October 02, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for October 2, 2008
As of September 24th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 104 nests have hatched or been removed.  There are 7 nests left on Hatteras Island (2 in ORV use areas), and 2 on Ocracoke Island (none in ORV use areas.)

October 01, 2008
NPS Outer Banks Group Now Accepts Presidential $1 Coins
In compliance with the Presidential $1 Coin Act, the National Park Service Outer Banks Group units are now able to accept and dispense the Presidential $1 Coins in their business operations. 

September 29, 2008
Update on the Negotiated Rulemaking Process
Superintendent Mike Murray announces several changes and decisions related to future meetings of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

September 25, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for September 25, 2008
As of September 24th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 90 nests have hatched or been removed.

September 19, 2008
Bodie Island Lighthouse Named in Top Three for JELD-WEN Restoration Initiative
Outer Banks Superintendent Mike Murray welcomed the news that Bodie Island Lighthouse has been selected as one of three finalists in this year’s JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative.  Based on public polling results, Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the three nominees moving forward in the selection process.  The voting process narrowed the field of twelve lighthouse finalists down to three this week.

September 18, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for September 18 2008
The 2008 bird breeding season has concluded and the sea turtle nesting season is tapering off as well.  As of September 18th, NPS staff have documented 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches during the 2008 season, of which, 81 nests have hatched or been removed.

September 15, 2008
NPS Implements ORV Night Driving Permits on September 16 and Reopens Seasonally Closed Villages Beaches to ORV Use
Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray announced that Tuesday, September 16, 2008, two changes occur on Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches: 1)  The implementation of the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) night beach driving permit begins and continues through November 15, 2008 for all beaches in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  A night driving permit, signed and dated by the driver of the vehicle, must be displayed in the windshield of the vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. 2)  Seasonally closed village beaches reopen to ORV use.

September 15, 2008
nps offers full moon tour of the cape hatteras lighthouse on September 15 2008
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of September 15.

September 15, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for September 11 2008
Beginning on September 15th, visitors will see an increase in full beach turtle closures throughout the Park.  Under the terms of the Consent Decree, all sea turtle nest that have reached their “hatch window” of day 50 will be protected with a full beach closure (dunes to surf) until that particular nest hatches.  Nests that reach 50 days of incubation after September 15th will also be protected by full beach closures

September 07, 2008
NPS Operations and Facilities Resume Normal Hours
Superintendent Mike Murray announced that on Sunday, September 7, 2008 by 1:00 p.m., all park facilities and areas of the Outer Banks Group have reopened to the public and normal operations and services have resumed.

September 06, 2008
Update on NPS Openings
As of 5:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, all areas in the national park units of the Outer Banks Group have been assessed for possible storm damage.  National Park Service staff completed on-the-ground assessments of the status of facilities and beaches to determine when normal operations can be restored. 

September 05, 2008
Outer Banks Group Update
All park visitor centers in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial were closed by noon on Friday, 9/05/08, and will remain closed until further notice. 

September 04, 2008
NPS Visitor Centers Campgrounds and Beach Closures
The National Weather Service is predicting the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna will reach the Outer Banks Group units, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, by late Friday evening with storm conditions continuing through Saturday, September 6, 2008.

September 04, 2008
NPS Prepares for Impacts of Tropical Storm Hanna
In preparation of the possible effects of Tropical Storm Hanna, the National Park Service has taken preliminary steps that affect park operations and facilities and provide the following information to the visiting public and local communities.

September 03, 2008
NPS Releases Park Administrative History Document
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the release of the National Park Service publication, The Creation and Establishment of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina.

September 03, 2008
NPS ORV Negotiated Rulemaking Assessment Survey Available to the Public
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the Assessment Survey of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Negotiated Rulemaking Committee report has been released and is available to the public. 

August 29, 2008
NIGHT BEACH DRIVING PERMITS AVAILABLE
National Park Service Superintendent Mike Murray has announced that night beach driving permits will be required for off-road vehicle use on all Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean beaches between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from September 16 to November 15. 

