Who would have thought a harmless little Piping Plover could create such controversy? The endangered bird is not the real cause of the driving ban. It just so happens that the order was implemented just days after a few beach accesses were closed due to some nesting plovers.
A Federal Judge has put an immediate stop to all beach driving from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke. Judge Terrence Boyle ordered beach driving to be halted until an off-road vehicle plan is implemented. The case involves an unsafe driving incident that happened over Memorial Day weekend - here is an excerpt from the WRAL Story:
Boyle's order was based on a criminal case over the Memorial Day weekend. In that case, Vasile Matei was accused of operating a vehicle without due care.
During Matei's trial, Boyle questioned the lack of off-road vehicle rules that the Park Service can enforce. In Wednesday’s order, Boyle said the lack of rules endangers both beach-goers and endangered species that live on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The message boards are very busy with comments about the ruling. As Michael Buffer would say - Let's Get Ready To Rumble...
Update 7-19-07: According to an article in today's Virginian-Pilot, the National Park Service Superintendent has decided for the time being that the beaches will remain open to off-road vehicles except for the areas closed for the Piping Plovers.
Oh oh Sammy really hates those birds already because he think they tease him and if he can't go riding in the truck to go surfing... well just look out.
Posted by: Paula The Surf Mom | July 19, 2007 at 02:39 AM