November 05, 2008
Information Available on NPS ORV Management Alternatives
Superintendent Mike Murray announces that information about off-road vehicle (ORV) management alternatives being considered by the National Park Service (NPS) for Cape Hatteras National Seashore has been provided to the Seashore’s ORV management negotiated rulemaking advisory committee.
November 04, 2008
Summary of Options from Workbook Comments Available to Public
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the summary of options from the preliminary Alternative Options Workbook (Workbook) for the Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement is available to the public.
October 30, 2008
Public Comment Period Opens For Review Of Environmental Assessment For The Relocation Of Bodie Island U.S. Coast Guard Station Complex
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the National Park Service (NPS) will seek public comments on the Environmental Assessment for the proposed relocation of the Bodie Island U.S. Coast Guard Station Complex at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Complex is comprised of the 1879 U.S. Life-Saving Station, the 1916 Boat House, and the 1925 U.S. Coast Guard Station. Cape Hatteras National Seashore proposes to relocate these three structures to a nearby site on Bodie Island to protect the structures from encroachment of the Atlantic Ocean and shoreline erosion.
October 23, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for October 23 2008
As of October 23rd, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 110 nests have hatched or been removed. There are 3 nests left on Hatteras Island (none in ORV use areas). No new turtle nest closures will be installed for the rest of the 2008 season.
October 22, 2008
National Park Service 2008 Visitor Survey Card Reports
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the results of annual visitor surveys for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial are available on-line.
October 16, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for October 16 2008
As of October 16th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 106 nests have hatched or been removed. There are 6 nests left on Hatteras Island (1 in ORV use area), and 1 on Ocracoke Island (none in ORV use areas.) No new turtle nests closures will be installed for the rest of the 2008 season.
October 09, 2008
FACILITY MANAGER SELECTED FOR THE OUTER BANKS GROUP
Superintendent Mike Murray is pleased to announce that Dennis McGinnis, a native of Manteo, was recently selected as the new Facility Manager for the National Park Service (NPS) Outer Banks Group. The Outer Banks Group includes Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in North Carolina.
October 09, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for October 9, 2008
As of September 24th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 105 nests have hatched or been removed. There are 7 nests left on Hatteras Island (2 in ORV use areas), and 1 on Ocracoke Island (none in ORV use areas.) Park visitors will find eight remaining full beach turtle closures throughout the Park.
October 02, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for October 2, 2008
As of September 24th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 104 nests have hatched or been removed. There are 7 nests left on Hatteras Island (2 in ORV use areas), and 2 on Ocracoke Island (none in ORV use areas.)
October 01, 2008
NPS Outer Banks Group Now Accepts Presidential $1 Coins
In compliance with the Presidential $1 Coin Act, the National Park Service Outer Banks Group units are now able to accept and dispense the Presidential $1 Coins in their business operations.
September 29, 2008
Update on the Negotiated Rulemaking Process
Superintendent Mike Murray announces several changes and decisions related to future meetings of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee.
September 25, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for September 25, 2008
As of September 24th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 90 nests have hatched or been removed.
September 19, 2008
Bodie Island Lighthouse Named in Top Three for JELD-WEN Restoration Initiative
Outer Banks Superintendent Mike Murray welcomed the news that Bodie Island Lighthouse has been selected as one of three finalists in this year’s JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative. Based on public polling results, Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the three nominees moving forward in the selection process. The voting process narrowed the field of twelve lighthouse finalists down to three this week.
September 18, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for September 18 2008
The 2008 bird breeding season has concluded and the sea turtle nesting season is tapering off as well. As of September 18th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 81 nests have hatched or been removed.
September 15, 2008
NPS Implements ORV Night Driving Permits on September 16 and Reopens Seasonally Closed Villages Beaches to ORV Use
Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray announced that Tuesday, September 16, 2008, two changes occur on Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches:
1) The implementation of the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) night beach driving permit begins and continues through November 15, 2008 for all beaches in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A night driving permit, signed and dated by the driver of the vehicle, must be displayed in the windshield of the vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
2) Seasonally closed village beaches reopen to ORV use.
September 15, 2008
nps offers full moon tour of the cape hatteras lighthouse on September 15 2008
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of September 15.
September 15, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for September 11 2008
Beginning on September 15th, visitors will see an increase in full beach turtle closures throughout the Park. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, all sea turtle nest that have reached their “hatch window” of day 50 will be protected with a full beach closure (dunes to surf) until that particular nest hatches. Nests that reach 50 days of incubation after September 15th will also be protected by full beach closures
September 07, 2008
NPS Operations and Facilities Resume Normal Hours
Superintendent Mike Murray announced that on Sunday, September 7, 2008 by 1:00 p.m., all park facilities and areas of the Outer Banks Group have reopened to the public and normal operations and services have resumed.
