National Seashore Updates for the Week of May 29

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates and news items related to recreational activities, closures or cancellations, and seashore conditions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

News items and events related to the National Seashore for the week of May 29 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• On Memorial Day at 5:30 a.m., staff found a dead loggerhead sea turtle south of Ramp 49 in Frisco. It is likely that the sea turtle died from a vehicle collision during a time of day when vehicles are prohibited from being on the beach. The Seashore is actively investigating this incident. Anyone with information that may help determine the circumstances and events that led to the death of the nesting loggerhead are asked to contact the Dare County Community CrimeLine or the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB).
  • ISB Tip Line: call or text 888-653-0009 or visit www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip”
  • Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance has notified the Seashore that it is offering a $2,500 reward on behalf of the Outer Banks Preservation Association, NC Beach Buggy Association, and Cape Hatteras Anglers Club for information leading to the identification of the person responsible for the sea turtle death.
• Lifeguards are available daily at four Seashore beaches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 to sign up for text alerts on conditions at Outer Banks beaches. Learn more about ocean safety at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.
• Camping reservations and payments are only available online at www.recreation.gov.
• In-person off-road vehicle (ORV) permit sales offices are currently closed. Permits are available 24/7 at www.recreation.gov.
• Permits should be printed and placed in vehicle.
  • As of Thursday morning, there are over 23 miles of oceanside beach routes available for ORV travel. 2.6 miles open on Bodie Island, over 15 miles open on Hatteras Island, and over 5 miles open on Ocracoke Island. For current beach access information, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
  • All shorebird nesting activity is listed at http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary.