerned with this CHNS whatever their views on resource protection, access and VFAs.

The constant miss-reading between the lines and responding to things I didn't say or imply is appalling.

Perhaps if the message is being misinterpreted repeatedly it is not the one doing the interpreting who is in error

Like +3QuoteFlag

Sea Oat, you continually say you are not against ORV use in the park, but you bash anyone who wants more reasonable access. I really have no idea what you think is reasonable, but after 40 years of visiting CHNSRA I can assure this is not it. You and your sidekick Dennis constantly bash anyone and everything where ORV's are concerned. I'm not going to rehash the same things that have been reported over and over and over again, by people that are much more articulate than me, but I can assure the very large Percentage of ORV people, come to the Seashore to enjoy not only fishing but the unique flora and fauna that you claim to seek to protect. Just who the hell do you think keeps the place so clean? If I had a dollar for every half tire I have hauled off the beach along with all the other washed up trash I'd be much closer to my desired retirement. You guys seem to think you are above everyone else and are the only 2 on this board that really care, but you couldn't be further from the truth. I've asked over and over again without an answer, how do you guys benefit financially from this mess. There is no other explanation, because if you only cared about the flora and fauna you claim to want to preserve you would certainly realize that ORV users not only TALK about it, but actually do something about it.

Like +7QuoteFlag

Sea Oat, you continually say you are not against ORV use in the park, but you bash anyone who wants more reasonable access. I really have no idea what you think is reasonable, but after 40 years of visiting CHNSRA I can assure this is not it. You and your sidekick Dennis constantly bash anyone and everything where ORV's are concerned. I'm not going to rehash the same things that have been reported over and over and over again, by people that are much more articulate than me, but I can assure the very large Percentage of ORV people, come to the Seashore to enjoy not only fishing but the unique flora and fauna that you claim to seek to protect. Just who the hell do you think keeps the place so clean? If I had a dollar for every half tire I have hauled off the beach along with all the other washed up trash I'd be much closer to my desired retirement. You guys seem to think you are above everyone else and are the only 2 on this board that really care, but you couldn't be further from the truth. I've asked over and over again without an answer, how do you guys benefit financially from this mess. There is no other explanation, because if you only cared about the flora and fauna you claim to want to preserve you would certainly realize that ORV users not only TALK about it, but actually do something about it.

Why is it that each time I read one of your posts, I feel my time could be better spent watching reruns of the Twilight Zone on TV?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm let us see ... ya spend most of your time bashing those you think are bashing people who wants "reasonable access". Your words say you have no idea of what you think is reasonable and yet YOU do not list what YOU think is reasonable access. Nuttin like specifics huh? Soooooooooooooooo ORV people help keep CHNS clean .. big deal ... lots of people join in to keep CHNS clean so don't think that makes any one special.

Ya say: "I've asked over and over again without an answer, how do you guys benefit financially from this mess." wellllllllllllll I for one think it anything but a mess and as for financial benefit that would be zero, none, nada, nothing, but if you wants to send me a check, cash or discount coupons for the Kill Devil Grill, I will consider accepting same.

My "benefit" is the needs of my children's children and their children being able to enjoy CNHS for all it has to offer and knowing that the protection of endangered and threatened shorebirds and sea turtles will always be there for their pleasure and enjoyment of those species.

Yeah, talk is cheap and trash cleanup is little more than talking the talk, but doing little for walking the walk. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee stop wasting my time with glittering generalities and find something else to contribute to CHNS other than an occasional trash pick up.

Like +1QuoteFlag

Simple solution for you d-head, Stop reading them.

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Simple solution for you d-head, Stop reading them.

There ya go, It is much better when you keep your posts to 10 words or less ...

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Sea Oat, you continually say you are not against ORV use in the park, but you bash anyone who wants more reasonable access. I really have no idea what you think is reasonable, but after 40 years of visiting CHNSRA I can assure this is not it. You and your sidekick Dennis constantly bash anyone and everything where ORV's are concerned. I'm not going to rehash the same things that have been reported over and over and over again, by people that are much more articulate than me, but I can assure the very large Percentage of ORV people, come to the Seashore to enjoy not only fishing but the unique flora and fauna that you claim to seek to protect. Just who the hell do you think keeps the place so clean? If I had a dollar for every half tire I have hauled off the beach along with all the other washed up trash I'd be much closer to my desired retirement. You guys seem to think you are above everyone else and are the only 2 on this board that really care, but you couldn't be further from the truth. I've asked over and over again without an answer, how do you guys benefit financially from this mess. There is no other explanation, because if you only cared about the flora and fauna you claim to want to preserve you would certainly realize that ORV users not only TALK about it, but actually do something about it.

