2009 good year for birds, turtles in Cape Hatteras

As the 2009 nesting season ends at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, National Park Service reports indicate rare birds and sea turtles benefited in the second breeding season after an April 2008 consent agreement increased park protections for baby birds and sea turtles endangered by off-road vehicles. The park has also attracted more visitors during the same months in 2009 despite the nationwide recession. More details are in the release.

Charts showing species population numbers before and after the April 2008 consent decree can be viewed here.