National Seashore Updates for the Week of July 3
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 July 3 include the following:
Seashore Updates
- Approximately 250 people attended Monday’s special celebration event for the 20th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move. If you missed the celebration, it is still possible to view the event on Outer Banks Forever’s Facebook Page.
- July 4 is Free Fishing Day in North Carolina. From 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., everyone in North Carolina can fish for free in any public body of water, including coastal waters, without having to purchase a fishing license.
- Visitors are reminded that fireworks are prohibited at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Please help protect your seashore and the local community by leaving fireworks at home. If you see fireworks being used, call 252-473-3444. Legally permitted fireworks can be viewed on July 3rd at the Ocracoke boat ramps and on July 4th at the Avon Fishing Pier.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore recently made structural improvements to the Avon Fishing Pier. All on-site work has been completed.
- A protection buffer remains in place at Cape Point to protect approximately 30 least tern nests, more than 50 least tern eggs, and multiple least tern chicks.
- ORVs and pedestrians can currently travel 0.61 miles south of ORV Ramp 44. Only the last quarter mile of the Ramp 44 beach route is within the protection buffer.
- Staff continue to monitor the Cape Point area. Once nesting activity has concluded, the protection buffer at Cape Point will be removed.
- There is a wide assortment of shorebird activity within the South Point protection buffer on Ocracoke Island. Approximate number of chicks within the buffer: 6 American oystercatchers, 11 least terns, 9 common terns, 63 black skimmers, and 5 gull-bill terns.
- The sand is extra soft at many ORV ramps and routes. Airing down tires to at least 20 psi is highly recommended.
- 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.
Upcoming Events
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Interpretive Program
- Dates: July 6-12, 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: July 6-12, 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: July 8 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: July 9 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: July 9 and June 28 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: July 9 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: July 10 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: July 11 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: July 12 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.
