I have lived up and down the Outer Banks, from Hatteras Village and Salvo, to Nags Head and Colington. Now we are in Wanchese, and I am proud to raise my family enjoying the beaches of Dare County. It breaks my heart to think that one day, my children and their children may not be able to live the wonderful sandbar and island life of playing in the sand on the beach.  Keep them open!  Nature will take care of everything the same way it has for years.

I have been coming to the Outer Banks for the past 36 years.  It is an annual fishing trip for myself and other family members and friends. I am a veteran of Vietnam and don't appreciate certain groups trying to take away what myself and millions of others have and are still fighting for. I hope all my veteran friends will join in another fight to keep our beaches open.

I recently visited the Outer Banks and picked up a pamplet on preserving beach access. The beaches of the Outer Banks are kept very clean and well preserved. Both the locals and tourists that I have talked to have so much pride in keeping them that way. It is such a shame that some groups would want to take this beautiful area away from the people who have so much love and respect for the area. I am a firm believer that these beaches should remain accessible for the people who enjoy them so much.

I want my kids to have open beaches. I grew up on the shore and its a way of life that is worth preserving!

My wife is disabled and unable to traverse through sand. It is unfair to discriminate against the disabled about somthing they enjoy. How about building a incubator station and free the beaches to the people who work hard at building this planet to where it is now and need some relaxation? There is more than enough land, that humans cannot get to on the Outer Banks for a bird to build a nest.

We have been vacationing on Hatteras Island for so many years I can not count. We love the beaches and the community on Hatteras Island and my husband and I have been planning for years to relocate to Hatteras Island.  Seeing the changes over the years has made us a bit skeptical about moving to Hatteras Island. We have seen drastic changes over the many years we have been there. I feel very sad for the business owners and the people that have lived there for their entire life. We do a lot of boating and fishing. We also enjoy the beaches. That is what attracted us so many years ago, driving on the beach and surf fishing. Now driving on the beach has seemed more of a hassel than it has ever been.  There are so many closures on the beach it seems everyone is on top of everyone. What attracted us to the beaches on Hatteras Island is that you could park your vehicle and have a lot of space between you and other beach goers. Everyone on the beaches respects the closed areas for birds. So what is the problem? Everyone on the beach obeys the closures. This is just another way for for the government to control everything and anything they wish. We have a lot more to worry about in this country than controlling the beaches. We are still thinking of the possibilty of moving to Hatteras Island despite this ridiculous beach activity. We wish the business owners the best of luck through this terrible situation!

I was 17 years old the first time I visited Buxton, I fell in love with the Outer Banks. I have been visiting every year since 1969. We just returned from Buxton after spending eight days there. It is time to take our Republic back.

I recently viewed the documentary (Piping Mad) and I've written to Congressman Shuler, Senator Burr and Senator Hagan.

The beaches are for everyone.  Our children need to be able to have this  experience  and enjoy the beaches and water.  This environment should be for all human animals also..

I support all efforts to keep the beaches open. I have camped in Buxton as a kid with my family back in the 60's, to living in Kill Devil Hills in the 90's. I am on the Outer Banks at a minimum of 35 weekends a year and all my friends live, work, and have businesses there. If the beaches are closed not only will the local communities suffer so would the countless number of people who are not local. Not only do I love to drive on the beach and stay from early morning until late at night; cooking, sunning, playing, swimming, and relaxing. It is a part of me and my family, it is time spent bonding with my sons, it is a way of life that will be stripped away for me and so many of my friends. The people that drive on and use the beaches are the people that enjoy nature, the outdoors, and life. We are the people that pick up trash, watch out for widlife and take care of the beach. America is here for Americans to enjoy. We can't let one group of people remove our right to the beaches, or any other area, just because they think their cause is the right one. I have talked about non-monetary reasons do keep the beaches open and that is way more than enough on it's merit alone. If the beaches are closed I will not travel there every other weekend anymore and nor will my friends. Please fight the best fight you can and contact me for any support you may need.

I'm appalled with the possibility that your beaches are going to be governed by "environmental" policy that will deny access and recreation.  We have similar problems here with restrictions initiated by people who haven't a clue about reality yet are part of organizations that can spend without restriction and file lawsuits that force issues to be resolved that don't exist. 

