Coastal Land Trust purchases the South End of Topsail Beach 

TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust announced it has purchased the South End of Topsail Beach, a significant step in permanent protection of the property.

The South End, also known as ‘The Point’, was one of the last remaining privately owned, large, undeveloped tracts on North Carolina’s barrier islands.  

A few years ago, a developer was interested in putting a number of homes on the property, but got pushback from local residents.

That led coastal land trust to try and buy the land for conservation but they needed to raise money to buy the land.

As part of the transaction, a 1-acre portion of the site—including the existing parking area and surrounding land—was sold to the Town of Topsail Beach. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation victory for conservation on the coast,” said Harrison Marks, Executive Director of the Coastal Land Trust. “We are deeply grateful to the partners, donors, and volunteers who made this possible.” 

The Coastal Land Trust negotiated a contract and launched a bold campaign in March 2024 to raise nearly $8 million. With the support of almost 800 donors—who contributed more than $1.6 million—and several major public funding sources, the acquisition became a reality. 

“This beautiful and beloved section of Topsail is now protected forever,” said Frank Braxton, Mayor of the Town of Topsail Beach. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Coastal Land Trust to ensure its natural beauty is preserved for future generations.”