Closed section of Ocracoke Island beach expanded

OCRACOKE ISLAND, N.C. — The section of Ocracoke Island beach closed for pre-nesting of shorebirds has been expanded after five signs marking the closure were vandalized.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported the signs were vandalized Monday.

That section of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore was closed to protect anticipated breeding areas of shorebirds.

The Park Service said the 2-foot-by-2-foot wooden posts were broken off at the ground, and vehicle tracks were evident at three of them.

Under the terms of a court agreement signed in April 2008, vandalism of fencing requires a 50-meter expansion of the closed area.

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