all Cape Cod National Seashore is closed

[Swimmer]

Just think about the 286 species of whatever that is on the waiting list for entry as an endangered species. What about if one or more of them lives on the beaches we all enjoy. The only reason they have not been elevated to the exalted status of endangered is because no money was allocated for each specie. So if we can get the money dropped from the federal budget that is used to protect the PP's all our woes would go away as far as beach access is concerned. It seems that each specie has its own budget allocation. No allocation, no more bird bull%$%$%$%$.

[Backbeach Jake]

This thought occured to me: just what IS the penalty for driving on closed beaches? Or without a permit for that matter? What do they actually do about it? Arrest? On what charge? I really don't know.

[gone fishin]

Originally Posted by Backbeach Jake

This thought occured to me: just what IS the penalty for driving on closed beaches? Or without a permit for that matter? What do they actually do about it? Arrest? On what charge? I really don't know.

Good question, somebody will have to contact Bassmaster..I bet he can tell us.

[BigFish]

For some reason $200.00 rings a bell.....I saw someone written up once for driving on without a permit......however......I think driving on when there is a closure, with or without a permit there must be a hefty fine for that?!?!?!

[Sweetwater]

Just got back from the Race (taking friends sight-seeing not fishing) and indeed the entire CCNS is closed. Did speak to one ranger who said several nests that have chicks about ready to fledge. Hopefully this will open up some of the beach.

Also, someone asked about Coast Guard in Truro. That beach is only open after 6:00p due to the "claimed" level of beach goers. However, I suspect it has more to do with politics that many who own property on the dunes don't like see our trucks out there. Less than 2 miles are open and last time I fished it (about a week ago) there was a tremendous amont of weed and mung in the water. So basically, there is NO WHERE to drive on the beach anywhere in Truro or or P-town.

[Karl F]

If I remember correctly.. when the Saudi ambassaders kids ran his Hummer (H1) thru closed areas, he initially had his vehicle confiscated...
He got it back, and again.. relying on memory from the incedent, which was at least ten years ago.. the figure of 50 grand in fines, plus court fees.. and lifetime sticker ban...

I am sure it would be severe, no matter how many vehicles convoyed down, especially if plovers were put in harms way... and the antis would love it.. would be great to crucify off roaders in the press....

[piemma]

Not sure of the penalty now. back when I was running heavy (80s and 90s), there was talk that they would impound your truck for no sticker. I know guys who ran the closed section and got caught and got a stern warning but nothing more.

I am glad I bought a boat. I use to love the Back and spent hundreds of nights running from the the access road to High Head. It is truly a shame that the beaches are run by the Plover and Seal lovers.
Perhaps if you guys who are still buying the permits stopped for a year or 2 maybe the CCNS would feel the pinch from the lack of revenue. Perhaps the local economy in P-Town and Truo would also feel the lost dollars. Then maybe something sane could be enacted.

I don't know what the answer is but certainly the current state of affairs leads me to believe that the running of the Back is coming to an end for good.

Originally Posted by Backbeach Jake

This thought occured to me: just what IS the penalty for driving on closed beaches? Or without a permit for that matter? What do they actually do about it? Arrest? On what charge? I really don't know.

[gone fishin]

"Perhaps if you guys who are still buying the permits stopped for a year or 2 maybe the CCNS would feel the pinch from the lack of revenue. Perhaps the local economy in P-Town and Truo would also feel the lost dollars. Then maybe something sane could be enacted."

In response ----

The only problem with boycottting the CCNS is that our sticker money goes to paying their salaries and maintaining the seashore. If we don't buy a sticker the opinion on their side will be that there isn't enough demand to allow access to the beaches by vehicle. That is exactly the excuse the Audobon and the CCNS is looking for.

Support the MBBA in their effort to bring pressure legally to keep our access to the beaches.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by gone fishin

Support the MBBA in their effort to bring pressure legally to keep our access to the beaches.

That's a good cause, but the issue is a lot of us got sick of the empty promises and endless versions of the shell game played by the park service. It’s really not worth the aggravation, in my opinion. They can keep the %$%$%$%$ing place and share it with the twinkie bird huggers. You guys that continue to tough it out are my heroes, really.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by gone fishin

"Perhaps if you guys who are still buying the permits stopped for a year or 2 maybe the CCNS would feel the pinch from the lack of revenue. Perhaps the local economy in P-Town and Truo would also feel the lost dollars. Then maybe something sane could be enacted."

In response ----

The only problem with boycottting the CCNS is that our sticker money goes to paying their salaries and maintaining the seashore. If we don't buy a sticker the opinion on their side will be that there isn't enough demand to allow access to the beaches by vehicle. That is exactly the excuse the Audobon and the CCNS is looking for.

Support the MBBA in their effort to bring pressure legally to keep our access to the beaches.

