Dare County to Ask Judge to Reject Beach-Driving Plan From Environmental Groups

By CATHERINE KOZAK

By Catherine Kozak

The Virginian-Pilot

After two environmental groups asked a judge to put a halt to beach driving at favorite off-road vehicle spots on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, Dare County has filed its own motion asking the judge to dismiss the groups’ claims.

“This motion to shut down access to a large portion of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to the recreational fishermen is unfounded,” Lawrence Liebesman, an attorney with Washington firm Holland & Knight, said in a prepared statement .

Liebesman, who is representing Dare and Hyde counties and a coalition of beach-access groups, said in the statement that the court lacks jurisdiction to intervene in the National Park Service’s management of the beach.

The National Audubon Society and the Defenders of Wildlife filed a request in federal court Wednesday seeking a preliminary injunction against driving on beaches that scientists said were sensitive breeding and nesting grounds for shorebirds.

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., issued a statement Friday urging the environmental groups to withdraw their motion seeking the injunction. Jones said it may take time for the parties to resolve the issue through negotiation, “but it’s far better than managing the seashore through the judicial system.”

Catherine Kozak, (252) 441-1711,

cate.kozak@pilotonline.com

the issue

Two environmental groups seek a preliminary injunction in federal court against driving on beaches that scientists said were sensitive breeding and nesting grounds for shorebirds.

Dare County has filed its own motion asking the judge to dismiss the groups’ claims.

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