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


              Cape Hatteras National Seashore Night Driving

                   Restrictions Go Into Effect May 1st

Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that in accordance with the new
Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Plan for Cape Hatteras National Seashore
(Seashore), night beach driving restrictions for ORV use on Seashore ocean
beaches go into effect Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 at 9:00 p.m.  From May 1 –
September 14, ORV routes on ocean beaches are closed to ORVs from 9:00 p.m.
to 7:00 a.m. during the sea turtle nesting season.  Beginning September 15
to November 15, 2012, ORV routes will reopen when there are no sea turtle
nests remaining on that route or portion of the route.

In addition, from May 1 to November 15, beach fires are limited to the
following ocean beaches adjacent to:
  Coquina Beach parking lot
  The villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and
     Hatteras
  Ocracoke Day Use area

In general, fires are allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and a fire
permit is required.  To obtain the free beach fire permit, visit one of the
three ORV permit offices, any of the park campgrounds or visitor centers,
or available on-line at:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/beach-fire-permit.  The beach fire
permit is valid only when a responsible adult (18 years of age or older) is
present. Fires, no greater than 3 feet in diameter, may be ignited and
maintained seaward of the ocean dune, below the high tide line and at least
50 feet from any vegetation. Fires cannot be left unattended and must be
completely extinguished (cold to touch) upon termination of use. Clean
area of all trash before leaving the beach and remember the “pack in/pack
out” practice of leaving national seashore beaches in a clean and safe
condition for the next visitor.

As the turtle nesting season proceeds, park visitors will encounter
localized sea turtle nest protection areas. These areas are posted on-site
and closed to ORVs, pedestrians, and pets. Fireworks and metal detectors
are prohibited. Pets must be on leashed at all times.

For further information, please call (252) 473-2111 ext. 148 or check
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm