Corpusfishing.com

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

(Corpus Christi, Texas)- Superintendent Joe Escoto announced there is a likelihood large crowds will visit the National Seashore for Memorial Day weekend, beginning Friday, May 23 and ending on Monday, May 26, 2008. Visitors traveling to Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp should anticipate the parking lot filling to capacity. In the event that the parking lot becomes full, visitors may not be able to park and/or use the facilities. Park Rangers will be on duty strictly enforcing parking and traffic rules and regulations at Bird Island Basin and throughout the National Seashore. Park staff will update and notify the Entrance Station immediately if the boat ramp fills to capacity.

Beach driving conditions on Gulf Beaches are extremely poor. Visitors planning to travel on the beach must do so with extreme caution and are strongly encouraged to do so in a four-wheel drive vehicle to avoid getting stuck in the sand.

-More-

Additionally, the Park staff is anticipating the potential for significant numbers of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles to nest during Memorial Day weekend. Kemp’s ridley is an endangered species protected by federal and state law, under which it is illegal to possess, harm, or kill them. Kemp’s ridley turtles are difficult to see while they are on the beach. They measure two feet long and are the smallest and lightest of the sea turtles. Their olive green color blends in with the sand and dune vegetation. They often become covered with sand during nesting, particularly on windy days which they prefer.

Visitors are reminded to use caution and limit their vehicle speed in order to detect and avoid harassing or injuring nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles. Visitors should not rush up to a nesting turtle or pass by one in their vehicle which could deter them from nesting. Note, these turtles cannot and will not move for an approaching vehicle, thus increasing their chances to become crushed. This year, a nesting turtle was crushed by a vehicle on South Padre Island and had to be euthanized. In the event that multiple sea turtles nest during the Memorial Day weekend, visitors traveling to and on the gulf beach may experience slight traffic delays.

Visitors that find a nesting Kemp’s ridley turtle should immediately notify a Park Ranger or Turtle Patroller, or call 361-949-8173, extension 226. Visitor reports are vital in aiding the Park with protection of these endangered turtles and their eggs.

rabbit · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 1:50 pm Post subject:

Wonder how much of a kick back that idiot gets for his favoritism. Need to put a shaped charge right at the entrance then there wont be a parking problem. This problem has gone on for years and stupidity still rules National SeaShore. Mad

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Fishing and Kayaking its a rough life but somebody has to do it.

RodBreaker · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 1:58 pm Post subject:

Big Ed · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject:

Kickback, for what????????? What am I missing here?
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Big Ed
San Antonio

"A word to the wise ain't necessary. It's the stupid ones who need advice.", Bill Cosby

crhfish · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject:

Given that its a national park, I'm still amazed that it is not closed to vehicle traffic during this time of year. The federal folks are usually very conservative when it comes to issues like this. All that needs to happen is one or two bad incidents with turtles and it will happen.

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

As far as kicking folks off during nesting season. It could happen, however, I saw a figure that said a majority of the turtles were found by park visitors. I will have to look that up again.

Capt Mike Singleterry · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 2728

I sure hope the visitors and employees keep finding alot of the turtles.
It's a great thing the population is coming back...and besides they make a great soup Very Happy

Mike

ironmanstan · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject:

Mike is right them turtles have a flavor of their own...its like a cross between a whooping crane and a bald eagle. Very Happy

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I LIKE MINE FRIED.

OsoShortman · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:28 pm Post subject:

How are the conditions SBH to sticks? I have 4x4 Kia but have very little time on the sand. I have been in some soft and some wet before but I am still unsure of myself. I will review PINS driving tips and make sure I have all my stuff. Thanks for any info.
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The Lord Bless and Keep You

Hook Em Horns

Capt Mike Singleterry · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 2728

ironmanstan · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:32 pm Post subject:

Make sure you have extra water just incase you get stuck way down there.
You might have to make some soup. Very Happy

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I LIKE MINE FRIED.

crhfish · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 5:59 pm Post subject:

Tyler, I think the folks that frequent this board and certainly the regulars that go down the beach help with the turtles. I'm sure some other visitors help also. Its the crazies that worry me.

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

larry meinert · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject:

I’m not a turtle basher. After all, it is a wildlife refuge. When I see micro turtles making a move for the surf, I’ll stop and direct traffic around them. I couldn’t think of a better party than a turtle party some where down the Island.

Bluffer · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject: