Rare undeveloped section of NC barrier island transferred to state, officials say

A years-long struggle to protect one of “the last privately owned, undeveloped tracts on any North Carolina barrier island” came to an end on Tuesday.

That’s when the south end of Topsail Island came under the state’s protection as part of an agreement with the Coastal Land Trust, which led the fight to shield the 149 acres.

The site is now known as the Topsail Nature Preserve, and it includes 1.6 miles of highly prized shoreline.

“The southern tip of Topsail Beach — known locally as The South End or The Point — is a breathtaking stretch of North Carolina coastline, defined by its sweeping views, dynamic ecosystems, and remarkable biodiversity,” the Coastal Land Trust reports.

“With sound-to-sea frontage along the Atlantic Ocean, New Topsail Inlet, and Banks Channel, the site features pristine dunes, estuarine wetlands, maritime shrub forest, and vital nesting habitat for coast-loving wildlife. ... This once-in-a-generation conservation victory ensures this beloved place will remain wild.”

The Coastal Land Trust negotiated and signed a contract to purchase The South End in 2025, after raising close to $8 million. Nearly 800 donors contributed to the campaign, as well as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, officials said.

Under state management, Topsail Nature Preserve will remain open to the public, “with a continued emphasis on conservation, education and responsible recreation,” the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality says.

“The Topsail Nature Preserve is a unique coastal resource, and we are committed to protecting its natural integrity and maintaining responsible public access,” DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said in a May 19 news release.

“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.”

Topsail Island is 26-miles long and is located about a 140-mile drive southeast from downtown Raleigh.