Coastal Land Trust signs contract to purchase The Point on Topsail Island

Conservation group must raise nearly $8 million to complete the deal

TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust announced Tuesday it has signed a nearly $8 million contract to purchase and preserve around 150 acres of shoreline at the sound end of Topsail Beach.

The property stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, New Topsail Inlet, and Banks Channel. The land, commonly known as The Point, has been a point of contention among residents and the current property owner, Raleigh businessman Todd Olson, who wanted to rezone the 30 acres of land to build homes for his family. In November, Olson withdrew his application to rezone the property.

“The Point represents one of the last vestiges of undeveloped, privately-owned land on North Carolina’s barrier islands,” remarked Harrison Marks, Executive Director of the Coastal Land Trust. “Its protection hinges on community support. Together, we will ensure this ecological haven remains intact for generations to come.”

The undeveloped portion of beach is home to Wilson’s Plovers, dunes, estuarine wetlands, and maritime shrub forests.

Although the Coastal Land Trust is already pursuing grants from state and federal programs, private support will be essential to secure The Point’s future, Marks added. Coastal Land Trust must raise the money by March 2025 to complete the acquisition.

Once the purchase is complete, the Coastal Land Trust plans to transfer the property to the State of North Carolina to be managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management. The goal is to permanently protect the property and manage it in a way that balances conservation and public access.

“We recognize the invaluable significance of conserving South Topsail Beach for its ecological importance and as a cherished community asset,” said Tancred Miller, Director of the Division of Coastal Management. “We are committed to partnering with the Coastal Land Trust and other stakeholders to ensure the public benefits of preserving this pristine coastal gem.

The Coastal Land Trust plans to meet with Town officials and host a public meeting in the near future. Meeting details will be announced on Coastal Land Trust’s website, social media channels, and community calendars.

For those interested in contributing to the Protect the Point campaign, donations can be made through the Coastal Land Trust’s website.