NPS Approves Plan for New Hunt Blind and Wildlife Viewing Platform

The National Park Service (NPS) has approved a plan to construct a new accessible hunt blind and wildlife-viewing platform within an authorized Cape Hatteras National Seashore waterfowl hunting area on Bodie Island.

Following preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) with public review, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Floodplain Statement of Findings was signed by Robert Vogel, the Director of the Southeast Region of the National Park Service. The FONSI completed the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act processes which began last summer.

The purpose of the EA was to evaluate the impacts of constructing an accessible hunt blind that complied with the 1968 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) within a location that would avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive ecological features. NPS selected the preferred alternative to construct a 265-foot long accessible hunt blind and wildlife viewing platform in a location where a previous wildlife platform had once existed. A 5-car concrete parking area will also be constructed adjacent to the highway. This project will enhance recreational opportunities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore by providing an ABA accessible hunt blind and wildlife viewing platform within a wetland environment for use by all visitors.

The NPS will collaborate with partners on the implementation of this project.

Copies of the EA and the FONSI can be found on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha_accessible_HuntBlind_WildlifeViewing.