Ramp by Ramp open access for ORV traffic Under New ORV Plan per NPS MAP

(AND THIS IS WITHOUT ANY BIRD OR TURTLE CLOSURES)

(Bodie Island)

Ramp 1 to South of Ramp 2 about ½ mile-                                      CLOSED   

South of Ramp 2 about ½ mile to ¼ mile south of Ramp 4                 OPEN

(There is a ORV corridor to the salt pond on sound side)

¼ mile South of Ramp 4 – Shoals at Oregon Inlet (Seasonally open 9/15-3-14)

(Hatteras) 

Pea Island Refuge Line to Rodanthe Fishing Pier               CLOSED

Rodanthe-Waves – Salvo Villages to Ramp 23  (Seasonally open 11/1 to 3-31)       

Ramp 23 South 1 Mile                                                  CLOSED

1 Mile South of Ramp 23      to Ramp 27        OPEN until a bird or turtle fart

Ramp 27    to Ramp 30                                                        CLOSED

Ramp 30 to 2 ½ Miles                          OPEN until a bird or turtle fart 

Ramp 34 North 1 ½ miles                                             CLOSED           

Ramp 34 South to Ramp 38                          (Seasonally open 11/1 to 3-31)       

Ramp 38 South to New Ramp 59           OPEN until a bird or turtle fart

New Ramp 59 South .4 miles North of Ramp 43               CLOSED

.4 miles North of Ramp 43 to 1/10 Miles West of Cape Point

                                                                OPEN until a bird or turtle fart

1/10 Miles West of Cape Point  to 2 Miles East of Ramp 49         CLOSED   

2 Miles East of Ramp 49       to Frisco Village Line                                   

                                                                             OPEN until a bird or turtle fart

Frisco Village                                              (Seasonally open 11/1 to 3-31)       

West Frisco Village Line to east Hatteras Village Line         CLOSED   

Hatteras Village to Ramp 55                  (Seasonally open 11/1 to 3-31)       

Ramp 55 to almost False Point                       OPEN until a bird or turtle fart

False Point around to cable crossing                                       CLOSED   

Ramp 55 Interdunal (Pole) Road with small sound-side access behind Coast Guard Base & CABLE CROSSING & spur road      

Ocracoke

Ramp 59 North                                                                   CLOSED

Ramp 59 South to ½ mile East of Pony Pen Open until a bird or turtle fart

½ Mile East of Pony Pen 1 mile East of Ramp 67                      CLOSED

1 mile East of Ramp 67 to Ramp 68                   Open until a bird or turtle fart

Ramp 68 South to ¼ mile East of Ramp 70                              CLOSED           

¼ mile East of Ramp 70 to 2 miles West of Ramp 72 Open until a bird or turtle fart  Interdunal Road from highway to Ramp 72                              Open      

Rest of Ocracoke Inlet                                                         CLOSED

These are rough numbers only.  Some of these miles are too narrow to drive safely. I have calculated these miles from NPS News Release of 2-1-12 post today on my web site.                                                  

National Park Service News Release

          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  DATE:  February 1, 2012

          CONTACT: Cyndy Holda, Public Affairs Specialist, 252-473-2111, ext. 148

Information Regarding Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Final Rule

The final special regulation (rule) for the management of off-road vehicle (ORV) use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) was published in the Federal Register on January 23, 2012 and becomes effective on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  The rule designates ORV routes and authorizes ORV use at the Seashore in a manner that will protect and preserve the unique natural and cultural resources of this dynamic barrier ecosystem while permitting the use of vehicles on Seashore beaches and provide a variety of safe visitor experiences while minimizing conflicts among various users. Under National Park Service (NPS) general regulations, the operation of motor vehicles off of roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited unless authorized by special regulation.

To provide more information about the rule and its requirements, the NPS has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) information sheet and a map showing designated ORV routes as well as pedestrian areas where ORVs are not authorized.  The FAQ and map are now available on the Seashore’s website located at:   http://www.nps.gov/caha

When the rule becomes effective on February 15, 2012, an ORV permit will be required to operate a vehicle on the designated ORV routes at the Seashore.  Permits can be obtained beginning on February 15 at any of the three NPS ORV permit offices located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor Center. These offices will be open year-round, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with expanded hours on weekends and holidays during the summer season.  The cost of an annual permit (valid for the calendar year) is $120.  A 7-day ORV permit (valid from the date issued) will cost $50.

In order to provide the public with ample time to obtain a permit, there will be a transition period between February 15 and March 15 before the rule is fully implemented and enforced.  During the transition period, the NPS will install new ORV route markers and information signs and begin implementation of the species management measures that were identified in the December 2010 Record of Decision for the Seashore’s Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan / Final Environmental Impact Statement. Visitor contacts during the transition will focus on informing the visiting public about the ORV permit and other beach driving requirements under the special regulation.

For more information, see the FAQ posted on-line at: http://www.nps.gov/caha; or call 252-473-2111 ext. 148.

-NPS-