The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has approved a bill (HR 819) to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. It has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee forfurther action. A similar bill (S. 486) is scheduled to be considered by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in June. The bills would reverse a 2012 management plan issued by the National Park Service that banned OHV access to large portions of the seashore. The legislation would reinstate a previous management strategy that better balances wildlife protections with responsible OHV access.
We Urge You to Contact Your Congressional Representative and Senators to Request Support for H.R. 819 and S. 486
- HR 819/S 486 overturns a 2012 plan by the National Park Service that banned off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to large portions of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. Under that plan, about 39% of the seashore is closed to OHV recreation. Only 42% of the seashore is open year-round while 19% is open at different times during the year.
- HR 819/S 486 restores the previous management strategy that provided responsible recreational access while protecting local wildlife.
- HR 819/S 486 protects local retail businesses, hotels, restaurants and campgrounds that have been seen a negative economic impact because of reduced visits by OHV enthusiasts.
DON’T DELAY! Click here to contact your member of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senators to request support for H.R. 819/S. 486. Ask your House member to support H.R. 819. Ask your Senators to support S. 486. Under Federal Officials, Identify Your Congressional District Representative and U.S. Senators: www.semasan.com/lookup.asp?g=semaga
For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.