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Cape Hatteras National SeashoreSunset near Pea Island
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore
NPS Announces Cape Point Closure

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Date: April 14, 2009
Contact: Outer Banks Group, (252) 473-2111

Acting Park Superintendent Paul Stevens announced the temporary ORV access closure of the popular Cape Point area in accordance with the requirements of the consent decree.

 

On April 14, 2009, approximately 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 44 along the ocean shoreline, National Park Service staff observed American Oystercatcher breeding behavior which resulted in the closure.  The width of the beach is very narrow in the area commonly known as “the bypass” and the required consent decree buffer of 150-meters to the north and south resulted in a full beach closure.  There currently is not an alternative ORV access route to Cape Point. 

 

For more information on beach access, see:

http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm or call 252-473-2111 ext. 148.

 

A navigational chart showing Cape Hatteras and Diamond Shoals  

Did You Know?
When the Home sank on Diamond Shoals off of Cape Hatteras in 1837, there were only two life jackets for all 130 people on board. Ninety people died. Congress passed the Steamboat Act the next year, requiring all vessels to carry one life jacket per passenger.

Last Updated: April 14, 2009 at 16:23 EST