Cape Hatteras National Seashore Long-Range Interpretive Plan Available

Date: October 3, 2007
Contact: Outer Banks Group, [phone]

With the help of partner organizations, the National Park Service has completed a Long-Range Interpretive Plan for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. "Interpretive and educational services are an important component of the experience that the National Park Service provides to park visitors and our local communities," stated Mike Murray, Superintendent, Outer Banks Group. "The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Long-Range Interpretive Plan offers a vision for the future of interpretation at the Seashore."

The goal of National Park Service interpretive and educational programs is to provide memorable and meaningful learning and recreational experiences, foster development of a personal stewardship ethic, and broaden public support for preserving park resources. Such programs will be successful when they forge emotional and intellectual connections among park resources, visitors, the community, and park management.

Specific recommendations of the Plan include: replacement of exhibits at various park visitor facilities, preparation of a Wayside Exhibit Proposal, production of a 15-minute film of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move, and provision of a more balanced interpretive program offering for the public to include more natural history and recreation programs. Achievement of the recommendations outlined in this plan is contingent upon the availability of funds the involvement of park partners. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Long-Range Interpretive Plan is available on the park’s website, www.nps.gov/caha.

Partner organizations which participated in the development and review of this plan include: Eastern National, the Outer Banks History Center, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, the Cape Hatteras Bird Club, Chicamacomico Life Saving Station, the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the Ocracoke Preservation Society, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. "I thank all of our partners for the time and ideas they provided in seeing the process to completion," stated Murray.

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