Vandalism causes buffer expansion on NC coast

SALVO, N.C. -- Two vandalism incidents have prompted the National Park Service to expand buffers at a shorebird protection area near the village of Salvo in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Park Service says the incidents occurred at Ramp 23 between Sunday evening and early Monday and then during the early morning hours Tuesday. The bird protection area was extended for an additional 600 meters because of the vandalism. Beach closures are required by a settlement between the park service and environmental groups that sued over protection of endangered species. The agreement requires that closed areas be enlarged in the case of vandalism. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)