LONG-TERM VEHICLE PARKING PERMITS AVAILABLE

Date: January 27, 2009
Contact: Wouter Ketel, [phone] Ext. 3005

Harkers Island, NC -- Superintendent Russel J. Wilson announced the 2009 operating season and opening of reservations for long-term vehicle parking in the vehicle storage lots located at the Long Point Camp on North Core Banks and at the Great Island Camp and Lighthouse area on South Core Banks.  Superintendent Wilson also announced that, beginning with the 2009 season, the fee for parking permits will increase from $10.00 per week to $15.00 per week.

Parking permits will be available beginning on February 17, 2009, and vehicles may be brought to the islands beginning on March 15, 2009.  Permit application forms are available on the park web site at https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/permits.htm.  Visitors may obtain parking permits either by mail or in person at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM (except holidays).  To obtain a permit, visitors must bring the vehicle registrations, insurance certificates and their driver’s licenses or include a copy of these documents if mailing the application.  Please call Lynn Winstead at 252-728-2250 extension 3018 for additional information.

As a reminder:  All vehicles parked in the storage lots or operated on the islands must continuously comply with all applicable North Carolina vehicle codes as if operated on state roads and highways.  Helmets must be worn at all times when operating an ATV within the Seashore.  Seashore beaches are closed to all vehicle use from January 1 until March 15 of each year.

Superintendent Wilson noted that fees charged for long-term vehicle parking on the islands remain at the Seashore, and that they are used for management of the permit program, maintenance of the parking areas and roads, and to help defray the cost of ranger and resource management staff working on the islands.