Military Plans Expansion of Bombing Ranges in Pamlico Sound
From nccamo.org
Further loss of fishing and boating grounds to military targets
Cherry Point Marine Air Station is trying to expand the Bombing Ranges in Pamlico Sound, which will result in further loss of high quality fishing, boating, and hunting grounds to North Carolina sportsmen as these areas are placed off-limits. The Navy has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the new range areas. An EA is a shortcut for an full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which looks in depth into alternatives and impacts. The impact of closing these substantial new areas in the Sound will be great and can not be adequately presented in an EA. We need to have a full EIS on this important proposal from the Navy before they go any further.
Expansion of the Range at Bryant Shoals will place many thousands of additional prime fishing grounds off-limits and will force boaters to detour widely into more treacherous waters in storms. The Range at Point of Marsh in Rattan Bay will exclude fishermen from the best shoreline fishing ground in the State and will add one and one-half miles to the existing four mile circle closed to entry for any reason. No compelling military reason has been given for this expansion. The current target zones have served the military well over the years and expansion cannot be justified given the information presented.
All North Carolina Watermen, Fishermen, Boaters, and others who want to preserve this area for public use need to oppose this usurption of the public domain for unsubstantiated purposes. The Navy is not providing a place for e-mail submissions of public comments for some reason, so we will have to send a written response. We will provide a suggested response under the “Take Action” link that you can edit, print, and send by postal service to the person and address that will be given. We will send a copy of your response to your Congressional Delegation by e-mail so they will know that this incursion by the Navy will be as controversial as OLF.
