Let Congress Know

Regardless of where you live, your voice is important in preserving beach access. Following are step by step instructions for writing Congress. You can also call any Senator or Representative through the main Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 

Here's How to Write Congress:

1. Copy the Sample Letter by selecting the text with your mouse and copying (Control + C).

2. Click on one of the links below and paste your letter (Control + V) in the form provided:

Write your Representative: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Write your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

3. Your letter will be sent to your Congressperson. Thank you for supporting the cause.

TIPS ON WRITING CONGRESS
Consider adding a bit of personal information.  Briefly explain how you personally enjoy recreational activities and depend on open and accessible beaches.

1. Be polite, concise and sincere.
2. Include your contact information.
3. Feel free to use the following sample letter

SAMPLE LETTER TO CONGRESS

Dear Senator/Representative:

I am writing to you today because my family enjoys recreation in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  I support H.R. 718 and S.1557 which would reinstate the National Park Service "Interim Management Strategy", pending the issuance of a long-term management plan, for America’s first National Seashore, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina where recreational access was promised in the enabling legislation.

People throughout America have a tradition of traveling to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area for family activities.  These include fishing, surfing, swimming, bird watching, beachcombing, kiteboarding, horseback riding and others.  For many disabled Americans, responsible beach access is the only way to safely enjoy the ocean and recreational activities.

Currently the area is in the wake of a consent decree that restricts public access to prime locations in many parts of this recreational area.  The consent decree is the result of a lawsuit filed against the National Park Service by special interest groups which has hurt area residents, visitors and businesses.

H.R. 718 and S.1557 would reinstate the National Park Service Interim Management Strategy that had an Environmental Assessment under NEPA and was subject to the public process. The Interim Plan also had a biological review by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, an ESA Section 7 consultation, and a public comment period. The Provisions of the consent decree were never subject to these reviews.

The Interim Plan does not remove protection for shorebirds and sea turtles. Instead it gives the National Park Service flexibility to adjust buffers based on bird behavior. It provides reasonable access to the recreational area and will help the area's tourism-based economy.

I would appreciate your support of H.R. 718 and S.1557. Thank you for your efforts to preserve access to America’s beaches for responsible family recreational activities.

Sincerely,

(Your name and contact information here)