Conference wahoo::fishing

973.0. "CAPE COD ACCESS HEARINGS" by NYJDEV::HORWITZ (Beach Bagel) Tue Feb 07 1989 13:41

    As many of you may have noticed, there was an article recently in
    the FISHERMAN (at least in the NJ edition) discussing the up-
    coming public hearings regarding ORV access at Cape Cod National
    Seashore. 
    
    Currently, beach buggy access is virtually non-existant at the Cape.
    Due to the expanse of the beach, and limited parking facilities,
    it is almost impossible to "really fish" Cape Cod. 
    
    Beyond the Cape itself, there are broader implications with the
    ban on vehicles on the beach. History has shown that once one beach
    is closed to buggies, others soon follow. We have seen this happen
    here in Jersey (mainly due to the efforts to 'save' the piping plover).
    
    At the Cape, WE have a chance to reverse the trend!!!! At present,
    the Nat'l. Park Service is willing to partially re-open about 6.5
    miles of beach near Race Point. There is a LETTER WRITING campaign
    being organized NOW. The thrust of this campaign is to request the
    re-instatement of the 1981 Regulations. These regs allowed 4x4
    operation over 17+ miles of beach. While the '81 rules are very
    strict, especially concerning self-contained vehicles (4X campers,
    etc), organizations such as United Mobile Sportfishermen, Mass.
    Beach Buggy Assoc, NJBBA, have targeted these 1981 rules as something
    we can live (fish?) with.
    
    I strongly urge ALL FISHERMEN (salt, fresh, boat, etc) to HAND WRITE
    a letter to:
    
    		Herbert S. Cables
    		Regional Director
    		North Atlantic Region (NPS)
    		15 State Street
    		Boston, Ma.
    
    Your letter should state that you are a fisherman, and support the
    re-instatement of the 1981 Regulations concerning the access of
    "sport fishing vehicles" at the Cape Cod Nat'l. Seashore.
    
    
    Note: it is preferred to use the term "sport fishing vehicle", as
    "beach buggy" is often confused with "dune buggy". When the liitle
    old ladies in garden clubs write letters opposing fishing vehicles
    they refer to them as 'dune buggies'.
    
    Thanks,
    Bagel   

    
    Oops, almost forgot...If anyone can, please attend the hearings
    in person. We have found that "packing the house" helps sway opinion
    of those conducting such hearings. If you go, wear your club hat,
    a Stren, Berkeley, Penn etc hat. let them know which side you are
    on even if you don't get up to speak.
    
    I will post the hearing dates later this week.
    
    Remember: the WAR is for FISHING ACCESS - this BATTLE is for the
    Cape - the NEXT BATTLE may be YOUR LOCAL LAKE!
    
    Bagel