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(See attached file: 092211 Beach Access Status for Cape Hatteras National
Seashore.doc)

National Park Service News Release
      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  DATE:  September 22, 2011
      CONTACT: Public Affairs Specialist, 252-473-2111, ext. 148

                   Final 2011 Beach Access Status Update
                    for Cape Hatteras National Seashore

This is the final weekly beach access report for the 2011 season at Cape
Hatteras National Seashore.  We anticipate there will be very few
additional significant changes in access since Hurricane Irene reduced the
number of sea turtle nests remaining on Seashore beaches.  Any significant
changes in access that occur this fall or winter will be reported in a
press release, as needed.  Minor adjustments in access will simply be
reflected in periodic updates of the Google Earth map.  We appreciate your
interest, your comments, and your input over the past six months.  Enjoy
the great fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities found on the park’s
fall and winter beaches!

Beach and soundside access throughout the Seashore:
   -Ramps that are open to pedestrian and ORV access:  Ramps 2, 4, 27, 30,
      34, 38, 43, 44, 45, 49, 55, 67, 70, and 72
   -Ramp 1 is open to pedestrian access but closed to ORV access
   -Ramps 59 and 68 remained closed to ORVs pending repairs from storm
      damage
   -Seasonally closed beaches in the Tri-Villages (Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo)
      area will remain closed to ORVs and Ramp 23 is closed to entry at the
      request of Dare County until normal visitor access is allowed back
      into those villages
   -From September 16 to November 15, night driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
      for ORVs on any open and accessible beaches is allowed with a valid,
      signed permit. The permit must be in plain view on the dashboard of
      the vehicle. The free permits are available at NPS visitor centers
      and ranger stations, local tackle shops, and on-line at:
      http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm
   -Most of the established soundside access areas in the National Seashore
      are open to pedestrian or ORV access

On-site signage provides the most accurate and current indication of public
use restrictions or closures. Knowledge of tidal changes and rough surf
conditions is important, as some beach areas may be inaccessible at high
tide.  Caution should be exercised while traveling the beaches of the park
after any significant weather event.  For more information, check Google
Earth maps at http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm

For additional general park information, visit the park website at
www.nps.gov/caha
or call 252-473-2111.
                                   -NPS-

CapeHatteras National Seashore

Resource Management Field Summary for 2011 Breeding Season

(Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke Districts)

Due to Hurricane Irene, there has not been a weekly report since the August 11-17 report.  This is the final report for 2011.  The annual species reports, with more detailed information, will be available in January 2012.

Preliminary Breeding Season Results for Piping Plover (PIPL):

Preliminary Breeding Season Results for American Oystercatcher (AMOY):

Preliminary Breeding Season Results for Colonial Waterbirds (CWBs):

Nest estimates for four species of CWB are based on awalk-through of each colony that was conducted between May 30 and June 10.  The species surveyed are: Least Terns (LETE); Common Terns (COTE); Black Skimmers (BLSK); Gull-Billed Terns (GUTE).

Preliminary Sea Turtle Nest & False Crawl Summary:

Daily shoreline patrols for sea turtle nests and crawls end on September 15^th.  Resource management staff will continue to check remaining nests within their hatch window for any evidence of hatching.

* Includes 10 Green turtle nests and 137 Loggerhead nests

** Active nests that have not hatched may have been impacted by Hurricane Irene and/or Hurricane Katia.  These impacts will not be known until all the nests have been excavated.