| |
Don't mess with the signs
Posted By: Dude
Date: Sunday, 5-11-08, at 1:32 p.m.
Vandalism of Resource Protection Closure Signs Results in Expansion of
Buffer
Vandalism of symbolic fencing marking a shorebird closure in the South
Beach area of Cape Hatteras National Seashore was discovered early Saturday
morning. Approximately 1.7 miles east of Ramp 49, a park ranger patrolling
the area discovered and documented twelve posts with “Area Closed” signs
broken off at the sand line and several carsonite closure markers pulled
out at the shoreline. During the investigation, two sets of footprints
were found along the edge of the fence line that extended from the dunes to
the waters edge. No footprints or tire tracks were observed entering the
closed area which was established to protect a least tern colony; no birds
appeared to have been disturbed during the act of vandalism. As prescribed
in the court ordered Consent Decree, this closure violation resulted in a
mandatory expansion of the closure area by 50 meters to the west.The recent court approved Consent Decree related to shorebird and sea
turtle protection at the Seashore requires the National Park Service to
automatically expand the closure area by 50 meters if a confirmed
deliberate act disturbs or harasses wildlife or vandalizes fencing, nests,
or plants. Park staff documented the site and expanded the closure as
ordered in the Consent Decree.Superintendent Mike Murray reiterated the need for all parties to meet the
Consent Decree requirements. "I urge everyone to consider that future acts
of intentional vandalism to resource protection areas will result in
greater expansion of the buffers. These expansions are not discretionary
under the Consent Decree," stated Murray.For more information about closures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore and
visitor opportunities, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/caha.
| |
The Salty Board is maintained by King with WebBBS 5.12.