Prefered Options of Closing Roll Over Pass LETTER TO EDITOR

LIBERTY, April 11, 2010 - I respectfully submit my comments on the issue “if (should) the closing of Roll Over Pass be in line for remediation of fishing/recreation loss. This response is in accordance with notice of GLO application for a permit to close Roll Over Pass.

Though I am precluded from offering my opinion on the “should be” issue, I’ll report on the opening comment offered in your April l0, 2010 statement from the Texas General Land Office; to wit: “Due to its impact on beach erosion and sedimentation within the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway.”

The “Gulf Intercoastal Waterway” for instance, is an interstate waterway and I assume therefore it is a maintenance issue of the United States and not the Texas General Land Office in the first place. The reason I raise the question on that issue is that it has been reported the U. S. Corps of Engineers is prepared to spend a large amount of stimulus money on the eastern coast of the United States to improve the damage of sedimentary deposits in marinas and waterways entering the Atlantic Ocean.

The issue of “erosion damage” to the area of Roll Over Pass might offer the concern of tidal wave action and currents. Then the question comes to mind about Texas Highway 87 from High Island, Texas to Sabine Pass, Texas. It has been destroyed by the very factor of tidal wave action or storms in my opinion. Furthermore, I suggest that Roll Over Pass had little or no effect on the diminution of that certain road way. Yet the constant pounding of wave action by the Gulf of Mexico should likely be found to be the cause; and again, not Roll Over Pass. Indeed, the state of Louisiana or maybe even the Corps of Engineers has considered the issue of wave action damage to the highway that parallels the coast line with wave barriers east of Sabine pass. These jetty type rock barriers intermittingly placed parallel the shore appear to have land build-up behind the wave barriers plus they offer excellent wade fishing and other water fun in calmer waters of the gulf.

Suitable recreational fishing access opportunities comments to the GLO is not only extremely costly but is ironic in that the near demise of fishing opportunities will possibly suffer in East Bay anyhow. Suggested piers extending out into the gulf that would withstand hurricane winds are certainly going to be expensive as opposed to free public recreation or fishing opportunities now enjoyed by countless citizens that might not be able to afford a boat. These folks can now drive or easily walk up to the pass for fishing. If those that suggest that this feature is insignificant, then I would comment that they have never witnessed the golden croaker run, flounder migration or the avenue of spotted sea trout or species of sand trout movement through the pass. This feature alone cannot be compared with natural activities of Roll Over Pass to a pier in the gulf.

Finally, it is my understanding the approval of the closing of Roll Over Pass is not at the hand of the Texas General Land Office. Neither is the total decision by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department of Texas. My belief is that the final approval will, by law, come from the United States Corps of Engineers permit. In that event, should my information be correct, may I respectfully beg reconsideration by the GLO and the TP&WL concerning the permit application for the closing of Roll Over Pass. The possibility of ecological changes of recreation and fishing loss opportunities of our citizens should be a major matter.

In conclusion: Options for future recreational fishing opportunities is like, metaphorically speaking, “Have you stopped beating your wife? Yes or no.” To suggest options such as piers in the gulf or other access, one might assume he is in agreement. Without an optional suggestion, one might assume he is against recreational fishing for our people. This does not seem acceptable.

Thank you.
J. R. Jamison (by email)

TO: Ms. Tonya Wiley-TPWD Dickinson Marine Lab
By email: tonya.wiley@tpwd.state.tx.us.

COPY:
Commanding Officer, U. S. Corps of Engineers
The Honorable Peter M. Holt, Chairman TP&WLD
The Honorable Jerry Patterson, Commissioner GLO
The Honorable Carter Smith, Director TP&WLD
Captain Joe Kent, The Daily News-Galveston, TX.

See Related Article:

Options for Future Rollover Pass Recreational Fishing Opportunities

Give us your Feedback about this story!