NPS UPdate: New Public Access Areas Approved for Development

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) Superintendent Barclay Trimble announced today the approval of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Construction of New Development that Facilities Public Access Environment Assessment (EA). The FONSI was approved on November 18, 2013 by Southeast Region office and culminates nearly two years of planning in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The issuance of the FONSI finalizes the Construction of New Development that Facilities Public Access EA which will develop 29 public access areas that include facilities evaluated in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/EIS and other facilities identified through agency and public scoping for this EA.

The new access areas will create or improve 15 parking areas, 1 paved and 2 unpaved roads, 5 off-road vehicle ramps, 5 foot paths, 11 accessible boardwalks, and the elevation of an existing flood-prone road section. These access improvements will facilitate ORV and pedestrian access to areas of the Seashore and increase access for visitors with disabilities while minimizing conflicts between a wide variety of recreational users in the Seashore. The improved access points will protect the Seashore’s natural, cultural, scenic and aesthetic aspects as well as address mutual concerns with local communities and governments who expressed concerns about potential safety issues with road shoulder parking along NC Hwy 12.

For more information, click on the following PEPC website link: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=36714 or call park headquarters at 252-473-2111.

For an earlier story (with pictures!) about these projects, click here.