Cape Lookout National Seashore Opens More Areas

Areas in red are still closed to the public

News Release Date: September 3, 2011

Contact: Carol McBryant, 252-728-2250

Contact: Jean Schaeppi, 252-728-2250

Harkers Island, NC -- Cape Lookout National Seashore is pleased to announce an expansion of the areas that are open for the public. Facility assessment teams have completed the initial review of the impacts of Hurricane Irene, park biologists have located and marked turtle nesting sites, and clean-up and repair crews are busy working to restore park facilities and to minimize the safety hazards throughout the park. Although some areas of the park remain closed a majority of the beaches are open for pedestrian use during daylight hours.

Current National Seashore status:

Shackleford Banks

• Open for day and overnight use/camping allowed.
  
• Dock is closed – repairs continue.
  
• Restrooms are available.

South Core Banks Day use only, sunrise to sunset

• All Beaches open to pedestrians. No vehicles, including ATVs & UTVs.
  
• Lighthouse open Thurs, Fri & Sat 10-3:45. Tickets available at Light Station VC on a first come, first serve basis. Advanced reservations resume Tuesday, September 6.
  
• Light Station Visitor Center & Keeper Quarters Museum open Daily 9-5.
  
• Cape Lookout Village closed due to safety concerns.
  
• Great Island Cabin Camps, Carly dock & Ferry Basin closed due to safety concerns.

North Core Banks Day use only, sunrise to sunset

• All Beaches open to pedestrians. No vehicles, including ATVs & UTVs.
  
• Long Point Cabin Camps & Ferry Basin closed due to safety concerns.
  
• Portsmouth Village closed due to safety concerns.

Harkers Island Visitor Center Open Daily 9-5.

Turtle nests, sensitive dune areas, damaged docks and known visitor safety hazards have been marked throughout the Seashore.Visitors are asked to abide by all closure notices and to avoid any area of hazardous debris as they visit Cape Lookout National Seashore.

The National Park Service staff will continue to post updates about reopening of park areas and activities on the park website at www.nps.gov/calo and via Twitter at twitter.com/CapeLookoutNPS.