September 06, 2008
Update on NPS Openings
As of 5:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, all areas in the national park units of the Outer Banks Group have been assessed for possible storm damage. National Park Service staff completed on-the-ground assessments of the status of facilities and beaches to determine when normal operations can be restored.
September 05, 2008
Outer Banks Group Update
All park visitor centers in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial were closed by noon on Friday, 9/05/08, and will remain closed until further notice.
September 04, 2008
NPS Visitor Centers Campgrounds and Beach Closures
The National Weather Service is predicting the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna will reach the Outer Banks Group units, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, by late Friday evening with storm conditions continuing through Saturday, September 6, 2008.
September 04, 2008
NPS Prepares for Impacts of Tropical Storm Hanna
In preparation of the possible effects of Tropical Storm Hanna, the National Park Service has taken preliminary steps that affect park operations and facilities and provide the following information to the visiting public and local communities.
September 03, 2008
NPS Releases Park Administrative History Document
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the release of the National Park Service publication, The Creation and Establishment of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina.
September 03, 2008
NPS ORV Negotiated Rulemaking Assessment Survey Available to the Public
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the Assessment Survey of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Negotiated Rulemaking Committee report has been released and is available to the public.
August 29, 2008
NIGHT BEACH DRIVING PERMITS AVAILABLE
National Park Service Superintendent Mike Murray has announced that night beach driving permits will be required for off-road vehicle use on all Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean beaches between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from September 16 to November 15.
August 29, 2008
NPS LIFEGUARD BEACH OPERATIONS AND CAPE POINT CAMPGROUND CLOSE FOR THE SEASON REDUCED CLIMBING HOURS FOR CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE
Cape Hatteras National Seashore lifeguard beach operations will close Monday, September 1st at 6:00 p.m. for the 2008 season. In addition, the Cape Point campground closes on Monday, September 1st at 12 noon; however, Frisco and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds remain open until October 13th and Ocracoke Campground remains open until October 27th.
August 29, 2008
National Park Service Announces Fall Program Schedule and Visitor Center Hours
The National Park Service Outer Banks Group will offer a variety of free ranger-led programs this fall at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Wright Brothers National Memorial and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Programs will begin on Tuesday, September 2 and run through Tuesday, September 30. All programs are free.
August 29, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 28 2008
On August 26, 2008, the ocean shoreline of Bodie Island Spit, from Ramp 4 south for 2.1 miles to Oregon Inlet, reopened to ORV and pedestrian access.
August 27, 2008
Access Update for Bodie Island Spit
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that Bodie Island Spit reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) access.
August 21, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 21 2008
On August 18, 2008, the ocean shoreline of South Point on Ocracoke Island, from Ramp 72 south for 1.5 miles, reopened to ORV and pedestrian access. The pre-nesting closure, established in late March of 2008 and includes the interior sections of the point, will remain in place and is posted accordingly. ORV traffic is permitted from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. The nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
August 19, 2008
Beach access update for south point on ocracoke island
Deputy Superintendent Darrell Echols announced today the reopening of South Point on Ocracoke Island for off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective August 18, 2008.
August 15, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 14 2008
On August 14, 2008, south of Ramp 4 approximately 1.0 mile of additional ocean shoreline was opened for pedestrian access only on Bodie Island Spit. Two American Oystercatcher chicks continue to forage along the shoreline and the area will remain closed to ORV traffic until both chicks are fully fledged. In addition, 1.2 miles south of Ramp 27 and 0.5 of a mile north of Ramp 30 approximately 0.5 mile of ocean shoreline was opened for a pedestrian corridor through a resource protection area where three American Oystercatcher chicks remain. The area will remain closed to ORV traffic until all chicks are fully fledged. Both areas are posted.
August 08, 2008
NPS OFFERS FULL MOON TOUR OF THE CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE ON AUGUST 16
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of August 16.
August 07, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 7 2008
On August 6, 2008, approximately 0.8 of a mile west of Ramp 45 and 0.2 of a mile east of Ramp 45 reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) and pedestrian access on Hatteras Island. On Ocracoke Island, 1.1 miles of ocean shoreline reopened to ORV and pedestrian access but the discovery of a least tern chick with adults prevented reopening the entire point.
August 07, 2008
AUGUST 7 2008 ACCESS UPDATE FOR SOUTH POINT ON OCRACOKE ISLAND AND RAMP 45 IN BUXTON
While in the process of reopening South Point on Ocracoke Island today, an unfledged least tern chick with adults was discovered approximately 1.5 miles south of Ramp 72, which forced the re-closure of a portion of the area.
