Cape cod
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Weymouth, MA
You will need a sticker for the beaches; some might be limited access especially if you have dogs due to the birdies.
Date: March 21, 2011
Contact: Shelley Hall, Chief Natural Resources Management , 508-957-0737
With the return of spring, piping plovers have also returned to their breeding grounds on outer Cape Cod. They are now courting and establishing territories in preparation for nesting. Piping plovers are listed as threatened under the Federal and Massachusetts Endangered Species Acts. The National Park Service carries out management of the plover at Cape Cod National Seashore.
Piping plovers are ground nesting birds and raise their flightless chicks on beaches where they are vulnerable to predators, storm tides, and human disturbance. They are particularly sensitive to the presence of dogs. They perceive dogs as predators and are more readily disturbed when a dog is approaching than when only people are approaching. An even greater threat occurs when dogs are off-leash. Most loose dogs naturally chase any movement on the beach including adult plovers and the flightless chicks, which can be killed in the process.
Kites also disturb the nesting and feeding behaviors of endangered shorebirds. Kites are perceived as large predators flying over the birds. This may scare the incubating parent off the nest, exposing the eggs to predators, hot or cold temperatures, cause nest abandonment, or disrupt feeding of the adult birds and their chicks.
To protect plovers and other ground nesting shorebirds including least terns and American oystercatcher, effective April 1 through September 30, no pets or kite flying will be permitted on Coast Guard Beach south of the former Coast Guard Station in Eastham, and at Jeremy Point in Wellfleet.
Also effective April 1, kite-surfing/boarding is prohibited on Cape Cod Bay-side beaches and Cape Cod Bay waters within the national seashore until the last chicks in the area have fledged. Additional sections of the seashore’s ocean and bayside beaches that support nesting shorebirds may also be temporally closed to pets and kites.
In areas where dogs are permitted within the national seashore, they must be leashed. Cape Cod National Seashore Chief Ranger Bob Grant would like to remind everyone that federal law requires that dogs be on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) at all times while in the seashore regardless of town regulations. Pets must be on leash to prevent them from disturbing people and other pets, from harassing wildlife, and for their own safety.
The Cape Cod National Seashore staff appreciates your cooperation and assistance.
Date: March 21, 2011
Contact: Shelley Hall, Chief Natural Resources Management , 508-957-0737
With the return of spring, piping plovers have also returned to their breeding grounds on outer Cape Cod. They are now courting and establishing territories in preparation for nesting. Piping plovers are listed as threatened under the Federal and Massachusetts Endangered Species Acts. The National Park Service carries out management of the plover at Cape Cod National Seashore.
Piping plovers are ground nesting birds and raise their flightless chicks on beaches where they are vulnerable to predators, storm tides, and human disturbance. They are particularly sensitive to the presence of dogs. They perceive dogs as predators and are more readily disturbed when a dog is approaching than when only people are approaching. An even greater threat occurs when dogs are off-leash. Most loose dogs naturally chase any movement on the beach including adult plovers and the flightless chicks, which can be killed in the process.
Kites also disturb the nesting and feeding behaviors of endangered shorebirds. Kites are perceived as large predators flying over the birds. This may scare the incubating parent off the nest, exposing the eggs to predators, hot or cold temperatures, cause nest abandonment, or disrupt feeding of the adult birds and their chicks.
To protect plovers and other ground nesting shorebirds including least terns and American oystercatcher, effective April 1 through September 30, no pets or kite flying will be permitted on Coast Guard Beach south of the former Coast Guard Station in Eastham, and at Jeremy Point in Wellfleet.
Also effective April 1, kite-surfing/boarding is prohibited on Cape Cod Bay-side beaches and Cape Cod Bay waters within the national seashore until the last chicks in the area have fledged. Additional sections of the seashore’s ocean and bayside beaches that support nesting shorebirds may also be temporally closed to pets and kites.
In areas where dogs are permitted within the national seashore, they must be leashed. Cape Cod National Seashore Chief Ranger Bob Grant would like to remind everyone that federal law requires that dogs be on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) at all times while in the seashore regardless of town regulations. Pets must be on leash to prevent them from disturbing people and other pets, from harassing wildlife, and for their own safety.
