Chincoteague Reports

July 20, 2011 Accomack County Board of Supervisors Regular Monthly Meeting

July 20, 2011 Accomack County Board of Supervisors Regular Monthly Meeting
 
Accomac Board Chambers, Accomac, Virginia
Agenda materials and audio recording of this meeting may be found through this link:
http://www.co.accomack.va.us/Board%20of%20Supervisors/Board_Meetings.shtml

ATTENDANCE
Present: D. Hart (Chair), Wanda Thornton, Ron Wolff, R. Crockett, J. Gray, Sandra  Mears, G. Chessor. L. Gordy, C.R. Major
County Attendees:  Steve Miner, County Administrator , Mark Taylor, County Attorney, Mike Mason, Finance Department
Audience: 50 members
Chair D. Hart called the regular session to order at 5:00 PM.
Opening Comments: Mr. Hart discussed modifications to Agenda; Planning Commission did not meet.

AGENDA
Approved

PUBLIC COMMENT
Wesley Edwards from Belle Haven:  He would like to talk to Board of Supervisors (BOS) about many items including jobs and education on the shore.  However his major concern was the collection of delinquent taxes that represents millions to the county.  He wants the BOS to address this issue so that new taxes, and even a rate reduction, may be the result.  He commented that mechanisms are available to extend the collection of taxes to 20 years.

Mark Baumgartner of Virginia Beach:  He discussed the proposed water/sewage treatment plant in Atlantic.   He wants BOS to review if the plant is needed.   He noted prior studies indicated that sewage treatment plants are needed for northern Accomack County.  He added this is a critical need that has met approval of environmental quality. 

John Custis of Accomac:  He represented several businesses involved with procurement for the county.  He addressed the need to have equality and safeguards for obtaining contracts with county.  He noted that a contract was awarded to a business that had back dated taxes which were not paid.  He is concern that county should follow procedures.

James Bagwell of Bloxom:  He is representing Fire and Rescue council for Accomack County and accountability of funding.  He discussed that departments would like to continue with current funding mode with respect to having funds available on timely basis.

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Approved with corrections.

CONSENT AGENDA
Approved with noted modifications.

REPORT OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Bruce Benson, Superintendent of Schools, and he was introduced by school board member.  Dr. Benson addressed BOS and noted he is in a listening mode.  He commented he was at Ron Wolff’s forum on Monday.  He discussed several technical accomplishments for local schools in terms of their success in various scientific and vocational achievements.  He noted that SOL results will be coming out in a couple weeks and review benchmarks on those results.  He discussed broadband initiative at local schools; this will add resources to classes.  He would like to discuss progress with BOS on regular basis.  Mr. Chessor commented on new program started at Arcadia that students appreciated.  Mr. Gray is the liaison between BOS and School Board and he welcomed Dr. Benson to county.  Other BOS members welcomed Dr. Benson. 

John Custis, Representative for Mary Smith School Alumni, discussed current status of alumni in becoming legal entity in Virginia.  He thanked BOS for gift of property to alumni.  He thanked Mr. Taylor and his office in his assistance.  He introduced Mr. Pettit who discussed school.  He gave gratitude to BOS for their effort, and commitment to process of making school a positive for county and community.  He also thanked Mr. McCaleb.  Mr. Gray wants it confirmed that deed has been transferred and it has.

Rhet Tignor, Economic Development Authority (EDA), wanted to discuss meeting with state representative on rural development.  There are 200 acres available in industrial park, and with respect to tax structure it is an advantage for businesses.  He noted that commission suggested EDA should review competition in area.  Industrial park is not pad ready.  Mr. Hart suggested EDA should use VACO for contact info. 

