CONTACT: Cyndy Holda, Public Affairs Specialist, 252-473-2111, ext. 148
Update on ORV Management Plan Implementation
at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The final special regulation for the management of off-road vehicle (ORV)
use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) became effective on
February 15, 2012. The new ORV management plan and regulation designate
ORV routes (areas where ORV use is authorized) in a manner that will
protect and preserve the unique natural and cultural resources of this
dynamic barrier ecosystem while permitting the use of vehicles on Seashore
beaches and provide a variety of safe visitor experiences while minimizing
conflicts among various users.
The requirement to obtain and display an ORV special use permit when
driving on the designated ORV routes went into effect February 15. In order
to provide the public with ample time to obtain a permit, there is a
transition period between February 15 and March 15. Individuals in ORVs on
the beach without an ORV permit (weekly or yearly) will be contacted by
park rangers and advised of the permit requirement and where to obtain the
permit. If the same operator is contacted a second time during the
transition period, they may be issued a written warning. If contacted a
third time during the transition period, they may be issued a violation
notice. Failure to obtain a permit is considered a petty offense under
Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Person issued a violation
notice have the option of appearing in U.S. District Court or paying the
$150.00 fine by mail.
ORV permits are available at the following locations: Coquina Beach, the
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor
Center. The permit offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
year-round, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, with expanded hours on
weekends and holidays during the summer season. The cost of an annual
permit (valid for the calendar year) is $120. A 7-day ORV permit (valid
from the date issued) costs $50.
This week posts were installed on the beach to distinguish between the
designated ORV routes and the vehicle free areas where recreational ORV use
is prohibited, and new regulation information signs were installed at ORV
ramps. Now that the routes are marked and signs are installed, NPS rangers
will begin to enforce compliance with the designated routes and other ORV
requirements, such as the 15 mph speed limit. The interactive Google Earth
map on the park website has been updated to show current access status on
the designated ORV routes and vehicle free areas. The map is available at:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm
For more information about the regulation and its requirements, the NPS has
prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) information sheet and a map
showing designated ORV routes as well as pedestrian areas where ORVs are
not authorized. The FAQ and map are now available on the Seashore’s
website located at:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm
or by calling 252-473-2111 ext. 148.