Please keep me informed on what I consider a very important issue.  If the National Park Service compromises or shuts down access to our beaches in Cape Hatteras then it sets a very dangerous precedent that will empower these so called "environmental organizations" to seek more actions such as this.  

Keep the beaches open! I have family that lives in Hatteras and I'm there every summer. Fishing is the best part of being there. Thanks for fighting to keep the beaches open

I have been going to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area since I was a little boy. If I did not have this opportunity to experience the beaches and to fish, play, walk on the beach at night and look up and see the stars, or to have my children and my grand children do the same, then we all would have missed out on something very special. I think it would be a a shame to take the beaches and access to them away from people young and old who travel from everywhere to visit them as well as the people who live there. I do not want to tell my grand children or anyone elses children or grandchildren  that they can not experience something that could impact there lives in such a positive way. You people should think about what you are doing. To deny people the opportunity to experience  all of what the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area has to offer is WRONG!!!

Thank you for keeping up the fight to keep your beaches open. If I can help let me know. Thank you.

I work as a forester and deal with wildlife issues on a regular basis, so I am somewhat familiar with the issues taking place on the Outer Banks.  My feelings are that there is already plenty of Wildlife Refuges on the Outer Banks as well as other NC coastal areas.  The bird people essentially want to create another wildlife sanctuary.  I'm pretty sure this doesn't fit into the multi-use purpose of a Park Service recreation area.  I'm also amazed that the issue of more frequent & intense storms and hurricanes over the last 15 years or so hasn't entered into the argument about the decline of some the species involved.  Are these species thriving in areas already protected as sanctuaries? 
I live in northern Virginia and consider the 6 to 8 fishing trips/year to Hatteras & Ocracoke necessary escapes to maintain my sanity while working in the rat race here.  I'm on board to preserve beach access at whatever cost.  

Keep the beaches open. My family has been enjoying them for many years and are now bringing the grandchildren. We would like them to have the opportunity to bring their children also. Please keep them open.

We're just every day locals who enjoy being able to go to the beach, and appreciate what groups like this do. Thanks for all of your hard work to preserve beach access.

Ramp 23 has always been a very special place in the heart for me my wife and countless friends. Freedom is what this great country was founded on. Freedom to enjoy this most beutiful island. We must not lay down and let our freedom of access be taken away. I would like to think that one day, God forbid, if I get to where I can no longer walk much less drive, someone would still be able to drive me over the dunes to enjoy the beutiful beach God created for all. These so called animal rights groups are destroying the local economy and not to mention trying infringe on the rights of everyone including the elderly and the HANDICAPPED!! We must not go down without a fight a fight for what is right. Thank you for all the hard work!

Hatteras has long been one of the meccas of the surf fishing community. Living where I do I ply the waters of Island Beach State Park. Like the area down south, the local economy would be devastated if it were to be closed. Being a member of a fishing club with ties to beach buggy we keep abreast of what is going on. It is darn sure time the voice of the people are followed rather than the political machine. The local economy stands to lose more in tourism than the special interest groups are paying. Someone needs to wake up.

What part of Recreation Area does the Audubon Society not understand? These power hungry environmentalists put birds before human beings, twist the statistics on the impact and don't tell the whole story if it does not benefit their arguements.  Enough is enough.  Locals should recind the donation of this land as breech of contract when it was donated in the 50's with the promise of "free and open beaches" as a recreation area. I ask you... where is the justice???

Heard about this on
G. Gordon Liddy Show

Please keep me informed. I have a house in Frisco, North Carolina and enjoy surf fishing, reading and learning about the Outer Banks. I am impressed with Dr. Berry's views on the Cape Hatteras Recreational Area.

I have visited this place for 35 years. We just rented a place in Frisco for 3 weeks in late September 2010. I hope the beaches stay open for all the  visitors during the whole year         

Great site and I hope to pass it on to everyone I know so we can stand together on this. Thanks

Keep the National Seashore open on Hatteras Island

Being able to walk on the beach is the main reason for me to vacation in Avon, NC.

We own a cottage in Nags Head and would hate to see the beaches closed to people who love nature as much as scientists do.  We drive onto the beach at Oregon Inlet and enjoy the walks and watching the waterlife, birds, and turtles and would never do anything to harm any of them.

Been vacationing in the Outer Banks for many years and would like to continue to do so. But, if the beaches will be closed to ORV use, my very large family and I will be vacationing elsewhere.

