gtrsnax
04-08-2009, 02:00 PM
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/york_poquoson/dp-local_messick_0408apr08,0,2096372.story
"POQUOSON — Windsurfers and kayakers who favor a popular Poquoson launching spot at Messick Point are paying the price for damage caused by four-wheelers.
About two weeks ago, Poquoson officials restricted vehicular access to a grassy knoll situated on the Back River due to deep ruts left by off-road vehicles.
The closure means windsurfers and kayakers, who normally could park close to the launching spot, must now lug their equipment from farther away, over a small hill and down to the water's edge.
Todd Ferrante, who has frequented the area for about four years, said the closure will affect about 50 windsurfers who routinely flock there because of desired wind conditions.
"The people causing the damage don't care what they're doing and will probably ignore the signs that prevent responsible access but that won't prohibit people from causing damage," Ferrante said.
But city officials maintain the problem is severe and damage needs to be repaired to prevent erosion into the Back River.
Jim Beach, Poquoson's facilities and grounds director, said there was not yet a repair cost estimate, but the work will require considerable refilling of deep ruts, grading and seeding so grass could be regrown.
"Our concern is four-wheeling is causing a lot of damage to the property," Beach said. "It's not a no-trespassing issue at all.""
Anyone got any resources to help backfill the area they need fixing? Would be good PR for us to get out and fix it and maybe install some barriers in the entrance, like upright logs into the ground.
"POQUOSON — Windsurfers and kayakers who favor a popular Poquoson launching spot at Messick Point are paying the price for damage caused by four-wheelers.
About two weeks ago, Poquoson officials restricted vehicular access to a grassy knoll situated on the Back River due to deep ruts left by off-road vehicles.
The closure means windsurfers and kayakers, who normally could park close to the launching spot, must now lug their equipment from farther away, over a small hill and down to the water's edge.
Todd Ferrante, who has frequented the area for about four years, said the closure will affect about 50 windsurfers who routinely flock there because of desired wind conditions.
"The people causing the damage don't care what they're doing and will probably ignore the signs that prevent responsible access but that won't prohibit people from causing damage," Ferrante said.
But city officials maintain the problem is severe and damage needs to be repaired to prevent erosion into the Back River.
Jim Beach, Poquoson's facilities and grounds director, said there was not yet a repair cost estimate, but the work will require considerable refilling of deep ruts, grading and seeding so grass could be regrown.
"Our concern is four-wheeling is causing a lot of damage to the property," Beach said. "It's not a no-trespassing issue at all.""
Anyone got any resources to help backfill the area they need fixing? Would be good PR for us to get out and fix it and maybe install some barriers in the entrance, like upright logs into the ground.