”We are now in the process of developing a plan to fund the operation/care of Rollover Pass,” reports Ted Vega of the Gilchrist Community Association in a message to Guidry News Service, which was accompanied by copies of letters between attorney Jim Blackburn and Larry Laine of the GLO. 

The letters confirm that the Rollover advocates and the GLO are far from agreement on the issue.

In a letter to Dr. Wayne Stupka of the Gulf Coast Rod, Reel & Gun Club dated April 2, Laine refers to a meeting in March where the Rollover advocates asked the GLO to modify the pass in an attempt to resolve erosion problems on the Gulf of Mexico side rather than close the pass by filling it in. Letter

“The General Land Office previously studied and rejected modification as a feasible solution to erosion of adjacent beaches,” Laine said.  “I remain hopeful that a mutually acceptable agreement may be reached hat would allow for the pass to be closed and for public recreational amenities to be built at the site.”

Laine reiterated the GLO’s hope to acquire the property from the Beaumont Rod, Reel and Gun Club, the fee owner of the property.

“As we discussed, if the club would be willing to donate the three Gulf-to bay parcels where the existing pass is located, additional funds would be available to construct enhanced amenities at the site and/or at alternate locations in the surrounding area,” Laine said.

Blackburn, writing as the attorney for the Beaumont Rod, Reel and Gun Club, on April 16, said the group is not interested.  Letter

“I am writing in response to your letter asking us to either gift you title to the land within which Rollover Pass lies or, in the alternative, to sell you such lands,” Blackburn said. “For several reasons, we decline to either gift or sell this private property. In turn, we ask that you continue to respect our private property rights relative to this important recreational and fishery resource, and support our plan to maintain and upgrade Rollover Pass as the premier public access fishing venue on the Texas coast.”

Blackburn said that members of the club and the Gilchrist Community Association have met several times now with the GLO and continue to disagree with the pending closure.

“We have evaluated your rationale for closure and do not agree with either the technical or practical merits of the closure relative to maintenance and continuation of a first class recreational fishing resource. On the other hand, we recognize that Rollover Pass in its current condition is in need of some repairs and upgrading in order to allow Bolivar Peninsula and the Gilchrist Community to reach their full recreational and economic potential.”

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