I think the recreational saltwater fishermen in NC are the best friends that wildlife and the environment ever had, or will have!

I am in total support of recreational fishermen having ORV access to all areas of our beaches that have historically been available to us.

Foot travel sounds nice, but that certainly eliminates both the elderly and the disabled, and therefore is unaceptable as the only means of access.

Having said that, I think that doing this in a way that is environmentally friendly should not be that hard to accomplish! You can count on me to do what I can do to help accomplish this!

I have returned year after year for 30 years to the Outer Banks. Golf in the spring and summer vacations all in the area of Southern Shores. I have just been introduced in the past year to surf-fishing in Buxton during the fall. I am looking forward to showing my kids and grandchildren this great sport. I support access and will contact my legislators about HR 718 and S1557. Bless you all.

I am a property owner of Hatteras Island.  If they banned everything they want to ban, we'd lose our home, not to mention all the businesses there that would have to close.

We are regular visitors to Hatteras National Seashore. We spend on average $4000 per year on our visits, not including the local shopping and dining. Our enjoyment of this natural beauty includes the use of the beaches for surf fishing and nature watching. Although we respect the preservation of natural resources, there must be a balance between preservation of natural resources and the local economy. 

I've been visiting the Outer Banks on a yearly basis since the sixties. I am proud to see the fourth generation of my family visit the island. Not being able to walk on the point last year was extremely disappointing, to say the least. Just before our departure home the ban was lifted, as if in answer to our prayers. Let's not give up fighting for our God given right!

I am the third generation of family members that enjoy the recreation that the CHNSRA provides.  I am a firm believer in protecting the environment and in my adult life I have always witnessed nothing but good environmental stewardship on the beaches.  However, the thought of furthering restricions to beach access would be devastating to the families who wish to pass the Outer Bank tradition to future generations.  Beach access is what makes this area so unique, and without it, local business would suffer as will visitors who have grown to love this area.  Your website has really helped to educate me in the seriousness of this issue.

We also have a second home in Kill Devil Hills and have followed closely the beach closings and negative effects on all concerned. Beaches belong to the public and should not be allowed to be closed by the actions and opinions of a radical few.

The beaches need to be open.

We live in and fish the Outer Banks for several weeks during the year. We support open beach access and traditional fishing opportunities
and the livelihood protection deserved by residents. We are appalled  by the "protection" forced on us by "environmentalists" with narrow restricted viewpoints to limited species.

We have been vacationing on Hatteras Island for years and absolutely love it. Hwy 12, the beaches, no traffic, the small towns, seafood, and the people are all wonderful ! It is a special place that we love to return to each year. Driving out to the point to sit on the gorgeous beach (all day), the gorgeous sunsets at Canadian Hole, the island's history, and riding the ferry to Ocracoke are just a few of the highlights.

I am sure the birds will survive. We don't use the entire beach to fish or recreate on anyway. The birds always had nesting spots even when the beaches were open. Birds are very smart and have the ability to adapt.

I think the issue with the small animals on the Outer Banks is a total disgrace. In the past I have had lots of respect for our organizations protecting the Outer Banks, but this is too much. Anything I can do for ORV's and the animal situation I will be available. Jack Shea, thanks for exposing this injustice to society.

I don't think that the beaches should be closed to vehicles.  I have been coming to the Outer Banks fishing for many years and one of the reasons I like it so much is because I can drive to my favorite fishing spots.  I don't like it when I make the trip down there and they have closed most of the beaches so that you can't drive on them.  Please do what you can & you have my full support.  Thank you!

Don't employ a Third World model of restricting the best beaches to the wealthy. Keep U.S. beaches accessible to all and preserve the gem that is the Outer Banks seashore!

My family has been vacationing in the Outer Banks twice a year for twenty years. One of the major attractions was the ability to drive to our favorite spots on the beach where we fished. It is a shame that a few people can wield so much influence that a large number of  tax paying, law abiding citizens have to suffer. We decided not to return this year solely because of the beach closures. Some of our friends did vacation there in June and their response was IT SUCKED because most of the preferred beaches were closed to vehicles. I know this has to be creating a huge hardship on your local economy. GOOD LUCK!

Please keep the beaches open. It's the main reason I stay in NC. Without the surf fishing access for our handicapped son, being here would not be worth it.

This issue is so very important to a lot of the freedoms we possess.  We don't get to Hatteras as often as we would like, but we try to support you all in every way we can.

