Assateague Officials Outline What’s Next in Beach Relocation Plan

CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Va. — At Assateague Island National Seashore, the shoreline is always on the move — shifting toward the mainland by up to 13 feet a year, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That shift, fueled by storms and erosion causes costly damage to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge every year. Now, officials are relocating the beach to conserve wildlife resources and reduce annual maintenance costs.

“We spend $400,000-$500,000 a year rebuilding the parking lot there, and we’ve run out of room,” Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne said.

The only change visitors will notice this summer is that the Tom’s Cove Visitor center is no longer there. But, by spring 2027, getting to the beach will look entirely different.

“The new entryway will be right off to the left, and you’ll be driving about 1.5 miles to the new beach location, which is north of the current one. You’ll eventually get to the large new parking lot area which holds over 1000 cars. . . The lot is not right on the beach like it currently is. . . You’ll walk along the boardwalk, go over the dune, and be on the beach.”

Hawthorne says the near $12 million project is an investment in the park’s future. The new lot will be equipped with seven boardwalks, bathrooms, and changing rooms by 2027. “Saving this money will allow us to continue servicing the public at the level that we have in the past.”

The new lot will be approximately 2.5 miles farther north, and there are plans to eventually install showers at the site. Visitors will still be able to view the ponies from their pens along the marshes.

For more information on the Beach Relocation Project, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague/beach-relocation-and-habitat-restoration-projects