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Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111
Bold, blue print = updated news. **Bold, dark red print = projected sea turtle nest closures **Report resource protection area violations to: Dare Central Communications Center: 252-473-3444 Hyde County Dispatch: 252-928-3171 Ocracoke Sheriff Dept: 252-928-7301 On August 26, 2008, the ocean shoreline of Bodie Island Spit, from Ramp 4 south for 2.1 miles to Oregon Inlet, reopened to ORV and pedestrian access. The pre-nesting closure, established in late March of 2008 and includes the interior sections of the point, transitioned to a non-breeding winter bird protection area and is posted accordingly. ORV traffic is permitted from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. A nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from May 1 to November 15 between 10:00 pm until 6:00 am. Prior to September 15, 2008, a night driving permit will available to the public which authorizes driving between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am from September 15 to November 15, 2008. There will be no limit on the number of permits issued and no permit fee. The National Park Service will announce the availability of the permits prior to September 15, 2008 and as soon as they are available. On August 18, 2008, the ocean shoreline of South Point on Ocracoke Island, from Ramp 72 south for 1.5 miles, reopened to ORV and pedestrian access. The pre-nesting closure, established in late March of 2008 and includes the interior sections of the point, transitioned to a non-breeding winter bird protection area and is posted accordingly. ORV traffic is permitted from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. A nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from May 1 to November 15 between 10: pm until 6: am. During the remainder of August and September, park visitors will experience a shift in resource protection areas as bird protection areas reopen, once all chicks have fledged, and sea turtle nests approach their expected hatch dates. As experienced in 2007 under the Interim Strategy, and again this season, some full beach closures will be implemented as turtle nests approach "day 50" (from the date when the nest was laid) in expectation of hatching. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, beginning September 15, all sea turtle nests that have reached their hatch window at day 50 will result in full beach closures until those particular nests hatch. As of August 27, 2008, there are 112 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches, of which, 49 nests have hatched. On August 6, 2008, approximately 0.8 of a mile west of Ramp 45 and 0.2 of a mile east of Ramp 45 reopened tooff-road vehicle (ORV) and pedestrian access on Hatteras Island. On Ocracoke Island, 1.1 miles of ocean shoreline reopened to ORV and pedestrian access, but the discovery of a least tern chick with adults prevented reopening the entire point. The week of July 27th, the east side of Cape Point and Hatteras Inlet reopened to ORV and pedestrian access. The pre-nesting closure, established in late March of 2008 and includes the interior sections of the point, transitioned to a non-breeding winter bird protection area and is posted accordingly. ORV traffic is permitted from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. The ORV Access Mileage list accompanies the Beach Access Report weekly as a separate attached document, and provides a concise, simplified list of approximate ORV access, north and south of existing ramps. In both reports, the mileages, distances and descriptions in both reports are APPROXIMATE and reflect the best information available at the time the weekly reports are prepared. The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report. Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field. All resource protection areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers. Google Earth maps are available at: www.nps.gov/caha Go to the park website and click on the "Off-Road Vehicle Information – More…." Link in the top middle of the page, click on "Current ORV Access Information (Reports and Maps)," click on "Current Interactive Beach Access Map using Google Earth." A free download of Google Earth is available for first time users or click on "(date) current beach access map" link for repeat users. The underlying Google Earth map imagery is dated (2004-2006) and may not always match the actual, current shoreline. The National Park Service color-coded line overlays are based on recent/current GPS readings and reflect actual shoreline locations and access status. In other words, the color coded lines (green, yellow, red) indicate the actual shoreline access status, even though in some cases it appears on the image that the line is located landward or seaward of the outdated base image of the shoreline. (See disclaimer on the maps) The park is operating under a Consent Decree signed by U.S. District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle on April 30, 2008. The Consent Decree adopts the NPS Interim Strategy, with a number of modifications including a prohibition on night driving on Seashore beaches between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am from May 1 through November 15. Between those dates, the public must remove ORVs from the beach by 10:00 p.m. and may not enter the beach with vehicles until 6 a.m.; however, between September 16 and November 15, NPS will issue permits to authorize night driving between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The night driving permitting process is being developed, and will be available by September 16. No fee or limit on the number of 2008 night driving permits is anticipated. Temporary resource protection areas are necessary to protect threatened and endangered species and species of concern including Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Colonial Waterbirds (Terns and Skimmers), and sea turtles. Posted areas are closed to vehicles, pedestrians and pets. Pets must be physically restrained at all times on a leash no greater than 6 feet on all National Seashore beaches
