From now on, access to this point in the Outer Banks will require a pass. Photo: Mickey 2M McCarthy
New rules went into effect on February 15th that made it illegal to drive on the open beaches of Hatteras Island unless you have the mandatory $150.00 yearly or a $50.00 weekly permit. Even with these permits, huge areas will still be off limits during nesting season. Unfortunately, these stretches of pristine beach boast some of the best surf spots on the East Coast.
The $150 yearly permit won’t affect avid surfers and fishermen who drive on the beaches all the time too drastically, but the $50 weekly permit tells a different story. This permit expires one week after it’s issued, so if you’re a day tripper who drives down to ride on the beach and surf a few times a year it will be $50 a pop.
These new restrictions on beach access were forced upon the National Park Service by the Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. It seems that these organizations could care less about the people who live in and visit our beautiful Outer Banks. They don’t seem to take the interests of the small towns and people who have lived here for generations very seriously.
The Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAP) has filed a lawsuit against Federal Government Agencies in US District Court for the District of Columbia in an effort to stop the Park Service from implementing its off-road vehicle management plan.
If you would like more info on this important issue please visit islandfreepress.org or outerbanksvoice.com.
