04/04/2012

The Outer Banks Voice Park Service sets beach driving permit prices Rob Morris | February 1, 2012 A plan designates areas for beach driving. (NPS) Driving on the beach at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will cost $50 for a seven-day permit and a $120 for a year. The fees were announced Wednesday as the National Park Service prepares to put new rules for beach driving into effect Feb. 15. Originally mandated by a presidential directive in the 1970s, management of access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore went through a years-long process before the final rule for off-road vehicle use was published on Jan. 23. The rule restricts driving to designated areas to protect shorebirds and vegetation. Permits will be available beginning on Feb. 15 at three NPS ORV permit offices — Coquina... 02/01/2012

Many of you might not know that for the last few years the residents of Hatteras Island and all of us on the Outer Banks have been fighting to keep the beaches on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore open to the public. For over 100 years residents and tourists alike have enjoyed open access to all of the beaches along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore from just north of Oregon Inlet the tip of Ocracoke. Those beaches provide some of the best surfing and surf fishing found anywhere along the east coast. Now the highly connected and deep pocketed Audubon Society and a group called the Defenders of Wildlife have decided that they want the beaches closed forever. A few years ago they were able to exploit a loophole in the Park Service Off Road Vehicle Management Plan and convinced a Judge... 09/07/2010

For the last few years the Outer Banks has been under attack from a group of well funded and connected evniromentalist that want to close all public access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. All of this over a bird, the Piping Plover, which is not endangered by the way. The Piping Plover has thrived on the Outer Banks long before the environmentalist turned the Plover into their poster child for getting the beaches closed. So far they have prevailed in getting the beaches partially closed throughout most of the year. For over 100 years the public has had free access to drive out onto Seashore beaches to fish, surf, or just spend a relaxing day at the beach. The fight is coming to a head and soon a final decision will be reached. If the Seashore is closed it will have a devastating impa... 04/15/2010

Outer Banks' NC 12 Highway is Nationally Acclaimed for Scenic Beauty as reported by Catherine Kozak in The Virginian-Pilot. Of course anyone who has ever visited the Outer Banks and driven from Corolla and Duck then through Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head can tell you all about it. Once a visitor arrives at the south of Nags Head and begins the drive into Cape Hatteras National Seashore. the real treat begins. You will understand why the Outer Banks' NC 12 Highway is Nationally Acclaimed for Scenic Beauty. The drive takes you past Bodie Island Lighthouse and on to Oregon Inlet. The real adventure begins as you drive over the bridge and on to Hatteras Island. If you have ever visited the Outer Banks you know it doesn't take a national designation from the Federal Highway Admin... 10/24/2009

I have resigned my membership in the Defenders of Wildlife, an organization whose efforts to save wolves from vicious aerial shooting I have supported for over a decade.  Those who know me are aware of my love for all animals.  But I believe their misguided participation in the beach closings on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore "consent decree" has damaged our culture, our economy and our wildlife.  Over the 4th of July weekend, 67% of the beaches along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore had no access.  The next weekend the number rose to 70%.  After the first full year of the "consent decree" results are down for the oystercatcher and the piping plover.  Cape Point, our prized surf fishing destination, inaccessible!  For generations this environment has been treated with love and r... 08/31/2009

  Well the Outer Banks has done it again this year with the beach at Cape Hatteras making Dr. Beaches Top 10 List of America's Best Beaches. It is no secret that the Outer Banks from Corolla to Ocracoke provide some of the most breathtaking and natural scenery anywhere on the east coast. It's the reason why over 5 million tourists a  make the Outer Banks their vacation destination each year. In fact in 2007 the beaches on Ocracoke came in at #1 by Dr. Beach in 2007, the first time any beach outside the state of Hawaii or Florida was awarded the top honor. Living the beach life surrounded by all that nature has to offer makes the Outer Banks an ideal setting to vacation, own a 2nd home, invest in rental property, or to live year round. To learn more about  owning a piece of the Outer Ban... 05/28/2009

A Federal Judge in Elizabeth City got fed up with dealing with rowdy drivers on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore - so he condemned driving on the beach.  The national park service is not really accepting the Judges word as the gospel so they are still allowing motorist to cruise (except for turtle nesting areas and piping plover nesting areas).  You can read all of the juicy details and even link to a local message board to see what others have to say. 07/19/2007

If you were planning on loading up and lighting fireworks on Hatteras Island, you might want to think again.  The Dare County Commissioners voted to ban all fireworks on Hatteras Island (Virginian Pilot Article).  Sounds like there were recently some close calls so they have now passed an ordinance.  In Southern Shores, there are signs all over the place stating that fireworks are illegal - especially the flying or exploding type (what is the point of having fireworks that don't fly or explode?).  You would not know that over the summer - especially the week of the 4th of July.   03/20/2007