Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance  

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release:

February 26, 2013

Congressman Jones Re-Introduces Bill to Restore Access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area

 North Carolina Congressman Walter B. Jones today introduced House Bill H.R. 819 - the Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act.  Pedestrian and ORV access to the seashore is now severely limited due to  National Park Service's ORV Rule which went into effect on February 15, 2012.  The controversial rule was issued by the Park Service in spite of an outpouring of public comments in support of reasonable recreational access.  Congressman Jones introduced the bill last year and successfully led it through passage in the House, while the Senate version failed to make it out of committee.

 For over thirty years, OBPA has worked to maintain the seashore as intended by Congress when the first National Seashore Recreational Area was established.  Preserving the traditional and cultural values of the seashore has been a fundamental principle of the group, which represents people throughout the United States.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area has been a popular destination for American families seeking affordable, family oriented beach vacation.  Under the Final Rule access to some of the most popular areas is no longer available.  This has restricted access for many, including the disabled and elderly, and caused financial harm to the communities surrounding the seashore. 

CHAPA President, John Couch, expressed gratitude to Congressman Jones for introducing H.R. 819.  He said, “We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Jones and the leadership he has shown for preserving access to this American treasure, so it can continue to be used by the people for its intended recreational purpose. ”

Jim Keene, a Director of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association emphasized the importance of people getting involved throughout the United States.  He explained, “The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area is controlled by Congress.  That is why it is vital that people everyone contact their elected leaders in Washington now and ask them to support House Bill H.R. 819. 

Contacts:
John Couch
President, OBPA
P.O. Box 1355
Buxton ,NC 27920
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Jim Keene
Director, North Carolina Beach Buggy Association
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David Scarborough
Treasurer, OBPA
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   For more information go to www.obpa.org or www.ncbba.org

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The Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA)is a project of the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA), which is dedicated to preserving and protecting a lifestyle historically prevalent on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and specifically at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA).With over 10,000 active members (representing over 38 states and Canada), OBPA and CHAPA work to protect and preserve local beaches within a framework of free and open beach access for all users, including properly licensed drivers and vehicles.