The issue of access on Cape Hatteras National Seashore is among the most contentious in the National Park System. The presence of species that are recognized as threatened by both the federal government as well as the state of North Carolina requires the National Park Service to manage the seashore in such a way that protects and benefits these species.
Unfortunately, that management approach has not been welcomed or supported by all. There have been reports of harassment of seashore personnel, vandalism on the seashore, economic hardship, and long-time beach-goers who are finding it more and more difficult to reach long-treasured spots on the cape.
Traveler's attempt on April Fool's Day to take a pause from the heated atmosphere that has swirled about the seashore fell flat with some readers, including those at the Park Service. Recognizing those concerns and objections, the story has been taken down.
While the intent was not to further aggravate the situation, it regrettably appears to have done just that in some corners.
Traveler has long served as an open forum for the exchange of information and opinions about this controversy, and will continue to do so.
Comments
Disappointing that you are caving to pressure from your audience. I didn't even get to read the story, but I frankly don't care how offensive it was- once you start basing your editorial decisions on "whos toes are we stepping on," it's a slippery slope.
And to the people that whined about it, on this day of all days, I feel bad for you. You have another 364 days of the year to be [easily offended] This is the one day to laugh about some things that are out of your direct control. It doesn't mean you don't care about the issue, it just means you have a sense of humor. Pathetic.
--Mark
Perhaps an apology, at least, would be in order?
So, tell me Mark, do you consider the CAHA NPS Superintendent and Staff to be "Tight-Assed", as you quipped?
Traveler's
They are among those who objected, so you might wish to hold both your judgment and contempt until you have understood all the facts, although this statement kind of says it all:
"I didn't even get to read the story, but I frankly don't care how offensive it was"
Yep. Speaks volumes....
Kurt, thank you for making this right. No need to fan the flames. attempt on April Fool's Day to take a pause from the heated atmosphere that has swirled about the seashore fell flat with some readers, including those at the Park Service. Recognizing those concerns and objections, the story has been taken down.
Tell that to the people who are losing their jobs because of what is being joked about. I again would expect the Traveler to follow its own code of conduct and from this point on will be only a reader as this is not what I want to contribute to. I will hold a copy of this article and remind myself everyday how an organization really feels when someone goes against their beliefs.
Two last notes:
One is please read your own code of conduct before creating a pharse like this.
Second is work on your apologies you sound like you work for the president...
If this gets posted I will be amazed.
I for one appreciate the attempt to lighten the mood a bit. Of course, I can see how some wouldn't be amused, but that's just the nature of a good joke. It's hard to make everyone laugh, even on April Fool's.
Whats pathetic Mark is that you find humor in the suffering of others. We live on two narrow strips of sand within an economy essentially created by NPS. An economy that NPS is wont to destroy without, so far, any appreciable benefit to wildlife.
It ceases to be a joke when these "protection" measures take your job, in my case twice. It isn't funny if you happen to be one of the 54 plus business owners that have lost everything since these closures began. And I doubt that any of the owners of the 400 odd homes that are now in foreclosure find it amusing either.
We do care about this issue and it's never been funny
I don't understand how you think its a joke to the hard working people loosing their houses, forced to
leave the Island all because of 10 (on average) Piping Plover on this
entire Island. You might think it's funny, I think you are a fool.
Re: Matt Stubbs:
Do you really promise not to contribute any more? That would make the joke completely worthwhile!
Andy