August 29, 2008
NPS LIFEGUARD BEACH OPERATIONS AND CAPE POINT CAMPGROUND CLOSE FOR THE SEASON REDUCED CLIMBING HOURS FOR CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE
Cape Hatteras National Seashore lifeguard beach operations will close Monday, September 1st at 6:00 p.m. for the 2008 season.  In addition, the Cape Point campground closes on Monday, September 1st at 12 noon; however, Frisco and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds remain open until October 13th and Ocracoke Campground remains open until October 27th.

August 29, 2008
National Park Service Announces Fall Program Schedule and Visitor Center Hours
The National Park Service Outer Banks Group will offer a variety of free ranger-led programs this fall at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Wright Brothers National Memorial and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  Programs will begin on Tuesday, September 2 and run through Tuesday, September 30.  All programs are free.

August 29, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 28 2008
On August 26, 2008, the ocean shoreline of Bodie Island Spit, from Ramp 4 south for 2.1 miles to Oregon Inlet, reopened to ORV and pedestrian access.

August 27, 2008
Access Update for Bodie Island Spit
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that Bodie Island Spit reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) access.

August 21, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 21 2008
On August 18, 2008, the ocean shoreline of South Point on Ocracoke Island, from Ramp 72 south for 1.5 miles, reopened to ORV and pedestrian access.  The pre-nesting closure, established in late March of 2008 and includes the interior sections of the point, will remain in place and is posted accordingly.  ORV traffic is permitted from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily.  The nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

August 19, 2008
Beach access update for south point on ocracoke island
Deputy Superintendent Darrell Echols announced today the reopening of South Point on Ocracoke Island for off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective August 18, 2008.

August 15, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 14 2008
On August 14, 2008, south of Ramp 4 approximately 1.0 mile of additional ocean shoreline was opened for pedestrian access only on Bodie Island Spit.  Two American Oystercatcher chicks continue to forage along the shoreline and the area will remain closed to ORV traffic until both chicks are fully fledged.  In addition, 1.2 miles south of Ramp 27 and 0.5 of a mile north of Ramp 30 approximately 0.5 mile of ocean shoreline was opened for a pedestrian corridor through a resource protection area where three American Oystercatcher chicks remain.  The area will remain closed to ORV traffic until all chicks are fully fledged.  Both areas are posted.

August 08, 2008
NPS OFFERS FULL MOON TOUR OF THE CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE ON AUGUST 16
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of August 16.

August 07, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for August 7 2008
On August 6, 2008, approximately 0.8 of a mile west of Ramp 45 and 0.2 of a mile east of Ramp 45 reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) and pedestrian access on Hatteras Island.  On Ocracoke Island, 1.1 miles of ocean shoreline reopened to ORV and pedestrian access but the discovery of a least tern chick with adults prevented reopening the entire point. 

August 07, 2008
AUGUST 7 2008 ACCESS UPDATE FOR SOUTH POINT ON OCRACOKE ISLAND AND RAMP 45 IN BUXTON
While in the process of reopening South Point on Ocracoke Island today, an unfledged least tern chick with adults was discovered approximately 1.5 miles south of Ramp 72, which forced the re-closure of a portion of the area. 

August 06, 2008
Access Update for South Point on Ocracoke Island
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that South Point on Ocracoke Island reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective August 5, 2008. 

August 01, 2008
NPS TO CLOSE LIFEGUARDED BEACH IN BUXTON
Cape Hatteras National Seashore life guarded beach in Buxton will close beginning Monday, August 04, 2008, due to the unexpected loss of seasonal staff.

August 01, 2008
Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet Tour
This coming Monday, August 4 will be celebrated nationally as Coast Guard Day – the anniversary of the 1790 establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service, forbearer of today's USCG.

August 01, 2008
NCBBA Offers Reward for Apprehension of Deliberate Resource Closure Violations
In support of the National Park Service’s attempts to apprehend violators of park resource closures, Jim Keene, President of North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) announced today that his organization is offering a $1000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person/s involved in a deliberate act of vandalism in a resource protection area within the jurisdiction of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

July 31, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 31 2008
****All mileages are approximate****

July 31, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 31 2008
The East side of Cape Point reopened on July 29, 2008 to off-road vehicle (ORV) access.  The area is now open to ORV traffic from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm daily.  The nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effect throughout the Seashore from May 1 to November 15 from 10:00 pm until 6 am.  NPS is in the process of developing a permit to allow night driving between September 16 and November 15.

