Archive for March 20, 2011
“Birds Rule” at Cape Hatteras
It has begun a little early this year. The National Park Service has closed a major section of Cape Point in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This is one of the most popular fishing spots – with anglers and beach visitors enjoying this stretch of sand.
The closing is court-mandated but usually is not until later in the year. The reason they closed it early is an effort to protect rare shorebirds that “might try to nest in the area.” Strange wording to promote their objectives of complete closure some day. Hopefully this is not the case and common sense rules.
Funny thing – These little birds typically do not even show up until summer. For many years, both anglers and wildlife have co-existed on this beach together.
I am not trying to judge the value of this annual closing but the impact on the entire community is devastating. We need to protect all threatened species but at what cost.
All is not lost, we still have the northern beaches, piers and bridges. Hopefully, we can continue to use these without restriction.
Surf water temperatures have risen into the 50’s over the past week. And the fish can’t be far behind. Time to load the rods!!
NCsaltaire 