Public comment is open on tour fees for Bodie Island, Hatteras lighthouses

The National Park Service is accepting public comment for 30 days on the proposed fee for guided tour climbs of the Bodie Island Lighthouse and for the proposed fee increase for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

The proposed fee schedules differ for the two lighthouses and the National Park Service is soliciting input from the general public about the proposed new fee or the proposed fee increase. 

The Outer Banks Group of national parks proposes a new $8 per person recreational fee for a limited number of guided tours of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.  There will be no reduced fee for children, seniors, or the disabled.

The grand opening of the Bodie Island Lighthouse to the public for climbing will be on Friday, April 19, after a relighting ceremony on Thursday, April 18.

The tower of the Bodie Island Lighthouse recently underwent a major restoration project of both the exterior and interior and the first-order Fresnel lens.  Preservation of important historic fabric was a primary emphasis during the four-year long renovation. 

“The end result of this project is the perfect balance of saving historic fabric yet making the lighthouse accessible to the public,” the Park Service said in a media release. “A limited number of park ranger guided tours will be conducted daily, offering the park visitor a memorable, unique, and personal experience of the history of this 1871 historic structure as well as a pristine view of the surrounding lands from the top balcony.”

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse fee has not increased in five years.  The current recreation fee of $7 for adults and $3.50 for children, seniors and disabled, is proposed to increase to $8 for adults and $4 for children, seniors and disabled.

The revenue generated at both lighthouses is necessary to provide daily tours to the public and is used to support staff and maintenance at each respective site. 

If you would like to comment on the new or increased fee please visit: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/fee  or written comments in hard copy (e.g. in a letter), can be sent by U.S. Postal Service or other mail delivery service or hand-delivered to:  Barclay C. Trimble, Superintendent, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC  27954.  Written comments postmarked by March 9 will be accepted.  The comment period will begin February 8 and ends March 9.

For information on visiting the parks of the Outer Banks Group, please visit the park’s websites at www.nps.gov/wrbr, www.nps.gov/caha, and www.nps.gov/fora, or by calling 252-475-9000.