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Access Issues |
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May 8, 2008
A new feature: Answers to your questions about beach access
 If you have a question, send it to us at editor@islandfreepress.org and we’ll get the answer for you. This feature will not be a forum for opinions about the merits of the consent decree. You can send those under the “comments” section at the end of each article, and we will publish them on the Commentary Page under Letters to the Editor. We will be consulting with the National Park Service staff to get the answers to your questions. This first group includes questions that were sent or called into the NPS staff and some were also sent to The Island Free Press. Question: What are the prohibitions on beach night driving? Answer: Night driving is now prohibited on ocean beaches from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. from May 1 until Nov. 15. Night driving may be allowed by permit from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sept. 16 – Nov. 15. Question: Why is there a prohibition on beach night driving? Answer: The ban on ocean beach night driving has been implemented to protect nesting sea turtles. All sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Adult female sea turtles lay their nests on the beach during night hours and newly hatched young will leave the nest at night to make their way to the ocean. Both adult and hatchling sea turtles may be impacted by beach driving vehicles and their headlights. Question: Can I drive out to the beach, park my vehicle on the beach and fish all night, then not drive it until 6 a.m.? Answer: No, all vehicles must exit the beach by 10 p.m. Question: Can I be dropped off on the beach before 10 p.m., fish all night and be picked up at 6 a.m.? Answer: Yes, however pedestrians are still prohibited from entering resource closures. Question: If I stay on the beach all night and fish, how much light can I have on the beach? Answer: Small beamed flashlights and low light-level lanterns are fine. Question: If I launch my boat on the soundside, but I do not get back until after 10 p.m., can I use my ORV to retrieve my boat from the soundside ramp? Answer: Yes, the night driving ban does not apply to the soundside ramps. Question: Can I have fires on the beaches? Answer: Yes, fires are allowed up to 11 p.m., but are prohibited from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Before you leave the beach, you must extinguish your fire with water. Question: When can I get my permit for driving on the beach at night from Sept. 16 – Nov. 15? Answer: The Park Service has not yet finalized the permit system. This information will be available to the public prior to the implementation date of Sept. 16. Question: Can I put my name on a list right now to ensure I get a permit? Answer: A list for night driving permits from Sept. 16 – Nov. 15 is not needed at this time. The permits will be readily available prior to the implementation date of Sept. 16. Question: How much will the permits cost? Answer: There will be no charge for the Sept. 16 – Nov. 15 night driving permits. Question: Does the night driving ban on vehicles apply to bicycles? Answer: No. Question: Does the night driving ban on vehicles apply to horses? Answer: No. Question: What do I do if I see a sea turtle? Answer: Stay back at least 100 feet so that you do not disturb the turtle. Turn off all lights and do not use flash photography. Call the park, so that we can protect the nest (252) 216-6892. |
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