Elaine Meil, A-N Planning District Commission, discussed Bay TMDL and mandate to clean up Chesapeake Bay.  She noted deadline for comments to EPA is August 1 for comments and data.  Decisions by VCR made urban areas cut their nitrogen run off by 14% and agriculture areas need to cut 28%.  There is a concern about equity of percentage cuts in large towns and small towns and it was indicated that these cuts were based on EPA data.  Ms. Thornton commented that some questions could not be answered when she attended meeting to review rules, and apparently there was no representation from Eastern Shore prior to decisions.  Ms. Thornton is concerned that mandate may devastate farmers and others in area.  She added EPA will not link the Clean Air act with the Clean Water act.  Mr. Miner is concerned about these environmental rulings and its potential impact on county, and who will be burdened with rules.  Mr. Taylor added his comments from meeting and he was frustrated by inability of reviewers to answer questions on rules.  His view is that VCR may be rushing into mandates due to lack of clear answers to questions.  He suggested that rural caucus needs to be involved, and he is concern that concerns and views were not given correct due.  Ms. Meil reviewed several maps and nitrogen run off does not correlate with county data.   Several BOS members asked for clarification.  She suggested to have someone with scientific credentials to argue points.  Mr. Gray suggested contacting local state representatives for assistance and guidance.  Ms. Thornton appreciated Ms. Meil’s effort on this matter.  Ms. Thornton would like Mr. Taylor to investigate matter and review other states.  Motion made to have Mr. Taylor take action and contact local agencies.  Approved.  Motion for commendation to ANPC; approved.

OLD BUSINESS
Adoption of Fire and Rescue Funding Accountability Policy:  Mr. Mason discussed changes and Mr. Hart confirmed that commission has not seen changes as of yet.  About $1.2M is dispersed and clearer accountability is desired.  Some areas have stricter auditing and most policies are more restrictive when compared to Accomack County.  Goal is to have enhanced transparency for funds given to departments from public funds.  Funds will be dispersed twice a year which is current practice.  Funds will be held by county if not used or allocated.  Mr. Crockett reviewed policy and he wanted county to be proactive in accounting and routing of funds. Ms. Thornton expressed concern that Fire and Rescue are volunteers and are not employees and maybe should not be burdened with additional paperwork.  Mr. Wolff concurred that they are volunteers, but county funds are being used and these funds needed to be track.  Ms. Major had questions about reimbursement process, and Mr. Mason noted that taxpayers monies are accountable to the county and these should be held until needed by Fire and Rescue companies.  Mr. Gray is the representative for Fire Commission and he insisted they should be accountable.  BOS members have varying views of holding monies for Fire and Rescue.  Mr. Crockett noted that funds would be rollovered to next year if funds were not used this year.  Mr. Gray asked Fire and Rescue representative about views of members and Mr. Bagwell stated that majority of members would like to keep system as is.  Mr. Mason made clarifications with respect to auditing and compliance.   A substitute motion was made to original motion with respect to giving money to Fire and Rescue department.  Mr. Hart did not approve of plan because it is directed only towards Fire and Rescue when other local entities are not required to follow similar procedure.  Other BOS members expressed views in regard to holding or having money in advance to departments.  Motion was made to have substitute motion the main motion: approved 6 to 3.  Substitute motion is that policy is altered so that monies are given in advance and not held by county.  Mr. Miner suggested to postpone motion.  Motion made to postpone until staff delivers amended policy.  Postponement is approved.

PUBLIC HEARING
Amendment to Fiscal 2010-2011 Budget:  Item on funds used for “No Child Left Behind” Programs was discussed.  Hearing opened. No speakers; hearing is closed.  Motion made to make amendment.  Approved.

ANNOUNCEMENT
Mr. Hart commented that Fire Commission did not vote on new policy.  It was not correct that all Fire departments were against policy.

OLD BUSINESS (CONT’D)
Wallops Research Park (WRP):  Ms. Thornton was concerned on the extent of support for WRP by BOS.  She is concern about attempts by other states to capture space business from WRP.    WRP sewage will be handled by NASA water and sewage services and it is not related to Atlantic sewage plant plan.  She is concerned with potential $800K land swap price that may be needed if Rigell bill is not passed by Congress.  Motion made to re-commit the promotion of WRP.  Approved.

JULY  APPOINTMENTS
Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging: Patsy Selby nominated.  Approved
Eastern Shore Community College: Terry Yule nominated.  Approved
Eastern Shore Library Board: David Johnson nominated.  Approved.
EDA: Irene Davis nominated . Approved.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: Ms Rowdie nominated.   Approved.  Dan Welch nominated.   Approved.
Quinby Boat Harbor Committee: Deferred.
Eastern Shore Broadband Authority: John Reed nominated. Approved.

