Plum Island input sought, possible closure

[Karl F]

Plum Island Refuge seeks public comment on some activities

PLUM ISLAND — Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is seeking public comment on certain visitor activities that it allows.
As part of a periodic review to ensure their compatibility with the purpose of the refuge, eight recreational activities are being examined. These are: access for recreational and commercial clamming, off-road vehicle use on the refuge beach for surf fishing, beach activities such as swimming and sunbathing, berry picking, bicycling, field trails, jogging and boating.
Public review and comment are encouraged during the public review period, Dec. 15 to 29.
"A periodic revisiting of the activities we allow on the refuge helps us to ensure they still fit within our wildlife first mission, and that we are able to manage them responsibly," said refuge manager Janet Kennedy.
This review is part of the compatibility determination process that was established by Congress when it passed the National Wildlife Refuge system's "Wildlife First" mission, and required that all public uses be compatible with the purpose of the refuge. To be compatible, the use must not materially detract from the purpose of the refuge and must be within the refuge's ability to manage.
Copies of the draft compatibility determinations for the eight activities can be found on the refuge's Web site, http://parkerriver.fws.gov, and in the main branch of the public libraries in Newbury, Rowley, Ipswich and Newburyport as well as the refuge headquarters.
Submit comments in writing to Refuge Manager Janet Kennedy, Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, Mass. 01950, or janet_kennedy@fws.gov by Dec. 29. For information, call the refuge headquarters at (978) 465-5753.

[JohnR]

Guys - this can be bad. More allocation AWAY of your access////

[Nebe]

yeah really really bad.... this means more jerks from Mass fishing in RI

[tynan19]

Berry picking should be the first to go.

[TheRattBoy]

"this means more jerks from Mass fishing R.I."

[Nebe]

joke... it was a joke

[TheRattBoy]

[Karl F]

As much as I have been known to crack wise and hi-jack threads, this gentlemen, is a serious matter. Maybe you have never fished there, or never even heard of Plum Island. But every inch of access counts. They get away with closing this down, your favorite stretch of sand could be next. It is like dominoes, for every one that falls, the next one falls easier.
Please take the time to write, send an email, or make a phone call. I would ask you to write, or call as the dead line is near, email tends to get little or no notice from the govt.

Thank You.

[Backbeach Jake]

Originally posted by Eben
yeah really really bad.... this means more jerks from Mass fishing in RI

More like refugees from the People's Republic of Massachusetts! Is the beach really to precious to fish from here? If I was still subsistance fishing there'd be a hell of a fight to get me out of some places. It's all the Haves making sure that the Have-Nots stay Don't Get Anys. I know you're kiddin' Eben. You should hear what we say about you quohogs!

[BigFish]

KarlF...might want to relay your concerns to the UMS delegates Wendy and Patrick...make them aware. Thats what they are there for. You may have already done so, and they may also already be aware. Just a thought.

[Karl F]

They already know, MBBA, MSBA, UMS, etc. all aware... trying to reach out here too, if thats OK.
This is a fishing board, if I remember correctly.

[BigFish]

Whoa there Karl....I didn't mean anything negative in my last post just trying to help! I wasn't trying to belittle your cause, as I said trying to further the helping hand.....what exactly are you looking for on this if not help?

[Steve K]

Thanks for the heads up. I fish there and run the beach in the fall and they are definitely trying to limit access there. Currently Sept and Oct are the only two months where you can drive on the beach 24 hrs a day. How much damage is being done during those months? Also, you can only get access to the beach from sunup to sundown. They have already restricted access enough. We must fight this.

[chris L]

never been there never fished there . But I sure would like to know I can if and when I want . all it takes is one spot and then they all dry up . look how much beach is shut down in june on the cape for some stupid side dish bird for fox and other predators and its more and more each year .

lets stand up and say NO!

[Iwannakeeper]

I sent my email, printed it and I am mailing it this afternoon.

My mail is focused on:

Plum Island and the Parker River Refuge has enough restrictions.

They need to concentrate on enforcement of existing Regs, not the create of new Regs.

Sportsman do there absolute best to leave no trace they were there and obey the Regs.

Damage is done by those who do not obey the regulations.

Enforce what you have on the books - do not create more regs that hurt the sportsman and benefits the scofflaws.

-IWK

[Karl F]

[hooked]

If you read the drafts for all 8 activities, the primary one that is portrayed as having an overall negative impact is the ORV.

Responsible use during the allowable time period and enforcement of existing regulations should be the objectives unless it proven that they aren't working.

To use the finding of studies of other beaches to begin to affect policy on Plum Island seems like their objective. It’s not as blatant as many other environmental activist positions but it looks like the intent when compared with the descriptions of the other activities.

