Beach Access Report for May 21, 2009

Date: May 21, 2009
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111 x148

Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches will be managed again this summer under the terms of the U.S. District Court approved consent decree.  Park visitors can expect to see resource closures for breeding shorebirds in effect to varying degrees from mid-March to mid-to-late-August and turtle nesting closures may occur until early November.  Shorebird pre-nesting closures have already been established at the inlets, Cape Point, and South Beach.  As soon as subsequent breeding activity is observed, the consent decree requires that automatic, non-discretionary buffers be implemented.  

The Beach Access Report is issued every Thursday throughout the breeding season, and updated news will be reported weekly in bold, BLUE print.   **All distances are approximate .**  The weekly Beach Access Report is complemented by a Google Earth map, which is updated up to 5 times per week as access conditions change. The latest Google Earth beach access map can be viewed at:   https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm

Note:  Closure conditions may change in the field on short notice.   On-site signage , rather than the Beach Access Report or Google Earth map,   is the most accurate and current indication of what is open or closed to the public.   Closed areas are clearly marked in the field with “symbolic fencing” consisting of wooden or carsonite posts, closure signs, string, and flagging tape.  Knowledge of tidal changes and caution should be exercised while traveling the beaches of the park.   Pets are prohibited in resource protection areas.  Elsewhere, pets must be physically restrained at all times on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.

AMOY = American Oystercatcher, PIPL = Piping Plover, LETE = Least Terns, BLSK = Black Skimmers, COTE = Common Tern

The National Park Service is committed to providing accurate and current information on the beach access and temporary resource closure issue for the visiting public and our community neighbors.  We continue to receive questions about issues related to beach access and have developed a “Frequently Asked Questions” information sheet that is now posted on the Seashore’s website at:   https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm

As a reminder, the seasonal ORV closures of designated beaches went into effect on May 15, 2009.
For more information, please contact: e-mail us  or call 252-473-2111, ext. 148.

Bodie Island District  (Coquina Beach to Ramp 27; 16.5 miles of ocean shoreline)

Ramp 1 - Ramp 2 (Coquina Beach Area)   (1.2 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open for pedestrian access, but not for ORV access.

An ORV SAFETY closure is 1.2 miles long.

Ramp 2 - Ramp 4  (2.4 miles)
Current Status:   Ramp 2 is closed.   The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access from approximately 0.1 south of Ramp 2 to Ramp 4.
Ramp 4  – Oregon Inlet   (Bodie Island Spit: 2.1 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access for 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 4.  Portions of the inlet shoreline south/west of the closure, outside of the existing pre-nesting and RESOURCE protection closure  areas, remains open for boat landing/pedestrian access.

May 13, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the northern end of the existing closure located approximately 0.8 of a mile south of Ramp 4 for observed LETE breeding behavior.  
May 13, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was re-established at the Bodie Island Spit (southernmost tip) for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
May 5, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 0.9 of a mile south of Ramp 4 for observed LETE breeding behavior.  This closure, 0.8 of a mile in length, affects the “limited access” area for pedestrians south of Ramp 4 on the ocean shoreline.
May 4, 2009:  The Bodie Island Spit (southernmost tip) closure was modified (reduced) and the original prenesting shoreline was re-established when an AMOY pair nested elsewhere.
April 26, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 1.7 miles south of Ramp 4 (southern tip of Bodie Island Spit) for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  Although, this does not currently affect ORV access, the closure does affect a portion of limited beach access for pedestrians.  
April 25, 2009:  A RESOURCE protection area was established on the south shore of the Bait Pond for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
On April 10, 2009:  The North Shore/Bait Pond closure was modified (expanded) for observed AMOY breeding behavior. (REMOVED:  April 27, 2009)
April 2, 2009:  A RESOURCE protection area was established on the north shore of the Bait Pond, under the Bonner Bridge and east to the tidal creek, for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 2, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established approximately 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 4 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  This closure precludes ORV access along the ocean shoreline 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 4.
April 2, 2009:  Due to continuing erosion of the ocean shoreline, the existing RESOURCE protection area has been extended approximately 0.2 miles south, which precludes pedestrian access in the inter-tidal zone past the closure.  
March 23, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 1.3 miles south of Ramp 4 along the ocean shoreline, as a result of observed piping plover breeding behavior.
March 11, 2009:  A pre-nesting area (RESOURCE protection area) was established that included interior areas of the spit and the “pond” shoreline and allowed an ORV access corridor along the eastern ocean shoreline to a point 1.4 miles south of Ramp 4 and pedestrian access to the inlet.  There is no ORV or pedestrian access in the RESOURCE protection area.

Villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo:     (Pea Island NWR boundary to Ramp 23 - 3.0 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open for pedestrian access.

