Message from the AMSA Vice President
Dear Members,
October 26, 2008 marked the end of Assateague’s latest superintendant’s 3 year reign over Assateague Island National Seashore. Mr. Scott Bentley will be taking over as superintendant of The Mission National Park in Texas. During his 3 years at Assateague, Scott helped forge a relationship between the NPS and AMSA that was collaborative and cooperative.
As a result, we now have an excellent relationship with the park service. We are kept informed about the parks activities, projects and decisions. The new superintendant has not been identified as yet. This decision in not anticipated until Spring 2009. Until that time, operations will continue with an interim superintendant of which AMSA will continue partner with.
This year also saw a new ranger staff assume responsibility for the law enforcement of the island. The rangers are now under the leadership of Chief Ranger Ted Murdock and Deputy Chief Ranger Walt West. Deputy Chief West comes to us from the Great Smokey Mountain National Park
in North Carolina. Walt joined us at the annual fishing tournament and introduced himself to the tournament staff and the tournament teams. Please make him feel welcome.
As we continue through the General Management Plan update, more eyes will be upon us and the Island. Please make sure we all act responsibly when enjoying the island. If you see any violations, please report them immediately. Ways to be good stewards of the island:
• Obey ALL laws, rules & regulations.
• Adhere to the AMSA Code of Ethics.
• Reduce air in your tires to help prevent excessive bumps in your tracks.
• Pick up trash in the area you are visiting and carry it off the beach.
• Do NOT play or walk on the dunes.
• Do NOT ride in the “Rack Line”. This is the area at the waters edges that contains sea grass,
shells, etc.
You may be asking why I continue to remind everyone of these requests. We now have several organizations who are routinely on the beach taking photos of anything they think can be used to remove vehicles from the beach. It is imperative that we all become the best “Keepers of the Beach” we can be.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone for all your support and efforts that were put forth in 2008. We look forward to a better year in 2009. We need everyone’s help. There are many activities Happening in your organization that will require your help. All the preservation, legislation, business and social activities that AMSA participates in or organizes REQUIRE your participation. Without your help, some of these activities cannot happen. It is important to understand that you do not have to be on the board to participate in any activity. Each activity is open to ANYONE who wishes help. The activity is lead by a board member, but the work needs to be performed byall.
Some of these activities are short term, some are longer, some require more time than others,
but all require a level of commitment by each member of the organization. AMSA accomplished a HUGE amount of work this past year. Please come to the annual meeting being held in January to learn what objectives were set forth by the Executive Board for 2008 and how the organization executed against those objectives. You will also learn what AMSA will be focused on in 2009. The annual meeting will be held in early afternoon before the Gala.
You do not need to attend the Gala in order to attend the annual meeting. There are no charges to attend the annual meeting. I hope to see you there.
Howard Quillen