Beach access update for south point on ocracoke island

Date: August 19, 2008
Contact: Outer Banks Group, [phone] ext 148

Deputy Superintendent Darrell Echols announced today the reopening of South Point on Ocracoke Island for off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective August 18, 2008. The pre-nesting closure, established in late March of 2008 and includes the interior sections of the point, will remain in place and is posted accordingly. The area is now open to ORV traffic from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. The nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am.

The nesting season for beach nesting bird species is winding down on the national seashore beaches. The pre-nesting area which allows for an ocean shoreline access corridor to South Point, is still posted with signs and symbolic fencing as being closed to vehicles, pedestrian and all pets. Staff will continue to monitor the area for bird nesting activity, as well as for an increased number of sea turtle nests in the area.

Temporary resource protection areas are established to protect threatened and endangered species, including piping plovers and sea turtles, and for species of concern, including American oystercatchers and colonial waterbirds (terns and black skimmers). For more information, call 252-473-2111 ext. 148.

-NPS-