Capesams, the clamming is not permitted on dry land but the flats being dry only at low water are ok ( besides that being the only place clams can survive). And the attitude to guiding is that the National Seashore does not permit it because they are on federal land ( which would actually include Nauset Beach) Monomoy is a federal wildlife refuge not a park ( the National Seashore is considered a park) All activities on Monomoy that are to be permitted must be wildlife dependent. Fishing is wildlife dependent so you can actually guide there. There is talk of requiring a permit to do so as part of regulating the use of the refuge but they ( the USFWS doesn't think it will fly). You must remember that the term "harrassment" is pretty broad though. And that is their utmost concern, to allow as much use as possible without harrassing the animals, like seals and tern nests etc. Ideas such as corridors and marked specific paths to get from one side of the island to the other. The USFWS wants the ferry services to be there. They actually need to have the island accessible to all by thier mission statement and regulations. If there is no way other than private boat that excludes the general public that is interested in going there from going there and by law they have to be accessible for all. Moneys gathered from the visitors center gift shop and tours they arrange help keep the staff numbers up. So that being the case they issued three permits for the service, Ripryder, Outermost Marina and Stage Harbor Marine ( which does not currently use the permit though they have it). A lot of of what I thought I knew was cleared up at the meeting and the same chance will be available to all at the Chatham High School Cafeteria on the 6th at 7pm. I want to be able to fish there at night at South Island at Monomoy Point ( especially the southwest side)
