RALEIGH - State parks officials will take advantage of a change in daylight-saving time to extend operating hours in the spring and fall, according to a news release by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Beginning March 1, state parks and recreation areas will close no earlier than 8 p.m. during March, April, May and October. In past years, most state parks closed at 7 p.m. during those months. The closing time at most state parks in June through September is 9 p.m., although some areas and facilities, such as swimming areas and visitor centers, close earlier.

The changeover to daylight-saving time will occur March 9 this year rather than the first weekend in April as a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Congress is expected to determine whether to continue this extension of daylight-saving time after reviewing its effect.

State parks open at 8 a.m. A complete schedule of operating hours for all state parks and facilities is available on the parks system's Web site, www.ncparks.gov.