National Seashore Updates for the Week of October 23

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 23 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• On October 28, the Federal Highway Administration will begin a pavement preservation project along a 4.5 mile stretch of N.C. Highway 12. The project will begin at the north entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore and end at the entrance of State Road 1243 (South Old Oregon Inlet Road). Both lanes of N.C. 12 will be closed during this phase of the pavement preservation project. Southbound and northbound vehicles will be detoured to South Old Oregon Inlet Road to minimize traffic delays associated with the project. The detour route is anticipated to be in place for approximately two weeks.
• The Seashore is still looking for volunteers to help teach basic surf fishing techniques at the Learn-to-Fish-Clinic. See more details in the special events section below.
• 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

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.

Winter Lighthouse Climb

• Date: December 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Location: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Description: Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for free during the Seashore’s annual winter climb.