Support Free and Open Access
Imagine a beautiful stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina where for centuries, islanders were born and raised to "live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun." A place where for centuries, visitors have travelled all across the globe just to spend a week within its picturesque shores. A serene beach where humans and nature interact and mingle harmoniously out of upmost respect for the other. An area rich in our nation's earliest histories where one could stand upon the same dunes once inhabited by Native Americans, Blackbeard, and Virginia Dare. A unique area prized for its recreational originality where even the disabled can enjoy the magnificent coastline thanks to the availability of several off-road vehicle ramps. A place where you could see breathtaking sunrises over the ocean later followed by an equally stunning sunset over the sound.
Now imagine that place was being destroyed by special interest groups and an infringing government. Imagine that entire families who have lived on the island for decades are struggling to make ends meet because of the huge hit taken by the tourism industry. Imagine that the places you grew up visiting year after year will no longer be there for your children to ever see. Imagine that the media backing the environmental bandwagon is depicting locals and visitors alike as careless animal killers with no regard for Mother Nature. Imagine that entire beaches could be closed at any time without warning and that you couldn't even leave foot prints in the sand; not to mention all of the fees you are now must pay to access the beach even though not a penny will go toward the local economy which is in turn deteriorating.
Only, you don't have to imagine it because that has become Hatteras and Ocracoke Island's reality.
The terrifying part? Most people in this country, even Outer Banks lovers, aren't aware of the current situation threatening their favorite destination!
This site was created to bring light on this matter before it has a chance to slip under the radar.
For the past several years, Hatteras and Ocracoke have continued to undergo these impending restrictions encouraged by those special interest groups and enforced by the National Park Service. The ORV Final Rule imposed earlier this year was the last straw.
H.R. 4094 (a bill introduced by Walter B. Jones R-NC that would overturn the ORV Final Rule and consent decree) was heard by the House on June 19th. Thankfully it passed with a simple majority vote (232-188) and is now headed to Senate. S. 2372 (introduced by Richard Burr R-NC and co-sponsored by Kay Hagan D-NC), was heard June 27th. Now is not the time to let party lines interfere with fixing problems. Now is the time where we must all band together and put forth our efforts to save our beautiful island. Sign the petition supporting these proposals to let your Congressmen know that we won't idly stand by while this injustice destroys our beach and the livelihood of its residents!!
There is power in numbers and there's no time to waste. With your help, we CAN save the Outer Banks!