What's the future of Assateague?

Earl Sager has been camping and hiking on Assateague Island since 1972.

"I even have a favorite tree," said Sager. "It’s an old cedar tree in campsite A6, bayside. Whenever I come back to camp, I try to get as close to it as possible."

Sager drove three hours from his home in Stafford, Virginia, to attend a recent open house on the future of Assateague and the changing climate.

The National Parks Service held three “open house workshops” at Wor Wic Community College, the Ocean Pines Library and the Chincoteague Center to discuss its Draft General Management Plan with the public. The plan, which features four possible long-term alternative proposals for Assateague Island, has been available for public review for the past 60 days.

Rumors circulated on social media the day of the second open house. There were claims that there had been no warning and that the NPS favored Alternative 4, which includes eventually limiting visitor access.

That is not the case, said Deborah Darden, superintendent of Assateague Island National Seashore, as she addressed the audience at the Ocean Pines Library.

“We want to be sure [the DGMP] is clear and that our intentions are clear," Darden said.

The NPS does have a preferred alternative, one that doesn't include allowing the Island to "transition to more primitive conditions," as outlined in Alternative 4. In fact, Darden said that she wants visitors to be able to “do the same things we’re doing now for as long as possible.”

With that in mind, the NPS chose Alternative 3 as their ideal choice. The third alternative focuses on slowly replacing existing services and facilities with more sustainable options, allowing the park to continue functioning normally while responding to sea level rise.

Chincoteague residents protest Assateague park plan

“As the island is moving westward, we realize we need flexible infrastructure that can move as the island moves," Darden said.

Flexible infrastructure and more sustainable facilities would allow for more reliable access for the public, she explained. Other alternatives may also focus on visitor access, but do not take into account sea level rise and island movement as seriously as Alternative 3. The third alternative places emphasis on both adapting to climate change and continuing visitor access.

"Alternative 3 was the clear choice of the public in 2011 when these alternatives were first presented," Darden said.

Bill Justice, president of the Assateague Mobile Sportsfishermen's Association, agrees that Alternative 3 is the best proposed plan, though with some reservations.

"I don’t think I can tell them how to do their job, but I can stand firm on what I don’t want to see," Justice said, regarding aspects of Alternative 3 that promote shrinking the size of the recreational beach. "We want 13 miles of beach and we want it to stay intact."

That being said, Justice is open to the compromises that need to be made, stating he's willing to work with anyone to keep the Island safe and accessible. More so, Justice does not believe the plan is a threat to those visiting the Island.

"There may be different restrictions, but I’m not convinced we’ll really lose anything," Justice said.

There are a number of groups based on Assateague Island, Justice said. In his opinion, most of them have the same fundamental goal: Doing whatever it takes to protect the Island for those who appreciate it.

"I may ride, some may hike, others will kayak," Justice said. "Regardless, they'd want it here to be enjoyed."

Justice spoke with another member at the open house, who discussed passing his AMSA membership to his son. Fighting for the Island doesn't solely impact present day visitors -- the next generation will feel the consequences of this decision, too.

At the Ocean Pines open house, members of the community voiced concerns regarding how late in the planning process they learned of the DGMP. Many feared they had lost their chance to impact the final decision.

"The community is just now becoming aware of this process," said Pat Schrawder, Worcester district representative of Delegate Mary Beth Carozza. "I think that, by the audience size here, people are very invested."

While the document has been available for 60 days, the public still has until May 1 to submit suggestions, which NPS is encouraging. Public opinion plays a significant role in this process, said Darden.

"We will make changes and clarifications to the document based on public comment," Darden said. "After NPS review, we will publish a final GMP/EIS, hopefully in the fall of 2016."

After the completion of the plan, it will go up the ladder to the NPS regional director for review. That decision should be made in late 2016.

At this point in time, Earl Sager believes a team effort is what will be best for the island.

"It’s not a battle, it’s a compromise," Sager said, looking at the large group gathered at the Ocean Pines Library. "To protect our resources, we’ve got to work together."