April 26, 2012

Senators Burr and Hagan Introduce Senate Bill S.2372 to Restore Access to the CHNSRA

North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan introduced  Senate Bill S.2372 to preserve pedestrian and ORV access at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area on April 26,2012.

“Restricting ORV use on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has a negative impact on local communities and the local economy,” Senator Burr said.  “We must ensure that our state’s residents have access to North Carolina’s scenic treasures, and I am confident we can come to a compromise that allows people to have access while at the same time addressing any potential environmental concerns.”

Senators Burr and Hagan have been vocal supporters of access to CHNSRA as the situation has evolved over the past several years.  The timing of the introduction of their bill coincided with the House's  Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4094 and Oversight Hearing on "Access Denied: Turning Away Visitors to National Parks"
which was held on Friday April 27.

OBPA President John Couch, who spoke at the hearing in Washington said, "We thank Senator Burr and Senator Hagan for their continued support of the visitors and residents of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.  They understand what the Outer Banks are all about -- access by the public to some of the nation's best beaches for family recreation.  We are confident that our Senators will be able to lead this legislation through the Senate so that we may once again enjoy this Seashore for the treasure it is."