Cape Chronicle Newsletter - April 15, 2020

April 15, 2020 Posted by: Mike Barber

Abridged edition of the Cape Chronicle e-newsletter. To subscribe to the full e-newsletter, email e-mail us.

Photos of the Week



On April 12^th, beachgoers and Seashore staff spotted a sandbar roughly a quarter mile south of Cape Point. The sandbar was visible in the hours near low tide, but not visible at high tide.


Over the last couple of days, it has been impossible to determine whether the sandbar is still around due to rough ocean conditions.

Seashore Updates

• Seasonal off-road vehicle (ORV) routes closed this morning. The seasonal routes will reopen on October 15. For current beach access information, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. ORV permits can be purchased online at www.recreation.gov.

• At this time, all indoor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are currently closed in order to minimize potential spread of COVID-19, consistent with federal, state, and local advisories.

• Outdoor spaces remain open for the purposes of activities described under North Carolina’s Executive Order 121 (FAQs) and Dare County’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” declaration. As services are limited, the Seashore urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy. All beachgoers should not gather in groups of more than 10 people and should practice adequate social distancing. Seashore Rangers are patrolling the beaches to ensure visitors are meeting the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.

• The 2020 camping season is postponed until further notice.

• The 2020 lighthouse climbing season is postponed until further notice.

• A ‘Find Your Virtual Park’ website was created recently by the National Park Service. Don’t let staying at home stop you from making a virtual visit to your national parks. Learn about the Seashore on our website and keep checking our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for updates and fun information. Then download the passport stamp to add to your collection.

Upcoming Events

On April 10, the National Park Service published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for sediment management at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The purpose of the EIS is to develop a streamlined framework for implementing sediment management at the Seashore, including the method, location, and frequency for sediment management actions that may be permitted over the next 20 years. [News Release]

The National Park Service is requesting public input in developing the EIS for sediment management activities at the Seashore. Public participation is an important part of the planning process. Next week there are four virtual public meetings scheduled via webinar. You are invited to attend these meetings to learn more about the project scope, issues, and alternatives.

Virtual Public Meeting Schedule

Webinar 1

• April 20, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7548762357282348557
• Webinar ID: 449-480-987

Webinar 2

• April 21, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8685229670379605517
• Webinar ID: 788-190-091

Webinar 3

• April 22, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3125413884600066573
• Webinar ID: 627-583-883

Webinar 4

• April 23, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1589959090394535435
• Webinar ID: 546-626-443

For additional information on the EIS process, including how to submit comments, visit: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CAHAsediment.

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