Assateague Island National Seashore - News (U.S. National Park Service)

Protection of Beach Birds Begins at Assateague Island National Seashore (PDF file, 34kb)
April 14, 2009 - The waterfowl have moved from the Eastern Shore back to the Arctic for their breeding season, while southern birds, such as Piping Plovers, arrive on Delmarva for their nesting needs. Assateague Island is once again hosting an influx of the threatened Piping Plovers, a small rare shorebird, which will be raising young along the beach this summer.

Patricia Kicklighter named Superintendent of Assateague Island National Seashore (PDF file, 38kb)
March 5, 2009 - Acting Superintendent Carl Zimmerman is pleased to announce the selection of Patricia “Trish” Kicklighter as the new Superintendent of Assateague Island National Seashore. Kicklighter succeeds Scott Bentley, who became Superintendent at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio.

New Course Selected for the Feral Horses of Assateague Island National Seashore (PDF file, 22kb)
March 10, 2009 - Acting Superintendent Carl Zimmerman announced the availability of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment of Alternatives for Managing the Feral Horses of Assateague Island National Seashore. On February 19, 2009, the Northeast Regional Director of the National Park Service approved the FONSI for the project, the final step in a two year planning process to improve management and protection of the Assateague horses. With the decision, the park will now begin implementation of the Selected Alternative.

Alternative Transportation Study: Public Meeting on January 17 (PDF file, 13kb)

December 18, 2009 - Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to conduct an alternative transportation study. The study, which began in August and is estimated to last approximately one year, aims to objectively analyze different ways to address transportation problems - including beach access, traffic, and parking. The research study will be informed by ideas and comments from the public, as well as analysis of data and information about traffic, transportation, and other factors. A public meeting will be held on January 17, so that interested parties have a chance to communicate directly with the study team.

Assateague Island National Seashore Announces Winter Hours of Operation for the Toms Cove Visitor Center (PDF file, 39kb)
November 12, 2008 - Acting Superintendent Carl Zimmerman announced today that the Toms Cove Visitor Center, located within Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia, will be open Friday through Monday (4 days a week) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during December, January and February.

Alternative Transportation Planning
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to begin an alternative transportation study. The study, which is estimated to take about one year to complete, aims to objectively analyze different ways to address transportation problems - including beach access, traffic, and parking.
More information...

Alternative Transportation Study: Initial Public Meetings will be held October 16, 2008 (PDF file, 22kb)
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to begin an alternative transportation study. We need your help in gathering information.

National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service target invasive plant infestations on Assateague Island (PDF file, 24kb)
August 4, 2008 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley today announced plans for controlling Phragmites australis (common reed) infestations on Assateague Island. Phragmites has dramatically increased in abundance on Assateague Island during recent years, displacing native plant communities and reducing habitat values. The variety of Phragmites that occurs on the island is non-native and highly invasive.

Water Fatality at Assateague Island National Seashore (PDF file, 134 kb)
July 18, 2008 - On Thursday July 17, 2008 a Pennsylvania man was found face down floating in the water north of the lifeguarded beach at the Virginia end of Assateague Island National Seashore. After CPR failed to resuscitate, the man was pronounced dead by Dr. Wolffe, Medical Examiner (State of VA). The cause of death has not yet been determined. Recent weather as a result of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Bertha has resulted in extremely aggressive wave action along the mid Atlantic Coast, which includes New Jersey, Delaware Maryland and Virginia. It is not at this point clear if this contributed in yesterday’s death.

Assateague Island National Seashore to Hold Public Open House on New Strategies for Managing the Feral Horses (PDF file, 158kb)
May 22, 2008 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley announced today that a public open house will be held on Tuesday June 10, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM to present the results of an environmental assessment (EA) of alternatives for managing the Feral Horses of Assateague Island National Seashore. This planning document describes several new strategies that are being proposed to improve management of the Assateague horses and better protect their island home. The meeting will be held at the park’s Barrier Island Visitor Center on Route 611 near Berlin, Maryland.

Public comments sought for Assateague Island National Seashore’s Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone (PDF file, 149kb)
March 11, 2008 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley announced today the opportunity for public comment on a proposed study to assess visitor attitudes, experiences and expectations associated with the management and use of over-sand vehicles at Assateague Island National Seashore.

Assateague Island National Seashore Toms Cove Visitor Center Resumes Daily Operations (PDF file, 44kb)
Superintendent Scott J. Bentley announced today that the Toms Cove Visitor Center, located within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia, will resume a full 7 day schedule beginning Sunday, March 2, 2008.

Artist M. Scott Oatman's White House ornament showcases Assateague’s famous wild horses galloping endlessly through the surf. A pelican and great blue heron sweep the sky above, while a circlet of marsh grass and blue crabs trim the bottom of the ornament.

Ornament by M. Scott Oatman, 37kb.

Assateague Island National Seashore Ornament Displayed on the Official White House Christmas Tree (PDF file, 41kb)
November 29, 2007 - Assateague Island National Seashore galloped into the White House this holiday in the form of an ornament, prominently displayed on this year’s official White House Christmas Tree. The tree is the centerpiece of elaborate decorations celebrating the theme of “Holiday in the National Parks.”

Assateague Island National Seashore Announces Winter Hours of Operation for the Toms Cove Visitor Center (PDF file, 49kb)
November 15, 2007 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley announced today that the Toms Cove Visitor Center, located within Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia, will be open Friday through Monday (4 days a week) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during December, January and February.

National Parks Conservation Association Reveals Park Health Challenges at Assateague Island National Seashore
August 28, 2007 - "The significant increase in national park operating funds now pending before Congress is sorely needed at Assateague and at all of our national parks to ensure they are protected, unimpaired, for future generations," said Joy Oakes, the National Parks Conservation Association's Mid-Atlantic senior regional director.

Assateague Island National Seashore Centennial Proposals Eligible for Matching Funds (PDF file, 127kb)
August 23, 2007 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley is pleased to announce that three projects focusing on Assateague Island National Seashore are among the 201 proposals National Park Service Director Mary Bomar and Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne presented at a press conference in Yosemite National Park today. As part of the National Park Centennial Initiative, the proposals have been certified eligible for federal matching funds in 2008.

Assateague Island National Seashore Proposed Fee Changes to be Implemented in 2008 (PDF file, 48kb)
April 26, 2007 - Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent, Scott Bentley, announced today that Seashore staff have completed the evaluation of public comments received on the proposed 2008 fee schedule for the National Seashore.

Assateague Island National Seashore Proposes Fee Changes in 2008 (PDF file, 67kb)
February 13, 2007 - Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Scott Bentley announced today that the proposed 2008 fee schedule for the National Seashore is open for public comment until March 14, 2007.

Assateague Island National Seashore Seeks Horse Herd Strategy (PDF file, 33kb)
November 8, 2006 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley announced today that the National Park Service has begun searching for ways to achieve a better balance between keeping the Assateague horses healthy and free-roaming while protecting the unique natural environment of their island home.