Great point and one I considered. So it ends up being a Catch 22. Support the permit process and throw your money away or boycott the process and they think no one is interested and then they close down the whole damn thing.
I wonder if this is what JFK had in mind in 63 when he set aside the CCNS for the good of the common man?
I'll tell you one thing, if the fishing was like what we knew in the late 80s thru the late 90s there would be a war going on. I remember one night in 94 when there was a couple a thousand pounds of bass taken at the Second Rip in the hours between 1 and 4 am by about 20 guys. I was there and I can tell you that there wasn't a fish under 18 or 20 pounds kept. I stood right next to the late George Calzone on one side and the late Lanny Grazinni (who died 2 weeks ago) and these guys were amazed at the quality and quantity of fish we kept catching all night. It was insane!
No there were no Seals then!!!

[gone fishin]

Fred I have to agree with much of what you said. There are not many of the "old" crowd who remember when the seashore was stolen from the mobil fishermen. I too remember when there was no seals or mung or bird people keeping us off the beaches. I am still fighting because there is still a chance that my children and their children may eventually enjoy what we had, and not be bullied off the beaches.

I am sincerely hoping that the MBBA and the MSBA and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and United Mobile Sportsmen and the Regional Fishing Alliance and New Jersey Beach Buggy Association and the Montauk Surfcasters, and the Plum Island Surfcasters and I hope the hell I have left off a few other organizations that are contributing to the legal fight to regain what is our right to the beaches. We cannot win the battle, but damn it we can win the war. Slip seems to be the only one on S-B that has got it right. We cannot win by fracturing our alliances, but must do something. If anyone wants an update on the MBBA fight please attend a meeting or two. Check out the website for any information and feel free to join the battle.

[BigFish]

Don.....I agree with alot of what you say! Here are a few reasons why, for the first time in 7 years, I have not gotten a sticker for driving on the Race!

1. Last year I got a sticker, paid $150.00 and due to the beach being closed almost the entire summer......I drove on only 1 time.....cost me $150.00!

2. The fishing the past 3-4 years has been in serious decline due, in my opinion, to the proliferation of those 600 pound rats!!! Not worth the ride all the way down there any longer.....prior to 2 years ago I drove down there AT LEAST once a week to fish.......it is very bad down there now!

3. Gas prices this year being what they are and the before mentioned fact that the fishing is not what it once was.....again, its not worth it!

4. Plovers....nuff said!

5. Mung! Nuff said!

For me to spend $150.00 on a sticker I can't use to simply prove some point that is going to breeze past anyone who needs to listen is just plain silly!

To sum up.....costs too much for the amount of time we can use it, seals, plovers, mung, lack of what would be any descent fishing from shore!!!

Can you give me a better reason to buy a sticker than "just because"?

You know I love the Cape.....just got back from 2 weeks in Wellfleet, someplace I truely love, and I will continue to vacation there because I love it there......but I have wiped any delusions from my mind that the fishing is ever going to be the slammer it once was! I fished down there quite a bit the last 2 weeks.....tally between myself, Angie and my boys was 3 dink bass and 6 rat blues! Saw nothing of size caught and heard alot of folks with the same complaints I have mentioned above!

[Flaptail]

You know, I hope for the best, I mean I attended the public meetings in P-Town in December and March or was that February, but my optimism must be replaced by realism and that is as long as the Plover exsists and even though it's recovery rate is greatest on Cape Cod, it stinks to our south on Long Island and other southern and mid Atlantic beaches. That being the case, the MBBA, MSBA, LIBBA SB.COM and God himself will not change the way things are. It was apparent at the meetings, the CCNS peoples hands are tied and no matter how cordial and apologetic and no matter how many plugs for access are sold in a noble effort and how good the legal fund is or the lawyers it buys, what you see and have is what you are going to get. Squawk all you want, your in a losing battle. I knew this would come to pass the moment the last meeting ended. Take off the rose colored glasses boys and girls. You will not win this one, no way no chance. It's fantasy pure and simple to think you could. The sad reality is that you never could in the first place.

Buy a freaking boat. is doomed, it's only a matter of time.

Fire away!!!!!

[Slipknot]

Originally Posted by Swimmer

Just think about the 286 species of whatever that is on the waiting list for entry as an endangered species. What about if one or more of them lives on the beaches we all enjoy. The only reason they have not been elevated to the exalted status of endangered is because no money was allocated for each specie. So if we can get the money dropped from the federal budget that is used to protect the PP's all our woes would go away as far as beach access is concerned. It seems that each specie has its own budget allocation. No allocation, no more bird bull%$%$%$%$.

GREAT IDEA

where do I sign up to help?


OK Karl no revolution I guess we'll do it the legal way then.

[JHABS]

Its so Bad the Mungs not even showing up.

[BigFish]

Mung showed up Wednesday....Head of the Meadow, Newcomb Hollow, LeCounts, and White Crest! Bad at HOM moderate at the others.

[Backbeach Jake]

and "lettuce" cocktailed at CG last weekend. I made one cast and that was it. Nasty combo...

[Slipknot]

there was mung at Lecounts last weekend
I swam in it yesterday at Newcombs

[Jenn]

Yup just got back from a week down there....quite dissapointing.

I need to vent a little because I am sort of peaved at the attitude I got at the station too when asking about the closures.....(and no I dont think all of them are bad) but lets just say there is one that is VERY RUDE. no need for it and I can almost bet most of you know which one I mean



oh and slip.... dont feel bad I waded in the "lettuce" one day.......eeeeeyuck!