National Park Service News Release

          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  DATE:  July 16, 2013

          CONTACT: Cyndy M. Holda, Public Affairs Specialist, 252-475-9034

Ramp 43 and 44 Reopen to ORV Access

Soundside Access near Hatteras Inlet Closes

Superintendent Barclay Trimble announced today the reopening of two popular off-road vehicle ramps in the Buxton area of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  Ramps 43 and 44 reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) use on the morning of July 16, 2013 as the shorebird nesting season comes to a close in this section of the Seashore.  There is ORV access from Ramp 43 north for approximately .04 of a mile and from Ramp 44 south for approximately .05 of a mile.  There is no thru ORV access from Ramp 43 to Ramp 44 due to an existing prenesting protection area.  Pedestrians can bypass the prenesting closure in the ocean surf zone of the shoreline.  As a reminder, the nighttime restriction on beach driving is still in effect on all National Seashore beaches from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

In addition, and due to unsafe shoreline erosion conditions on the soundside of Hatteras Inlet, the “Bone Road” is closed for ORV use.  The shoreline is very narrow with a 2-3 foot escarpment and does not safely permit ORV access;  pedestrian access is permitted.

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/off-road-vehicle-use.htm

For more information, please call the Public Affairs Office at 252-475-9034 or 252-473-2111.

-NPS-