NEW BUSINESS
State Mandates on Local Governments:  Ms. Mears discussed road systems and asked Mr. Miner for info.  Mr. Miner discussed unfunded mandates that shift fiscal responsibility to counties.  Ms. Thornton motioned have info on how state representatives vote in General Assembly.  Approved.

Virginia Bicycle Plan 2011: A-N Planning District Commission representative discussed update of bicycle plan for locality.  There was no support for bicycle trails on old railroad trails.  There was support for parallel trails next to active railroad tracks.  Safety training was an issue.  Ms. Thornton was concerned about bicycle trails that may go on private property.  Permission (easement) is needed for trails over private property.  Ms. Major made point that Tourism Commission may have some plans for bicycle trails on Eastern Shore.  Motion made to approve plan with exceptions of trails over private property approval.  Approved.

Registrar Officers:  Anne Loukx discussed appropriation of part-time registrars for elections.  It will be especially busy in 2012 due to elections.  Motion for additional appropriation.  Approved.

Additional Video Equipment and Remote Equipment for Tangier Island:  Office of Magistrate and their duties were discussed by Jimmy Rowley. Sites are needed for video conferencing and are allowed by state codes.  There is limited room for all in magistrate office, and there is need to remove congestion.  Another concern is Tangier Island and its remoteness which causes excessive fees in traveling to mainland for magistrate assistance.  Funding is being requested for remote video equipment to aid in this matter.  Mr. Crockett indicated that Sheriff Office has monies for this project.  Motion made for funding.  Approved.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
None

ATTORNEY REPORT
None

BOS COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Crockett asked Mr. Miner about BOS policy and rules.  Mr. Miner indicated that comments should be directed through Chair.
Ms. Thornton asked about auditor.  Mr. Miner is waiting for last details before being circulated.

BUDGET ITEMS
Approved.

PAYABLES
Approved.

Adjournment approximately 8:50 PM

Notes by Tim Getek
N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith and is presented as accurately as possible. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island and Accomack County. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

 
  

Ron Wolff's forum for July 18, 2011

Ron Wolff's forum for July 18, 2011

Guest Speaker: New Accomack school superintendent, Dr. Bruce Benson

Opening Remarks: Mr. Wolff discussed the last forum at NASA Visitor Center.  The launches were successful over the past month.  The county Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting was at a summer pace.  Several housecleaning issues were discussed at BOS meeting.  A vote was taken to consider the lobbyist who was working with county with respect to Wallops Research Park (WRP).  A federal bill was proposed by Representative Rigell staff to review land swap for county and WRP.  It is planned to have this bill voted on by the federal House of Representatives and then the Senate.  The lobbyist task was not continued by county and contract was not renewed.

Mr. Wolff discussed new school board superintendant for Accomack County.  He introduced new superintendent, Dr. Bruce Benson, from Charlottesville area.

Guest Speaker:  Dr. Bruce Benson mentioned that community participation is important for schools.  His current plan is to meet with individual BOS members and local community leaders, and listen to concerns about schools.  He discussed his family and their current status.  He is originally from Michigan but has been in Virginia for the last 28 years.  Although he is the superintendant, he plans to go back to teaching in future which he commented was his passion. He noted the SOL tests in Virginia and the need to make benchmarks.  He also wants students to be active in their participation and be able discussed thoughts and think. 

Audience member (AM) asked about SOL scores in other states that seem to alter test scores.   Dr. Benson commented on some pilot programs in Virginia for hard to staff schools.  He commented one avenue is to ask students how they are performing.  He discussed the general performance of teachers to be inclusive of many goals for the teachers and just not SOL goals.  He pointed out the ability needed by students to read an article and form an inference from the article.  Dr. Benson wants to have students with diverse vocational possibilities after finishing school.

Another AM asked about staff development in schools.  Dr. Benson noted that many staff members wear many hats in their jobs.  He commented that the first three years is critical for a teacher�s growth.  Models are currently being used in county for this growth.  AM asked about graduation rate for county, and Dr. Benson noted that particular groups of students are struggling.  AM commented further that there is noted lack of skilled laborers on Eastern Shore.  Dr. Benson commented that pathways can be developed in association with local community shore. 

Mr. Wolff commented that communications is important with school board, and he noted that having joint meetings with school board and BOS are rare, yet very important for BOS to realize what is occurring in school system.  This is important when BOS needs to be responsible for the funding of the local schools.  Mr. Wolff discussed his experience as a teacher, and the need for evaluations for teachers.  Dr. Benson discussed the need to be critical with teachers and evaluate them realistically. 

