National Park Service News Release

          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  DATE:  August 3, 2012

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

ORV Access Reopens to Cape Point

Acting Superintendent Darrell Echols announced today the reopening of the east side of Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National Seashore to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective immediately.  According to the newly adopted Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan, the designated ORV route from 0.4 mile north of Ramp 43 to Ramp 44 and south to Cape Point is currently open to ORV traffic from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily.  The night-time beach driving restrictions are still in effect on all National Seashore beaches from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.

A number of resource protection areas remain in place for sea turtle nests on Seashore beaches.  To date, a record number of 204 turtle nests have been laid and nesting activity continues.  Both bird and sea turtle protection areas are posted and signed with symbolic fencing and are closed to vehicle and pedestrian access.  Pets must be leashed at all times. 

The National Park Service thanks you for working with us to protect this great natural resource. For up-to-date information on currently open or closed areas, check the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Google Earth maps at:  http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm