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Derb Carter, SELC Attorney
919-967-1450
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Defenders of Wildlife – Jason Rylander
202-772-3245
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Audubon North Carolina – Chris Canfield
919-929-3899
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Federal judge approves agreement to preserve wildlife and recreation opportunities on Hatteras
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© Walker Golder
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April 30, 2008—U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle today approved a consent decree offered by the three parties involved in a lawsuit to regulate beach driving along Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The approval resolves the lawsuit which challenged an interim National Park Service plan to protect wildlife from the impacts of beach driving along the Seashore. The Southern Environmental Law Center represented Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society in the case. Details of the consent decree can be found here.
The following are statements from attorneys representing the environmental interests in the case and Chris Canfield, Executive Director, Audubon North Carolina.
Derb Carter, Southern Environmental Law Center: “From the start, our priority has been to ensure that visitors and beach lovers will be able to enjoy all that Cape Hatteras National Seashore has to offer for years to come. The agreement finalized by Judge Boyle today helps do just that by striking a balance between the natural resources and public enjoyment of this unique region.”
Jason Rylander, staff attorney, Defenders of Wildlife: “Today's decision is evidence that we can protect our native wildlife without sacrificing traditions like beach driving, fishing and surfing that are so important on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.”
Chris Canfield, executive director, Audubon North Carolina: “We believe this agreement is a significant improvement over the current management plan. It should adequately protect natural resources at Cape Hatteras until a final more comprehensive plan can be agreed upon. This approach necessarily depends on Park Service diligence and quick action to safeguard birds, turtles, and visitors.”
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Read all about it in the following publications:
The Virginian-Pilot
The News & Observer
FayObserver
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Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.
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