This is the comments AMSA sent to Fish and Wildlife concerning the management plan down in Chincoteague. June 26, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: AMSA (Assateague Mobile Sportsfishermen’s Association) is a recreational fishing access organization that currently has approximately 1000 members that it represents, and partners with many well respected organizations to form a voice of recreational users to Assateague Island in both Maryland and Virginia. AMSA was formed from a group of local fishermen nearly 50 years ago and have done multiple projects over the past years with NPS and Fish and Wildlife since they began managing the island. I am pleased to offer the current position of AMSA and its Board of Directors and membership for consideration as Fish and Wildlife attempts to complete the CCP which will set the management practices for the next 15-20 years on Chincoteague. Over all we do agree that the Plan B is the favorable option minus the fact that the date stamped closure is the best practice to have in our opinion. We strongly disapprove the closing of the OSV Zone in the months when the beach is used the heaviest. AMSA would much rather the Fish and Wildlife handle the migrating bird closure in a similar fashion to the closures that NPS enforces. NPS can effectively protect the shorebirds that are listed per The Endangered Species Act and once closed follows the recovery plan that has been written for its guidelines. AMSA isn’t sure why the Fish and Wildlife feel the need to date stamp the closures when everyone can see that what the NPS is doing is more than sufficient. To close the beach by date would take away access for many visitors including the handicapped, disabled veterans, and many people with many physical challenges that would take them away the recreation they enjoy for an unnecessary extended period of time. In closing please take into consideration the policies that are being followed by NPS. Detours around the areas where the nest exists. Once hatched determine where the chicks are foraging for their food sources and if it isn’t at the surf don’t close the beach. AMSA members, general public and the NPS has set the example and shows there can be a reasonable solution, other than a date stamped closure and we feel the Fish and Wildlife can make it work also. Thank you everyone for the consideration that will be given our position when completing the CCP, Bill Justice AMSA President 302-236-4333 (UMAPA) United Mobile Access Preservation Association Past Vice President
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 02:58:47 +0000
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