NPS Implements Annual Seasonal ORV Closures on May 15

Date: May 12, 2011
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111

Superintendent Mike Murray announced the annual seasonal closures of village beaches to off-road vehicle (ORV) use within the National Seashore will go into effect at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2011. In addition, the beach driving speed limit is reduced from 25 mph to 15 mph in all locations open to ORV use, unless otherwise posted, from May 15 – September 15. The ORV closures are established in village beach areas that receive heavy pedestrian use, including areas adjacent to Coquina Beach and the villages of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. "These closures provide for the safety of all beach users and minimize user conflicts in congested areas during the busy summer season," said Superintendent Murray.

The seasonally closed areas are identified by signs at both ends of the area and on maps available for viewing at the offices of the Superintendent and each District Ranger station and on the Seashore's website at: https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm. To ensure a safe visit for everyone, visitors are reminded to keep dogs on leashes and pack in/pack out all trash. Swimmers should be aware of rough surf conditions and the potential for rip currents. Fireworks are not permitted on National Seashore beaches.

The ORV closures apply to the following areas:

• Bodie Island, Ramp 1 to 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 2, (Coquina Beach).
• Hatteras Island, beach areas fronting the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon.
• Hatteras Island, beach from the area south of the Haulover Day Use area to 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 43.
• Hatteras Island, beach fronting the villages of Frisco and Hatteras.
• Ocracoke Island, beach from 1.0 south of Ramp 59 to 1.4 miles north of Ramp 67.  
• Ocracoke Island, beach from 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 67 to Ramp 68, (Campground).
• Ocracoke Island, beach from 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 68 to 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 70, (Day Use Area).

For more information on beach access, see the weekly Beach Access Reports or Google Earth map posted on the Seashore's website or call 252-473-2111 ext. 148.