February 15, 2012 marks the day when the National Park Service’s final rule for off-road vehicles for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore becomes effective. From that point forward, we (the people who were granted free and open access to this wonderful resource), will now have to learn some new habits about beach driving and pay a hefty fee. Moreover, the 1.7 miles of beach between Ramp 49 and the Point will become a “vehicle-free” area year-round. That area just happens to be a world known spot for fishing, shelling, surfing and beach going. A place where you feel surrounded by the ocean and all that the Outer Banks is known for. If you are one of those people who have accessed this “recreational” area and don’t agree with the ruling before us, I urge you to speak out, make yourself heard, get involved… anything but just sit there.

For a chart on year-round and seasonal ORV routes and vehicle free areas, CLICK HERE
For seven seashore maps of year-round and seasonal ORV routes, CLICK HERE.
For more on this topic, you should read Island Free Presses story HERE.