The Cape Cod National Seashore staff appreciates your cooperation and assistance.
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Marshfield, MA
http://www.nps.gov/caco/cape-cod-nat...ch-driving.htm
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
From: Out of Conntrolicut
h t t p://www.nps.gov/caco/cape-cod-national-seashore-oversand-beach-driving.htm
For 2011:
Pets will not be allowed out of ORVs in front of active piping plover nests this season. These areas will be signed. ORV users with pets, will be allowed to drive by active plover nests to access other areas of the beach where pets are permitted.
The ORV corridor at Cape Cod National Seashore is comprised of miles of unspoiled beaches managed by the National Park Service to accommodate ORV enthusiasts and other beach goers. Outlined are requirements and regulations for driving off-road at Cape Cod National Seashore. All applicable federal and state laws and regulations apply and are enforceable.
CURRENT ORV ROUTE MAPHOW TO GET A PERMIT IN PERSON:
Bring 4-wheel drive and/or self-contained vehicle (SCV) to Off-Road Permit Station at Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA for a vehicle inspection between April 10 and November 15. If not the owner of the vehicle, you must have a letter of authorization and a copy of the owner's drivers license.
Have all required safety equipment.
Show valid driver's license and registration.
View orientation program.
Pay permit fee (cash or traveler's checks in U.S. currency; Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Diner's Club .
Agree to abide by Cape Cod National Seashore regulations and the "Low and Slow" initiative.
Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
RENTAL VEHICLES PROHIBITED.
Hours:
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Seven days a week (including all holidays)
Price:
ORV Annual - $150
ORV 7-Day - $50
SCV Annual - $225
SCV 7-Day - $75
There will be up to 400 7-Day permits active at any time and 3000 annual permits available.
HOW TO GET A WEEKLY PERMIT IN ADVANCE
An Advanced Sales System is available for 7-Day permits only. Two hundred (200) of the 400 7-Day permits offered will be available through the Advanced Sales System. The remaining 200 7-Day permits will be issued, in person, on a first-come, first-served basis at the Oversand Station at Race Point.
Only 7-Day permits may be obtained through the Advanced Sales System. Weekly permits will go on sale through the Advanced Sales System in March 2011.
7-Day permits through the Advanced Sales System must be purchased at least one week before the date of issue; the completed request form, with credit card/payment information, must be received by the Oversand Office no later than seven calendar days prior to the requested issue date. More than one week may be requested through the Advanced Sales System or in person.
Call the Off-Road Information Line for station hours, current driving conditions, closures and other information: (508) 487-3698
The direct phone number to the Oversand Office is: 508- 487-2100, ext. 0927. This office is staffed daily, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, from April 10 through November 15.
When considering a 7-Day permit, be aware that as the Piping Plover population increases, the amount of ORV corridor may decrease significantly during June and July.
There will be no refunds.
Operators:
Registered owners and other operators must have a valid state operator's license; view an educational orientation program each season; and abide by all Seashore and off-road regulations.
Vehicles:
4-Wheel/All Wheel Drive Vehicles or Self-Contained recreational vehicles must have: a valid state registration, inspection sticker, insurance, tires meeting standards outlined in this brochure and all required accessory equipment.
Rental vehicles are prohibited.
Vehicles will be inspected for required accessory equipment:
Shovel: Heavy-duty shovel equal to a military folding shovel
Towing Device: Any of the following which are at least 14 feet long:
Tow Strap: 11/2"; Rope: 3/4"; Chain 5/16"; Cable 1/4"
Jack: Standard size (e.g., vehicle manufacturer's jack)
Jack Support Board: Wood: 10" x 12" x 11/2" or Plywood: 10" x 12" x 3/4"
Tire Pressure Gauge: Must register to 5 p.s.i. or lower
SCV's and pick-up truck campers must also have a fire extinguisher and permanently mounted holding tanks for gray and black water.
Spare Tire: Must meet tire standards outlined below.
Tires: All 5 tires, including the spare tire, must meet or exceed the standards outlined below. NOTE: Many newer vehicles are being produced with temporary (smaller) spare tires; be sure to carefully, physically check your spare tire size for compliance before applying for an Oversand permit. These standards are minimum acceptable tire standards.