August 06, 2008
Access Update for South Point on Ocracoke Island
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that South Point on Ocracoke Island reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective August 5, 2008.
August 01, 2008
NPS TO CLOSE LIFEGUARDED BEACH IN BUXTON
Cape Hatteras National Seashore life guarded beach in Buxton will close beginning Monday, August 04, 2008, due to the unexpected loss of seasonal staff.
August 01, 2008
Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet Tour
This coming Monday, August 4 will be celebrated nationally as Coast Guard Day – the anniversary of the 1790 establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service, forbearer of today's USCG.
August 01, 2008
NCBBA Offers Reward for Apprehension of Deliberate Resource Closure Violations
In support of the National Park Service’s attempts to apprehend violators of park resource closures, Jim Keene, President of North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) announced today that his organization is offering a $1000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person/s involved in a deliberate act of vandalism in a resource protection area within the jurisdiction of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
July 31, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 31 2008
****All mileages are approximate****
July 31, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 31 2008
The East side of Cape Point reopened on July 29, 2008 to off-road vehicle (ORV) access. The area is now open to ORV traffic from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. The nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from May 1 to November 15 from 10:00 pm until 6 am. NPS is in the process of developing a permit to allow night driving between September 16 and November 15.
July 31, 2008
A Sixth Deliberate Violation of Resource Protection Area
On the morning of July 30, 2008, NPS turtle patrol observed all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tracks inside the posted bird closure located approximately 1.8 miles south of Ramp 23. After entering the closure the unauthorized ATV had driven high on the beach through a least tern nesting area.
July 30, 2008
NPS Launches New ORV Information Brochure with Partners
In partnership with the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA), the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA) and the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, the National Park Service announced today the completion and distribution of a new off-road vehicle (ORV) brochure for the visiting public.
July 29, 2008
Access Update for the East Side of Cape Point
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the east side of Cape Point has reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective immediately.
July 28, 2008
A Deliberate Violation of Resource Protection Area for Least Tern Colony with Chicks and Nests
On 7/26/08 a closure violation occurred at the least tern colony north of Ramp 27. The violation most likely occurred between 0200 (approximate last high tide) and 0800, when it was discovered by park staff.
July 25, 2008
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TEMPORARY FIRE BAN LIFTED
Superintendent Michael Murray announced today that Cape Hatteras National Seashore has lifted the park-wide open burning ban on all the beaches in Dare and Hyde counties.
July 25, 2008
Bodie Island Lighthouse Competes for Restoration Initiative
The National Park Service announced today the Bodie Island Lighthouse is competing for funding through the JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative.
July 24, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 24 2008
**** All mileages are approximate****
July 24, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 24 2008
Two areas of interest that reopened this week:
Ramp 44 reopened on July 22 and there is ORV access south to the southern end of the “bypass” area. South of that is open to pedestrian access to the end of Cape Point.
Hatteras Spit reopened on July 24 and there is ORV and pedestrian access south from the southern terminus of the Pole Road on the ocean shoreline, around the tip of the Spit to “the Rip” and along the sound shoreline. The area is experiencing a high rate of shoreline erosion and will be monitored daily. It is highly probable that at mid-tide, sections of the shoreline will be impassible and, therefore, it may become necessary to install a safety closure for ORVs.
July 24, 2008
National Park Service Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and NOAA Partners Provide Unique Opportunity for Students
The National Park Service, in partnership with the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and NOAA U.S.S. Monitor Marine Sanctuary, recently sponsored a week long Shipwreck Archaeological Workshop (SAW) in Hatteras, North Carolina for 8th – 12th grade students.
July 21, 2008
NPS Seining Program
National Park Service Ranger Matt Daniel (left)and North Carolina Coastal Federation Outreach Specialist Sara Hallas (second from left) teach Outer Banks visitors Gabriel and Jeffrey Ehrenberg of New Milford, CT about the wonders of the Pamlico Sound estuaries during a NPS seining program this past Wednesday.
July 21, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 17 2008
**** All mileages are approximate****
July 18, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 17 2008
*Bold, blue print = updated news.
**Report resource protection area violations to:
Dare Central Communications Center: 252-473-3444
Hyde County Dispatch: 252-928-3171
Ocracoke Sheriff Dept: 252-928-7301
During the remainder of July, August and September, park visitors will experience a shift in the resource protection areas as birds fledge and sea turtle nests approach their expected hatch dates. As experienced in 2007 under the Interim Strategy, and again this season, some full beach closures will be implemented as turtle nest approach “day 50” (from the date when the nest was laid) in expectation of hatching. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, beginning September 15, all sea turtle nests that have reached their hatch window at day 50 will result in full beach closures.
