Note: On December 11, 2008, the Town of Nags
Head and Peter A. Ravella Consulting hosted a public beach nourishment
presentation. Funding for the presentation ($2,500) was paid for by the
Dare County Shoreline Management Fund. Peter A. Ravella Consulting LLC of Austin,
Texas, was founded in 2008 by
Our Take
|
This is our unsolicited take on Mr. Ravella's
presentation.
Ravella gave an
interesting talk, however, it was like going back in time about 5
years. Around that time, former Kill Devil Hills
Commissioner, Bill Pitt was giving the same speech, but with
more detailed data, and it was free, as opposed to the $2,500 paid
Ravella.
We were surprised
to hear it was Ravella's (a North Carolina native) first visit
to the Outer Banks. But, it was evidenced by some of
his comments.
Things that stuck with
us: (1), Ravella's statement, that, if as much as 40% of the public
was strongly opposed to beach nourishment, it would never come to
fruition. (2), His statement that he was not high on groins, because
it would take too long for them to "do the job."
Still, we can expect
"groins" to be the new buzz word on the Outer Banks. And, don't be
surprised to see Nags Head hire Ravella, if for nothing else but to
go after a state grant. Good luck there.
Most importantly,
Ravella's presentation offered the same "mistake" as set forth
continuously and endlessly by proponents here on the Outer
Banks.
"Express the economic
importance of the beaches to the local residents," echoed
Ravella.
Problem: This
worn out approach has been harped and harped and it didn't
work. People on the Outer Banks do not need to be constantly
reminded that their beaches put bread on their table(s).
They need to be convinced of two things, (1) that beach nourishment
on our high energy beaches will work and it will remain in place for an
acceptable length of time, (2) that the price will be
cost-effective.
Forget, trying to
convince everyone that we all benefit from the beaches; we know
that.
The approach that has
been taken by the special interests and our local governments over the
past ten years continues to come off as self-serving and pandering to
voters who are much smarter than they want to
believe.
One is reminded of
the football coach who lost the game and then viewed the game
film, wondering what happened. Successful coaches don't just review
what their team did wrong; they also study what the winning team
did right.
The special interests
and our local governments have yet to learn
this.
The opponents of beach
nourishment (BeachHuggers) worked with four important points. (1)
environment damage, (2) chances for success, (3) cost-effectiveness, (4)
who pays and why?
Note that #4 was
listed last in the order of importance. It was a no-brainer
that "everyone" would benefit from a successful reparation of our
beaches.
However, 80% of the
voters had no confidence in items #2 & #3. And,
those who strongly loved the natural beauty of the beaches felt no one but
them cared a hoot about item #1.
The reasons were plain
and they were simple. And, the special interests and local
governments were not able to turn that tide.
So, until they are
able to do the magic trick, it will be business as usual on the Outer
Banks.
Ray Midgett, BeachHugger |
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