News Release

Public invited to provide input on proposed boating safety zone

Proposed Motts Creek No Wake Zone, image updated for clarity Aug. 18, 2022.

News Release Date: August 9, 2022

Contact: Michael Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — From Aug. 18-Sept. 1, 2022, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) invites public input on a proposal to establish a Motts Creek No Wake Zone, which would encompass the U.S. Coast Guard’s Station Oregon Inlet and the Seashore’s marina, boat ramps and kayak launch near Oregon Inlet.

A public meeting is scheduled for 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 at the Dare County Administration Building, 954 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Room 168, Manteo, N.C. 27954.

According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, a No Wake Zone is an area within which vessels are required to travel at idling speed – slow speed that creates no appreciable wake. The Seashore is interested in establishing a No Wake Zone at Motts Creek primarily as a safety measure to reduce the likelihood of an accident or injury caused by boats under power or throwing a large wake in a congested area with multiple user groups.

To view the Motts Creek No Wake Zone proposal, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha_NoWakeZone.

Through Sept. 1, 2022, comments may be submitted electronically, the preferred method, or mailed to: Superintendent, 1401 National Park Dr., Manteo, N.C. 27954.