July 11, 2008
Junior Ranger Program
Sienna Nambo of Houston, Texas proudly displays a vest adorned with National Park Service Junior Ranger patches that she earned during her visits to various national park sites.
July 11, 2008
NPS Offers July Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of July 18.
July 11, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 10 2008
**** All mileages are approximate****
July 11, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 10 2008
Beginning this week, the ORV Access Mileage list will accompany the weekly Beach Access Report as a separate attached document. This is an effort to provide a concise, simplified list of approximate ORV access, north and south of existing ramps. In both reports, the mileages, distances and descriptions in both reports are APPROXIMATE and reflect the best information available at the time the weekly reports are prepared. The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report. Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field. All resource protection areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers.
July 03, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 3 2008
The mileages, distances and descriptions in this report are approximate and reflect the best information available at the time the report is prepared. The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report. Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field. All resource protection areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers.
June 30, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report Update for June 27 2008
On Friday, June 27, 2008, a resource protection area 1.2 south of Ramp 55 was removed after no American Oystercatcher breeding activity had been observed in two weeks.
June 26, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 26 2008
News on the “water boundary” issue: We frequently hear the question – “Can I walk in the water around a full beach closure to access those stretches of beach that are open beyond the closure (with restricted access)?” According to the DOI Solicitor’s Office, from a legal point of view, the NPS jurisdictional boundary on the ocean shoreline, in most cases, is the mean low water mark. However, “on the ground” in the field, when it is NOT low tide, it is not clear how the public, (or the rangers who enforce the regulations for that matter) can determine the exact location of mean low tide at that precise time. For all practical purposes, unless otherwise posted*, passage by a resource closure is permitted if the closure is small enough in length for a person to see the opposite posted boundary (less than a half mile) and if one is able to walk at least knee deep in the low tide (surf) zone the entire distance and re-enter into an open area.
June 26, 2008
Vandalism of Shorebird Closure Fencing
A new act of vandalism/trespass to posted shorebird protection areas has occurred at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this time on Bodie Island Spit just north of Oregon Inlet. On Sunday, June 22, 2008, Seashore staff discovered damaged fencing and off-road vehicle tire tracks that violated three resource protection areas that were in place south of Ramp 4 towards the inlet.
June 24, 2008
NPS Coquina Beach Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are on duty at Coquina Beach (Nags Head), as well as Lighthouse Beach (Buxton) and Ocracoke Day Use Area from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day.
June 19, 2008
NPS TEMPORARY FIRE BAN ON SEASHORE BEACHES
Superintendent Michael Murray announced today that Cape Hatteras National Seashore will comply with the temporary fire ban on all open burning in Hyde County and unincorporated areas of Dare County.
June 19, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 19 2008
Comments on whether to streamline the Beach Access Report or “leave as is” were equally divided; 50 percent wanted it simplified showing only what is open and what is closed; 50 percent stated they wanted the report kept in its entirety to preserve the historical data of what opened and closed and when. These completely different views are very indicative of the ORV issue at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We’ll take your comments into consideration. The format will stay the same this week.
June 17, 2008
MONUMENT TO OPEN FOLLOWING RESTORATION PROVIDED BY FIRST FLIGHT FOUNDATION
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the renovation of the monument at Wright Brothers National Memorial has been completed thanks to the outstanding efforts of the First Flight Foundation, a key partner of the National Park Service (NPS) at the National Memorial.
June 16, 2008
Base of Bodie Island and Ocracoke Lighthouses to Open for Viewing
As a special treat for Outer Banks visitors this summer, National Park Service Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray has announced that the bases of the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for public viewing.
June 16, 2008
NPS Take Me Fishing Program
Victoria Fan, of Dublin, Ohio, proudly displays her “prized” catch of a small Hogfish that she caught with the help of Ranger Brian Przystawski at a National Park Service interpretive fishing program this past Thursday
June 12, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 12 2008
With the availability of the Google Earth maps, we are considering streamlining the Beach Access Report next week to show only what areas are open and what areas are closed with the related mileages. We would remove all the “history” and prenesting closure language out of the report. If you feel strongly, either for or against this simplification of the Beach Access Report, please feel free to send a brief email to cyndy_holda@nps.gov stating your reasons. We appreciate your comments.
June 10, 2008
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR REVIEW OF OCRACOKE ISLAND MULTI-USE TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comments on the Ocracoke Island Multi-Use Trail Environmental Assessment. The NPS proposes to work cooperatively with North Carolina’s Department of Transportation to construct a paved, multi-use trail on Ocracoke Island within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
June 10, 2008
NPS Offers Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse June 18
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of June 18.
