Ramp 44 is located at the fish cleaning tables next to Cape Point Campground entrance and has been a source of contention for several years. This ramp has been closed for an extended length of time due persistent flooding caused by ocean overwash, extensive rainfall, lack of flood control and maintenance. The National Park Service's (NPS) remedies for these problems have been unsuccessful. NPS's latest attempt to solve the flooding problem at Ramp 44 failed miserably when they elevated the sand base by covering it with a CAMA approved clay and shell material. When wet, this substance becomes very slippery which causes vehicles to either get stuck or slide into the drainage ditches.

Superintendent Mike Murray addressed the ramp problems during a park update forum on February 13, 2010 at a Cape Hatteras Anglers Club meeting and accepted responsibility for the situation at Ramp 44. He explained that the park was required to adhere to environmental requirements even though the maintenance division knew it wouldn't work.

This situation at Ramp 44 continues to be a health issue as well as an access dilemma, and the OBPA has been in contact with the National Park Service on this matter consistently. Furthermore, the OBPA has pressured the NPS about flood control which has been non-existent since Hurricane Emily in 1993.

Enough is enough. The OBPA cannot solve this problem alone and we are asking you for your help. Please contact the NPS at 252-473-2111 ext. 148 and voice your concern regarding this matter. There is power in numbers and we need all of you to tell the NPS to fix this problem now.