Recent News Article about Assateague

[Heavy Duty]

I wanted to address a recent article in some local papers regarding OSV access, ponies and sika deer on Assateague put forth by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) www.npca.org.

The articles states the Assateague will be reducing the ponies herd numbers, sika deer population and considering changes to the OSV policy. These are all things we (AMSA) have been working very closely with the National Park Service (NPS) on and providing our input during the public comment periods. I have also published this information in the AMSA newsletter, on the AMSA web site ( www.keepersofthebeach.com ) and presented at several public forums in an effort to make people aware of the “State of the Beach”.

As co-chair of AMSA’s legislative committee, I am charged with monitoring and understanding the positions, issues and those organizations that take positions and actions that may affect Assateague Island. AMSA works closely with the NPS in assisting with balancing environmental protection and policies affecting the recreational use of the island.

There have been two public comment periods for input regarding the management plan of the Assateague Ponies. A formal plan will be announced later this year regarding the determination of the final plan. If you wish to have more details of the plans, please feel free to contact me or go to the Assateague web site. The sika deer population control method is planned to be managed by hunting. Over the past years, hunting has declined and as a result the deer population has increased. Lastly, the OSV use, as you are aware the permit fees will be changing next year. Along with this, the General Management Plan update process will begin. This is a multi-year very detailed process that will require much public input. I strongly encourage anyone who wishes to maintain access and see changes made to the OSV policy, voice your opinions loudly and strongly. Make sure you get involved. If you do not, these policies may change in way unfavorable to many. There are many well funded advocacy groups that will be working very hard to severely limit or remove vehicle access from Assateague. Put simply, we must all work together in order to preserve a way of life many of us grew up with and wish our children to grow up with. We have always supported responsible driving on Assateague and will continue to do so.

Moving forward, ASMA will be actively involved with Assateague’s General Management update and will make every effort to keep you informed. We are actively involved with the process that is progressing down at Cape Hatteras and will continue to do so. If ever you have any questions or concerns, please come to an AMSA meeting or contact me at hquillen@dmv.com.

Best Wishes, Good Fishing and I look forward to seeing you at the beach.