Bodie Island (Coquina Beach to Oregon Inlet) There are approximately 5.7 miles of ocean shoreline from Ramp 1 to Oregon Inlet. Approximately 5.7miles are open to pedestrian access. Approximately 4.0 miles are open to ORV access in Bodie Island and 0.2 of a mile are closed to access due to RESOURCE PROTECTION (seas turtle nest) area. Ramp 1 – Ramp 2 (Coquina Beach Area) – 1.4 miles The beach is open for pedestrian access but no ORV access. Annual seasonal closures went into effect on May 15, 2008 and extend from Ramp 1 to 0.1 of mile south of Ramp 2. Ramp 2 – Ramp 4 to Bodie Island Spit – 4.2 miles North of Ramp 4, the beach is open for ORV access for 1.9 miles and open for pedestrian access approximately 3.5 miles.South of Ramp 4 the beach is open for ORV access 2.1 miles and open for pedestrian access 2.2 miles. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.2 miles south of Ramp 2. This area was expanded on August 11 and there is no ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." The RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area has been reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds on August 26, 2008. It includes interior areas of the spit and portions of the "pond" shoreline. The resource closure is marked with red carsonite posts as closed to all access. The ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited, outside of the ORV corridor at this site. A few hundred feet of the sound shoreline adjacent to the Bonner Bridge is closed to ORVs, but open to pedestrians and boat landings, based on current shoreline conditions. A RESOURCE protection area south of Ramp 4 along the ocean shoreline was REMOVED. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area was REMOVED on Green Island on August 11, 2008. The island is open to landing of any craft. A RESOURCE protection area (for least tern colony) was REMOVED 0.9 of a mile south of Ramp 4 (within an existing closure for unfledged American Oystercatcher chick). Once the American Oystercatcher chick fledges, the area will reopen to ORV and pedestrian access. Hatteras Island (South Boundary of PINWR south to Hatteras Inlet) Hatteras Island has a total distance of 42.9 miles of ocean shoreline. Approximately 42.8 miles of ocean shoreline are open to pedestrian access. Approximately 24.4 miles are open for ORV access on Hatteras Island. In addition to the annual seasonal ORV closures, ORV use is restricted by 6.3 miles of SAFETY closures. Approximately 0.1 miles are closed to all access due to RESOURCE PROTECTION areas. The week of September 1st, as sea turtle nest "hatch window" dates approach, the visiting public can expect to see additional full beach closures on Hatteras Island. Villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo: (north of Ramp 23 for 3 miles to Pea Island NWR boundary) The annual seasonal village ORV closures went into effect May 15, 2008 and the beaches in front of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo are open to pedestrian but not for ORV access. Ramp 23 – Ramp 27: (4.3 miles) Currently, there is no through access for ORVs between Ramp 23 and Ramp 27 due to resource closures. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 2.9 miles north of Ramp 23. This area was expanded on August 27. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the next closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.3 of a mile north of Ramp 23.This area will be expanded on August 30. This is within an seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the next closure outside of the signed protection area.The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED located approximately 0.5 mile south of Ramp 23. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.9 miles south of Ramp 23. This area will be expanded on September 3. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV and pedestrian access available behind the next closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on August 12, 2008. The resource protection area had been established 1.7 miles south of Ramp 23 and 1.9 miles north of Ramp 27 to protect American Oystercatchers and a least tern colony. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 1.9 mile south of Ramp 23. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on June 3, 2008 that had been established 10 meters north of Ramp 27 for a least tern colony that moved into an adjacent closure. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 3.1 miles south of Ramp 23. This area will be expanded on August 26. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV and pedestrian access available behind the next closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.9 mile north of Ramp 27. This area was expanded on August 13 and there will be ORV and pedestrian access available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 0.9 of a mile north of Ramp 27. The protection area had been established for a least tern colony. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 1 mile north of Ramp 27. This was a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers. Ramp 27 – Ramp 30: (2.2 miles) The beach is open for ORV access along the ocean shoreline for 1.7 miles south of Ramp 27 and 0.4 mile north of Ramp 30. Currently there is no through ORV access between the ramps due to a resource closure. There is pedestrian access along the ocean shoreline from Ramp 27 to Ramp 30. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED immediately south of Ramp 27. This full beach closure was for a nesting least tern colony. The removal opens the pedestrian boardwalk from the Hwy. 12 parking lot and 0.7 of a mile of ocean shoreline to ORV and pedestrian access. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 0.2 mile south of Ramp 27 for a least tern colony. The least tern chicks have all fledged. This closure was combined for a total length of 0.7 of a mile with the closure listed above. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on July 17 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 27. No breeding activity observed after the American Oystercatcher chicks were lost. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on July 17 1.0 mile south of Ramp 27. American Oystercatcher chicks have fledged. A RESOURCE protection area, 1.2 miles south of Ramp 27 and 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 30, was REMOVED on August 20. Removal of this closure opens 0.5 of a mile of shoreline to ORV and pedestrian access. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 30. This area will be expanded on August 15. This is a full beach closure and prevents through ORV access between Ramp 27 and Ramp 30. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 30 – Ramp 34: (4.3 miles) Ramp 34 is open to ORV and pedestrian access. The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access for 4.3 miles between Ramp 30 and Ramp 34. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 0.3 of a mile south of Ramp 30. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.6 miles south of Ramp 30. This area will be expanded on September 2. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 2.0 miles south of Ramp 30. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 3.0 miles south of Ramp 30. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED that began 2.4 miles south of Ramp 30 or 1.7 miles north of Ramp 34. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED that began 2.6 miles south of Ramp 30. This was a full beach closure for nesting American Oystercatchers. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED at Ramp 34 for nesting least tern colony. Ramp 34 is reopened to ORV and pedestrian access. Ramp 34 - Ramp 38: (beaches in front of Avon = 4.0 miles) The annual seasonal village closures went into effect on May 15, 2008 which restricts ORV access. The beach is open for 4.0 miles for pedestrian access from Ramp 34 to Ramp 38. The beach is open for ORV access 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 34 and 0.1 of a mile north of Ramp 38. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) located approximately 1.6 miles north of Ramp 38 was REMOVED on August 3, 2008. This was within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore did not affect ORV access. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.3 miles north of Ramp 38. This area was expanded on August 3, 2008. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protected area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 1.4 miles north of Ramp 38. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 1.7 miles north of Ramp 38. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.8 of a mile north of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on August 26. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protected area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 38 - Ramp 43: (6.0 miles) The beach is open to ORV access for 2.0 miles south of Ramp 38 and less than 0.1 mile north of Ramp 38. Currently, there is no through access for ORVs between Ramp 38 and Ramp 43. Pedestrian access is open for 6.0 miles between Ramp 38 and Ramp 43. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.5 of a mile south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on September 2 and there will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.5 miles south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on August 29. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A SAFETY closure is 3.6 miles long, beginning 2.0 miles south of Ramp 38 to 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 43, was adjusted on May 14. This section is open to pedestrian access, but not ORV access. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED north of the village of Buxton on July 22, 2008. The American Oystercatcher chick has fledged or left the area. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 1.6 miles north of the Village of Buxton. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 3.2 miles south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on August 20. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be a pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.3 miles north of Ramp 43. This area will be expanded on August 30. This is within the seasonal lifeguard swim beach and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.8 of a mile north of Ramp 43. This area will be expanded on August 23, 2008. This is within the annual lifeguard swim beach and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 0.5 mile north of Ramp 43. Another RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 0.5 mile north of Ramp 43. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.3 mile north of Ramp 43. This area was expanded on August 9, 2008. This is within the annual lifeguard swim beach and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Another RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.3 mile north of Ramp 43. This area was expanded on August 10, 2008. This is within the annual lifeguard swim beach and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 43 - Ramp 44: (0.3 of a mile) The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access from Ramp 43 to Ramp 44 and north of Ramp 43 for 0.4 of a mile. Ramp 44 is open. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on June 4, 2008 that had been established for American Oystercatchers between Ramp 43 and 44. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on June 10, 2008 that had been established for American Oystercatchers north of Ramp 43. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 0.2 mile south of Ramp 43. Ramp 44 - Ramp 45 (Cape Point): (2.4 miles) Ramp 44 is open south along the east ocean shoreline to Cape Point, a distance of approx. 1.0 mile.Ramp 45 is open with 0.8 of a mile west and 0.2 of a mile east of ocean shoreline open to ORV and pedestrian access. The RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area has been reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds at Cape Point on August 25, 2008. It includes interior areas of the spit and the ponds in the interdunal areas. There is ORV access from Ramp 44 south to the tip and around the point to the Salt Pond Road and the ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited, outside of the ORV corridor at this site. The RESOURCE protection area south of Ramp 44 was REMOVED on July 31, 2008. Ramp 44 reopened allowing ORV and pedestrian access to Cape Point. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 70 meters south of Ramp 44. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) located 0.1 of mile south of Ramp 44 was REMOVED on August 5, 2008. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on August 25, 2008. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. **HOWEVER, there will still be access to the Point by way of the inter-dunal bypass road. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Another RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on September 2. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. **HOWEVER, there will still be access to the Point by way of the inter-dunal bypass road. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 0.5 of a mile south of Ramp 44. Ramp 45 to Ramp 49 (South Beach): (3.4 miles) Ramp 45 is open. Salt Pond Road is still closed due to a RESOURCE protection area.The beach is open for ORV access 2.9 miles southwest of Ramp 45 and 0.5 of a mile east of Ramp 45. Currently there is no through access for ORVs between Ramp 45 and 49 due to a resource protection closure for a sea turtle nest. There is pedestrian access along the ocean shoreline from Ramp 45 to Ramp 49 for 3.4 miles. A RESOURCE protection area (prenesting area) was removed and has transitioned to an ORV corridor on August 25, 2008. It includes upper beach areas that encompass the dunes and extends towards the ocean. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 0.2 of a mile east of Ramp 45. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 0.5 miles east of Ramp 45 (Salt Pond Road). A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 0.5 miles east of Ramp 45 (Salt Pond Road). A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 0.15 of a mile west of Ramp 45. This closure was for American Oystercatchers and a least tern colony. This reopens approximately 0.8 of a mile of ocean shoreline west of Ramp 45 to ORV and pedestrian access. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.2 of a mile west of Ramp 45. This area will be expanded on August 23, 2008 and there will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 0.5 of a mile west of Ramp 45. This was a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 0.8 mile west of Ramp 45. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 1.0 mile west of Ramp 45. This was a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 1.0 mile west of Ramp 45. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.0 mile west of Ramp 45. This area was expanded on August 21, 2008. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 1.9 miles East of Ramp 49. This was a full beach closure for least terns and American Oystercatchers. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 1.6 miles East of Ramp 49. This was a full beach closure for least terns and American Oystercatchers. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 1.2 miles east of Ramp 49. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.8 of a mile east of Ramp 49. This area was expanded on August 27. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.6 mile east of Ramp 49. This area will be expanded on August 28. There will be no ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because there is inadequate space above the nest and the toe of the dune for an ORV or pedestrian bypass. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.5 mile east of Ramp 49. This area was expanded on August 11, 2008. There will be no ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because there is inadequate space above the nest and the toe of the dune for an ORV or pedestrian bypass. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Another RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.5 mile east of Ramp 49. This is a full beach closure. This area will be expanded on September 3. There will be no ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because there is inadequate space above the nest and the toe of the dune for an ORV or pedestrian bypass. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) located IMMEDIATELY adjacent (East) of Ramp 49 was REMOVED on August 18. Ramp 49 - Ramp 55: (5.9 miles; includes Sandy Bay soundside parking area) The beach is open to ORV for 0.4 miles southwest of Ramp 49 and 0.1 of a mile east of Ramp 55 (in front of Frisco and Hatteras Villages). Currently, there is no through ORV access between Ramp 49 and Ramp 55, but pedestrian access is open for 5.9 miles from Ramp 49 to Ramp 55. The beach in front of Frisco Village to Hatteras Village is open to pedestrian access, but not ORV access for 4.7 miles. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.4 of a mile southwest of Ramp 49. This area will be expanded on August 17. There will not be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because there is inadequate space above the nest and the toe of the dune for an ORV or pedestrian bypass. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 4.3 miles south of Ramp 49. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED at Sandy Bay parking area on July 22, 2008. The American Oystercatcher chicks have fledged or left the area. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.7 miles north of Ramp 55. This area will be expanded on August 31. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.1 of a mile north of Ramp 55. This area will be expanded on September 1. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 55 - Hatteras Inlet: (2.7 miles) ORV and pedestrian access is open for 2.5 miles along the ocean shoreline from Ramp 55 west to the Hatteras Inlet. The Pole Road is open from Ramp 55 west to Hatteras Inlet. The Cable Crossing route is open to access on the sound shoreline. The Spur Road is open to access to the sound shoreline. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area at the Isabel overwash transitioned to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds from the sound shoreline to the ocean dune on July 15, 2008. The Pole Road is open in front of the overwash fan areas and there is also ocean shoreline access. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 55. This area will be expanded on August 23. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 1.2 miles southwest of Ramp 55 and south of the Isabel overwash area on June 27, 2008 for nesting American Oystercatchers. The removal of this closure reopens 0.5 miles of ocean shoreline access and 0.3 miles of soundside shoreline access for ORV and pedestrians. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 1.0 miles south of Ramp 55. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area will be reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds at Hatteras Inlet on September 2, 2008. It includes interior areas south of the Pole Road. There is ORV access from Ramp 55 south, and from the southern terminus of the Pole Road on the ocean shoreline, to the tip and around the point to the Rip" and sound shoreline. The ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited, outside of the ORV corridor at this site. The area is experiencing a high rate of shoreline erosion and will be monitored daily should it become necessary to install a safety closure for ORVs. A RESOURCE protection area for foraging piping plovers was REMOVED on the sound shoreline on June 11, 2008. This foraging closure had been established on April 9 approximately 0.1 mile southwest of where the Spur Road exits onto the sound shoreline. This allows for a 0.22 mile corridor of shoreline access for boaters on the soundside. Currently, there is no access to the "Rip." Ocracoke Island The Ocracoke Island District has a total distance of 18.4 miles of ocean shoreline. Approximately 17.5 miles are open to pedestrian access. Approximately 8.3 miles are open to ORV access on Ocracoke Island. ORV use is restricted by a 4.8 mile SAFETY closure. Approximately 0.9 miles are closed to all access for RESOURCE PROTECTION areas. The week of September 1st, as sea turtle nest "hatch window" dates approach, the visiting public can expect to see additional full beach closures on Ocracoke Island. Ramp 59 - Ramp 67: (7.8 miles; includes North Ocracoke Spit) There is no through ORV shoreline access between these two ramps. Pedestrian access is open from Ramp 59 to Ramp 67, 6.4 miles in length. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area was REMOVED at North Ocracoke Spit on July 15, 2008 and a migrating/wintering closure was established on August 6, 2008. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 59. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on the dredge spoil piles on North Ocracoke. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.3 of a mile south of Ramp 59. This area will be expanded on August 28. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area 0.9 of a mile south of Ramp 59 was REMOVED on June 19, 2008. The removal of this closure opened pedestrian access south of Ramp 59 to Ramp 67, which is 6.4 miles in length. A SAFETY closure, 4.8 miles long, begins 1.0 miles south of Ramp 59 to 1.4 miles north of Ramp 67, was adjusted on May 14 is still in effect. This section is open to pedestrian access, but not to ORV access. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 2.7 miles south of Ramp 59. This area was expanded on August 13, 2008. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is not available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 4.3 miles south of Ramp 59. This area was expanded on August 11, 2008. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 4.0 miles north of Ramp 67. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 3.8 miles north of Ramp 67. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 3.7 miles north of Ramp 67. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 3.6 miles north of Ramp 67. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on June 3, 2008 that had previously been established 4.5 miles south of Ramp 59 and 3.1 miles north of Ramp 67. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED approximately 2.4 miles north of Ramp 67. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 2.1 miles north of Ramp 67. This area was expanded on August 13, 2008. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately1.8 miles north of Ramp 67. This area was expanded on August 31. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.4 miles north of Ramp 67. This area will be expanded on August 19. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.25 of a mile north of Ramp 67. This area will be expanded on August 14 resulting in a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." An adjacent RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.25 of a mile north of Ramp 67. This area will be expanded on August 17 resulting in a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 67 - Ramp 70 (includes Ramp 68): (3.8 miles; includes Ramp 68) There is no through ORV shoreline access between these two ramps. Pedestrian access is open. The annual seasonal beach closure in front of the Ocracoke Campground and Day Use area went into effect on May 15, 2008. The beach from 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 67 to Ramp 68 is closed to ORV access for 0.9 of a mile. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on June 3, 2008 that had been established 0.3 of a mile south of Ramp 68. The RESOURCE protection area 0.8 of a mile south of Ramp 68 was REMOVED. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.3 of a mile south of Ramp 68. This area will be expanded on August 20. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on July 31, 2008 that had been established 1.4 mile northeast of Ramp 70. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.6 mile north of Ramp 70. This area was expanded on August 30, 2008. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 0.8 mile north of Ramp 70. Ramp 70 - Ramp 72 (1.8 miles) and Ramp 72 to South Ocracoke Spit (4.4 miles): The ocean shoreline is open to ORV and pedestrian access for 2.3 miles south of Ramp 72 to the tip of South Point. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area has been reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds on August 28, 2008. It encompasses interior and soundside areas of the spit. The resource closure is marked with red carsonite posts as closed to all access. The ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited, outside of the ORV corridor at this site. A few hundred feet of the sound shoreline on the southwest side of the point is closed to ORVs, but open to pedestrians and boat landings, based on current shoreline conditions. Ocean shoreline access is available for 2.3 miles from Ramp 72 south. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.0 mile north of Ramp 72. This area will be expanded on August 17. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.6 of a mile north of Ramp 72. This area will be expanded on September 2. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) was REMOVED 0.1 mile north of Ramp 72. A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED to 1.5 miles south of Ramp 72. Beyond the 1.5 miles there is still a full beach closure in effect that extends around the tip of the point and precludes overland access to South Point. -NPS- |
Last updated: April 14, 2015