ORV routes reopened to night driving

The National Park Service yesterday reopened ORV routes to night driving where no turtle nests remain or to the first posted closure in that route. 

The park’s new ORV Management Plan states that from Sept. 16 to Nov. 15, night driving is allowed on ORV routes, or portions thereof, with no turtle nests remaining.  A permit is required for any off-road vehicle use in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

In 2013, 252 sea turtle nests have been identified on seashore beaches this season.  Of this record breaking number, a total of approximately 118 remain in the ground.  Visitors should note they will encounter sea turtle nest protection areas in effect parkwide.

Because of the large number of turtle nests remaining, the ORV routes and ramps currently open are limited, but will be changing as the fall progresses.

Closure conditions may change in the field on short notice and these posted protection areas are closed to all ORV, pedestrian, and pet entry.  On-site signage of a closed area will be clearly marked in the field with “symbolic fencing” consisting of wooden or carsonite posts, closure signs, string, and black filter fencing. 

As of Sept. 17, ORV ramps/routes that are currently open for ORV nighttime driving are:

Hatteras Island:

(**Note:  Night driving restrictions do not apply to the Pole Road, Interdunal Road and Soundside access)

Ocracoke Island:

In addition, ORV ramps/routes that are currently open for ORV day use are:

Bodie Island:

North of Ramp 4

Hatteras Island:

North of Ramp 27

South of Ramp 30

South of Ramp 38

North and South of Ramp 43

North and South of Ramp 44

East and West of Ramp 49

Southwest of Ramp 55

Pole Road with pedestrian access to Hatteras Inlet

Ocracoke Island:

South of Ramp 59

North and South of Ramp 67

North and South of Ramp 70

North and South of Ramp 72

As a reminder, on Nov. 1, the seasonally closed village beaches (tri-villages of Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo, Avon, Frisco, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Day Use Area) will reopen to ORV use, except for sections of the beach with sea turtle nest protection areas.

Pets are strictly prohibited in posted resource protection areas and must be physically restrained at all times on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length.

For further information, please call (252) 473-2111 or check the Google Earth map at: 
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm