Park Transitions to Regular Park Operations

Date: September 9, 2011
Contact: GENERAL PARK INFORMATION, 252-473-2111
Contact: Public Affairs Specialist, 252-473-2111 x148

 Park Transitions to Regular Park Operations

Manteo, North Carolina: Superintendent Mike Murray announces some visitor facilities have reopened on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Hatteras Island remains open to residents only due to damage to roads and other infrastructure in this area. Ocracoke Island Visitor Center and other visitor facilities are open to residents and visitors. For updated beach access information for the park see the latest Google Earth beach access maps: https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm.

**Note: During and immediately after a storm, or storm conditions, park visitors may encounter ORV access ramps, interdunal roads and beaches that are temporarily closed areas due to flooding. Extreme caution should be used while traveling in the park until the storm passes and weather conditions improve. It is important to be aware of tidal changes.

The following areas and/or ramps are open to off road vehicles (ORV)

Bodie Island Oregon Inlet Area
Ramp 1- Open (pedestrian use only)
Ramp 2- Closed to ORV access
Ramp 4- Open with ORV access for 2.0 miles north and 0.5 miles south
Coquina Beach- The bathhouse and parking are open.
Oregon Inlet Campground- Open

Rodanthe-Waves- Salvo Area
Ramps 23, 27, 30, 34- Open
Ramp 38- Open

Cape Point- Buxton- Hatteras Area
Ramp 43- Open
Ramp 44, 45- Open
Ramp 49- Open
Ramp 55- Open to Hatteras Inlet
Hatteras Island Lighthouse - Parking lot only, open

Ocracoke Area
Ramp 59- Closed
Ramp 67- Closed
Ramp 70- Closed
Ramp 72- Closed
Ocracoke Visitor Center and campground: Open

Other Park Facilities
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial are open and have resumed normal hours of operation.

Billy Mitchell Airport on Hatteras Island remains closed. Ocracoke Island airport is open.

A Hurricane Irene Incident Management Team was mobilized as part of emergency response to support assessment of damage to park facilities and resources and assist in reopening remaining facilities as safely and quickly as possible. The Team involved 172 National Park Service staff from over 29 parks in 20 states across the country. The Outer Banks Group staff will return to regular Park operations beginning September 11, 2011.

Damages confirmed so far to park and concession/permitted service providers in the Outer Banks National Parks include damaged rooftops, water intrusion either through flooding or roof leakage in numerous facilities, scattered debris and tree limbs, and missing or damaged boardwalks, signs, posts and fencing materials. Resource advisors are in the field assessing natural and cultural resource impacts as well.

For more information, contact 252-473-2111.

-NPS-