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Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111 ext 148
*Bold, blue print = updated news. **Bold, dark red print = projected sea turtle nest closures
**Report resource protection area violations to: Dare CentralCommunicationsCenter: 252-473-3444 Hyde CountyDispatch: 252-928-3171 Ocracoke Sheriff Dept: 252-928-7301
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 OcracokeIsland, 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.
Last week the east side of Cape Point and Hatteras Inlet reopened to ORV and pedestrian access. All of these areas are now open to ORV traffic from 6:00 amuntil 10:00 pmdaily. The nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from May 1 to November 15 from 10:00 pmuntil 6 am. NPS is in the process of developing a permit to allow night driving between September 16 and November 15.
During the remainder of August and September, park visitors will experience a shift in the 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 nest 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.
The ORV Access Mileage list accompanies the Beach Access Report weekly as a separate attached document. This is an effort to provide 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:
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 program allows you to zoom into any stretch of beach in the National Seashore to check the status of access and protection resource areas. 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) We are working with Google Earth to acquire more current base maps. The maps are updated periodically and the date of the most recent update is indicated on the link. The weekly Beach Access Report will continue to be issued on Thursdays.
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 p.m. and 6 a.m. from May 1 through November 15. Between those dates, the public is expected to 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 may issue permits to authorize night driving between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The night driving permitting process will be developed and available by September 16. No fee or limit on the number of 2008 night driving permits is anticipated.
On all National Seashore beaches pets must be physically restrained at all times on a leash no greater than 6 feet.
BodieIsland(CoquinaBeachto Oregon Inlet) There are approximately 5.7 miles of ocean shoreline from Ramp 1 to Oregon Inlet. Approximately 4.2miles are open to pedestrian access. There is no ORV or pedestrian access along the ocean shoreline from 0.5 mile south of Ramp 4 to Oregon Inlet. Approximately 2.9 miles are open to ORV access in BodieIsland and approximately 1.5 miles are closed to all access for RESOURCE PROTECTION areas.
Ramp 1 – Ramp 2 (CoquinaBeachArea) – 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 a mile south of Ramp 2.
Ramp 2 – Ramp 4 to BodieIslandSpit – 4.2 miles The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access along the ocean shoreline for 2.3 miles north of Ramp 4 and 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 4. There is no through access to Oregon Inlet. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 miles south of Ramp 2. This area will be expanded on August 11 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 (prenesting) area was established at Bodie Island Spit the week of March 24, 2008. It includes interior areas of the spit and the “pond” shoreline. Access to pond from the northeast side is closed as part of the RESOURCE protection area. · The full beach closure of the small strip of soundside beach that runs parallel to the HerbertC.BonnerBridge has been reinstated on July 10, 2008 for American Oystercatcher chicks in the area. Red carsonite posts (visible in the water) will mark the area as closed to all public access, including boat landing, until the chicks are fledged. · A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area was established on GreenIsland during the week of April 7th. The island is closed to landing of any craft. · A RESOURCE protection area south of Ramp 4 was MODIFIED and REDUCED by 0.3 of a mile to the south for an American Oystercatcher chick which is not fledged. There is 0.5 of a mile of ocean shoreline south of Ramp 4 to ORV and pedestrian access. Beyond this closure, there is a full beach closure that restricts access to BodieIslandSpit. · A RESOURCE protection area was established 0.9 of a mile south of Ramp 4 (within an existing closure) for a nesting least tern colony. This is a full beach shoreline closure. · A RESOURCE protection area was established 1.3 miles south of Ramp 4 and extends for 0.25 of a mile. This is a full beach closure (within a closure) for American Oystercatchers. · **On June 22 there was a deliberate violation of three closures in the Bodie Island area south of Ramp 4 and as a result of an intentional entry violation the buffer of the three closures at Bodie Island Spit were modified on June 23, 2008. As a result, there is now a continuous closure along this shoreline beginning 0.1 mile south of Ramp 4 and extending to Oregon Inlet.