Ramp 23 - Ramp 27:   (4.3 miles)

Current Status:  The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access 1.8 miles south of Ramp 23 and north of Ramp 27 for 1.0 miles.  There is no through access between Ramps 23 and 27.

May 16, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded on northern and southern ends) 1.8 of a mile south of Ramp 23 or 2.3 miles north of Ramp 27 for observed LETE breeding behavior.
May 16, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) 1.0 mile north of Ramp 27 for observed LETE breeding behavior.
May 9, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 2.4 miles north of Ramp 27 for observed LETE breeding behavior.
May 9, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 1.0 mile north of Ramp 27 for LETE breeding behavior.

Hatteras Island District   (Ramp 27 South to Hatteras Inlet; 31.9 miles of ocean shoreline )  

Ramp 27 - Ramp 30:   (2.1 miles)
Current Status:  Beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 27 and north of Ramp 30 for 0.6 of a mile. There is no through access between Ramps 27 and 30.

May 21, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) 0.8 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for AMOY breeding behavior.
May 9, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the southern end of the existing closure located 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for observed LETE breeding behavior.
May 8, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the northern end of the existing closure located 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
May 3, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the southern end of the existing closure located 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  
April 29, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 0.8 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 27, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 24, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established (and then modified (expanded) on April 27, 2009) approximately 0.3 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 23, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 1.0 mile north of Ramp 30 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 18, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 0.7 of a mile south of Ramp 27 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  (REMOVED:  April 24, 2009)
April 4, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 0.6 of a mile north of Ramp 30 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
March 28, 2009:  The existing RESOURCE protection area was expanded to the south for observed American oystercatcher (AMOY) breeding behavior.
March 25, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 1.1 miles north of Ramp 30 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.

Ramp 30 - Ramp 34:   (4.3 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access for 1.6 miles south of Ramp 30 .  There is no through access between Ramps 30 and 34.

May 16, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 1.6 miles south of Ramp 30 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 25, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established approximately 0.2 of a mile north of Ramp 34 for observed AMOY breeding behavior. (REMOVED: May 13, 2009)

Ramp 34 - Ramp 38:   (3.9 miles)
Current Status:  Ramp 34 is closed for ORV and pedestrian   use.  The beach is open for pedestrian access from approximately  0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 34 to Ramp 38. There is no through access for ORVs between Ramp 34 and Ramp 38.

May 16, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) immediately south of Ramp 34 for observed LETE breeding behavior.  There is currently no beach access from Ramp 34 for ORVs or pedestrians, however, the parking lot adjacent to Hwy. 12 will remain open for parking.  
May 13, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the northern end of the existing closure in front of Ramp 34 for observed AMOY and LETE breeding behavior.
May 7, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established directly in front of Ramp 34 for observed LETE breeding behavior.  Pedestrians will be routed around the backside of the closure for access to the beach.  

Ramp 38 - Ramp 43:   (6.0 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open to ORV and pedestrian access for 1.4 miles south of Ramp 38.  There is pedestrian access from approximately 6.0 miles south of Ramp 38 to Ramp 43.   There is no through access for ORVs between Ramp 38 and Ramp 43. 

May 20, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 1.4 miles south of Ramp 38 for observed LETE breeding behavior.

May 13, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the southern boundary of the existing closure located 2.7 miles south of Ramp 38, (in an area not open to ORVs) for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
May 7, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the northern boundary of the existing closure located 2.7 miles south of Ramp38, (in an area not open to ORVs) for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 30, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 2.9 miles south of Ramp 38 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 23, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) on the northern boundary (now 2.3 miles south of Ramp 38), in an area not open to ORVs, for observed AMOY breeding behavior. (REMOVED:  May 13, 2009)
April 17, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 2.4 miles south of Ramp 38), in an area not open to ORVs, for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 13, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established approximately 1.8 miles south of Ramp 38, in an area not open to ORVS. (REMOVED on April 17, 2009)
April 1, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established approximately 1.9 miles south of Ramp 38, in an area not open to ORVs. (REMOVED on April 17, 2009)
An ORV SAFETY closure is 2.8 miles long, beginning 1.8 of a mile south of Ramp 38 to .4 of a mile north of Ramp 43, due to very narrow beaches.  This section is open to pedestrian access, but not ORV access.

Ramp 43 - Ramp 44:   (0.4 of a mile)
Current Status:  The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access for 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 43.  There is no through access between Ramps 43 and 44.

April 26, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 43 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.

Ramp 44 - Ramp 45:   (Cape Point: 2.4 miles)
Current Status:  Ramp 44 is open to ORV use and there is ORV and pedestrian access 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 44.  Salt Pond Road and Ramp 45 are closed.  The Interdunal Road is open to pedestrian access.

May 10 & 11, 2009:  The Cape Point closure was modified, Ramp 44 and 0.4 of a mile of ocean shoreline south of Ramp 44 re-opened for ORV use.  The closure was modified (expanded) 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 44 for observed PIPL and LETE breeding behavior.
May 8, 2009:  The Cape Point closure was modified (expanded) for observed PIPL breeding behavior.  
April 29, 2009:  The Cape Point closure was modified a second time this week for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  This modification closes Ramp 44 to ORV access.
April 27, 2009:  The Cape Point closure was modified; this modification of  0.1 mile affected the ocean shoreline on the southern boundary of the closure, and the eastern boundary of the prenesting closure was expanded by 30 meters for observed AMOY and PIPL breeding behavior.  
On April 22, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established on the ocean shoreline in front of Ramp 45 for observed PIPL breeding behavior.  Ramp 45 is closed to ORV and pedestrian access just north of the dune line.  
On April 19, 2009:  The full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) located 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 44 was modified (extended) 300 meters to the south for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  This closure is now 0.4 of a mile in length and there is no ORV or pedestrian access within the resource protection area.  

On April 14, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established approximately 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 44 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  There is currently not an alternative ORV access route to Cape Point.
March 12, 2009:  A pre-nesting area (RESOURCE protection area) was established at Cape Point that included interior areas of Cape Point and a complete shoreline closure from approximately 0.2 miles south/west of Cape Point to approximately 0.3 east of Ramp 45; and allowed for an access corridor along the eastern ocean shoreline.  The total closure distance was approximately 1.0 mile in length.  There is no ORV or pedestrian access within the RESOURCE protection area.

Ramp 45 - Ramp 49:   (South Beach: 3.4 miles)
Current Status:  Ramp 45 is closed.  Access is also open from Ramp 49 for 1.6  miles east to where a RESOURCE protection area is located.  There is no through access between Ramps 45 and 49.

May 18, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) on the western end of the existing South Beach prenesting area was modified (expanded) for observed GBTE breeding behavior.
May 7, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) on the western end along the shoreline of the existing South Beach prenesting area was modified (expanded) for observed LETE breeding behavior.  In addition, 0.2 of a mile of “limited access” within the closure is now closed to all entry for LETE breeding behavior.
April 28, 2009:  The full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) on the western end along the shoreline of the existing South Beach prenesting area was modified (expanded) which further reduces the limited access section along the shoreline to 0.2 of a mile.
April 13, 2009:  A full beach closure was established on the western boundary of the existing South Beach pre-nesting area closure for observed AMOY breeding behavior which precludes ORV corridor access or pedestrian access along the lower beach.  
March 31, 2009:  The western boundary of the existing full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was expanded by 50 meters due to a deliberate violation (vandalism of fencing).
March 23, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established from approximately 0.2 miles to 0.7 miles west of Ramp 45 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
March 12, 2009:  A pre-nesting area (RESOURCE protection area) was established at South Beach that included upper beach areas that encompass the dunes and extends towards the ocean but allows for an ORV corridor along the lower beach.  There is no ORV or pedestrian access within the RESOURCE protection area.

Ramp 49 - Ramp 55:   (5.9 miles; includes Sandy Bay soundside parking area)
Current Status:  The beach is open to ORV use for 1.2 miles west of Ramp 49 to the Frisco line.  There is pedestrian, but not ORV, access from the Frisco line to 0.1 of a mile east of Ramp 55.

April 29, 2009:  The Sandy Bay AMOY closure was established (adjusted) for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 5, 2009:  The Sandy Bay AMOY closure was modified (expanded) for observed AMOY breeding behavior. (REMOVED: April 29, 2009)
March 13, 2009:  A 150 meter buffer was established southwest of the Sandy Bay parking lot for observed AMOY breeding behavior.  
An ORV SAFETY closure for Frisco Village and Hatteras Village is 4.7 miles long.  This section is open to pedestrian access, but not ORV access.

Ramp 55 - Hatteras Inlet:  (Hatteras Inlet Spit: 2.7 miles)
Current Status:  ORV and pedestrian access is open along the ocean shoreline from Ramp 55 west to the southern exit of the Pole Road.   Pole Road is open except in front of the Isabel overwash areas, where traffic is routed onto the beach due to a RESOURCE protection area.  Cable Crossing and Spur Road are open to the sound shoreline. Sound access is open 110 meters south of Spur Road, where a RESOURCE protection area begins.  Access to the inlet including the “Rip” is closed due to a RESOURCE protection area.

March 30, 2009:   Due to a deliberate violation (vandalism of fencing), the eastern boundary of the Hatteras Inlet pre-nesting area was expanded for a total of 0.1 mile (50 meters east of the easternmost vandalized sign).  
March 11, 2009:  A pre-nesting area (RESOURCE protection area) was established at Hatteras Inlet Spit that included the ocean beach from approximately 0.1  mile south of the southern exit of Pole Road south/west to the inlet, then along the inlet shoreline to the sound shoreline 110 meters south of the Spur Road.  There is no ORV or pedestrian access within the RESOURCE protection area.
March 11, 2009:  A pre-nesting area (RESOURCE protection area) was established on the soundside at the Isabel overwash area that included portions of the Pole Road adjacent to the overwash fans.  There is no ORV or pedestrian access within the RESOURCE protection area.  Ocean shoreline access is open past this area.  

Ocracoke Island District  (16.3 miles of ocean shoreline)

Hatteras Inlet (North Ocracoke Spit) to Ramp 59:   (1.4 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access for 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 59.

May 8, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established and modified (expanded) on May 13, 2009, approximately 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 59 for observed AMOY and LETE breeding behavior.  
March 10, 2009:  A pre-nesting area (RESOURCE protection area) was established at North Ocracoke Spit that included interior areas and the inlet shoreline and portions of the ocean shoreline.  There is no ORV or pedestrian access within the RESOURCE protection area.

Ramp 59 - Ramp 67:   (7.8 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open for ORV access for 1.0 mile south of Ramp 59 and 1.4 miles north of Ramp 67.  There is no through ORV access between these two ramps.  There is pedestrian, but not ORV access, from Ramp 59 to Ramp 67.

May 7, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 2.6 miles southwest of Ramp 59 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
May 4, 2009:  A full beach closure  (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) by 0.2 of a mile on the southwestern end of the existing closure located 0.7 of a mile southwest of Ramp 59 for observed AMOY breeding behavior. (REMOVED:  May 7, 2009)
April 29, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) by 0.2 of a mile on the southwestern end of the existing closure located 0.7 of a mile southwest of Ramp 59 for observed AMOY breeding behavior. (REMOVED:  May 7, 2009)
April 19, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established approximately 3 miles southwest of Ramp 59, in an area not open to ORVs, for observed AMOY breeding behavior. (REMOVED May 4, 2009)
April 14, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established 0.7 of a mile southwest of Ramp 59 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.

An ORV SAFETY closure is 5.2 miles long, and begins 1.0 miles south of Ramp 59 to 1.4 miles north of Ramp 67.  This section is open to pedestrian access but not to ORV access.

Ramp 67 - Ramp 70 (includes Ramp 68):   (3.9 miles; includes Ramp 68)
Current Status:  The beach is open for ORV for 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 67 and 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 70.  There is no through ORV access between these two ramps.  There is pedestrian access, but not ORV access, from Ramp 67 and Ramp 70.

May 11, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded) approximately 0.8 of a mile south of Ramp 68 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
May 4, 2009:  A full beach closure  (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (expanded & reduced), expanded by 0.1 of a mile on the northeast end of the existing closure and reduced by 0.3 of a mile on the southwestern end, located 0.8 of a mile southwest of Ramp 68 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 22, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was modified (extended) approximately 1.3 miles north of Ramp 70 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.
April 15, 2009:  A full beach closure (RESOURCE protection area) was established approximately 0.8 of a mile southwest of Ramp 68 for observed AMOY breeding behavior.

Ramp 70 - Ramp 72 :  (1.8 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open to ORV and pedestrian access.

Ramp 72 to South Point:    (3.5 miles)
Current Status:  The beach is open to ORV and pedestrian access on the ocean shoreline for 1.9 miles south of Ramp 72.

May 10, 2009:  The pre-nesting area was modified (expanded) 1.0 mile south of Ramp 72 for observed       least tern breeding behavior.
March 24, 2009:  The pre-nesting area was expanded by 50 meters at two locations at the inlet due to deliberate violations (vandalism of fencing).  One of the expansions precludes ORV access to the inlet shoreline.  Pedestrian access is permitted below the tide line to portions of the inlet shoreline outside of the established pre-nesting area.
March 10, 2009:  A pre-nesting area (RESOURCE protection area) was established at South Point Ocracoke that included the sound shoreline, portions of the inlet shoreline, and interior portions of the spit; and allowed an access corridor along the ocean shoreline to the inlet.  There is no ORV or pedestrian access within the RESOURCE protection area.

Temporary resource protection areas are necessary to protect threatened and endangered species and species of concern including piping plovers, American oystercatchers, colonial waterbirds (3 species of terns and black skimmers), and sea turtles.  Posted areas are closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and pets.