Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)

[Sandy Schneirla]

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area released Nov. 15, 2010 is available below, as Parts 1 through 4. A "Red Lined Version" for each Part shows in red ink every change or addition made in the "Final" compared to the "Draft" version.

There will not be a public comment period on the FEIS. There will be a 30-day "waiting period" after notice of availability of the FEIS, followed by a Record of Decision (ROD). Superintendent Mike Murray will then release a Proposed ORV Rule which will have a 60-day period for pubic comments. To automatically receive e-mail notifications, including details about when the public comment period will begin, sign-up at "Act Now."

FEIS, Part 1 or Red Lined Version --- Volume 1, Executive Summary, Chapters 1 & 2
FEIS, Part 2 or Red Lined Version --- Volume 1, Chapter 3 through Index
FEIS, Part 3 or Red Lined Version --- Volume 2, Glossery through Appendix C
FEIS, Part 4 or Red Lined Version --- Volume 2, Appendix D through the End
FEIS, News Release - National Park Service announces the release of the FEIS
www.preservebeachaccess.org/landingnew/feis.html

[Sandy Schneirla]

Park Service proposes limits on Hatteras beach use
Posted to: Environment News North Carolina
The Associated Press
© November 17, 2010
By Mike Baker
RALEIGH, N.C.
Vehicles would be prohibited from accessing about 40 percent of a popular Outer Banks seashore under a new federal proposal that tries to mediate a dispute between environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts.
A final environmental impact statement released by the National Park Service recommends that drivers should have year-round access to about 28 miles of the 67-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Another 13 miles would be open seasonally to off-road vehicles.
Mike Murray, superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, said he realized not everyone was going to be happy with the proposal, especially considering how polarizing public comment was on the topic.
"Some people wanted little to no ORV (off-road vehicles) driving and some wanted unrestricted ORV driving," Murray said. "We feel like it's a solid plan that attempted to balance the conflicting interests."
The plan would permanently close 26 miles of seashore, an increase from the 16 miles provided in a draft proposal earlier this year. Environmental groups had sought a different plan to protect about 40 miles of seashore.
Dare County officials had pushed for open access and expressed concerns that excessive closures would hurt businesses. A spokeswoman for the county declined comment Tuesday as officials go through the 650-page proposal.
The new rules are an attempt to settle a dispute between environmental activists who want to protect seashore animals and outdoors groups who want access to the beach for recreational activities. It's an issue that his been slogging through courts, hearings and discussions for the last few years.
Environmental groups contend a temporary agreement that has restricted beach access since April 2008 has not damaged tourism, pointing to strong Dare County visitor occupancy numbers this year. Meanwhile, the groups also point to positive numbers among closely watched seashore animals, such as sea turtles and piping plovers.
The plan will go through a month long waiting period before the National Park Service is expected to adopt the proposal.
The rules likely wouldn't be in place until next year after further review takes place.