AM discussed current students in county, and noted their curiosity and enthusiasm, but pointed out that maybe the classroom could have a better decorum in the classroom.  Dr. Benson noted that programs are available that can lead to this so that students can enhance their interaction with their peers.

AM asked about programs in county for field trips in county and would like not only teachers, but students, to appreciate all the aspects of the local businesses including NASA.  AM also discussed teacher recognition and Dr. Benson recognized that this is something that needs to be considered. 

AM commented on math levels and calculus needs in schools.  Dr. Benson commented that qualifications for teachers are needed for this level of math, and this is sometimes this is not easy.

AM asked about schools and the programs, and having students attend local open houses at local scientific facilities.  Mr. Wolff added that scientific facilities are quite an advantage for county and this should be emphasized in county for students.

Mr. Wolff asked Dr. Benson after his brief stay in county, what he would consider county's strengths and weaknesses in school system.  Dr. Benson commented on school facilities and classrooms and they seem suitable, but he has not immersed into the criteria and school data that needs to be analyzed.  Dr. Benson has reviewed the budget and he is a fact-finding mode with respect to funds.  He noted that transportation is an issue and that needs to be reviewed. 

AM discussed Marine Science Consortium (MSC) and the possibilities of having local students attending.  AM added that Space Program school for students, and that recently MSC have promoted local students attending with scholarships and grants recently, and inform students in county of local programs.  Dr. Benson noted that there is a connection between schools and local economy.

AM discussed the perception of Accomack County schools, and what transient families perceive of county�s schools, especially military families who may be here for a short time.  Dr. Benson commented that a positive story needs to be told for county schools.

AM asked about comments for teachers with respect to only working for part of year, and how to change this view of short working period and being overpaid.  Dr. Benson discussed the need to be competitive with local area in regard to teachers' skill and compensation.  He wants to have a layer of accountability that will highlight teachers' workload, and review data.

AM noted that teachers' workload is not known by many locals since they may not be aware of teachers' daily duties.  Dr. Benson pointed out that is his job to get the news out about school progress.

Meeting ended 8:35 PM, and audience thanked him for his presentation.

July 11, 2011 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Eastern Shore News coverage)

Eastern Shore News
July 16, 2011
Council sends proposal back to planners
By Greg Merritt

CHINCOTEAGUE -- There was much talk about the proposed sign amendment at Monday's Chincoteague Council meeting, but no action.

The council held a joint meeting with the Planning Commission, but no agreement could be reached and the amendment will be reconsidered at the Aug. 9 meeting of the Planning Commission.

The council voted unanimously to send the proposal back to the Planning Commission. Prior to the vote, the Planning Commission had voted to take the measure back anyway.

The proposal would remove the 12-foot limit on the height of wall signs in commercial areas. It would allow businesses to erect signs up to the eaves of the building.

Slides were shown picturing signs that were in violation of the 12-foot rule, but would be allowed without a variance with the new proposal.

There was a public hearing by the two bodies during the meeting, but no one spoke during the hearing.

» Chincoteague resident Peggy Thomas asked the council their opinion of the sewage plan at the proposed Atlantic Town Center.

A meeting held in Atlantic by Supervisor Ron Wolff was not well received by members of the Chincoteague Council.

"The meeting held in Atlantic was a lot of bad-mouthing Chincoteague," said Councilman John N. Jester. "False information was out about the whole system."

"Can the town send Ronnie Wolff a letter please asking him not to discuss Chincoteague?" asked Councilman John Henry Howard. "This is the second time he's gotten people on the island upset. . . I don't know where he dreams this stuff up. Somebody needs to tell Ronnie Wolff to talk about what he knows. He needs to stop this."

» Supervisor Wanda Thornton gave an update on the Accomack County Board of Supervisors during the meeting.

"This evening the Justice Department has approved our redistricting plan," Thornton told the council.

She said the county had cut a check to the town for $12,985 for the drainage fund.

Thornton said the Accomack board will start printing its agenda in the newspaper.

"I am against it," she stated.

She was also against the Accomack board's move to stop its lobby efforts.