I bet the opposition groups are writing their letters too.

Save the Wrack!

Give me a break, that's the stuff I avoid driving over.

http://parkerriver.fws.gov/compatibility/beach-orv1.pdf

My email is on the way. I hope it helps.

[Karl F]

Get ready.
The wrack line will be the next "piping plover" for the anti-human movement.
They have just completed a five year "study" at the CNS, reports on there way, and I have been told, it does not look good for all beach users.

[fishermom]

Karl is right about the "domino" effect. It may not be "your" beach to fish or enjoy and you may not care but..............let them close one beach and it won't be long before "your" beach is being closed as well. We are a union, a group of people interested in one thing, access and fishing. Send those letters and show that we care!!
And Bigfish, MSBA, MBBA and UMS are all over this. We will all fight in any way we can!!
Thank you all and have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!!

[tattoobob]

and if we let them get away with it it will hurt all.

i and plum island surfcasters are taking a stand on this

and will be sending letters it will be a sad day if this gets taken away

even if you don't use this beach it will not hurt to write a letter to support us.

it does seem like they are trying to get rid of any beach use at all be it
sun bathing swimming walking the beach or fishing. they want more and they want to give less.

thank you and please send a letter

bob

[fishermom]

great picture, tatoobob........it's now my wallpaper....thanks!

I had the pleasure of actually going out on the beach this fall for the Go Fish Day, which due to bad weather, was cancelled. It was my first time on the beach and in spite of the weather that weekend, we had a blast. We were on the beach for the weekend with a group from MBBA. I had the grandkids with me and to keep them occupied, I gave them trashbags. They have learned to clean the beaches and respect the beaches. These are the kids we are all fighting for. Not necessarily us but the future fishermen and women. We took off 4 large bags of trash. Not that it made a dent but anything is better than nothing. Not many fish due to the nor'easter but we had a blast. It's a great beach. You can be sure I am writing a letter and hopefully with all the groups and individuals on this great website, there will be lots of letters for Ms. Kennedy to read. We fought years ago for Sandy Point and were defeated. We will not lose again!!!

In case any of you reading this don't have the contact info, here it is again. Merry Christmas to all.......

Submit comments in writing to Refuge Manager Janet Kennedy, Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, Mass. 01950, or janet_kennedy@fws.gov by Dec. 29. For information, call the refuge headquarters at (978) 465-5753.

[Iwannakeeper]

It does look like they are trying to eliminate all beach activity.

Luckily fishing is considered priority use and they are not looking to stop fishing at least until 2009. But they are trying to eliminate the use of ORVs to access the beach for fishing.

This nonsense has to stop - and the only way to stop it is for all of us Sportsman to band together. Submit email, then send letters and call. the more contact the better. they cannot ignore all 3 forms of communication.

It takes more than the efforts of special interest groups. Do not rely on the Plum Island Surfcasters to carry this burden alone. Do not think that because your are the member of a club, that the club will speak for you. Everyone has to have their individual voice hear loud and clear.

We only have to Dec 29th. Do not miss this opportunity to keep fishing access open for this generation and the generations that folllow.

My first striper was caught on Plum Island. I haven't fished there for the last few years, but I am determined to keep that fishery open. I have sent 2 emails, 2 letters and I have called. Let your voice be heard.,


<stepping off my soap box>

[Karl F]

Originally posted by Iwannakeeper

It takes more than the efforts of special interest groups. Do not rely on the Plum Island Surfcasters to carry this burden alone. Do not think that because your are the member of a club, that the club will speak for you. Everyone has to have their individual voice hear loud and clear.

We only have to Dec 29th. Do not miss this opportunity to keep fishing access open for this generation and the generations that folllow.



<stepping off my soap box>

Truer words, were never written.
That is why I posted this. Yes, UMS, MBBA, MSBA, PI Surcasters, etc. and their delegates, are all acive on this, but, you cannot have enough grassroots support. Each voice should be heard.

[tattoobob]

we should Call Marty Meehan, Ed Markey and Senator Ed Kennedy's office. Also write letters to the editors and to the_US _FISH AND Wildlife Service at Plum Island where your letters will be forwarded to the lawmakers. Letters do not fall on deaf ears. They maybe ignored but they will be read and a file made.

[tattoobob]

it's very tough that they are only giving us 14 days at the holidays to write letters. i have been working on one and i want it just right. it will be done in time. i got one email back from the lowell sun and Bill Biswanger, he is going to help

bob

[bassmaster]

when I ran plum island on the sand we use to be ablae to run right down to the very end.
its horrible how the beaches are now every where..................