Why is it that each time I read one of your posts, I feel my time could be better spent watching reruns of the Twilight Zone on TV?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm let us see ... ya spend most of your time bashing those you think are bashing people who wants "reasonable access". Your words say you have no idea of what you think is reasonable and yet YOU do not list what YOU think is reasonable access. Nuttin like specifics huh? Soooooooooooooooo ORV people help keep CHNS clean .. big deal ... lots of people join in to keep CHNS clean so don't think that makes any one special.

Ya say: "I've asked over and over again without an answer, how do you guys benefit financially from this mess." wellllllllllllll I for one think it anything but a mess and as for financial benefit that would be zero, none, nada, nothing, but if you wants to send me a check, cash or discount coupons for the Kill Devil Grill, I will consider accepting same.

My "benefit" is the needs of my children's children and their children being able to enjoy CNHS for all it has to offer and knowing that the protection of endangered and threatened shorebirds and sea turtles will always be there for their pleasure and enjoyment of those species.

Yeah, talk is cheap and trash cleanup is little more than talking the talk, but doing little for walking the walk. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee stop wasting my time with glittering generalities and find something else to contribute to CHNS other than an occasional trash pick up.

Dennis,

A learned scholar once said: “Those that serve on the board of volunteer non-profits rarely enhance donations to their organization by being a jerk in public.”

Like +2QuoteFlag

Sea Oat, you continually say you are not against ORV use in the park, but you bash anyone who wants more reasonable access. I really have no idea what you think is reasonable, but after 40 years of visiting CHNSRA I can assure this is not it. You and your sidekick Dennis constantly bash anyone and everything where ORV's are concerned. I'm not going to rehash the same things that have been reported over and over and over again, by people that are much more articulate than me, but I can assure the very large Percentage of ORV people, come to the Seashore to enjoy not only fishing but the unique flora and fauna that you claim to seek to protect. Just who the hell do you think keeps the place so clean? If I had a dollar for every half tire I have hauled off the beach along with all the other washed up trash I'd be much closer to my desired retirement. You guys seem to think you are above everyone else and are the only 2 on this board that really care, but you couldn't be further from the truth. I've asked over and over again without an answer, how do you guys benefit financially from this mess. There is no other explanation, because if you only cared about the flora and fauna you claim to want to preserve you would certainly realize that ORV users not only TALK about it, but actually do something about it.

Why is it that each time I read one of your posts, I feel my time could be better spent watching reruns of the Twilight Zone on TV?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm let us see ... ya spend most of your time bashing those you think are bashing people who wants "reasonable access". Your words say you have no idea of what you think is reasonable and yet YOU do not list what YOU think is reasonable access. Nuttin like specifics huh? Soooooooooooooooo ORV people help keep CHNS clean .. big deal ... lots of people join in to keep CHNS clean so don't think that makes any one special.

Ya say: "I've asked over and over again without an answer, how do you guys benefit financially from this mess." wellllllllllllll I for one think it anything but a mess and as for financial benefit that would be zero, none, nada, nothing, but if you wants to send me a check, cash or discount coupons for the Kill Devil Grill, I will consider accepting same.

My "benefit" is the needs of my children's children and their children being able to enjoy CNHS for all it has to offer and knowing that the protection of endangered and threatened shorebirds and sea turtles will always be there for their pleasure and enjoyment of those species.

Yeah, talk is cheap and trash cleanup is little more than talking the talk, but doing little for walking the walk. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee stop wasting my time with glittering generalities and find something else to contribute to CHNS other than an occasional trash pick up.

Dennis,

A learned scholar once said: “Those that serve on the board of volunteer non-profits rarely enhance donations to their organization by being a jerk in public.”

A phoney and talker not doer perhaps, but a learned scholar you aint. I am but a human and at times the manure and sludge from you et al makes me cringe.

Stop with the holyier than thou crud

Like +1QuoteFlag

Try your own advice. Arrogant wind bag.

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Denis,

you should refrain from posting after you've been drinking all evening.

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Denis,

you should refrain from posting after you've been drinking all evening.

Yeah, I knew I should not have gone for that 2nd glass of cold 2 percent milk, but it clears my head and I wish I could say that it helps me understand your nonsense. Alas it does not!

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