Cape Point closes to off-road vehicles

The National Park Service this morning closed Cape Point in Buxton to off-road vehicle access.  The closure is in accordance with the requirements of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Off-Road Vehicle management plan.

This morning, National Park Service staff observed American oystercatcher breed behavior approximately 0.6 – 0.7 of a mile south of Ramp 44 adjacent to the ocean shoreline, in an area commonly known as “the bypass.” 

The required buffer of 150 meters to the east resulted in the closure to vehicles.  There is currently ORV access for 0.5 of a mile south of Ramp 44.  There is no ORV access to the tip of Cape Point.

Last year, Cape Point closed on April 2 and did not reopen until Aug. 26, which was the latest reopening date for the area since the ORV plan became effective.

For more information on beach access, check Google Earth maps at: 
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm  or call 252-475-903