NC Coastal Land Trust moves to purchase ‘The Point’ on Topsail Island

TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A large swath of land once the site of a proposed private development is moving one step closer to conservation. 

The roughly 100 acres at the south end of Topsail Island known as “The Point” was once eyed by a wealthy family who sought to build multiple private homes at the point. 

Topsail residents railed against the rezoning request at public meetings, and in November 2023, the family withdrew their request. 

Over the last year and a half, NC Coastal Land Trust—with the help of local organizations like Conserve The Point—is now moving purchase the property using donations and grants. Coastal Land Trust is a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of coastal ecosystems. The organization has saved more than 90,000 acres from development across the state.

Associate Director Jesica Blake says community support made the purchase possible. 

“The community has been interested in this staying protected for a long time and the evolution of the different community groups and support has been integral to making this a potential reality,” Blake said. 

For many locals on the island, the area has become a favorite place to take in the scenery. 

“It’s one of our favorite places to come. It’s always beautiful and enjoyable,” said Gary Benzine, who has been visiting the island for more than 40 years. 

“We love paddleboarding, we’ll set our paddleboards out here and we’ll go in the sound; walk, swim, people fish,” Topsail resident Anne Hendry added. 

To hear that the land will remain preserved and usable to the public is a relief to many. 

“It’s awesome, it’s so exciting and I think it will bring more people to the island too knowing that it’s going to be a nature preserve,” Hendry said. 

“I think it’s outstanding. Love to come out here and see birds and animals,” Benzine noted. 

Coastal Land Trust is still waiting on funding from one grant, though Blake says that won’t stop the purchase. 

“Coastal Land Trust is taking a risk in going out a little bit on a limb for us and we’ll potentially be taking a loan out to do the closing this year and receive the grant funding later on,” Blake explained. 

Blake adds once Coastal Land Trust finalizes the purchase later this year, the title will be handed over to the state for public use and conservation. 

WWAY received a statement from Conserve The Point Vice President Michele Rivest that reads:

“We are so excited to finally be the doorstep of forever conserving The Point at the south end of Topsail Island. For decades generation of families and thousands of visitors have come to The Point for its pristine beauty, serenity and wildness. We all shared the dream to save the south end of Topsail Island forever. Our progress is due to the incredible community of people near and far – the residents, visitors, businesses, donors and public officials – who have worked tirelessly to permanently protect this slice of coastal paradise.

We are indebted to the Coastal Land Trust for leading the campaign to purchase and conserve The Point and for getting us to the finish line with their expertise and fundraising skills. 

It’s been an amazing community partnership and will be a lasting conservation legacy for all future generations.”