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For Immediate Release
Defenders of Wildlife Calls on National Park Service to Protect Endangered Birds by Limiting Off Road Vehicle Use on Cape Hatteras Seashore
Use of Off-Road Vehicles Violates Protections under the Endangered Species Act, Other Federal Laws & Executive Orders
Washington, DC - Defenders of Wildlife called on the National Park Service to limit the extensive use of off road vehicles on areas of Cape Hatteras National Seashore because the practice is damaging the habitat of imperiled birds and as a result, is in direct violation of the Endangered Species Act and other federal laws. The organization issued a 60-day notice of intent to file a civil suit if the violations are not significantly rectified within that time frame.
"Off road vehicle use is clearly jeopardizing recovery efforts for a number of imperiled species who rely on the habitat of Cape Hatteras' seashore," stated Jason Rylander, Staff Attorney for Defenders of Wildlife. "More troubling is the fact that the Park Service has ignored the law by continuing to allow these vehicles to imperil North Carolina's wildlife."
According to the letter Defenders sent today, the National Park Service is in violation of two presidential executive orders, the Park Service's own regulations, and four federal laws: the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act. The use of off-road vehicles adversely affects listed species including the threatened piping plover.
The letter points out that the National Park Service has not only "plainly failed to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service or develop an effective program to conserve piping plovers, but its actions are actually undermining the species' conservation and recovery." The letter also notes that the National Park Service is making ad hoc decisions that are threatening migratory birds on a daily basis.
"The National Park Service is charged with protecting and preserving some of our nation's most vulnerable wilderness areas. It's clear that the caretakers of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are defying that charge and contributing to the destruction of pristine habitat," added Rylander.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore was established in 1953 as the nation's first national seashore. With over 70 miles of shoreline, it is one of the longest protected barrier island systems on the East Coast. It is also home to thousands of migratory waterfowl and to several animal and plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act such as the leatherback turtle, green sea turtle, and the seabeach amaranth. Rare or declining seabirds also inhabit the area. Those include the black skimmer, common tern, least tern and American oystercatcher, to name a few.
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.
