Protect Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Earlier this year, a federal judge approved an emergency plan to protect the fragile ecosystems at Cape Hatteras National Seashore from poorly managed beach driving. After ten years of precipitous decline, bird populations are already rebounding under the new plan. Unfortunately, some members of Congress are seeking to overturn this plan, jeopardizing Piping Plovers, loggerhead turtles, and other wildlife.

Your members of Congress need to hear from you! Personalized letters have the most impact. Please edit the sample letter below to explain why protecting Cape Hatteras National Seashore—for birds, sea turtles, AND people—is important to you! Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

*You do not need to type in the name of your elected official(s). A salutation with YOUR elected official's name(s) will automatically be inserted when you send the letter.

(Edit Letter Below)

As an Audubon supporter and your constituent, I am writing to voice my strong opposition to companion bills HR 6233 and S 3113. These bills would overturn a negotiated agreement that was put in place to ensure the continued survival of the unique natural resources that make Cape Hatteras National Seashore so special. The binding agreement that is currently in place was based upon recommendations developed by the Park Service's own scientists, and is the result of negotiations between all interested parties--including Dare and Hyde Counties and the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance, a coalition of off-road vehicle groups.
 
The good news is that the agreement is working. In the last decade alone, birds that were once common on Cape Hatteras have declined by an average of 86%. But, since the agreement took effect, birds like the Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher are making a comeback.
 
The agreement was developed to be flexible, with temporary closures that can be lifted and reopened to vehicles once the wildlife is no longer using certain areas. In fact, most areas have already been reopened this season and no more than 20% of the beach was closed to vehicles due to wildlife protections at peak breeding time.
 
Please do not allow narrow special interest groups to dictate how Cape Hatteras National Seashore is managed. Instead, let the negotiated, science-based solution that is already in place continue to work.

I urge you to protect America's parks and seashores for future generations, and oppose HR 6233 and S 3113.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

*You do not need to include your name or address in the body of the letter. The closing above, including your name and address, will automatically be added to your letter.

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