National Seashore Updates for the Week of August 16
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates and news items related to recreational activities and seashore conditions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.
News items and events related to the National Seashore for the week of August 8 include the following:
Seashore Updates
- As of August 15 at 1 p.m., staff have found 456 sea turtle nests across the Seashore. The previous record for a single season was 325 nests.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore continues to experience strong levels of recreational visitation. In July 2019 visitation was up by over eight perfect compared to visitation in July 2018. More info can be found in this press release.
- Visitors can now walk on the beach from South Beach Road (old ramp 45) all the way to the tip of Cape Point.
- Ramp 23 near Salvo has reopened to pedestrians. The ramp is opened seasonally to off-road vehicles.
- Off-road vehicle access to South Point on Ocracoke Island is expected to reopen by noon this Saturday.
- On August 17, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill that established Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
- For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. For field summary, visit: http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary. Mileage and field summaries are updated every Thursday during the shorebird and sea turtle nesting seasons.
- Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.
Upcoming Events
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Interpretive Program
- Dates: August 17-August 23, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (daily program)
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
- Description: Learn about the monumental move event that happened in 1999 when the entire light station was moved 2,900 feet away from the threat of a changing shoreline.
Hatteras Island: Shaping the Barrier Islands – Interpretive Program
- Dates: August 17-August 23, 3:30-4:00 p.m. (daily program)
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
- Description: Wars, wind, hurricanes, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to the island.
Fish with a Ranger (Buxton)
- Date: August 19 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Location: Buxton
- Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
Fish with a Ranger (Rodanthe)
- Date: August 20 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Rodanthe
- Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
Especially for Kids
- Date: August 20 and August 22 from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: Hands-on games or activities for kids and families all about seashore animals.
Dark Skies Over Hatteras
- Date: August 20 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Location: Ramp 43 parking area
- Description: Bring blankets and chairs for this evening of stars and stories on the beach.
Castnetting
- Date: August 21 from 9:30-11:00 am
- Location: Location varies, call to pre-register
- Description: Practice this early method of fishing still used today. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
Morning Bird Walk
- Date: August 22 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Location: Meet at the fish cleaning tables near Ramp 44
- Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available. Bring bug spray.
Salvo Soundside Activities for Kids
- Date: August 23 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Salvo Sound Access (Day Use Area)
- Description: Meet at Salvo Sound Access for soundside exploration and discovery.
- Ocracoke Island Interpretive
1st Annual Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration
- Date: November 2
- Location: Fessenden Center, Buxton
- Description: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, will celebrate the area’s strong surf fishing history at the 1st annual Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration. More details about this event will be posted on a special event page and Facebook page.
