Starnews - Public access, residential peace?

We have been hearing a lot about access. The ORV issue at Cape Hatteras is basically an access issue. I poke Southern Shores frequently about their lack of access. Acess battles rage up and down the coast. How can the public access the beach and how does that impact the neighbors is being debated up and down the coast.
The Wilmington Star News had an insightful editorial about the problems that accompany access entitled Public access, residential peace? The piece talks about the struggle over a public boat ramp and marina in Topsail Beach. It goes on to identify a series of controversial beach access projects on the southern NC Coast. It closes with this paragraph that contains a nugget we all need to remember:

"As other coastal communities wrestle with the omnipresent issue of public access, they should keep in mind, as Topsail's board did in this case, that the beach belongs to everyone - the well-heeled and those who favor flip-flops."

Ciao

ORV Congrats Derb Carter you won

The ORV law suit has been settled. All the parties have accepted the settlement, though it is not clear just how happy the intervenors (Dare and Hyde County and some ORV groups). You can read the consent decrees and see some maps at the Island Free Press. The Va. Pilot has a story as well.
It looks like a loss of access to some parts of Oregon Inlet, Cape Point and Ocracoke Inlet, especially if piping plover chicks hatch. One good provision is a deadline for the negotiated rulemaking process. Monicell0 at OBR has some highlights.
I don't have enough info to explain what this will mean in real terms. There is no permitting system nor is there an absolute limit on the number of vehicles. Both elements identified by Judge Boyle as important. When it becomes clear just what the limits are I will point you there.
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