Driving Corridor:
The Off-Road Corridor includes the beach route from Race Point Lighthouse in Provincetown to Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro. Coast Guard Beach to Longnook Beach in Truro is open for night fishing only. See designated off-road routes and definitions on the maps and diagrams. Travel may be restricted at the discretion of park rangers because of changing beach conditions and/or shorebird nesting activity.
For enjoyment of Cape Cod National Seashore's off-road route today and in future years, every operator must know, understand and abide by all seashore regulations.
All ORV traffic is limited to the backshore area of the beach, a marked corridor defined by a 10 foot offset from the spring high tide line to the berm crest at the normal high tide line. Check with rangers if in doubt. All applicable federal and state laws and regulations apply and are enforceable. Foreshore and foredune areas are off limits to ORVs EXCEPT travel in the foreshore area when passing a beach cut where no backshore portion of the beach exists. Driving through inner dune routes, posted shorebird nesting areas and lifeguard-protected beaches is prohibited.
Driving Season & Hours:
The ORV corridor is open from April 15 through November 15. Portions of the beach may be temporarily closed to driving because of changing beach conditions and/or shorebird nesting activity.
Speed Limits:
15 m.p.h. on the beach unless otherwise posted and 5 m.p.h. through self-contained camping areas and posted shorebird nesting areas.
Right of Way & Safety:
When two vehicles meet on the beach, the operator of the vehicle with the water on the right has the right of way. Riding on fenders, tailgate, roof, or any exterior portion of a vehicle not designed to carry passengers is prohibited.
Alcoholic Beverages:
All applicable State and Federal roadways laws, including OUI and open containers, will be strictly enforced.
Pets:
Pets are allowed on beaches except in posted shorebird nesting areas and lifeguard-protected areas. They are also permitted on fire roads. Pets must be leashed or otherwise caged. Please remove all pet fecal matter. Pets are not permitted on certain National Seashore bike trails, designated nature trails, fresh water pond areas, lifeguarded swimming areas, and posted shorebird nesting areas.
Parking:
Parking is permitted only on the open portion of the ORV corridor. All vehicles and boat trailers must be parked without obstructing traffic. Parking is not permitted on the inner route at the Race Point Lighthouse (north beach). Parking overnight is restricted to registered self-contained vehicles who are camping in the designated camping areas.
Boats & Personal Water Craft:
Boats may be trailered to and launched from anywhere on the ORV corridor. Personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis, Sea Doos, etc.) are prohibited anywhere within Cape Cod National Seashore.
Beach Fires:
Beach fires are by permit only. Fire permits for the ORV corridor are issued at the Oversand Station (508-487-2100 ext. 0927) from 8 AM to 4:30 PM seven days a week. Permits for Cape Cod National Seashore beaches in Truro and Provincetown are issued at Province Lands Visitor Center (open seasonally, 508-487-1256). Permits for Cape Cod National Seashore beaches in Eastham and Wellfleet are issued at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham (508-255-3421 ext. 0) Self-contained stoves or grills, using charcoal or gas are allowed without a permit.
Clean Beach:
Please leave a clean beach and only dispose trash in dumpsters at the Race Point air lot or appropriate trash receptacles.
Route Maintenance:
If your vehicle becomes stuck in the sand, you are responsible for filling in all ruts or holes and removing debris used to extricate the vehicle. Dumping trash and other debris is prohibited. Please leave no trace by packing out what you pack in.
Tire Pressure:
You are required to decrease tire pressure before entering the beach ORV. Tire pressure is critical for successful oversand driving. 11 p.s.i. is recommended. Friction may cause pressure to increase while you drive making it necessary to stop and reduce pressure again. Your beginning tire pressure should not exceed 15 p.s.i. An air compressor for inflating tires is located in the parking area between the north and south access areas at Race Point.
