During a beachfront ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, state and local officials, and the North Carolina Land Trust gathered to officially transfer the Topsail Nature Preserve at the south end of Topsail Island to state management. “The Topsail Nature Preserve is a unique coastal resource and we are committed to protecting its natural integrity and maintaining responsible public access,” Secretary Wilson said. “Conserving places like this strengthens the long-term resilience of our coastal communities, protects natural habitats and preserves the natural features that help our coast adapt to changing environmental conditions.”
The ceremony turned the page in the newest chapter of the spit of pristine land in Topsail Beach, the southernmost town on the nearly 26 mile-long island that runs through Onslow and Pender counties. The land had been in the center of a campaign by Topsail Island locals and long-time tourists who wanted to keep it free from development, a goal that was ultimately achieved when the Coastal Land Trust purchased nearly 100 acres of the privately owned property for $7.5 million in April of last year.
“The Coastal Land Trust is proud to have partnered with the Topsail community to help conserve the South End,” North Carolina Coastal Land Trust Executive Director Harrison Marks said in a release. “We are thrilled to see this remarkable coastal resource permanently protected for future generations under the stewardship of the State of North Carolina.” The N.C. Division of Coastal Management will manage the preserve, which will remain open and accessible to the public, “with a continued emphasis on conservation, education and responsible recreation,” according to a DEQ release.
“Visitors are encouraged to follow posted guidelines designed to protect wildlife, sensitive habitats and the overall integrity of the site,” the release states. The area will be managed in coordination with local and state partners and will include the implementation of best practices for coastal stewardship and opportunities for community engagement.
WECT and other media outlets covered the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Watch the ceremony video here.
Conserve The Point Board members, South Topsail Preserve stewards and other community members also attended the ceremony.
Photo 1: From left, Conserve The Point Board members Roy Costa, Nancy Patton, Michele Rivest, Secretary Wilson, Beth Boyst, Shannon Crownover. Photo 2: CTP Board members Nancy Patton and Roy Costa talk with Secretary Wilson. Photo 3: Secretary Wilson viewing the signs for the protected bird nesting area at the south end of The Point.