I appreciate the care that your organization takes to preserve the country that surrounds you.

My wife and I have been coming to the Outer Banks, and the village of Avon specifically, for the past 8 years or so. Neither hurricane Isabel, nor the current economic downturn, have been able to keep us away from our yearly vacation to the island! To lose access to the beaches would be an absolute travisty, not just for the island and it's visitors and residents, but for the United States as a country.

Please keep up the good work. Always willing to help in any way I can.

Thank you all for everything you do for us and the future generations to come!!! Don't ever think your hard work goes unnoticed!!

Linda

Matoaca

VA

Robert

PA

My good friends and I have spent 20 some years camping, fishing, and primarily surfing on the Outer Banks . One of the best things is is the beach access. Take that away and you would lose one of the big benefits of going  to the Outer Banks. The Goverment needs to honor their original agreement to the residents of the Outer Banks.

Eugene

Raleigh

NC

Thanks for all the work you are doing to help maintain the ability to enjoy OUR beaches.

Sharon

Harpers Ferry

WV

My family has been coming to Hatteras for 17 years as our family vacation.  This past year 2009 was very upseting for us.  We spent one entire day trying to find decent beach access.  Thanks to the wonderful people at Midgett Realty we finally found access, not the closest to the house, but at least our grand children were able to play in the surf.  If this problem continues we may have to look elsewhere.  That would be very sad.

Eric

Charlotte

NC

James

Manteo

NC

This is supposed to be the Cape Hatteras National Recreational Seashore ! Why is "Recreational" missing on all literature and signs at the CHNRS?  I feel as long as Recreation Area is missing from all literature and signs including the main signs as you enter this area, then people feel it is not really designated for Recreational use! It is also my understanding this is illegal to leave Recreational off signs and literature.

Etienne

Quebec

Natural recreational lands should never be privatised. Continue your good work!

James

Clarksville

TN

I am retired, live in TN. I have fished at the Outer Banks, on the surf, for over 30 years. I want to CONTINUE! Let me know anyway I can help. I will be glad to write letters or/and make calls.

Teresa

Cincinnati

OH

Please help to preserve access to America's beaches, not only for our pleasure and enjoyment, but for our children and their children and many more generations to come.  Thank you, America!

Fouad

Westmont

IL

Even though we live in the Chicago west suburbs area, we have been vacationing and enjoying the outer banks for 20 years. We travel, kids and family every year at least twice since then. We enjoy the beaches, the scenery and the people. We believe free access to all is important to locals and visitors alike. You have our support.

Amanda

Mount Vernon

OH

I love the Outer Banks and the pristine beaches!  I would be very disappointed if we couldn't vacation here and have the access to the beaches that is available to us now!

Kevin

Chapmans boro

TN

I fully support a common sense approach to beach management of our federal lands. These beaches should remain open for recreation and available to us the tax payers whose tax money supports federal management.  Conserve and protect, not prohibit! 

Allen

Suffolk

VA

I have fished the point and the Outer Banks area for quite some time and I am very disappointed in the way that this issue has snowballed into what it has. You have my support a full 100 percent.

Barbara

Brandon

FL

Please keep the beach access open to the public! The economy is weakening more even as we speak, especially on the small islands of Hatteras and Ockracoke, where there is little business to keep alive except what can be done in association with water/fishing/skiing/beach combing,etc. We don't need more people on welfare just to keep more species of birds, turtles or fish alive! 

Norma

Palmyra

PA

Very comprehensive website and information.  Will gladly do what I can to help. We first started visiting the Outer Banks about 25 years ago and haven't missed a yearly visit since then.  What started out as a small family vacation has now turned into a yearly family reunion spanning 4 generations.

Eric

Charlotte

NC

Thank you for creating this website.  I want to do whatever I can to help preserve access to the Seashore. 

Jean-Francois

Eastman Quebec

Continue the good work. I've been visiting the Outer Banks since 1961 and my parents have been visiting since 1959.

Denton

Cortland

NY

I love the beaches of the Outer Banks. I am in a wheelchair and need my friends and family to drive me on the beach when we come to visit.

Robert

PA

My good friends and I have spent 20 some years camping, fishing, and primarily surfing on the Outer Banks . One of the best things about the Banks is the beach access. Take that away and you would loose one of the big benefits of going to the Outer Banks.
The Goverment needs to honor their original agreement to the residents of the Outer Banks.

