Share Your Vision of the Park's Future! Participate in developing our General Management Plan (GMP) 
August 14, 2009 - All National Parks are required to have an approved General Management Plan (GMP) that will act as a guide for making management decisions over the next 20 years. Public input is essential throughout all phases of the development process. Assateague's new GMP will provide a framework to guide decisions for natural and cultural resource protection, appropriate types and levels of visitor activities, and appropriate facility development. The plan will articulate the park's mission, purpose, and significance, and define the resource conditions and visitor experiences that should be achieved and maintained over time. The plan will consider Assateague both as a unit of the National Park system and in a broader ecosystem context that includes the surrounding region. Superintendent Trish Kicklighter and NPS staff invite the public to participate in developing this plan. There will be a number of opportunities for the public to contribute ideas and concerns about the seashore and help and help shape its future. Follow the link below to explore the GMP documents developed to date including a newsletter, scheduled meetings, and opportunities to submit your comments.
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Assateague Island National Seashore Accomplishments (PDF file, 33kb)
"It has been quite a year, the 92nd since the American people entrusted us with the care of their national parks. In that time, the parks have grown more numerous, our mission more complicated, and our commitment to serving the public more intense. I am so proud of the dedicated men and women of the National Park Service and so grateful to our many partners who stand with us every day."
-Mary A. Bomar, Director
2008 Director's Report

Alternative Transportation Study - Public Meeting, January 17, 2009 (PDF file, 13kb)
December 18, 2009 - Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to conduct an alternative transportation study. The study, which began in August and is estimated to last approximately one year, aims to objectively analyze different ways to address transportation problems - including beach access, traffic, and parking. The research study will be informed by ideas and comments from the public, as well as analysis of data and information about traffic, transportation, and other factors. A public meeting will be held on January 17, so that interested parties have a chance to communicate directly with the study team.

Historic Context Study of Waterfowl Hunting Camps and Related Properties within Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia (PDF file, 373kb)
Assateague Island National Seashore possesses numerous cultural resources. Among them are eleven identified standing “waterfowl hunting camps.” To help determine the significance of these resources, and as part of a larger Determination of Eligibility Study, Eshelman & Associates was contracted to complete a Historic Context Study. A four-phase plan was undertaken to complete this project: a) research, b) field work, c) preliminary draft and review and, d) revision and submission of final historic context study.

OSV & Backcountry Users Survey (PDF file, 3.6 MB)
This report describes the results of Assateague Island National Seashore’s Oversand Vehicle (OSV) and Backcountry visitor telephone survey conducted from November 2007 to January 2008. Surveys were administered to a total of 43 OSV users and Backcountry area users. The goals of this study were to (1) gather information about user attitudes regarding current management practices of the OSV zone and backcountry camping areas and (2) provide data for a more in-depth written survey to be administered following completion of this report.

Alternative Transportation Planning
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to begin an alternative transportation study. The study, which is estimated to take about one year to complete, aims to objectively analyze different ways to address transportation problems - including beach access, traffic, and parking.
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Alternative Transportation Study: Initial Public Meetings will be held October 16, 2008  (PDF file, 22kb)
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to begin an alternative transportation study. We need your help in gathering information.

Long Range Transportation Plan (PDF file, 52kb)
The Northeast Region of the National Park Service is developing a Long Range Transportation Plan to identify future transportation needs and investment strategies for the region’s parks and their transportation interface with surrounding communities.

National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service target invasive plant infestations on Assateague Island (PDF file, 24kb)
August 4, 2008 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley today announced plans for controlling Phragmites australis (common reed) infestations on Assateague Island. Phragmites has dramatically increased in abundance on Assateague Island during recent years, displacing native plant communities and reducing habitat values. The variety of Phragmites that occurs on the island is non-native and highly invasive.

Feral Horse Management at Assateague Island National Seashore (PDF file, 385 kb)
Assateague Island National Seashore proposes to develop and assess the environmental consequences of several alternatives for long-term management of the Assateague feral horses.

Assateague Island National Seashore Administrative History (PDF file, 810kb)
Initial chapter traces events leading to seashore establishment; subsequent topical chapters address land acquisition, planning, relations with other agencies, physical development, resources management, and public use. Appendix includes legislation, personnel roster, visitation statistics.

Long Range Interpretive Plan (PDF file, 986kb)
The Long Range Interpretive Plan is an effective and efficient interpretive plan that achieves management goals, provides appropriate services, and promotes appropriate audience experiences. While it considers past interpretive programming, it is primarily a forward-looking document that concentrates on actions needed to create or sustain a vigorous and effective interpretive program for the future.

PWC Regulations at Assateague Island National Seashore
Effective May 1, 2000 all waters within the boundary of Assateague Island National Seashore are closed to personal watercraft (PWC). Approved PWC travel routes for access to the island are shown on the following maps:
Personal Watercraft (PWC) entire island (606kb, PDF file)
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Maryland (292kb, PDF file)
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Virginia (171kb, PDF file)