National Seashore Updates for the Week of May 30

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 May 23 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• The contractor for the Federal Highway Administration’s pavement preservation project has paused operations until September 3.
• The sand at many ORV ramps and beach routes is quite soft due to dry weather conditions. All ORV tires should be aired down to 20 psi or less before arriving at designated ramps. Local businesses have air pumps for airing tires back up to the recommended pressure for driving on pavement.
• A protection buffer is in place at Cape Point to protect American oystercatcher chicks and nesting least terns and black skimmers. There are also multiple piping plover chicks and over 500 least tern eggs in the Cape Point area.
  • ORVs and pedestrians can currently travel 0.61 miles south of ORV Ramp 44.
  • There are surrently 26 miles of oceanside beach routes open for ORV access across the Seashore.
  • Staff continue to monitor the Cape Point area. Once nesting activity has concluded, the protection buffer at Cape Point will be removed.
• Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.
• For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.

Upcoming Events

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Interpretive Program

• Dates: June 1-7, 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: June 1-7, 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: June 3 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: June 4 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: June 4 and June 7 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: June 4 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: June 5 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: June 6 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: June 7 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

20th Anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Special Event

• Date: July 1, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
• Location: Event tent near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Description: The public is invited to a free event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move. The event will include speeches, a question and answer session, expanded interpretive programming, activities for children, and free lighthouse climbing! See press release for more details.

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.