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

[Robert Nielsen]

I just wrote an e-mail to the same people, asking if there was anything 
they could do ...

Robert

Alan Magid wrote:
> 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
>
>
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>
>