by Brian » Sun Apr 29, 2012 4:40 am
I understand the situation, however, Cape Hatteras is a National Seashore, which means it is controlled by the National Parks system. It is this way for a reason. Now, don't get me wrong, I am an avid fisherman, and have a vacation booked in Rodanthe in exactly one month. However, I've seen first hand how people that vacation there regard the wild beaches. I can't tell you how many times I've seen kids playing in areas roped off as turtle nesting sites, or how many people I've seen acting like A$$es on the beach in their off-road vehicles, not all, but enough. Sure, they are having fun, and I've heard the comments "it's just a stupid bird" or "it's just a stupid turtle", but these stupid birds and turtles have their place in the natural order of things, and with their numbers dwindling, it is only fitting that we as the only species on earth that has the power to decide the fate of all other species on earth, protect them when things become as dire as they have been in the past. I am happy to give up access to ORV use on the beach and to fishing in order to help along a creature that is experiencing survival difficulties. It is time that we become a little more observant and respectful of our environment and wild places. Especially when it comes to national parks. They were created in order to give preservation to the most awesome, unique, wild, rugged, and beautiful places on earth both for wildlife and also for the people of our country to observe in awe. They weren't created to give people a playground for off road vehicles or for fishing access.
Not long ago, roads were torn out, cabins were torn down, and walking access was restricted in California around giant Sequoia trees in Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks. Many people weren't very happy, but again, this area was protected both for the enjoyment of the people, and the preservation of the area and species unique to the Park. In this case, they found out that all of the roads, buildings, and foot traffic were damaging the roots of the trees, and preventing them from receiving the correct amount of water in summer months. They also discovered that smaller brush fires in the summer allowed the forest to regenerate more sequoias and other species, so they stopped putting them out. Was it a hamper to the people trying to find a vacation spot, yes, but again this park was created for the preservation and enjoyment of the sequoia tree and it's surrounding wild areas, not as an amusement park for the people to decide what to do with. When park managers found that the people going there in droves and walking too close to the trees were actually doing more harm than good, they acted. Just like in this case. Again, I understand that this reduces the possibility of catching a trophy red-drum from the beaches of the national seashore, and yeah, it is a bummer, but again, it is up to us to put our differences aside and do what is right for all based on the fact that this is still a national seashore, in essence, a national park. Believe me, had it not been for the protection of the National Park system since the inception of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, then Hatteras Island would be nothing more than Ocean City or Virginia Beach from top to bottom, and not the beautiful windswept island that many of us have come to love.
Let's Go Pens!
To the Cup!