NPS Implements ORV Night Driving Permits on September 16 and Reopens Seasonally Closed Villages Beaches to ORV Use

Date: September 15, 2008
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111

Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray announced that Tuesday, September 16, 2008, two changes occur on Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches:

1) The implementation of the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) night beach driving permit begins and continues through November 15, 2008 for all beaches in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A night driving permit, signed and dated by the driver of the vehicle, must be displayed in the windshield of the vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

2) Seasonally closed village beaches reopen to ORV use.

Under the terms of the Consent Decree, beginning September 16^th, in areas open to ORV use, in order to protect remaining sea turtle nest and hatchlings, night driving is only allowed with a night driving permit in the driver’s possession. There is no cost or number limitation to the permit. The permit is available online at: www.nps.gov/caha

at all park Visitor Centers and Campgrounds, Outer Banks Visitor Bureau Visitor Centers, and local tackle shops and realty offices.

"With a record number of turtle nests on national seashore beaches this season, we are closely watching the impacts of night driving on the Seashore beaches," stated Mike Murray. "We are actively managing the situation to allow for ORV access wherever possible as well as protect the sea turtle nests and hatchlings." All closed areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts and signs. Destruction of government property and entering a resource closure are federal criminal violations, each subject to up to a $5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.

The following areas reopen to ORV access on Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

1) Tri-villages (Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo) beachfront = approximately 3 miles in length extends from the southernmost boundary of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to Ramp 23.

2) Avon village beachfront = approximately 4.0 miles in length.

3) Ocracoke village beachfront = approximately 2.5 miles in length.

**Reminder: Parkwide: Visitors will find sea turtle nest protections areas in effect. Posted areas are closed to ORV, pedestrians and pets.

For further information, please call [phone] ext. 148.