CHNS Update From Ranger Karol Jones

We are off to a great start to the season and it was wonderful to see large numbers of people enjoying Hatteras Island beaches and climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton last weekend.
 
Currently within the Cape Point area, there are 143 Least Tern nests spread across two colonies. There is also a Piping Plover pair with two chicks and an American Oystercatcher pair with one chick (seven days old) moving around.
 
According to yesterday’s mileage summary, there are 15 miles of off-road vehicle routes available on Hatteras Island, and over 27 miles along the entire Seashore. That being said, we fully understand that many visitors desire access to the tip of Cape Point. Staff continue to actively monitor all nests and will improve access as soon as possible. Please continue to respect the wildlife protections areas. The quicker the nesting shorebirds are successful with breeding, the quicker access to the tip of Cape Point can be fully restored.
 
Working at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area has been a very positive experience, but this will be my last update as I have recently accepted a great opportunity to be the Chief Ranger of Mojave National Preserve in California, which will also bring me closer to family. My last day at the Seashore will be June 6. I have really enjoyed my time here and will miss the beach. Mark Seaman will serve as the Acting Hatteras Island District Ranger until the position is filled. He can be reached at mark_seaman@nps.gov or phone 252-475-9608. Nearly everyone here has probably already met Mark and had a positive interaction with him in the field. He has worked here for close to five years now and fully understands the intricacies of the operation and will continue to send out updates.

Below pictures are courtesy of Resource Management from Cape Point.