NPS Night Driving Beach Permits Available & Seasonally Closed Beaches Reopen to ORV Use on September 16

Date: September 8, 2009
Contact: Outer Banks Group, [phone], ext. 148

Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that night beach driving permits will be required for off-road vehicle use on Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean beaches between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., September 16 to November 15, 2009.

The implementation of Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) night driving permits is required under the terms of the court approved Consent Decree to help increase the nesting success of sea turtles, which are protected under the Endangered Species Act.  Beginning September 16 to November 15, 2009, a night driving permit, signed and dated by the driver of the vehicle, must be visibly displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

A pdf version of the night beach driving permit is available on-line and may be downloaded from the national seashore’s website at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm.  The downloaded version of the permit should be printed in color if possible.  By September 10, hard copies of the permit will be available at any Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor Center, Whalebone Information Center, Hatteras Weather Station, as well as local tackle shops.  From November 16, 2009 to April 30, 2010 night beach driving is allowed at all hours without a permit.

The following beaches that are seasonally closed to ORV use will reopen to ORVs on Wednesday, September 16:

• 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.
• Avon village beachfront = approximately 4.0 miles in length.
• Ocracoke campground and day use area beaches = approximately 2.5 miles in length.

** Parkwide: Visitors will encounter sea turtle nest protection areas in effect.  Posted areas are closed to all ORV, pedestrian and pets.

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