The public can officially join the effort to keep Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches clean and safe.
Seashore officials announced Wednesday its new Adopt-A-Beach program that allows groups to adopt a 2-mile section of beach.
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The 18 sections available focus on the year-round, off-road vehicle routes north of Oregon Inlet and on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. More sections could be added in the future, officials said.
“So many local families and businesses already provide exceptional support to the Seashore by helping to steward our beaches,” National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac said in a statement. “Through this program, the Seashore will be able to better support and recognize individuals and organizations that want to help maintain beautiful beaches.”
A group must commit to four cleanups each year and meet all reporting requirements. After their first cleanup, each group will be acknowledged with signage at the entry point to their adopted area for the remainder of their commitment.
The seashore worked with North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, the first organization to adopt a Seashore beach, to develop the program. NCBBA provided valuable insight from their decades-long Operation Beach Respect program.
“The National Park Service would also like to thank all the individuals who have spent countless hours picking up litter along Seashore beaches,” the release states.
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More information, including requirements, how to sign up and maps of adoptable areas are available at go.nps.gov/adoptabeach. Interested groups may also contact the Seashore at caha_adopt_a_beach@nps.gov to learn more about the program. Training and cleanup supplies will be provided to group leaders following signup.