July 31, 2008
A Sixth Deliberate Violation of Resource Protection Area
On the morning of July 30, 2008, NPS turtle patrol observed all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tracks inside the posted bird closure located approximately 1.8 miles south of Ramp 23.  After entering the closure the unauthorized ATV had driven high on the beach through a least tern nesting area.

July 30, 2008
NPS Launches New ORV Information Brochure with Partners
In partnership with the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA), the Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA) and the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, the National Park Service announced today the completion and distribution of a new off-road vehicle (ORV) brochure for the visiting public.

July 29, 2008
Access Update for the East Side of Cape Point
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the east side of Cape Point has reopened to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective immediately.

July 28, 2008
A Deliberate Violation of Resource Protection Area for Least Tern Colony with Chicks and Nests
On 7/26/08 a closure violation occurred at the least tern colony north of Ramp 27.  The violation most likely occurred between 0200 (approximate last high tide) and 0800, when it was discovered by park staff. 

July 25, 2008
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TEMPORARY FIRE BAN LIFTED
Superintendent Michael Murray announced today that Cape Hatteras National Seashore has lifted the park-wide open burning ban on all the beaches in Dare and Hyde counties.

July 25, 2008
Bodie Island Lighthouse Competes for Restoration Initiative
The National Park Service announced today the Bodie Island Lighthouse is competing for funding through the JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative.

July 24, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 24 2008
****  All mileages are approximate****

July 24, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 24 2008
Two areas of interest that reopened this week: Ramp 44 reopened on July 22 and there is ORV access south to the southern end of the “bypass” area.  South of that is open to pedestrian access to the end of Cape Point.  Hatteras Spit reopened on July 24 and there is ORV and pedestrian access south from the southern terminus of the Pole Road on the ocean shoreline, around the tip of the Spit to “the Rip” and along the sound shoreline.  The area is experiencing a high rate of shoreline erosion and will be monitored daily.  It is highly probable that at mid-tide, sections of the shoreline will be impassible and, therefore, it may become necessary to install a safety closure for ORVs.

July 24, 2008
National Park Service Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and NOAA Partners Provide Unique Opportunity for Students
The National Park Service, in partnership with the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and NOAA U.S.S. Monitor Marine Sanctuary, recently sponsored a week long Shipwreck Archaeological Workshop (SAW) in Hatteras, North Carolina for 8th – 12th grade students.

July 21, 2008
NPS Seining Program
National Park Service Ranger Matt Daniel (left)and North Carolina Coastal Federation Outreach Specialist Sara Hallas (second from left) teach Outer Banks visitors Gabriel and Jeffrey Ehrenberg of New Milford, CT about the wonders of the Pamlico Sound estuaries during a NPS seining program this past Wednesday.

July 21, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 17 2008
****  All mileages are approximate****

July 18, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 17 2008
*Bold, blue print = updated news. **Report resource protection area violations to: Dare Central Communications Center:  252-473-3444 Hyde County Dispatch:  252-928-3171 Ocracoke Sheriff Dept:  252-928-7301 During the remainder of July, August and September, park visitors will experience a shift in the resource protection areas as birds fledge and sea turtle nests approach their expected hatch dates.  As experienced in 2007 under the Interim Strategy, and again this season, some full beach closures will be implemented as turtle nest approach “day 50” (from the date when the nest was laid) in expectation of hatching.  Under the terms of the Consent Decree, beginning September 15, all sea turtle nests that have reached their hatch window at day 50 will result in full beach closures.

July 11, 2008
Junior Ranger Program
Sienna Nambo of Houston, Texas proudly displays a vest adorned with National Park Service Junior Ranger patches that she earned during her visits to various national park sites.

July 11, 2008
NPS Offers July Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of July 18.

July 11, 2008
ORV Access Mileage for July 10 2008
****  All mileages are approximate****

July 11, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 10 2008
Beginning this week, the ORV Access Mileage list will accompany the weekly Beach Access Report as a separate attached document.  This is an effort to provide a concise, simplified list of approximate ORV access, north and south of existing ramps.  In both reports, the mileages, distances and descriptions in both reports are APPROXIMATE and reflect the best information available at the time the weekly reports are prepared.  The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report.  Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field.  All resource protection areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers.