Hatteras Island(South Boundary of PINWR south to Hatteras Inlet) Hatteras Island has a total distance of 42.7 miles of ocean shoreline. Approximately 38.3 miles of ocean shoreline are open to pedestrian access though some areas (approximately 1.6 miles total) that are “open,” are not readily accessible by pedestrians. Approximately 14.6 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 4.4 miles are closed to all access for RESOURCE PROTECTION areas. The week of August 11th through September, 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 PeaIslandNWR 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 0.5 mile south of Ramp 23. This area will be expanded on August 8 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 established 1.7 miles south of Ramp 23 and 1.9 miles north of Ramp 27. This is a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers and a least tern colony. **On May 26 there was a deliberate violation of this closure and as a result of an intentional entry violation (campfire/violation notice issued), the buffer was modified on May 27, 2008. This closure was expanded by 70 meters to the south to ensure that least tern chicks have a 200 meter buffer. **On July 30, 2008, an intentional entry into the northern end of the protection area occurred and resulted in an additional 100 meter expansion of the buffer.
· A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.9 mile south of Ramp 23 within another RESOURCE protection area (tern colony). This will be a full beach closure and installed on Saturday, August 2nd. Once the tern colony closure reopens there will be ORV or 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 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 0.9 mile north of Ramp 7. This area will be 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 established 0.9 of a mile north of Ramp 27 when a small least tern colony with chicks was discovered. This is a full beach closure. **On July 25, 2008, an intentional entry into the southern end of the protection area during nighttime hours resulted in a 100 meter expansion of the buffer in accordance with the Consent Decree. There was evidence that two separate set of tire tracks entered the closure for 0.1 of a mile, occupants got out and built a beach fire, walked to the dunes and back to the vehicles before exiting. · A RESOURCE protection area was established 1 mile north of Ramp 27 with a 100 meter buffer. This is a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers.
Ramp 27 – Ramp 30: (2.2 miles) The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access along the ocean shoreline for 0.9 of mile north of Ramp 27 and 0.5 mile north of Ramp 30. Currently there is no through access for ORVs between the ramps due to resource closures. · A RESOURCE protection area begins immediately south of Ramp 27 and extends for 0.5 of a mile. This is a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers and a nesting least tern colony. The closure was expanded 0.1 of a mile to the north for nesting least terns. The modification closes the pedestrian boardwalk from the Hwy. 12 parking lot. Pedestrians can access the beach via Ramp 27. · A RESOURCE protection area begins 0.2 mile south of Ramp 27 and extends for 0.25 of a mile. This is a full beach closure for a least tern colony. 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 since 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 begins 0.6 mile north of Ramp 30 and extends for 0.25 of a mile. This is a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers. The protection area was expanded on July 21 by 150 meters to the south to provide American Oystercatcher chicks with a 200 meter buffer. · A RESOURCE protection area begins 0.5 mile north of Ramp 30 and extends for 0.25 of a mile. This is a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers.
Ramp 30 – Ramp 34: (4.3 miles) The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access 0.3 miles south of Ramp 30. Ramp 34 is closed to ORV and pedestrian access. Currently there is no through access for ORVs between Ramps 30 and 34 due to a resource closure. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.3 of a mile south of Ramp 30. This nest was expanded on August 1 and resulted in 2.7 miles of beach closure to ORV. This is a full beach closure and there is not adequate space above the nest for an ORV bypass. Therefore, no through ORV access is available until the nest hatches. There will be pedestrian access 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) is located approximately 3.0 miles south of Ramp 30. This is a full beach closure and there is inadequate space above the nest for an ORV by-pass. Therefore no through ORV access is available until the nest hatches. 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 was REMOVED that began 2.4 miles south of Ramp 30 or 1.7 miles north of Ramp 34. · A RESOURCE protection area begins 3.6 miles south of Ramp 30 was expanded to 200 meters. This is a full beach closure for nesting American Oystercatchers. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.3 miles north of Ramp 34. This area will be expanded on August 17. Once the tern colony closure reopens, there will be ORV and pedestrian access available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected “hatch window.” · A RESOURCE protection area begins at Ramp 34 for nesting least tern colony. This full beach closure for the nesting least tern colony with chicks and was expanded on July 10 by 250 meters to the south and closes Ramp 34 to ORV and pedestrian access. The parking lot adjacent to Hwy. 12 at Ramp 34 is still open.
Ramp 34 - Ramp 38: (beaches in front of Avon = 4.0 miles) The annual seasonal village closures went into effect on May 15, 2008. The beach is open for 4.0 miles for pedestrian access from Ramp 34 to Ramp 38. There is no ORV access. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) locatedapproximately 1.6 miles north of Ramp 38was 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) is located approximately 1.4 miles north of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on August 13, 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.”
