Holland & Knight Attorneys Assist in Forging Settlement of Cape Hatteras Open Beach Access Lawsuit
May 8, 2008
Lawrence R. "Larry" Liebesman- Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Park Service recently announced that an agreement had been reached to preserve the wildlife and recreation opportunities on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. The consent decree was signed on April 30 by U.S. District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle.
A team of Holland & Knight lawyers led by Washington, D.C. Partner Larry Liebesman represented the North Carolina counties of Dare and Hyde and the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance, a coalition of user groups and businesses that negotiated this settlement with Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society and the Department of Interior. The settlement averted a complete shut down of off road vehicle (OVR) access to the Seashore and allowed for the current negotiated rule making process to come up with a consensus long term plan for access and preservation of resources at the Seashore.
"While our clients are relieved that the Judge did not shut down all ORV access to the Seashore, they expect that the tourist-based economy will still be adversely impacted by the increased access restrictions," said Liebesman. "We are hopeful that the negotiated rule making process will result in a consensus that both protects the historic right of ORV access as well as the preservation of the Seashore's resources."
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