Assateague Island Officials are looking for Comments

[ffemtreed]

Originally Posted by AirDown

Don't tell me they have started here also.

No, thats what this new updated management plan that they are working on is to prevent that from happening at AI.

[AirDown]

I hope it can be nipped in the bud. If I can't drive the OBX we already decided to do more trips up there with ya'll...If ya'll don't mind.

[fishin'girl422]

Did anyone else get a call from the friendly park rangers asking if they could give your information to a research group?

We recieved a call after we got our yearly permit asking for permission to give our contact information to an independent research group that would be doing telephone surveys about the use of the OSV zone. I'm thinking the two things are linked in someway. I am going to be interested to see where this goes.

[trowpa]

Wish they'd contact me as a "NON-OSV" user for input

[gonefishin]

I'm afraid its coming to all of our beaches---- I read these comments and think about how they have ruined Assateague Island Virginia. they have closed the beach down there for years now ----that is why I sold my place at Chincoteague----over half the beach is closed right now, every March 15th it is closed from the coast guard station,south, then before summer gets here the rest will be closed for the birds or turtles or whatever reason they come up with. Don't get me wrong if wildlife needs protecting I am all for it, but don't close the beach to traffic because you might run over baby birds and then have college kids doing "summer work" and various other government tagged trucks running up and down the beach. I was there one day when at least every 15 to 20 minutes a truck was going down the closed area. But then they are government vehicles that have the special tires that don't run over any living things----yeah right---- I hope and pray that our way on the beach survives, I have been doing the surf fishing thing for over 40 years now, but there are alot more liberal tree huggers then us, I really think you will soon see Assateague Island Virginia beaches closed to all OSV very soon

[ffemtreed]

Anyone hear more about the survey?

[pwf]

Got this from the "research group" who is doing the statistical analysis this am.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to our request for comments on a p
roposed study to develop information about "Visitor Attitudes, Experiences
and Expectations Associated with the Oversand Vehicle Zone and Backcountry
Camping Areas at Assateague Island National Seashore". The Study will invo
lve scientifically designed surveys of visitors who use the oversand vehicl
e zone and other backcountry areas within the National Seashore, and is exp
ected to begin this year. The National Park Service is conducting the stud
y to:

1. Develop baseline data on users of the oversand vehicle zone and oth
er backcountry areas including the types, frequency and patterns of use.

2. Identify potential standards of quality for maintaining the desired
visitor experience.

3. Determine visitor attitudes toward existing and potential alternati
ve OSV management and resource protection practices.

The information resulting from this study will be used to help revise and u
pdate the General Management Plan (GMP) for Assateague Island National Seas
hore. The results of the study are expected in 2009, and will be made avai
lable on the National Seashore's website at that time.

We welcome your participation in the General Management Planning process.
The GMP is the park's principle planning document and will guide management
of the National Seashore for the next 15 to 20 years. We anticipate holdi
ng several meetings to solicit public input during the process. Unless you
direct us otherwise, we will add your name to the mailing list for the GMP
and keep you informed of its progress. You can also periodically check Ass
ateague Island National Seashore's website for more information at Assateague Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

Thank you for your interest in your National Seashore.

[ffemtreed]

Yep! I got this same email!! looks like someone is moving forward doing something!

Originally Posted by pwf

Got this from the "research group" who is doing the statistical analysis this am.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to our request for comments on a p
roposed study to develop information about "Visitor Attitudes, Experiences
and Expectations Associated with the Oversand Vehicle Zone and Backcountry
Camping Areas at Assateague Island National Seashore". The Study will invo
lve scientifically designed surveys of visitors who use the oversand vehicl
e zone and other backcountry areas within the National Seashore, and is exp
ected to begin this year. The National Park Service is conducting the stud
y to:

1. Develop baseline data on users of the oversand vehicle zone and oth
er backcountry areas including the types, frequency and patterns of use.

2. Identify potential standards of quality for maintaining the desired
visitor experience.

3. Determine visitor attitudes toward existing and potential alternati
ve OSV management and resource protection practices.

The information resulting from this study will be used to help revise and u
pdate the General Management Plan (GMP) for Assateague Island National Seas
hore. The results of the study are expected in 2009, and will be made avai
lable on the National Seashore's website at that time.

We welcome your participation in the General Management Planning process.
The GMP is the park's principle planning document and will guide management
of the National Seashore for the next 15 to 20 years. We anticipate holdi
ng several meetings to solicit public input during the process. Unless you
direct us otherwise, we will add your name to the mailing list for the GMP
and keep you informed of its progress. You can also periodically check Ass
ateague Island National Seashore's website for more information at Assateague Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

Thank you for your interest in your National Seashore.