July 03, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for July 3 2008
The mileages, distances and descriptions in this report are approximate and reflect the best information available at the time the report is prepared.  The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report.  Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field.  All resource protection areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers. 

June 30, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report Update for June 27 2008
On Friday, June 27, 2008, a resource protection area 1.2 south of Ramp 55 was removed after no American Oystercatcher breeding activity had been observed in two weeks.

June 26, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 26 2008
News on the “water boundary” issue:  We frequently hear the question – “Can I walk in the water around a full beach closure to access those stretches of beach that are open beyond the closure (with restricted access)?”  According to the DOI Solicitor’s Office, from a legal point of view, the NPS jurisdictional boundary on the ocean shoreline, in most cases, is the mean low water mark.  However, “on the ground” in the field, when it is NOT low tide, it is not clear how the public, (or the rangers who enforce the regulations for that matter) can determine the exact location of mean low tide at that precise time.  For all practical purposes, unless otherwise posted*, passage by a resource closure is permitted if the closure is small enough in length for a person to see the opposite posted boundary (less than a half mile) and if one is able to walk at least knee deep in the low tide (surf) zone the entire distance and re-enter into an open area. 

June 26, 2008
Vandalism of Shorebird Closure Fencing
A new act of vandalism/trespass to posted shorebird protection areas has occurred at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this time on Bodie Island Spit just north of Oregon Inlet.  On Sunday, June 22, 2008, Seashore staff discovered damaged fencing and off-road vehicle tire tracks that violated three resource protection areas that were in place south of Ramp 4 towards the inlet.

June 24, 2008
NPS Coquina Beach Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are on duty at Coquina Beach (Nags Head), as well as Lighthouse Beach (Buxton) and Ocracoke Day Use Area from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day.

June 19, 2008
NPS TEMPORARY FIRE BAN ON SEASHORE BEACHES
Superintendent Michael Murray announced today that Cape Hatteras National Seashore will comply with the temporary fire ban on all open burning in Hyde County and unincorporated areas of Dare County.

June 19, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 19 2008
Comments on whether to streamline the Beach Access Report or “leave as is” were equally divided; 50 percent wanted it simplified showing only what is open and what is closed; 50 percent stated they wanted the report kept in its entirety to preserve the historical data of what opened and closed and when.  These completely different views are very indicative of the ORV issue at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  We’ll take your comments into consideration.  The format will stay the same this week.

June 17, 2008
MONUMENT TO OPEN FOLLOWING RESTORATION PROVIDED BY FIRST FLIGHT FOUNDATION
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that the renovation of the monument at Wright Brothers National Memorial has been completed thanks to the outstanding efforts of the First Flight Foundation, a key partner of the National Park Service (NPS) at the National Memorial.

June 16, 2008
Base of Bodie Island and Ocracoke Lighthouses to Open for Viewing
As a special treat for Outer Banks visitors this summer, National Park Service Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray has announced that the bases of the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for public viewing.

June 16, 2008
NPS Take Me Fishing Program
Victoria Fan, of Dublin, Ohio, proudly displays her “prized” catch of a small Hogfish that she caught with the help of Ranger Brian Przystawski at a National Park Service interpretive fishing program this past Thursday

June 12, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 12 2008
With the availability of the Google Earth maps, we are considering streamlining the Beach Access Report next week to show only what areas are open and what areas are closed with the related mileages.  We would remove all the “history” and prenesting closure language out of the report.  If you feel strongly, either for or against this simplification of the Beach Access Report, please feel free to send a brief email to cyndy_holda@nps.gov stating your reasons.  We appreciate your comments. 

June 10, 2008
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR REVIEW OF OCRACOKE ISLAND MULTI-USE TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comments on the Ocracoke Island Multi-Use Trail Environmental Assessment.  The NPS proposes to work cooperatively with North Carolina’s Department of Transportation to construct a paved, multi-use trail on Ocracoke Island within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

June 10, 2008
NPS Offers Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse June 18
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of June 18.

