Cape Chronicle Newsletter June 20, 2019

June 20, 2019 Posted by: Mike Barber

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

Photos of the Week
 

The newest North Carolina Department of Transportation ferry, M/V Rodanthe, has arrived. Visitors will start seeing the vessel on the Hatteras-Ocracoke route later this summer. NCDOT photo.
 

View from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on August 16, 1956.

Seashore Updates

• On June 17, 1999, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse began its 2,900’ move to the southwest, saving it from the encroaching Atlantic Ocean. The relocation of the lighthouse took 23 days. Superintendent Hallac and staff hope many visitors are able to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the lighthouse move at a special event on July 1^st. The celebration event includes free lighthouse climbs throughout the day. More details are listed below in the special events section.
• The Seashore is seeking public input regarding a proposal from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry Division. NCDOT is requesting structural shoreline protection measures to mitigate for severe erosion causing damage to the ferry basin bulkhead and stacking lanes along the north end terminus of Ocracoke Island. See press release for more details, including how to submit public comments.
• Planning ahead and staying informed can often help ensure a fun and safe trip for all. View the Seashore’s safety page at http://go.nps.gov/cahasafety.
• You can now view the Oregon Inlet Marina, Oregon Inlet Campground, and Marc Basnight Bridge from the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center’s new webcam.
• A protection buffer remains in place at Cape Point to protect American oystercatcher and least tern chicks. There are also multiple piping plover chicks in the Cape Point area.
  • ORVs and pedestrians can currently travel 0.61 miles south of ORV Ramp 44. Only the last quarter mile of the Ramp 44 beach route is within the protection buffer.
  • Staff continue to monitor the Cape Point area. Once nesting activity has concluded, the protection buffer at Cape Point will be removed.
  • For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. For field summary, visit: http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary. Mileage and field summaries are updated every Thursday during the shorebird and sea turtle nesting seasons.
• Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.

Upcoming Events

Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing

• Dates: Daily until Oct 14, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing

• Dates: Daily until Oct 14, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

See Inside Ocracoke Lighthouse

• Dates: June 25-27 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
• Description: The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for viewing.

Hatteras Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move

• Dates: June 22-28 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am (daily program)
• Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
• Description: Learn about the monumental move event that happened in 1999 when the entire light station was moved 2,900 feet away from the threat of a changing shoreline.

Shaping the Barrier Islands

• Dates: June 22-28 from 3:30-4:00 pm (daily program)
• Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
• Description: Wars, wind, hurricanes, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to the island.

Fish with a Ranger (Buxton)

• Date: June 24 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
• Location: Buxton
• Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Fish with a Ranger (Rodanthe)

• Date: June 25 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
• Location: Rodanthe
• Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Especially for Kids

• Date: June 25 and June 28 from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
• Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Hands-on games or activities for kids and families all about seashore animals.

Dark Skies Over Hatteras

• Date: June 25 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Location: Ramp 43 parking area
• Description: Bring blankets and chairs for this evening of stars and stories on the beach.

Castnetting

• Date: June 26 from 9:30-11:00 am
• Location: Location varies, call to pre-register
• Description: Practice this early method of fishing still used today. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Morning Bird Walk

• Date: June 27 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
• Location: Meet at the fish cleaning tables near Ramp 44
• Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available. Bring bug spray.

Salvo Soundside Activities for Kids

• Date: June 28 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am
• Location: Salvo Sound Access (Day Use Area)
• Description: Meet at Salvo Sound Access for soundside exploration and discovery.

Ocracoke Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Pirates!

• Dates: June 24 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm and June 26 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
• Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
• Description: Learn about Blackbeard and others with a park ranger.

Barrier Island Nature

• Dates: June 24 from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm and June 27 from 2:30 am to 3:00 pm
• Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
• Description: Join a park ranger for a talk about the wild side of the park.

All About Turtles

• Dates: June 25-26 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am and June 28 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
• Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
• Description: Activities for all ages.

Ocracoke History

• Dates: June 25 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm and June 27 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am
• Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
• Description: Learn about the island’s rich past.

Banker Ponies

• Dates: June 26-27 from 9:00-9:30 am
• Location: Ocracoke Pony Pasture
• Description: Meet the ponies unique to Ocracoke! Bring bug spray.

Birds and Beaches of Ocracoke

• Date: June 28 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
• Location: Meet at public parking lot adjacent to campground
• Description: Join a ranger for an island exploration. Fun for all ages! Bring bug spray.

Inclement weather may impact lighthouse climbs and other interpretive programming.

Special Events
Beach Cleanup Volunteer Event

• Dates: June 22
• Description: On June 22, from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) and the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association will host drop-in volunteer beach cleanup efforts. More details. The Seashore will host volunteer beach cleanup events at the following locations:
  • Coquina Beach Access on Bodie Island (meet park staff at the bathhouse)
  • Old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Site on Hatteras Island (meet park staff in the parking lot)
  • Ocracoke Beach Access (meet park staff in the parking lot)

20^th Anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move - Special Event

• Date: July 1, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
• Location: Event tent near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Description: The public is invited to a free event to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move. The event will include speeches, a question and answer session, expanded interpretive programming, activities for children, and free lighthouse climbing! See press release for more details.

Independence Day Celebration (Ocracoke Island)
July 3
-At 9:15 pm, watch fireworks at the NPS docks and around Silver Lake Harbor.
July 4
-Meet “Captain,” the newest stallion, at the Ocracoke Pony Pen from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
-From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, the base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for viewing.
July 5
-A community beach fire will take place from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Ocracoke Beach Access (lifeguard beach).

Independence Day Celebration (Hatteras Island)
July 4
-At 9:15 pm, watch fireworks from the beach near the Avon Fishing Pier (41001 NC-12, Avon). Rain date is July 5.

1st Annual Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration - Special Event

• Date: Nov 2
• Location: Fessenden Center, Buxton
• Description: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, will celebrate the area’s strong surf fishing history at the 1st annual Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration. More details about this event will be posted on a special event web page and Facebook event page.

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