BasicPatrick
01-11-2015, 01:58 PM
MSBA ACTION ALERT: MSBA requests that all members & friends use their computers and submit positive comments on the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Over-Sand Vehicle Self Escort Program for Nauset Beach in Orleans MA. Both the HCP and Escort Program have been accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are currently listed in the U.S. Federal Register for public comment. Today MSBA calls on each and every one of you to take a few minutes and submit a comment. You may do so by visiting: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FWS-R5-ES-2014-0051-0001 and clicking on the comment button. Please understand that this is not a chat room, message board or forum. These are formal comments that are used in determining whether or not the Town of Orleans will be issued an Incidental Take Permit (ITP).
MSBA recommends your comments be short, to the point and meaningful. The following are positions MSBA suggests you consider using in your comments:
1) I agree with all statements contained in section II (Purpose and Need).
2) Regarding Section III, piping plover are listed under ESA as “threatened” and not “endangered.” The proposed plan appears to comply with the law and strikes a fair balance between protection of all shorebirds and public access.
3) Regarding Section IX, the escort program provides adequate monitoring and is simple enough for the public to understand and follow. High rates of compliance are likely. After due process of the law, violators should loose their permits permanently.
4) Section X & XI. Climate change is effecting the migratory distribution of all species in the region. I am concerned that nest loss due to storms or habitat loss caused by climate change will be blamed on the public beach user. Climate change should be considered as impacts of this program are evaluated in the future.
5) Section XI. Arbitrary killing of all animals is wrong. Mitigation by lethal predator removal should be a last resort. This program should make all efforts to use non-lethal predator removal techniques, including testing new ideas.
6) Regarding section XV, the program appears to be affordable considering income from OSV permit sales.
Thank You
MSBA Government Affairs
MSBA recommends your comments be short, to the point and meaningful. The following are positions MSBA suggests you consider using in your comments:
1) I agree with all statements contained in section II (Purpose and Need).
2) Regarding Section III, piping plover are listed under ESA as “threatened” and not “endangered.” The proposed plan appears to comply with the law and strikes a fair balance between protection of all shorebirds and public access.
3) Regarding Section IX, the escort program provides adequate monitoring and is simple enough for the public to understand and follow. High rates of compliance are likely. After due process of the law, violators should loose their permits permanently.
4) Section X & XI. Climate change is effecting the migratory distribution of all species in the region. I am concerned that nest loss due to storms or habitat loss caused by climate change will be blamed on the public beach user. Climate change should be considered as impacts of this program are evaluated in the future.
5) Section XI. Arbitrary killing of all animals is wrong. Mitigation by lethal predator removal should be a last resort. This program should make all efforts to use non-lethal predator removal techniques, including testing new ideas.
6) Regarding section XV, the program appears to be affordable considering income from OSV permit sales.
Thank You
MSBA Government Affairs