Why the fight over the beaches?

by Sam the Webdude

(Note:   This is an opinion piece...my preferences are not necessarily those of you or anyone else...only mine.  Viva la differénce!)

Seems like everyone from Galveston to Matagorda to Port Aransas to South Padre are fighting these days about beach access in one way or another.

My Daddy always said that if you want to get to the root of a problem, look for the money.

Well, I know the Galveston folks that want to stop vehicular access are only interested in safety...at least that's what they started out saying.  Lately, since it has been shown that there haven't been any accidents involving vehicles on the beach in over 4 years, they have changed that tune just a little...to needing to improve the tax base, and a ban on vehicles would increase property values.

Look for the money...

The folks down in Matagorda simply want a place where kids can study nature without getting run over by a vehicle.  It's only a coincidence that the area is also in front of the only private subdivision, and only another coincidence that it is at the very entrance of a long, long beach.  Of course, further study shows that there are some investment backers for a resort at that same area that would prefer no vehicles going near their holdings.

Look for the money...

The people in Matagorda already have a vehicle permit system that adds dollars for beach maintenance, enforcement, and renourishment.  For only $6, a carload of folks can enjoy the beach for a whole year and know that they are "helping out".  The powers that be are to be applauded for that proactive stance.  It also looks like the plan to close off the beach may be "on hold" for a bit as the proponents of banning vehicles regroup after overwhelming support for maintaining open beach access.

Galveston is another story.

A vehicular permit system has been proposed for Galveston, but the planning department has been reluctant to give it much notice.  Recently, the new state Land Commissioner, Jerry Patterson, came out in favor of diversity on the beaches and believes in permit systems...so Galveston is finally starting to take notice.  A permit system would most likely satisfy everyone but the developers who want private beach developments.  It would certainly add dollars for enforcement, maintenance, and enforcement, and would reduce the numbers of vehicles on the beaches.  I think that if it is presented well to the proper authorities, it has an excellent chance of passing.

Look for the money...

As for the other areas, I am just not personally up on them enough to comment.  I do know that Port "A" is looking at some serious development in the near future...and developers love that phrase "private beach", so I suspect they will have a problem if they don't already.

Why should we be so concerned?   After all, most of us fish the bays...not the surf, and there is always someplace we can fish.  If not Galveston, then Surfside.  If not Matagorda, then Padre.

Think back.  Most of us starting fishing either on the shoreline or on a pier.  While there may still be piers available, surf fishing is in jeopardy.  I want my kids to be able to stick a sand spike in the ground and toss out that 3 ounce weight in hopes of pulling in that big bull red, that sandbar shark, that huge stingray, that black drum...shoot, even that hardhead!  And I want my kids' kids to be able to do the same.  I don't want Texas to look like Destin, Florida with nothing but high dollar homes and resorts on the beach and no public access to speak of.

The proponents of pedestrian only beaches are overwhelmingly beachfront property owners that want to deny the rest of us the ability to drive on the beach, any beach, which is only the first step to cutting off all of our access.

At least, that's how I see it.

Note:    If you are interested in beach access issues, Texas Open Beach Advocates maintains a web site at www.texasopenbeaches.org.