CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) recently released a document on beach management and want the public's input on everything from beach driving to sand management to the way sea turtle nests are protected.
The seashore currently does not have any kind of beach management plan, officials said.
Hundreds of people have already chimed in on the PINS post about the plan on Facebook. The document gives several options for different areas of management for the national seashore.
Let's talk about beach driving, since it seems to be one of the most talked about areas of the plan on social media. One option the PINS gives is to "consider having vehicle-free pedestrian areas to enhance visitor safety and experience."
Currently, driving in certain areas along the beach on PINS allows visitors to access more of the beach for things like swimming, camping, and fishing. But, the plan said this can "also impact visitors’ experience if they prefer a nonmotorized experience."
3NEWS spoke to Richard Novotny, who was visiting from Illinois. He said that the PINS is different from other beaches he has visited.
There's not very many beaches that allow you to drive on the beach, and Texas I thought was so privileged to be here," he said.
"The National Park Service is obligated to assess visitor capacity to protect resources and visitor experience. Once capacity is determined, if visitation exceeds capacity, the Seashore may need to take action."
Other options that are being considered are:
- Creating a new road for thru traffic allowing a bypass of the first five miles (0MM – 5 MM) to improve visitor experience and reduce delays for vehicles traveling down island.
- Assess visitor capacity at the Seashore to determine the need for beach driving permits to protect Seashore resources and visitor experience.
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PINS officials also want input on sand management, which, at this time, does not take into account habitat protection.
"Integrating maps of sand management activities with maps of sensitive habitats could enable the Seashore to better protect these resources," the plan said. Kelly Taylor with PINS said that "no decisions have been made about anything," and that they want the public's feedback.
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You can read the plan in full here, by scrolling to the bottom of the page. If you cannot make one of the public meetings, you can leave your comment online here. Commenting is open until midnight on March 14.
There will be three public meetings for comment, two in Corpus Christi and one in San Antonio.
- Texas State Aquarium
2710 N .Shoreline Boulevard
Corpus Christi, TX 78402
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Texas State Aquarium
2710 N. Shoreline Boulevard
Corpus Christi, TX 78402
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm - San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Mission San José
6701 San José Drive
San Antonio, TX 78214
Thursday, February 23, 2023
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
You can also submit a comment by hand-delivery or mail.
Submit written comments by hand delivery:
- PAIS Superintendent Attn: Beach Management
Malaquite Visitor Center
20420 Park Rd 22 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Submit written comments by mail:
- PAIS Superintendent Attn: Beach Management
PO Box 181300 Corpus Christi, TX 78480
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