Assateague State Park to cut 8 campsites

In an attempt to combat sea level rise, the Assateague State Park in Maryland will eliminate eight campgrounds to make way for larger storm and tide barriers.

The Campground Improvement Project, slated to begin in the fall or winter of 2017, will widen the base of dunes along the easternmost portions of the campgrounds, according to a Department of Natural Resources press release.

“This project seeks to enhance Assateague State Park’s sustainability as a coastal barrier island,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said. “By strategically relocating some roads and campsites, we expect that we will be better able to protect the park’s infrastructure and the natural dune and beach landscape.”

In total, five camp loop roads will be moved 20 to 100 feet westward, away from the primary Atlantic Ocean dune, impacting 26 campgrounds — 18 of which will simply be moved inland, while the remaining eight will be eliminated entirely. While no new buildings will be constructed, paved pathways meant to ease access for people with disabilities and a small parking lot for five new walk-in campsites are included in the project plan.

“These modifications will enhance our guests’ enjoyment of all that Assateague has to offer, including camping at one of the most popular parks in the state,” Settina said. “This forward-thinking project seeks to safeguard and stabilize the park’s natural defenses and processes, and make it an even more attractive beach, camping and tourist destination.”

Due to parks location in the Coastal Bays critical area, the proposal requires review by the Critical Area Commission before construction can begin.