*********************************************************** * ADVISORY - NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE * * _______________________________________________________ * * Bob Morton, NAC Chair / Exec Dir: ctnudists@aol.com * * Dian Hardison, NAC Bd Member: thediehard@mindspring.com * * Scootch Pankonin, Gov't Affairs: scootchdc@aol.com * * Dennis Kirkpatrick, Online Rep: nat@tiac.net * *********************************************************** Date: April 14, 2000 State: Florida The following is a press release issued jointly today by the Naturist Action Committee and Canaveral National Seashore. ---------------- For immediate release. Friday, April 14, 2000. Agreement Reached Concerning Nude Recreation at Apollo Beach The Naturist Action Committee (NAC) and Canaveral National Seashore (CANA) today announced an agreement in principle concerning clothing-optional recreation at Apollo Beach in the Volusia County portion of the National Seashore. The proposed agreement does not formally designate a clothing-optional area, nor does it establish any new legal prohibition concerning nudity. Under terms of the agreement, which involves the participation of five naturist organizations working in concert, users seeking an au naturel experience in the Volusia portion of the Seashore will be directed to the historic nude bathing area south of Crossover #5. "The agreement we've reached is a result of our ongoing efforts to reduce user conflict between clothed and nude bathers at the Seashore," said Bob Newkirk, Superintendent of the Seashore. "We believe this agreement will go a long way toward achieving that goal." The culmination of a year long effort that has included draft proposals and public forums, the agreement includes provisions for informational signage at the Seashore and places responsibility for voluntary compliance on the naturist community. During the period for public comment, the park received more than 650 responses from the public. "The public was quite specific in their concerns," said Supt. Newkirk. "and we attempted to be as responsive as possible. Some did not want an area to be 'designated' for nude recreation, and the naturist community was equally emphatic about recognition for the historic use naturists south of Crossover 5." "Naturists believe it is important not to criminalize skinny-dipping and nude sunbathing," added Bob Morton, Chairman of NAC. Both Newkirk and Morton said they believe the agreement is responsive to the full spectrum of concerns. "We would have preferred to see an actual designation of a clothing-optional area," said Morton. "However, we're pleased to have a recognition of the traditional nude use of this portion of the beach." Under the terms of the agreement, naturist activities will be voluntarily limited to the undeveloped portions of the beach south of parking area #5 in the Volusia County portion of the park. Parking throughout the Seashore is extremely limited and is available on a first come first served basis. "It's now our responsibility," said NAC's Morton, "to ensure that this agreement is embraced by the naturist community. We know that's an important part of the agreement." For further information please contact Bob Morton, NAC, (512) 282-6621 or Bob Newkirk, CANA, (321) 267-1110.