Eugene

Raleigh

NC

Thanks for all the work you are doing to help maintain the ability to enjoy OUR beaches.

Carol

Southern Shores

NC

Groups that are not living in an area should never have a say in how that area is best utilized for the good of all - these special interest crazies need to be stopped now and common sense returned.

Marilyn

Kitty Hawk

NC

John

North Bay Canada

Beaches should be open and accessible for all to enjoy.  Keep up the good work

Peter

Beaverdam

VA

I am outraged at the thought of being denied access to our national areas, which need to be protected responsibly. But, access for recreation should never be at risk.

Fouad

Westmont

IL

Even though we live in the Chicago suburbs, we have been vacationing and enjoying the Outer Banks for 20 years. We enjoy the beaches, the scenery and the people. We believe access to all is important. You have our support.

Mike

Coventry

CT

I am a member of Rhode Island Mobile Sportfishermen, and we also fight for beach access. Our club President is encouraging all our members to join your ranks. There is strength in numbers.

Donald

Yorktown Heights

NY

The time to act is now.  thanks for standing up and voicing the absolute truth.

Jane

Kitty Hawk

NC

Rich

Ballwin

MO

Thanks for all you are doing to win this fight!

Norma

Palmyra

PA

Very comprehensive website and information.  Will gladly do what I can to help.

We first started visiting the Outer Banks about 25 years ago and haven't missed a yearly visit since then.  What started out as a small family vacation has now turned into a yearly family reunion spanning 4 generations.

Karen

Park Ridge

NJ

We have vacationed for two decades in the Outer Banks, it is one of the most beautiful places in our country.  Beach access for families is a wonderful part of that beauty.  My children have wonderful memories and hopefully my grand children will have their own. 

We have one rule, leave nothing behind you, sometimes we even leave with more garbage than we made.  Most families are very considerate of wildlife and nature, that is why we love Hatteras. 

The new laws have not significantly aided any nesting animals, and from what I understand they have harmed other wild creatures.  Mother nature has her own agenda we shouldn't really mess with it.

Sherman & Monica

Bumpass

VA

For years, we have spent October/November at the Outer Banks.  But seeing what these new regulations have done is enough to break your heart.  I often thought we would like to relocate there some day....not so much now. 

Just remember, taking away your beach access today is one more small step toward taking away every freedom you have.  Stand up and let them know you will not let your freedom go without a fight.  Your tax dollars paid for it, your tax dollars maintain it, you have the RIGHT to access.  The people of Virginia are with you (if not the tree hugging government)!!!  Fight on!

Wally

Brick

NJ

In our 16 years of coming to Cape Hatteras we have created an immense amount of wonderful memories and we have shared this great treasure with family and friends. We have always found ORV people to be courteous and respectful of other beachgoers as well as any marked or unmarked wildlife areas.

I fully support the protection of wildlife but this entire issue has been blown out of proportion by certain special interest groups with no regard for the protection of certain human groups as well as the well being and peace of mind of the local economies that depend on beachgoers for there livelihood. There is always a compromise as with everything in life, and I am sure that if cooler heads came together and everyone got a piece of the pie, rather than one group trying to steal the whole thing that we can provide a safe area for wildlife, and beachgoers looking for that special relaxation that only a day at Hatteras can bring, will still have their slice of paradise to enjoy.

Kathleen

Newbury

OH

I''ve been in love with The Outer Banks since the early sixties, making sure I get there at least once a year. My children and grand children hold Hatteras very closely in our hearts. This coming summer I plan to introduce the sixth child of the fourth generation of my family to be hooked on Hatteras.

My late husband Jim could not have had his last beach visit if we didn't have open beach access. I can't explain what that trip meant to this family. Suffice to say,we chose one last beach ride over one last chemotherapy regime,with no regrets. I pray that the legacy be allowed to continue.

Megan

Friendsville

MD

We went there when my daughter was 3 months old and we just love it down there so nice and quiet hope to come back down there soon

Donald

Benicia

CA

Learned of this on vacation at Cape Hatteras.

John

Sanford

NC

When I was 15-18 years old, my parents and I would take trips to the Outer Banks to drive on the beach and fish.  When we get together now, we still share memories of those trips.  I want my children to have stories to share with me, like the ones I share with my parents.  Please keep the beaches open to vehicles and memories.