June 05, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for June 5 2008
The mileages, distances and descriptions in this report are approximate and reflect the best information available at the time the report is prepared.  The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report.  Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field.  All resource protection areas are clearly marked with Carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers.  Entry into these protection areas is a violation of the Consent Decree and park regulations and may result in court charges

June 04, 2008
Cape Point Campground Opens for 2008 Season
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that Cape Point Campground will open Friday, June 6, 2008 for the season.  The opening of the campground had been delayed due to standing water and saturated ground conditions.

May 30, 2008
NPS and Outer Banks Visitor Bureau Feature Google Maps
Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray and Outer Banks Visitor Bureau Managing Director Carolyn McCormick announce a new feature on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the Visitor Bureau websites utilizing the popular Google Earth maps.  The new feature provides a glimpse of, and the most current beach access information for the National Seashore on Google Earth maps.

May 29, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for May 29 2008
The mileages, distances and descriptions in this report are approximate and reflect the best information available at the time the report is prepared.  The marked boundaries found in the field are the actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede any information in this report.  Park visitors MUST pay close attention to and comply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field.  All resource protection areas are clearly marked with Carsonite posts, signs, string, wooden poles or other markers.  Entry into these protection areas is a violation of the Consent Decree and park regulations and may result in court charges.

May 29, 2008
ncbba supports seashore junior ranger program in 2008
North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) President Jim Keene announced at the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association annual meeting on May 24, 2008, a donation of $4,000 to support the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Junior Seashore Ranger Program.  Superintendent Mike Murray accepted the donation on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS).

May 29, 2008
2008 Memorial Day Weekend Summary
Memorial Day Weekend 2008 marked the first major holiday weekend of implementation of the court-ordered consent decree to protect nesting birds and sea turtles at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

May 22, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for May 22 2008
****Google Earth maps are now available at www.nps.gov/caha**** Go to the park website and click on “Off-Road Vehicle Information - More….” link in the top middle of the page, click on “Current ORV Access Information (Reports and Maps),” click on “Current Interactive Beach Access Map using Google Earth.”  A free download of Google Earth is available for first time users or click on “current beach access map” link if your computer already has Google Earth installed.  The program allows you to zoom into any stretch of beach in the National Seashore to check the status of access and protection resource areas.  Refinement of maps and legends will continue.  The underlying Google Earth map imagery is dated (2004-2006) and may not always match the actual, current shoreline.  The National Park Service color-coded line overlays are based on recent/current GPS readings and reflect actual shoreline locations and access status.  In other words, the color coded lines (green, yellow, red) indicate the actual shoreline access status, even though in some cases it appears on the image that the line is located landward or seaward of the outdated base image of the shoreline.  (See disclaimer on the maps)  We will be working on current mapping with Google Earth and learning as we go.  The maps will be updated regularly and the date of the most recent update will be indicated.  A modified version of the weekly Beach Access Report will continue to be issued on Thursdays.  Your comments are appreciated!

May 22, 2008
Reminders for a Safe Memorial Day Weekend at the Seashore
In preparation for the upcoming busy holiday Memorial Day weekend, and with unprecedented closures and access changes at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) because of the court-ordered Consent Decree regarding nesting birds and turtles, the National Park Service is anticipating that some very short-term, temporary changes to ORV beach access may be required to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the Seashore.

May 20, 2008
Delayed Opening of Cape Point Campground for 2008 Season
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the delayed opening of Cape Point Campground for the 2008 season due to health and safety concerns as a result of standing water and saturated ground conditions. 

May 20, 2008
2008 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LIFEGUARDED BEACHES
Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s lifeguarded beaches will open on May 24, 2008.  Lifeguards will be on duty at Coquina Beach (Nags Head), Lighthouse Beach (Buxton) and Ocracoke Day Use area from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Due to a lack of certified candidates, the lifeguarded beach in Nags Head at Coquina Beach is currently guarded on weekends only.  Periodically the Coquina Beach area may be patrolled for hazardous conditions.  A full compliment of lifeguards is expected to be on duty by early June.

May 19, 2008
NPS Adopts New Beach Fire Regulation for National Seashore Beaches
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today changes to Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s beach fire regulations.  Effective immediately, beach fires are allowed between the hours of 6:00 am and 12: midnight, and prohibited between 12 midnight and 6:00 a.m., year round.

May 19, 2008
Second Act of Vandalism of Shorebird Closure Fencing
A second vandalism incident to a signed resource protection area was discovered by Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff on Friday, May 16th, 2008.  Park staff found over 1,500 feet of fence protecting an American Oystercatcher nest had been damaged.  This closure area is located on the ocean side of Hatteras Island, about .8 of a mile north of Buxton in a pedestrian use only zone.

May 16, 2008
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PROGRAMS TO START ON MAY 23 2008
National Park Service summer programming at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore will start on Friday, May 23, 2008.  A wide variety of programs will be offered daily through Labor Day.  Also on May 23, the visitor centers at those three parks will begin summer hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

May 16, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for May 15 2008
A strong Mother’s Day storm brought high winds and strong surf conditions to the Outer Banks on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday of this week.  Portions of beaches are still experiencing heavy surf conditions and many areas may be impassible at high tide.  Visitors may find ramps and interdunal routes with standing water on them and should exercise caution while traveling in the park paying close attention to tides changes. 

May 15, 2008
NPS Implements Seasonal ORV Closures on May 15
Superintendent Mike Murray announced that the annual seasonal closures of village beaches to off-road vehicle (ORV) use within the National Seashore will go into affect on Thursday, May 15, 2008.  The ORV closures are established in village beach areas that receive heavy pedestrian use, including areas adjacent to Coquina Beach and the villages of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.  “These closures provide for the safety of all beach users and minimize user conflicts in congested areas during the busy summer season,” said Superintendent Murray. 

May 14, 2008
NPS OFFERS FULL MOON TOUR OF THE CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE ON MAY 19 2008
As a very special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of May 19.

May 11, 2008
Vandalism of Resource Protection Closure Signs Results in Expansion of Buffer
Vandalism of symbolic fencing marking a shorebird closure in the South Beach area of Cape Hatteras National Seashore was discovered early Saturday morning.  As prescribed in the court ordered Consent Decree, this closure violation resulted in a mandatory expansion of the closure area by 50 meters to the west. 

May 09, 2008
John Gaskill Book Signing at Bodie Island
John Gaskill, son of the last lighthouse keeper at the Bodie Island Lighthouse will be signing his book, John Gaskill Remembers, at the Bodie Island Visitor Center on May 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 09, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for May 8, 2008
Certain portions of beaches may be impassible at high tide and some ramps and interdunal routes still have standing water on them.  Visitors should pay attention to tide changes and exercise caution while traveling the beaches and interdunal routes of the park.

May 05, 2008
NPS Announces First Major Closures under the Consent Decree
The following temporary closures of popular areas are being installed today in accordance with the requirements of the consent decree signed by U.S. District Court Judge Terrence W. Boyle.

May 01, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for May 1 2008
Due to numerous springtime northeast strong winds and heavy surf and tide conditions, certain portions of beaches may be impassible at high tide and some ramps and interdunal routes have standing water on them.  Visitors should pay attention to tide changes and exercise caution while traveling the beaches and interdunal routes of the park. 

May 01, 2008
Nighttime Driving Prohibited on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today that, under the Consent Decree signed on April 30, 2008 by U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle, a new seasonal restriction on nighttime beach driving will go into effect immediately on the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  Beginning May 1, 2008, all Seashore beaches are closed to off-road vehicles (ORVs) between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

May 01, 2008
Agreement Reached to Preserve Wildlife and Recreation Opportunities on Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Washington, DC – The National Park Service (NPS) announced today that a settlement has been reached that will protect nesting areas for Piping Plovers and other species and allow recreational opportunities for park visitors.

May 01, 2008
2008 National Park Service Spring Program Schedule
Beginning May 4, the National Park Service Outer Banks Group will be providing scheduled public programs at Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.  Spring programs at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will begin May 11.  The spring program schedules will run through May 22.

April 29, 2008
NPS Announces Additional Training for Beach Ambassador Program
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today an additional training date for the 2008 summer season “Beach Ambassador” program.  The park is recruiting volunteers from the surrounding communities of Dare County.

