Coastal Boating AccessNorth Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation
- Number of Enhanced Access Sites: 8
- Recently Renovated: Straits Landing and Wrightsville Beach
- Partnership Cost: $10,000 paid annually
Overview
There are 250 free public boating access areas connecting boaters to over 100 bodies of water across North Carolina and along the coast. The majority of these sites are owned and operated by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. In 2022, our Foundation announced a partnership with the Commission to enhance boating access at some of the largest access areas on the coast.
The Issue
With over 250 boating access areas serving more than 300,000 registered vessels, ongoing maintenance and upgrades are essential but costly. While the Commission works hard to keep these sites in top shape, additional support can help ensure safe, reliable access for everyone who depends on them.
Our Solution
To provide clean, convenient access to our sounds and waterways, the our Foundation has partnered with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Since 2022, NCMEF has provided financial support to assist the Commission with maintenance and infrastructure repairs at the following boating access areas: Manns Harbor (Croatan Sound), Swan Quarter (Pamlico Sound), Beaufort (Taylor’s Creek), Snow’s Cut (Carolina Beach), Oak Island (Southport), Straits Landing (Harkers Island), Wrightsville Beach (ICW), Weldon (Roanoke River).
Access Sites
What's Next?
Each access site is ADA compliant and engineered to provide smooth launching and retrieving of vessels. Of the eight boating access sites included in this partnership, two were recently renovated with infrastructure repairs: Straits Landing and Wrightsville Beach. We continuously evaluate these sites and others to identify future needs and ensure they remain safe, accessible, and well-maintained for years to come, providing free access to our fisheries.
