NPS Announces First Major Closures Under Consent Decree

The following temporary closures of popular areas were put into place last week in accordance with the requirements of the consent decree issued by the U.S. District Court:

1. Bodie Island Spit – A 150 meter buffer is required for an American oystercatcher breeding area located approximately 50 meters from the ocean in a narrow section of beach north of the spit.  The buffer will preclude ORV and pedestrian access along the ocean shoreline.  The NPS is evaluating an option for a pedestrian bypass, outside the buffer, through the interior of the spit to reach sections of the spit/shoreline that are otherwise open to recreational use, but currently an appropriate option does not exist due to flooded conditions. The NPS will continue to work on the pedestrian by-pass option.  Ramp 4 north to Ramp 2 is open for 2 miles to ORV and pedestrian access until May 15th when the seasonal closure in front of Coquina Beach goes into effect.
2. Cape Point – A 100 meter buffer is required for a least tern breeding area that is occurring approximately 80 to 90 meters from the ocean near the eastern edge of the Cape Point pre-nesting area, adjacent to the ORV corridor on the northeast side of the Point.  The 100 meter buffer will preclude access along the shoreline.  There currently is not an alternative access option around the buffer; however, the NPS will continue to evaluate the situation daily. 
3. South Ocracoke – A 50 meter buffer is required for breeding adult piping plovers that are foraging on the northeast side of the pre-nesting area. A piping plover nest has been established nearby (within the pre-nesting area).  Adult piping plover are repeatedly foraging on the adjacent shoreline in the 100 foot ORV corridor.  There currently is no alternate route option available; however, the NPS will continue to evaluate the situation daily.  Ramp 72 north to Ramp 70 is open for approximately 1.8 miles to ORV and pedestrian access.