News Release

Outer Banks community invited to join Cape Hatteras National Seashore rangers at beach cleanup event

Debris has washed ashore many miles from the site of the collapsed house.

National Park Service photo

News Release Date: February 13, 2022

Contact: Michael Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — On Monday, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Outer Banks community is invited to join Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) rangers at a drop-in volunteer beach cleanup event. Gloves, garbage bags and trash pickup sticks will be provided by the National Park Service for this organized effort to assist the owner of a collapsed home clean up some of the extensive amounts of debris that have spread up to 15 miles from the collapse site along the Seashore.

To receive supplies, volunteers should meet Seashore rangers at either the Outer Banks KOA Resort at 25099 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe, or the Seashore’s off-road vehicle ramp 23, located just south of the village of Salvo. Much of the wood pieces that have washed up on the beach have exposed nails, so all volunteers are encouraged to wear thick soled footwear. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

“We are very appreciative of Dare County residents and Seashore visitors who have pitched in from day one of the house collapse by picking up and moving large amounts of debris to above the high tide line,” said David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. “Additionally, we are thankful to the Outer Banks KOA Resort and North Carolina Beach Buggy Association for partnering with the Seashore.”

On Feb. 11, W.M. Dunn Construction, LLC (Powells Point, N.C.) was hired by the owner of the collapsed house at 24183 Rodanthe, N.C. to remove the house and all associated debris. Debris has been observed along approximately 15 miles of beach to the south of the collapsed house site and this volunteer beach cleanup event will help to mitigate the impacts from additional debris spread and long-term impacts that may occur as debris is covered by sand.

Individuals who plan to clean the beach either before or after the Feb. 14 event should place garbage bags and debris above the high tide line to ensure the items don’t get washed back into the ocean.

The beach near the site of the collapsed house is temporarily closed due to unsafe beach conditions. Short-term closures south of the house site may be necessary. Beach closures will be announced at http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess and via text alert (text CAHAORV to 333111).

For additional information on volunteer opportunities at the Seashore, visit http://www.volunteer.gov or call 252-475-9042.

The local community began placing piles of debris away from the high tide line the day of the house collapse. This effort has improved public safety on Seashore beaches.

National Park Service photo