Federal Judge Declares ORV Use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Illegal
Defenders of Wildlife Calls for Management Plan
(07/18/2007) - WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following is a statement from Jason Rylander of Defenders of Wildlife regarding Judge Terrence Boyle’s order barring the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina.“Judge Boyle’s order should serve as a wake-up call to the National Park Service. If the Park Service had implemented a responsible ORV management plan and designated trails in appropriate areas, as we have been urging them to for years, this never would have happened.
“Judge Boyle’s order declaring ORV use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore illegal was issued on his own volition in a case involving reckless driving on the beach. It was not done at the request of Defenders of Wildlife or any other conservation organization. Nevertheless, the order is good news for wildlife.
“The Park Service has continued to allow ORV use in sensitive areas of Cape Hatteras in clear violation of the law. Federal law, Park Service regulations and presidential executive orders clearly state that the Park Service may not permit ORV use on federal parklands without first putting a management plan in place. No such management plan exists at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
“At Cape Hatteras, poorly managed ORV use is damaging sensitive wildlife habitat, harming endangered and threatened sea turtles and piping plovers, and disturbing nesting populations of seabirds like the least tern and American oystercatcher. Seasonal restrictions on ORV use, a ban on night driving on the beach, and other appropriate management tools would go a long way toward ensuring that both people and wildlife can safely enjoy this natural treasure.
“We hope that Judge Boyle’s order will prompt the Park Service to expeditiously create a management plan that will protect the seashore’s abundant wildlife while allowing appropriate public uses. Such a plan is long overdue.”
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