Download The Chamber News Today!(Please be patient. Newsletter is 12 pages.)

You may download a current copy of the Chamber Newsletter by clicking on the icon above. The file is an Adobe pdf file and requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC. If you need the reader, click the Adobe icon below to download your free copy.

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors passed a resolution at its March meeting. The resolution states:

Whereas, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce (OBCC) is a nonprofit membership organization representing more than 1,000 members on North Carolina’s Outer Banks; and

  Whereas, OBCC recognizes the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as a pristine treasure in the National Park System which includes a wide variety of shore birds and wildlife; and

  Whereas, OBCC further recognizes the National Park Service’s dual mandate of balancing tourism and resource protection within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore; and

  Whereas, millions of US citizens vacation each year on the Outer Banks to enjoy its history, culture, cuisine, and beaches; and 

  Whereas, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and specifically Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are world famous for its surf fishing, boating, surf boarding, kite boarding, windsurfing, ocean kayaking, sunbathing, shelling, and other beach activities; and

  Whereas, the areas recommended for complete closure in the injunction filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of the Defenders of Wildlife and the Audubon Society deny practical access to some of the world’s most productive surf fishing areas which include Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Hatteras Spit, North Ocracoke, and South Ocracoke, all day long and every day of the year. This denial of access would especially affect handicapped and elderly visitors because they have no other reasonable access options available; and

  Whereas, several diverse user groups have been selected by the US National Park Service as stakeholders, referred to as the Federal Advisory Committee, and charged with developing an ORV (Off Road Vehicle) plan for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and are negotiating in good faith; and

  Whereas, closure of the beach due to action by a court circumvents the good faith efforts of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee; and

  Whereas, OBCC also recognizes Dare County’s dependence on tourism as its foremost industry, providing the economic substance for it’s citizenry and that Dare County is one of only four “Donor” counties out of 100 North Carolina counties; and

  Whereas, OBCC acknowledges the current lawsuit filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center against Federal Defendants and the resultant severe economic and social hardship Dare County would suffer if the beaches are closed to beach driving .

  THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Outer Bank Chamber of Commerce encourages Dare County, state and federal elected officials and the US Department of Justice to fully engage a committed defense to prevent irreparable economic harm to the citizens of Dare County by premature closing of any beach until the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee can complete its mission.

Adopted this 5th day of March, 2008 and signed by Jeff Malarney, Chairman of the Board, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.

This resolution can also be downloaded as an Adobe Acrobat Reader file at www.outerbankschamber.com/news/beachdriving.pdf

Make your next race a destination. Run Away on North Carolina’s breathtaking Outer Banks, Sunday, November 9, 2009. The OBX Marathon, presented by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, The Gateway Bank Half Marathon, and the Kelly Hospitality Group Fun Run offer miles of scenic and historic coastal beauty along North Carolina’s barrier islands. An Inaugural sell-out in 2006 and a successful event in 2007, OBX® offers all the perks of the big marathons, with all the charm and hospitality of the small town races. Bring the family and friends. Run, then relax and enjoy all the adventure, history, and beauty that is the Outer Banks of NC. For more information, visit www.obxmarathon.org

The 12th annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival offers dozens of reasons to join other nature enthusiasts on the Outer Banks of North Carolina Nov. 4-9, 2008. Registration for this year’s event is open.

Birders who prefer to use their binoculars and scopes will be offered more opportunities than they can possibly take advantage of during the six-day event. Birding trips are planned for locations throughout the northeastern part of the state including but not limited to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in Currituck, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Ocracoke Island and Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, both in Hyde County, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on mainland Dare County, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Pettigrew State Park, and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

The long list of different birding trips offer a wide assortment of viewing possibilities including shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl and even Red Cockaded Woodpeckers. Some of the sightings reported during recent Wings Over Water Wildlife Festivals include Eared Grebe, American White Pelican, Fork-Tailed Flycatcher and the Magnificent Frigatebird.

But Wings Over Water isn't just about birds. History is explored, kayaks and canoes are paddled, black bear and red wolf habitats are visited, and there even is a ghost tour.

Just can't seem to get close enough to get that perfect shot at a pintail? Both hunters and photographers can get up close and personal to waterfowl by learning how to use decoys and calls on the Pea Island "Duck Hunt." Participants in this three-to-four hour class will sit in a duck blind while learning how to bring the waterfowl into range. Cameras welcomed; guns are not.

Nature photographers who want to improve their skills can join Mark Buckler, program director of the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla, for a wildlife photography class. Buckler, also a professional photographer, will show participants how to catch the morning light while exploring for wading birds, fall migrant songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds.

The Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, Carolina Bird Club, the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Outer Banks Sentinel.

To learn more, visit www.wingsoverwater.org or call the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce at 252-441-8144 to order a program book complete with map and registration forms.