"I was disappointed we didn't keep a lobbyist," she stated.

She termed the meeting in Atlantic, "not very friendly to Chincoteague."

» Town Manager Robert Ritter told the council that construction on the intersection of Church, Chicken City and Ridge roads is slated to begin on Nov. 9 and will be completed by May 25, 2012.

During that time the intersection may be closed to vehicle traffic, Ritter said.

» Councilman John N. Jester has been appointed to the state's Commercial Space Flight Authority.

"I'm already being called 'Rocket Man,'" he said.

-------

This article is redistributed by permission of the Eastern Shore News.

ShoreLine: Parking Lots for Assateague Beach at Issue

CITIZENS FOR A BETTER EASTERN SHORE
www.cbes.org

ShoreLine
A Journal of Natural Resources, Public Affairs and Culture on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
July 2011
Parking Lots for Assateague Beach at Issue
By Sue Mastyl
[A PDF file of this issue can be found here:
http://www.cbes.org/shoreline/sl_current.pdf]

With rising sea levels and more frequent storms, the beach parking lots at Assateague
are being washed out more frequently. Now, with a new Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (CCP) under way for Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
(NWR), refuge managers are looking at whether continuing to rebuild the parking lots
after every major event is the wisest course.

Assateague Island is the northernmost of Virginia’s barrier islands, with a total of
39,680 acres in both Maryland and Virginia. The 37-mile long island has been designated
a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations and a National Natural Landmark by
the U.S. Department of the Interior. The island is divided into three separate areas ­ Assateague
State Park (800 acres on the Maryland end), managed by the MD Department of
Natural Resources; Chincoteague NWR (14,000 acres to the VA/MD border), managed
by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and Assateague Island National Seashore, covering
the remaining portions in Maryland, and managed by the National Park Service (NPS).

Assateague Island National Seashore was established in 1965 to “provide for
recreational use and enjoyment consistent with the perpetuation and maintenance of the
seashore’s natural environment.” Chincoteague NWR was established in 1943 to protect
migratory waterfowl habitat, especially the greater snow goose. Its current mission includes
preservation of endangered species (including the Delmarva fox squirrel), maintaining
indigenous species, and supporting wildlife-oriented public use. Chincoteague
NWR has been designated a Globally Important Bird Area, is part of the Western Hemisphere
Shorebird Reserve Network, and is a National Audubon Society top 10 birding
hotspot. There are four main habitats on the Refuge, including the beach and dunes,
which provides habitat for the threatened piping plover and provides protection to inland
habitats from storms and high tides; freshwater wetlands, including 2,600 acres of manmade
marshes, managed throughout the seasons to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl;
saltwater marshes, which provide some of the most productive habitat anywhere;
and maritime forests, including habitat for sika deer and the endangered Delmarva fox
squirrel. Recreational access to the beach is a priority for the refuge; this is managed
under a special partnership with the NPS to allow NPS to administer a 1-mile portion of
the beach. As part of a wildlife refuge, Assateague beach is a unique swimming beach,
offering a unique wildlife experience (including the world-famous Chincoteague ponies)
along with recreational uses. There are approximately 1.4 million visitors each year to
the refuge, most of whom visit the beach; half of the visits to the refuge occur during the
months of June, July, and August.

As a barrier island, Assateague is constantly moving, as tidal currents and storms
move the sand. Overall, the island is moving westward at a rate of approximately 5 to 10
feet per year through a process known as “island rollover,” in which overwash and winds
move sand from the beach side to the marsh/bay side of the island. The sand also moves
south along the island, and harsher winter storms pull sand from the dunes into offshore
sand bars, reducing the beach width. All of these processes are affected by sea level rise
and the increased frequency and intensity of storms. The map illustrates some of these issues,
showing the changing shoreline in the Toms Cove Hook area from 1849 to 2002.

Currently, there are 961 parking spaces for the beach at Assateague, which
is adequate for the number of visitors (up to 3,400 per day) on all but 5 to 10 days
a year (on these days, the beach operates on a “one on, one off” basis). The issue is
whether the refuge and the NPS can maintain the parking lots. Historically, the
parking lots were permanent structures, with asphalt paving and permanent
beach houses. However, the asphalt had harmful environmental effects, and actually
accelerated the erosion of the beach and movement of the island. In addition,
artificial dunes were used to inhibit sand from blowing into the parking lots;
however, this sand was blown south into Toms Cove or blown into the
parking lots anyway. The current policy is to allow the sand to blow, and to use
crushed shells for the parking lots and access roads.

The November, 2009, northeaster washed out all the parking lots, with up to
3 feet of sand, flattening everything. The parking lots were overwashed eight times
in 2009. Each time the parking lots have to be rebuilt it can cost more than $600K;
funds must be applied for by NPS on an emergency basis. “The challenge,” according
to Carl Zimmerman of the NPS, “is that the frequency of the projects makes it
questionable if it’s really an emergency.”

Climate change is the main challenge that is driving this issue, with both sea
level rise and the increased frequency and intensity of storms. Not only are these
forces wreaking havoc with the man-made infrastructure of the roads and parking
lots, they’re also contributing to the erosion of the beach itself. Refuge Manager
Lou Hinds points to a U.S. Geologic Survey marker that was 115 yards from the
surf line when it was set in 1964, and that is now in the surf ­ a loss of 115 yards in
47 years, or roughly 2.5 yards a year. At this rate, the concern is that there won’t
be room soon for both the parking lots and a reasonably sized beach. Hinds also
points out that overwash events can occur in the absence of storms ­ “with a good
high tide and a wind from the east, I’ve seen it push the water across the beaches
on a beautiful bluebird day.” He noted that on the Eastern Shore we are dealing
not only with sea level rise but also with subsidence due to the meteor strike near
Cape Charles, which magnifies the effect. Although the exact rate of sea level rise
can be debated, Hinds chose a figure of 1 meter over the next 100 years, in part
based on the state projection of 3 to 5 feet over the next century; there are now
indications that this estimate may be low.

As mandated by Congress, climate change must be included in the
planning process for all agencies, including the CCP for the refuge. A
climate change model commissioned by the refuge in 2009
showed radical alteration or disappearance of significant coastal
and inland habitat over the next 100 years. The refuge is currently
working with the Marine Science Consortium and
NASA to gather exact bare earth elevation data (ie, without vegetation) to make
the model more precise in order to aid in planning.

The process for the refuge CCP is a two-year process. Initial planning was
begun in 2009, and the final plan is due in 2012. This is a 15-year plan required
for all National Wildlife Refuges; the last plan for Chincoteague NWR (which was
then called a Master Plan) was in 1992.

The National Seashore is also undergoing a plan revision for the Seashore
General Management Plan (GMP), a 20-year plan required for all National Parks.
This process was begun in the summer of 2009, with a final GMP due in winter
of 2012 and implementation in spring of 2012. Planning considerations outlined
for the GMP include “infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, and buildings [that]
may be at risk due to the highly dynamic nature of the island. This issue may increase
as global climate change accelerates the rate of sea level rise and the intensity
of coastal storms.” According to Carl Zimmerman of the Park
Service, the primary decision-making will lie with the refuge and
the Fish & Wildlife Service. The final GMP will have fairly broad
statements to support the inter-agency agreement under which
NPS manages beach recreation for the Fish & Wildlife Service.

The refuge CCP will address the complete scope of issues
that the refuge faces, only one of which will be access to the
beach. However, this is the issue that has raised the most awareness
and concern. An initial Alternative Transportation Study by
VOLPE Center of U.S. Dept. of Transportation was contracted by
the Chincoteague NWR, the Fish & Wildlife Service, Assateague
Island National Seashore, the NPS, the town of Chincoteague,
and Accomack County. A public forum on the VOLPE study
was held in Chincoteague on April 6, 2010, at the beginning of
the 2-year CCP process. The draft alternatives for transportation
will be published in late July or early August of this year, with
a subsequent comment period and one or more public meetings;
a minimum of four alternatives will be presented. Currently, the
alternatives that have been identified include:
• No action
• Retention of all parking capacity at the beach, with safety and
efficiency improvements
• Partial relocation of the beach parking capacity
• Elimination and relocation of all beach parking capacity

One alternative that has been mentioned is relocating the
beach and parking to a spot north of the current beach, where
the island is wider and may be more stable. This would require
investment in additional infrastructure for roads and new parking
lots. Refuge Manager Hinds made the distinction that, although
the Park Service is responsible for securing funds on an emergency
basis for rebuilding of the parking lots after storms and
overwash events, the refuge and Fish & Wildlife Service will be
responsible for securing funds for the infrastructure that is recommended
in the final CCP. “We want to make sure we get the full
life expectancy out of that infrastructure,” he added.

