The Place

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA) is 72 miles in length and includes Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  People from around the world travel to this recreational area for world class fishing, pristine beaches, surfing and other activities.  
 
This vacation paradise was the first area ever designated by the Federal Government as a “National Seashore Recreational Area.”  The rich history of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (CHNSRA) is described in the “History” section of this website and in personal stories in our Video Gallery.

Warren Judge, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman explained, “Our beautiful environment is one of the assets that keeps people coming back to the area and we want to preserve that environment for generations to come.” 

Local residents have always had a deep respect for the balance of nature on Hatteras Island.  For centuries the people of Hatteras, on their own initiative, have labored diligently to protect and cultivate a healthy environment for fish, birds, turtles and other wildlife.   Long before governmental agencies or environmental groups were ever involved, the people of Hatteras were leaders in conservation.  Over the years, wildlife in the area has prospered under the stewardship of the Hatteras people.