Opponents of the proposed U.S. Navy’s Outlying Landing Field in Washington and Beaufort counties, who believe placing an OLF there would be inconsistent with North Carolina’s Coastal Management Plan, have until March 16 to write or e-mail letters expressing their views to the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.
N.C.’s coastal management program designates Pungo Lake and Phelps Lake as areas of environmental concern. As such, they must be managed to maintain their biological, aesthetic and economic values. Nearby Lake Phelps and Pettigrew State Park (at its shoreline) also would be affected by 31,000 anticipated jet sorties and touch-and-go practice landings at the proposed (Site C) landing strip, which would be less than 5 miles from Pungo Lake.
Opponents of the Site C proposal – who support an OLF site at other areas within N.C.’s borders that wouldn’t damage the environment and destroy Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge as a winter haven for 100,000-plus swans and geese – have noted the Navy’s first Environmental Impact Statement downplayed the danger of collisions with these birds. Recently the Navy enlisted the U.S. Department of Agriculture for techniques to reduce the danger of bird collisions at the site. However, those solutions included poisoning, shooting, extreme noise, the use of dogs and stopping the planting at surrounding land of winter grains that attract the birds – which would effectively wipe out Pocosin Lakes NWR and Phelps Lake as areas used by the birds.
Letter or e-mail writers should note to the N.C. Division of Coastal Management if they have visited Pungo Lake, Pocosin Lakes NWR or Phelps Lake and tell the agency why the visits were made. If writers are concerned about the impacts of a landing field on the swans and geese, let the agency know. If visitors spend money at the area during visits, let the agency know. If visitors enjoy knowing these wild places exist, tell the agency.
Send emails to Stephen.Rynas@ncmail.net or send letters to:
Division of Coastal Management
Attn: Stephen Rynas
NC DENR
400 Commerce Avenue
Morehead City, NC 28557
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