National Seashore Updates for the Week of October 10

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 October 10 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, motorists should expect mild ocean overwash on N.C. Highway 12 starting Thursday, especially during high tide conditions. There is also standing water on many beach locations and routes, including Cape Point and Pole Road.
• Columbus Day is the last day of the 2019 climbing season at the Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras Lighthouses. Next year’s climbing season is scheduled to begin April 17, 2020.
• Seasonal off-road vehicle routes in front of the villages will reopen at 7 a.m. on October 15.
• Ocracoke Island has not reopened to visitors. The Seashore looks forward to welcoming back visitors when Hyde County reopens the island to non-residents.
• Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.
•  For current beach access information, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.

Upcoming Events

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Interpretive Program

• Dates: October 12- October 14, 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: October 12- October 14, 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.

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.   

Learn to Fish Clinic

• Date: Nov 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Ramp 55 – next to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Description: The International Game Fish Association will host a free learn-to-fish
  clinic through its Passports to Fishing Program. Participants will learn basic
  fishing techniques and ethical angling practices. All fishing equipment will be
  provided. Fishing is catch-and-release-only. Families are encouraged to bring
  beach chairs, water, and sunscreen.
• Volunteers Needed: We are looking for volunteers to help teach basic surf
  fishing techniques and ethical angling practices through the International Game
  Fish Association’s (IGFA) Learn-to-Fish clinic the morning of Saturday
  November 9. This is an all-day event and volunteers will be asked to assist and
  teach various stations. All equipment will be provided and IGFA will provide
  volunteers with training for each station. The clinic will be held near off-road
  vehicle Ramp 55 in Hatteras Village. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact
  Amiee Ginnever at 252-475-8306.