And then the bird peoples spin.

WASHINGTON, June 11 Protect-NC-wildlife

WASHINGTON, June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legislation introduced today by U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr and U.S. Rep. Walter Jones (all of North Carolina) would allow the short-sighted wishes of small special interest groups to take precedence over the continued survival of the unique national resources that make Cape Hatteras National Seashore so special.

The bill threatens to return Cape Hatteras to a management strategy that had proven woefully inadequate in safeguarding our natural resources. The benefits of the science-based consent decree to Cape Hatteras' threatened wildlife are already being seen in the increased number of birds using the seashore this nesting season.

"This attack on the laws that safeguard our parks and seashores could set a dangerous precedent," said Jason Rylander, attorney for Defenders of Wildlife. "Basing the management of Cape Hatteras on the desires of a handful of special interests would do a disservice not only to the wildlife and natural resources the seashore was created to protect, but also to the thousands of visitors who travel to the seashore to enjoy those same resources each year."

Legal action would not have been necessary if the Park Service had complied with the law and implemented responsible ORV management plans. In July of 2007, Judge Terrence Boyle ruled that the Park Service was not complying with the law in their management of off-road vehicle use on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

"This bill would put back in place a failed plan to manage the natural resources of the Seashore and degrade a national treasure established for the enjoyment of all Americans, " said SELC attorney Derb Carter.

The consent decree that is currently in place was based upon recommendations developed by the Park Service's own scientists, and is the result of collaboration and agreement between all interested parties - including Dare and Hyde Counties and the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance - a coalition of Off Road Vehicle groups.

Over the past 10 years, the numbers of imperiled birds nesting at the seashore declined by 86 percent. Already this year the threatened piping plover has at least seven pairs breeding, up one so far from last year, and the American oystercatcher numbers have improved from 22 breeding pairs in 2007 to 33 pairs, according to National Park Service figures.

"Management under the interim plan was clearly not working, resulting in some of the lowest numbers of nesting birds in the history of the Seashore," said Chris Canfield, Executive Director of Audubon North Carolina. "The consent decree represents an approach that was agreed to by all parties involved - including the Park Service, both local counties and representatives of the beach driving community."

Even with the consent decree's increased protections for natural resources, more than 22 of the Seashore's 66 miles of beach remain open for driving, and almost 55 miles are open to pedestrians, according to the National Park Service's June 5 access report. Just 12 miles of the beach are closed due to the need to protect natural resources; the other closures are based on routine seasonal or safety needs.

The consent decree also provides a great deal of flexibility, with temporary closures that can be lifted and reopened to vehicles once wildlife is no longer using the area. Already, some areas have been reopened this season.

"The consent decree is already showing signs of improving natural resource protection while still allowing abundant access for visitors. I just spent two days at the Seashore; Cape Hatteras remains a wonderful place for all to visit and enjoy," said Canfield.

SOURCE Defenders of Wildlife