BEACH CAMPING IN A SELF-CONTAINED VEHICLE (SCV):
Camping is restricted to SCV permittees and allowed in SCV camping areas only on Race Point Beach. Camping is limited to 100 vehicles per night and restricted to 21 days per vehicle from July 1 through Labor Day. Variable beach conditions and temporary beach closures may result in temporary or permanent changes in the locations and boundaries of the designated camping areas. Tents and camping trailers are prohibited.
Advanced Sale System:
SCV owners have the option of purchasing 7-Day permits. These weekly SCV permits are included in the total number of 400 7-Day permits, and may be purchased in person, or through the Advanced Sale System.
The following rules apply to the Advanced Sale System:
1) SCV Annual permit holders will not be able to purchase a 7-Day SCV permit at any time.
2) The advanced sales for SCV 7-Day permits will not exceed 20 permits issued per week. Additional SCV 7-Day permits may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis as space allows.
3) Users purchasing 7-Day SCV permits or the annual SCV permit MUST remember they are not guaranteed one of the 100 spaces available on the beach.
4) There will be NO REFUNDS for weekly or annual permits purchased. Do not request weekly permits for any date prior to April 15th, or after November 9th, since the ORV corridor is open April 15th through November 15th.
5) When using the Advanced Sale System, be certain that you give all information on the request form. The contact information you give will be used to promptly inform you of the status of your permit request. It may be necessary to contact potential permittees when the 200 Advanced Sale System permit limit has been reached.
Inspection/equipment information will be included on the Advanced Sale permit request form. By indicating on the request form that one has all the required equipment, and that all 5 tires meet the ORV size requirements, the user assures compliance with equipment requirements. The limit of 100 SCV's will remain in effect, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To obtain an Advanced Sale System form, click here.
Time Limits & Holding Tank Regulations:
All self-contained beach camping spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All SCVs arriving for an overnight stay must register at the Oversand Station before going onto the beach. An overnight authorization permit will be issued at this time. If arriving after hours you must register by 9 AM the following morning.
If overnight authorizations are not renewed, the vehicle and any personal items must be removed from the beach by 4 PM on the day the authorization expires. Authorizations must be posted with the expiration date clearly visible.
SCVs may be parked in the designated areas for a maximum of 21 days during the period from July 1 through Labor Day.
SCVs MUST exit the beach after each 72 consecutive hours in order to empty holding tanks and gray water at an established septic dumping facility.
SCV reservations for July 4 and Labor Day Weekends are no longer required.
Travel to Beach & Camping Areas:
Self-contained vehicles may only travel the beach from either the Race Point north or Race Point south access ramps to the boundaries of the self-contained vehicle areas. The foredune and foreshore areas are off limits to all vehicles.
You are required to decrease tire pressure before entering the beach ORV driving corridor. Tire pressure is critical for successful off-road driving. 11 p.s.i is recommended. Friction may cause pressure to increase while you drive making it necessary to stop and reduce pressure again. Your beginning tire pressure should not exceed 15 p.s.i.
Always check tides before entering the off-road corridor. Portions of the beach may be impassable at high tide.
If you feel you are in danger of getting stuck - check your tire pressure and let air out if necessary; try backing up in your tracks before moving ahead. Do not spin tires, this will only cause the vehicle to dig in.
Do not speed - excessive speed endangers you, your vehicle, other beach users, and wildlife. Experienced beach drivers know that a slow, steady speed and correct tire pressure are more effective than faster speeds.
Always be alert for wildlife when driving on the beach - tern and plover chicks may attempt to hide in vehicle tracks when frightened.
Piping plovers, least terns and other shorebirds nest on the beaches of Cape Cod. Protection of the threatened piping plover and their habitats is administered jointly by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Signs are posted near nests and exclosures are erected around nests to protect the chicks. Please check with a ranger for current beach closures.
Seals and seal pups rest on shore. Although they may appear to be tame, these animals are wild. Please do not approach them under any circumstance - this creates stress for the seal and may cause injury to you and the animal. If you suspect an animal is injured, please contact a ranger at 508-487-2100 ext. 0928.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Providence RI
Did Race Point last weekend. Only one section is currently open due to 'Plover Infestation.' check-in is fairly painless, just watch out for Trailblazers, et all, getting stuck in the deeper sand. Air down to a minimum of 15 PSI. Good to go.
