[Chaos-l] Access to boat ramp dark sites for astronomical use by Chapel Hill Astronomy group

[Alan Magid]

It is unfortunate that the NC Wildlife Commission chose not to issue a
special use permit for CHAOS's educational and scientific purposes.

Clearly, such uses amplify the value of these scarce "dark site" resources.
As our region becomes progressively urbanized and artificial light sources
compromise study of the night sky, denying use of Farrington Point and other
"boating" resources for astronomical purposes is wasteful of public funds.
As a practical matter, most boating use is over by the time CHAOS members
set up their 'scopes and thus interfere little with that purpose.

I have copied this email to Reps. Hackney, Insko, and Faison and Sen.
Kinnaird because Chapel Hill lies within their districts. All of these
officials have shown a long-standing commitment to advancing scientific
education and research, and hopefully will re-open the issue with senior
staff within the Commission.

As background, I have quoted the communication from the most recent CHAOS
mail list newsletter. To learn more about CHAOS visit:

http://www.rtpnet.org/chaos/

-Alan Magid

The following is from the NCWC to Jayme Hanzak, CHAOS member

Hey Jayme,

I have reviewed this request with our Enforcement Division and am not
willing to consider this activity.  The funding for the boating access sites
are received from motorboat registration fee's and the regulations are as
follows-

 

This boating access area can

be used for the launching and

recovery of boats and for parking

vehicles and boat trailers only

while involved in boating

activities at this site. All other

uses of this area are prohibited

unless otherwise specified by the

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

G.S. 113-264 15A NCAC 10E .0104(e)

 

The Engineering Services Division does have the authority to issue special
use permits at these sites, however these permits have historically been
reserved for activities that may also be closely associated with boating
such as a contractor using the ramp to unload or offload materials on
barges, fishing tournament activities etc..

 

Water access is slowly becoming a limited resource in our state and the
recreational and sportsman boater alike continue to be faced with diminished
access.  I realize your request sounds reasonable on face value but I?m
afraid that if I allow this request then many more will follow with a
precedent set that will not allow me to manage water access for the folks
who are actually footing the bill.  There is however quite a few State Parks
facilities on this body of water and this activity fits more closely with
their mission.  You might want to contact them to see if they can
accommodate your group.  I hope you understand and I am truly sorry I could
not accommodate you.

 

Erik D. Christofferson

Section Chief of Facilities and Operations

NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Division of Engineering Services