April 28, 2008
Travel Channel Presents Segment on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The Outer Banks Group announced today the Travel Channel will premier an episode on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  The new back-to-back, half-hour episodes on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 9:00 and 9:30 pm (ET/PT) of John Ratzenberger’s Made in America series will include segments on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, scenes of U.S. Coast Guardsmen changing the lens for aid to navigation, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum which displays the remaining original pieces of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse lens.

April 25, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for April 24 2008
Due to numerous springtime northeaster with high winds, heavy surf and tide conditions, certain portions of beaches may be impassible at high tide and some ramps and interdunal routes that have standing water on them.  Visitors should pay attention to tide changes and exercise caution while traveling the beaches and interdunal routes of the park. 

April 23, 2008
NPS Salutes Outer Banks Group Volunteers
April 27 – May 3 is National Volunteer Week The National Park Service Outer Banks Group recently honored its volunteers from Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.  Within these three parks, over 148 people donated 22,549 hours this past year. 

April 22, 2008
NPS STUDENT EMPLOYEE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Summer student positions are still available at the Outer Banks national park sites; call (252) 473-2111, x164 for more information.

April 22, 2008
Be A National Park Service Junior Ranger
Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day – April 26, 2008 Outer Banks Group Superintendent Mike Murray invites children throughout the Outer Banks to take part in National Junior Ranger Day at their local national park sites on Saturday, April 26, 2008.  “Becoming a Junior Ranger is a fun way for children to explore and learn more about the National Parks and how they can enjoy and help protect these important sites,” stated Murray. 

April 21, 2008
NPS Announces Beach Ambassador Program
Superintendent Mike Murray announced 2008 training dates are set for the summer season “Beach Ambassador” program. The program’s goal is to increase preventative lifesaving efforts through educational materials and personal contacts with the visiting public to Cape Hatteras National Seashore and village beaches.  The program will educate and inform the public of potential hazards associated with beach recreation, in particular rip currents, along with beach and soundside water safety, surf and storm conditions. 

April 18, 2008
Celebrate National Park Week National Park Week is April 19-27 2008
During this year’s National Park Week, April 19-27, the National Park Service Outer Banks Group invites the public to experience their national parks across the country, and those here on the Outer Banks; Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial.

April 17, 2008
National Park Service Beach Access Report for April 17 2008
During the week of April 13, the Outer Banks have experienced yet another springtime northeaster with high winds, heavy surf and tide conditions.  Certain portions of beaches may be impassible at high tide.  Visitors should pay attention to tide changes and exercise caution while traveling the beaches of the park.  The park is operating under the Interim Protected Species Management Strategy which we expect to be modified when the settlement of the lawsuit is finalized by the Court.  As with last year’s Interim Strategy, the visiting public can expect on-going adjustment modifications of closures as the season progresses. 

April 17, 2008
Replica of Silver Life Saving Medal Presented to Descendants of Urias Blount Williams
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is more than vast stretches of water and sand; it is also a land of dramatic history and rich local lore that make for spectacular stories of shipwrecks, piracy and momentous life saving rescues.  One of those tales involves the rescue of all crew members from the shipwrecked German Steamer Brewster on November 29, 1909.

April 17, 2008
2008 National Park Service Student Summer Jobs Available
Full and part-time paid park-related student/intern jobs are now available for summer 2008 with the National Park Service Outer Banks Group; Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Wright Brothers National Memorial and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

April 09, 2008
Know Your Park Coastal Geologist Dr Stanley Riggs to Speak in Rodanthe
Continuing the second season of the Know Your Park citizen science education program series, the National Park Service Outer Banks Group is partnering with the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Civic Association (RWSCA) to host a presentation by North Carolina geologist, Dr. Stanley Riggs.  Dr. Riggs will speak at the RWSCA Community Building in Rodanthe, NC on April 15 at 7 p.m.  The topic will be “Climate Change and the North Carolina Coastal System – Past, Present and Future”.   “This is an important and relevant topic for all living on our barrier islands”, announced park superintendent Mike Murray.  “We are pleased to work with RWSCA in providing this program.  I hope students as well as adults will take advantage of this renowned speaker coming to our communities.”