Seasonal ORV routes close, and other National Seashore updates for the week of April 15

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 April 15 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• Seasonal off-road vehicle (ORV) routes closed this morning. The seasonal routes will reopen on October 15. For current beach access information, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. Off-road vehicle permits can be purchased online at www.recreation.gov.
• At this time, all indoor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are currently closed in order to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19, consistent with federal, state, and local advisories.
• Outdoor spaces remain open for the purposes of activities described under North Carolina’s Executive Order 121 (FAQs) and Dare County’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” declaration. As services are limited, the Seashore urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy. All beachgoers should not gather in groups of more than 10 people and should practice adequate social distancing. Seashore Rangers are patrolling the beaches to ensure visitors are meeting the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.
•  The 2020 camping season is postponed until further notice.
•  The 2020 lighthouse climbing season is postponed until further notice.
•  A ‘Find Your Virtual Park’ website was created recently by the National Park Service. Don’t let staying at home stop you from making a virtual visit to your national parks. Learn about the Seashore on the NPS website and keep checking the NPS social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for updates and fun information. Then download the passport stamp to add to your collection.

Upcoming Events

On April 10, the National Park Service published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for sediment management at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The purpose of the EIS is to develop a streamlined framework for implementing sediment management at the Seashore, including the method, location, and frequency for sediment management actions that may be permitted over the next 20 years.

The National Park Service is requesting public input in developing the EIS for sediment management activities at the Seashore. Public participation is an important part of the planning process. Next week there are four virtual public meetings scheduled via webinar. You are invited to attend these meetings to learn more about the project scope, issues, and alternatives.