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 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) will be located approximately 1.6 miles north of the Village of Buxton. This nest reached “day 50” of July 29th and is located within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. ” The closure was installed on Tuesday, July 29 and there is pedestrian access available behind the nest outside of the signed protected area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” · On May 16, 2008, a deliberate act of vandalism damaged 1,500 feet of fence protecting an American Oystercatcher nest resulted in a 50 meter expansion of the buffer to the south as is ordered by the Consent Decree. This closure expansion is located in a pedestrian only area and does not affect ORV users. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.5 mile north of Ramp 43. This area will be 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 0.5 milenorth of Ramp 43. This area will be expanded on August 11, 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) is located approximately 0.3 mile north of Ramp 43. This area will be 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 will be 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 and the east ocean shoreline is open to the end of Cape Point. · A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on June 4, 2008 that had been established for American Oystercatchers between Ramp 43 and 44. No bird breeding activity had been observed in two weeks inside this resource closure. · A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on June 10, 2008 that had been established for American Oystercatchers north of Ramp 43. No bird breeding activity had been observed in two weeks inside this resource closure. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.2 mile south of Ramp 43. This area will be expanded on August 11, 2008. 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.”
Ramp 44 - Ramp 45 (Cape Point): (2.4 miles) Ramp 44 is open. 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. · A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area was established the week of March 24, 2008. It included interior areas of Cape Point and a complete shoreline closure that started approximately 0.25 miles south/west of Cape Point and ends approximately 0.3 east of Ramp 45. The total closure distance is approximately 1.0 mile in length. · The RESOURCE protection area south of Ramp 44 was modified on July 22, 2008. Ramp 44 reopened allowing ORV and pedestrian access to just south of the “bypass area.” From this point south, there is pedestrian only access to Cape Point though a number of resource closures remain in affect in the area. One (not fully-fledged) American Oystercatcher chick remains and the area will be reevaluated next week. The area west of the ocean shoreline, still closed for least tern colonies, is clearly marked with carsonite posts and signs and entry into the resource protection area is strictly prohibited. Currently, there are approximately 9 sea turtle nests between Ramp 43 and Cape Point. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located immediately (70 meters) south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on August 11, 2008. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind (west) of 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) located immediately (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 .05 miles south of Ramp 44. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind (west) the nest closure outside of the signed protected area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.”
Ramp 45 to Ramp 49 (SouthBeach): (3.4 miles) Ramp 45 is open. Salt Pond Roadis still closed due to a RESOURCE protection area. Currently there is no through access for ORVs or pedestrians between the ramps due to resource closures. · A RESOURCE protection area (prenesting area) was established the week of March 24, 2008. It included upper beach areas that encompass the dunes and extends towards the ocean. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.2 miles east ofRamp 45. Once Ramp 45 reopens (least tern colonies still have chicks/nests in the area), there will be ORV and pedestrian access 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) is located approximately 0.5 miles east of Ramp 45 (Salt Pond Road). This area was expanded on August 2, 2008. Ramp 45 has reopened (least tern colonies still have chicks/nests in the area), and there is ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protected area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” · A RESOURCE protection area begins 0.15 of a mile west of Ramp 45 and extends for 150 meters for American Oystercatchers and a least tern colony. This is located in front of Ramp 45 which closes Ramp 45 and the interdunal road. This is a full beach closure. · A RESOURCE protection area begins 0.50 mile west of Ramp 45 and extends for 0.25 of a mile along the shoreline. This is a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.8 mile west of Ramp 45. This area will be expanded on August 9, 2008. Once the area opens, (least tern colonies still have chicks/nests in the area), there will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protected area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” · A RESOURCE protection area begins 1.0 mile west of Ramp 45 and extends for 0.25 of a mile along the shoreline. This is a full beach closure for American Oystercatchers. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.0 mile west of Ramp 45. When this area reopens, there will be ORV and pedestrian access behind this nest. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” · A RESOURCE protection area was established 1.9 miles East of Ramp 49. This is a full beach closure for a least tern colony and a pair of American Oystercatchers. · A RESOURCE protection area was established 1.6 miles East of Ramp 49 and extends for 200 meters. This is a full beach closure for a least tern colony and a pair of American Oystercatchers. The closure was REDUCED by 200 meters when the active portion of the tern colony shifted to the east thus allowing for ORV and pedestrian access to the westernmost section of this closure. The reduction allows the buffer to be reduced but maintains the required 200 meter buffer around the nests/chicks on the westernmost boundary of this closure. · On May 11, 2008, a deliberate act of vandalism to twelve “Area Closed” signs and several carsonite markers resulted in a 50 meter expansion of the buffer on the easternmost resource protection area as is directed by the Consent Decree. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.2 miles east of Ramp 49. There is pedestrian access but no ORV access behind the nest area. 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 will be expanded on August 11, 208. 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 IMMEDIATELY adjacent (East) to Ramp 49. This sea turtle nest reached “day 50” and is a full beach closure. There will be no ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because of 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.”
Ramp 49 - Ramp 55: (5.9 miles; includes SandyBay soundside parking area) The beach is open to ORV for 1.2 miles west of Ramp 49 and 0.1 of a mile east of Ramp 55 (in front of Frisco andHatterasVillages). Currently, there is no through ORV access between Ramp 49 and Ramp 55 but pedestrian access is open from Ramp 49 to Ramp 55. · The beach in front of FriscoVillage to HatterasVillage is open to pedestrian access, but not ORV access for 4.7 miles. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 4.3 miles south of Ramp 49. This is a full beach closure. 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 was REMOVED at SandyBay parking area on July 22, 2008. The American Oystercatcher chicks have fledged or left the area.
Ramp 55 - Hatteras Inlet: (2.7 miles) ORV and pedestrian access is open 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 was REMOVED at the Isabel overwash area from the sound shoreline to the ocean dune on July 15, 2008. The Pole Road has reopened in front of the overwash fan areas and there is also ocean shoreline access. · A RESOURCE protection areas was REMOVED 1.2 miles south/west of Ramp 55 and just 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 (prenesting) area approximately 2.1 miles south of Ramp 55 was REMOVED on July 31, 2008and the migrating/wintering closure was re-established. The area includes upper beach and interior areas south of Pole Road. The area is reopened with wintering resource closures in effect for the interior portion of the spit. · There is ORV and pedestrian access south from the southern terminus of the Pole Road on the ocean shoreline, around the tip of the Spit to “the Rip” and along the sound shoreline. 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.”
OcracokeIsland The Ocracoke Island District has a total distance of 18.4 miles of ocean shoreline. Approximately 16.4 miles are open to pedestrian access. Approximately 8.4 miles are open to ORV access on OcracokeIsland. ORV use is restricted by a 4.8 mile SAFETY closure. Approximately 2.0 miles are closed to all access for RESOURCE PROTECTION areas. The week of August 11th through September, as sea turtle nest “hatch window” dates approach, the visiting public can expect to see additional full beach closures on OcracokeIsland.
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. This includes interior areas of the spit and the ocean shoreline. · A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 59. · 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 is 4.8 miles long, and 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 will be expanded on August 13, 2008. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access and there is no pedestrian access 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 will be expanded on August 11, 2008. This 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 4.0 miles north of Ramp 67. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access and there is no pedestrian access 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 3.8 miles north of Ramp 67. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access and there is no pedestrian access 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 3.7 miles north of Ramp 67. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access and there is no pedestrian access 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 3.6 miles north of Ramp 67. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access and there is no pedestrian access 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 2.4 miles north of Ramp 67. This nest was expanded on July 31, 2008. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access and there is no pedestrian access 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 2.1 miles north of Ramp 67. This area will be expanded on August 13, 2008. This 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 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 for American Oystercatchers. · A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on the dredge spoil piles on North Ocracoke. There has been no American Oystercatcher activity.
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 for American Oystercatchers. · The RESOURCE protection area 0.8 of a mile south of Ramp 68 was REMOVED. · A RESOURCE protection area was REMOVED on July 31, 2008that had been established 1.4 mile northeast of Ramp 70 for American Oystercatchers and chicks. The chicks have fledged. This closure was in a pedestrian-only area and does not affect ORV access. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.8 mile north of Ramp 70. This area will be expanded on August 12, 2008. This 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.”
Ramp 70 - Ramp 72 (1.8 miles) and Ramp 72 to South Ocracoke Spit (4.4 miles): The beach is open to ORV and pedestrian access from Ramp 70 south along ocean shoreline,for approximately 1.7 mile to just north of Ramp 72 (sea turtle protection area blocks through access) and from Ramp 72 south towards South Point for 1.5 miles.
· A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area was established the week of March 24, 2008 that encompasses interior and soundside areas of the spit. There is ocean shoreline access for 0.2 miles from Ramp 72 south. On the soundside shoreline, 1.3 miles of shoreline is closed to ORV and pedestrian access. · A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.1 mile north of Ramp 72. This is a full beach closure. There will be no ORV or pedestrian access 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 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.
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.
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Last updated: April 14, 2015