CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE — Construction should begin this week on a new Architectural Barrier Act-accessible hunt blind and wildlife-viewing platform within an authorized waterfowl hunting area on Bodie Island, the National Park Service announced.
The project, once completed, will allow visitors with limited mobility to hunt waterfowl during authorized hunt dates, and participate in wildlife-viewing, educational and photography opportunities year-round.
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Green Dream International LLC of Erie, Pennsylvania, was chosen as contractor for the $167,000 project that is expected to be completed by early October. If encountered with delays, the contractor will not work on dates hunting is allowed within the waterfowl hunting area.
The project is to consist of a 6-foot-wide elevated boardwalk that leads to an 8-foot by 14-foot covered platform over the water from the parking lot designed to fit about five vehicles and one accessible space, according to the public scoping Accessible Hunt Blind Wildlife Viewing public scoping presentation.
Waterfowl hunting was first authorized at the Seashore on June 29, 1940. It is permitted, in accordance with federal and state regulations, on 1,500 acres of Bodie Island, 500 acres of Hatteras Island, and on Ocracoke Island, except in the village.
In March 2019, the National Park Service approved the seashore’s plan to construct a new accessible hunt blind and wildlife-viewing platform after the preparation of an environmental assessment with public review. Copies of the environmental documents can be found on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website.
