The website for the North Carolina State Parks System says, "We in North Carolina are blessed with beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and countless rivers and streams in between."

Indeed we are.

Fort Macon State Park is a major centerpiece for eastern North Carolina. A great many people come to Fort Macon to swim, fish, bring family and visitors to see the fort and take a tour, and often return several times a year. Tourists come literally from all over the globe to see this historical landmark, experience the natural beauty of the ecosystem, and access the ocean at one of the last free access points in Carteret County. My family and I hike the dunes to experience the spectacular views from the highest point in the County. We also visit the beach as often as we can in the summer to swim, shell, and surf.

Recently, we were made aware that the State Parks Division is planning to charge for parking at our state parks, which is essentially an admission fee. When we began to speak to our friends and family about this proposal, no one would believe it.

The very thought of charging means locals and tourists alike will simply not come and use the Parks like they have.

There are several negative implications of this proposal, and those that have signed this petition agree that we cannot allow the State Parks to impose parking fees at any state park.Damage to the local economy: A fee will cause a drop in attendance which will translate to a hit to the local economy. Fewer people at the State Parks means fewer people staying in the local hotels, eating at the local restaurants, and shopping in the shops. The net statewide benefit from a fee would never supplant the negative implications to the local economy.

1. Damage to nonprofit support: The Friends of Fort Macon, and like groups across the state have chipped in a great deal of time, talent, and money to get projects done at the state parks. If visitors are forced to pay to get in the park, much needed donations will disappear.

2. Inhibit Visitorship: A fee will cause a drop in attendance which will translate to fewer visitors learning about our state's great cultural and natural resources, which is the mission of the North Carolina State Parks.

3. Limit Access: Simply put, fewer people will have access to the ocean, and to the other natural resources that should be ours to visit by right as citizens of the state of North Carolina. When the first State Parks were designated as such, the General Assembly declared them "for the use and benefit of all the people of the state". With the imposition of what amounts to an admission fee, it seems that now the Parks are only there for those who can afford it.

4. Setting a Poor Precedent, having visitors pay the price for budget cuts: If the parking fee is imposed, the State will be forcing residents and tourists to bear the cost of the upkeep of the parks, when they should be finding a way to fund the State Parks through responsible budgeting.

In summary, the proposal to impose a parking fee at the State Parks is a very bad idea, that has very limited income potential, and too many negative implications that outweigh any benefits.