CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Officials are closing the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve for repairs, saying unauthorized access has led to damage to areas that are off-limits to visitors.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced the move in a news release on Tuesday. Dot Field, Eastern Shore steward for the department's natural heritage division, says visitors have been able to enjoy bird-watching and observe the Chesapeake Bay at the preserve, but the department says some visitors have jumped off the boardwalk and gone through restricted areas, such as a coastal maritime forest and across eroding dunes.
The closure takes effect on Wednesday and will last at least through Oct. 1.
