All vehicles traveling on Padre Island National Seashore must be street legal and licensed. Texas beaches are public highways and all traffic laws apply, including seat belt regulations. You must turn around at that point and drive 60 miles back north to reach the park paved road. It is not possible to drive all the way down to South Padre Island due to this waterway. South Beach (and driving) ends at the Port Mansfield Channel, a man-made waterway cut through the island. From that point, the park has 60 miles of beach open to driving. South Beach begins where the main park paved road ends. To get to the portion of the park where you can drive on the beach and down to the remote parts of the island, continue on the main park paved road (Park Road 22) past Malaquite Visitor Center until the pavement ends. Malaquite Beach, which is in front of the Malaquite Visitor Center, is part of Closed Beach. Only one portion of the park's beach is closed to driving, and that is Closed Beach. Before you explore the island in search of its wonderful mysteries and the awesome solitude it provides, please read the helpful tips that are written below. One way to do this is to travel down-island into the park's most remote areas, which are only accessible with a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle. Many people come to the National Seashore to escape the pressures of urban life and to experience the beauty of nature in isolation. The cost for a private wrecker down island can be several hundred to several thousand dollars. The NPS does not tow non-government vehicles. This office also leads the fee collection program in the park.Ĭontact the division of Visitor & Resource Protection.Beach driving is at your own risk! A high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle is needed to explore most of the island. NPS law enforcement rangers work with other federal, state and local agencies to provide for visitor and resource protection in the park. They're in charge of emergency medical services, search and rescue, structural and wildland fire, and law enforcement. Padre Island's law enforcement rangers provide safety and security for park visitors, employees, and its resources. S&RM staff also oversee the park museum collections consisting of 3,923 artifacts and specimens.Ĭontact the division of Science & Resource Management. This office is responsible for the research and management of the park's archeology, geology, historic structures, vegetation, wildlife, air and water quality, marine debris studies and oil and gas wells. Staff in this division also assist with the state and national Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Networks.Ĭontact the division of Sea Turtle Science & Recovery. The program began thorough a bi-National recovery plan between the United States and Mexico. Sea Turtle Science & RecoveryĪs the only of its kind division is the National Park Service, staff within this office have the primary function of carrying out science and recovery efforts of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle species. They connect young visitors through Junior Ranger and curriculum-based environmental education programs.Ĭontact the division of Interpretation & Education. They write and design roadside and indoor exhibits, publications, videos, webpages, and engage with the public through social media. These rangers work in the visitor center, collect fees, and provide interpretive talks, walks, demonstrations, and community outreach programs. Staff in this division are the bridge between visitors and the park. Their work is vital to ensure the park functions properly and that visitors enjoy their experience while they are here.Ĭontact the division of Facility Management. They ensure public safety in facilities and manage facility rehabilitation and improvement projects throughout the park. Facilities Managementįacilities Management oversees the operation of maintaining campgrounds, buildings, grounds, roads, trails, and utilities. Most administration functions are managed out of park headquarters.Ĭontact the division of Administration. While their work is not often noticed directly by park visitors, it directly effects park operations and NPS employees every day. The office of Administration manages important behind the scenes programs like budget, contracting, human resources, employee housing, property management, procurement, telecommunications, and information technology. This office has the ultimate responsibility for managing a 130,434-acre park with a staff of nearly 57 National Park Service employees, a budget of approximately $6.4 million, concessions and commercial services, a safety program, all while cooperating with park partners and local communities where visitors spend an estimated $29.9 million each year.Ĭontact the Office of the Superintendent. The Office of the Superintendent is located within the park at park headquarters.
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