The refuge is also pursuing an option to purchase Maddox
Family Campground on Chincoteague. The 1992 Master Plan for
the refuge identified the desire to have a property off Assateague
Island to be available as an alternative in case the beach parking
lots are lost due to a summer storm or hurricane, to provide
the capability of emergency parking or for supplemental parking
with a shuttle service. The current option with Maddox Family
Campground is the first time that a viable property has become
available. The refuge has a letter of intent to purchase the campground,
but funding has not yet been secured.

The challenges with alternative transportation to the beach
include:
• Typical public transit vehicles can’t easily accommodate the
kind of bulky items (boogie boards, coolers, beach chairs,
umbrellas, etc.) that beachgoers carry.
• Most beachgoers are in multi-person parties.
• There will be a need to get people off the beach and to shelter
quickly during thunderstorms.
• It would need to be decided whether to have a single departure
point on Chincoteague, or have a circulating route to several
points at motels and campgrounds.
• Visitors and the town should not feel that an alternative system
is being forced upon them, so introducing the system gradually,
with ample education, a user-friendly system, and a
“holiday atmosphere” will be key.

The beach at Assateague provides the economic basis for
the town of Chincoteague and the surrounding area. The bridge
from Chincoteague to Assateague was built approximately 50
years ago, and the town’s economy has been linked to the refuge
and the beach ever since. As fishing incomes have declined, the
reliance of the town on recreation and tourism has increased.
According to Jack Tarr, Mayor of Chincoteague, “70% to 80% of
our businesses depend on the beach. A lot of jobs are generated,
and a lot of money goes to the county, state, and federal government
from tourism.” A study by the Fish & Wildlife Service for
fiscal year 1995 showed that visits to the refuge and the beach
generated over $65 million of spending in the region. The town
of Chincoteague is currently working with the refuge on an economic
impact study to determine the actual impact of any change
to the current situation. In an initial survey, with 1,500 responses,
the number one thing people said they like to do when visiting
Chincoteague is to go to the beach. Although there has been considerable
growth in the use of the beach, the town hasn’t asked
for more than the current 961 spaces in the new CCP. However,
there is some indication that an alternative transportation system
could actually increase visitation to the beach, since the NPS
allows for a maximum of 4,400 visitors per day, and the current
system limits this on most days to 3,400 visitors.

Mayor Tarr pointed out that people do not like to ride a
trolley system, and that the small trolley system the town runs
on Chincoteague Island probably costs more than $600,000 a
year, which is equivalent to the cost of completely replacing the
parking lots every couple of years. He also is concerned with the
accuracy of the sea level rise being factored into the plan, and
added, “Why base a 15-year plan on a 100-year rise?”

According to recent reports, Congressman Scott Rigell met
with NWR to advocate for continued full capacity of the beach
parking lot, and added in a May 27 follow-up letter that he was
“disturbed to find that preserving human access to the recreational
beach was not among the 7 CCP goals listed.”

According to Refuge Manager Lou Hinds, “There’s a feeling
in the community that the refuge and NPS are ‘at fault’ for what’s
taking place. We’re just reacting to the cards Mother Nature deals
us. Unfortunately, sea level rise and coastal storms are happening,
and we’re being forced to consider our options. The economic
environment requires us to do so. At some point in the future,
we’re going to run out of habitat for both parking and the beach. At
the same time,” he added, “the community needs the recreational
beach ­ it’s their lifeblood.” Hinds also related an incident where
an out-of-state visitor actually suggested a shuttle service, so there
may not be as much resistance as feared. “We need to make it fun,
part of the experience,” he said. “As a community, we have to
figure this out. We’re not the only [ones] facing this situation,” and
there may be opportunities for the business community to step in
to provide the necessities for beachgoers and visitors.

For the latest news on the CCP, as well as extensive background
information, you can go to the Chincoteague National
Wildlife Refuge website (http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco).
For information on Assateague Island National Seashore and the
latest news on the GMP, you can go to their website at http://
www.nps.gov/asis.