N.C. Department of Environmental Quality urging visitors to Masonboro Island Reserve to act responsibly
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — If your July Fourth holiday involves a trip to Masonboro Island Reserve, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging you to act responsibly.
In preparation for the holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide public safety resources and increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island which is a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve.
“We’re grateful for our ongoing collaboration with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, which helps ensure the safety of visitors to the Masonboro Island Reserve,” said Tancred Miller, director of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.
“As you enjoy Masonboro Island or any of North Carolina’s Coastal Reserve or National Estuarine Research Reserve sites this July Fourth, we urge you to respect this unique natural habitat by practicing responsible recreation and leaving no trace,” Miller said. “Your care and cooperation are essential to protecting the island’s wildlife, research opportunities and preserving its beauty for future generations.”
The agencies are also reminding visitors not to attempt the dangerous swim across Masonboro Inlet and to make responsible decisions that limit the impact on natural resources.
There are no facilities or resources available on the research reserve, so before visiting Masonboro Island Reserve or other reserve sites, please review the visitor guidelines and safety information.
Preparedness is key for safety – visitors should carry proper supplies, use reliable transport, pack out all their trash and keep the safety of themselves and other visitors in mind.
