
Due to increasingly frequent storms that are damaging the Oceanside Campground, Assateague Island National Seashore officials are proposing to relocate the campground/NPS photo following Hurricane Sandy in 2012
The National Park Service is preparing an Environmental Assessment in support of a new flexible design strategy for relocating campsites at its Oceanside Campground at Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia that are lost or repeatedly damaged by coastal storm events. Several new locations within the developed area on Assateague Island will be considered.
The purpose of the proposed project is to develop an on-island relocation strategy for campsites that are becoming increasingly unusable due to sand deposition and encroachment from the adjacent dune system. The NPS believes that the project is needed in order to continue to provide high-quality and sustainable camping opportunities for park visitors to Assateague Island.
The Environmental Assessment will address any potential impacts to natural or cultural resources that may result from the project. Park staff will be gathering input from other agencies and the public to consider the potential effects.
There will be two opportunities to comment on the project. The NPS is currently in the scoping phase of the proposal and invites the public to submit written suggestions, comments, and concerns regarding the project to the online NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website before March 31.
An open house will also be held to answer questions and solicit additional comments as follows:
- Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017
- Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
- Location: Assateague Island National Seashore Environmental Education Center; 7206 National Seashore Lane; Berlin, MD 21811
A second public comment period will be opened following the release of the EA later this spring.
Add comment