The National Park Service is discussing how best to protect Ocracoke Light from storms and sea-level rise/NPS, Kurt Moses

Storms, and sea level rise, have the National Park Service debating how best to protect the historic Ocracoke Light Station and its support buildings at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

There currently are three options on the table:

• Alternative A, the no action alternative is current management to repair exterior and interior storm damage.

• Alternative B, is an alternative to elevate some of the structures at the Ocracoke Light Station and repair storm damage.

• Alternative C, is an alternative to remove the Double Keepers’ Quarters and replace it with a ghost structure, which would mimic the size, shape and location of the existing building

Under all alternatives, the Ocracoke Lighthouse would be rehabilitated, which would include the following actions:

• Removing the shotcrete from the exterior of the lighthouse and replacing it with a coating that will allow appropriate protection of the masonry and moisture control.

• Replacing damaged masonry, including replacing bricks and mortar.

• Repairing or replacing all windows with historically appropriate windows.

• Repairing leaks at the top lantern and repainting.

• Recoat interior masonry.

• Exposing the original stone foundation.

The Park Service has scheduled two public meetings for March 28 to go over the alternatives. The three alternatives and a summary of their potential impacts are listed in the Ocracoke Light Station Rehabilitation Project newsletter and environmental assessment at this site.

Buildings associated with the Ocracoke Light Station complex include the lighthouse, double keepers’ quarters, carpenter’s shop, store house, cisterns, privy, oil house and generator house. Built in 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest functioning lighthouse in North Carolina and the second-oldest lighthouse still in service in the United States.

The Ocracoke Light Station rehabilitation project is needed because historic structures have been damaged from recent storms and, if the buildings are left as they are, it is expected that they will be damaged further by future storms. In the wake of recent storm damage and in consideration of future impacts from climate change and sea level rise, the National Park Service proposes to sustainably rehabilitate the Ocracoke Light Station and mitigate reasonably foreseeable flooding impacts while continuing to provide visitor access.

On Monday, March 28, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET, the public is invited to attend a presentation of the alternatives and question-and-answer session at the Berkley Barn at Berkley Manor, 58 Water Plant Rd, Ocracoke, N.C. 27960. The same information will be presented at both meetings.

The public comment period ends April 13, 2022. Comments may be submitted electronically, the preferred method, or mailed to: Superintendent, Attn: Ocracoke Light Station, 1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, N.C. 27954.