The NCPAF would like to announce the following events:


On Saturday, August 23rd, the NCPAF is going to have a surf fishing tournament to raise money for The Town of Oak Island's efforts to purchase the Yaupon Pier For more information on this event email: Roadkillal@aol.com or go to the website http://www.ncfps.com/Save_Yaupon_Pier.html

In other North Carolina Access News that we are following:

Topsail Ends Free Access at Town Marina

Parking and traffic concerns at the unmanned Topsail Marina prompted the town's board to put the town manager in charge of running the marina. The marina had no regulation and a lack of parking was an issue from the time of the ramp's purchase. There have been complaints about littering, noise, traffic and parking, as well as the leased boat slips that are not being monitored. The Town acquired the marina several years ago after legal issues were resolved, which included a threat of acquiring the marina under eminent domain proceedings when the owner wanted to back out of a purchase agreement. The price was $2 million and the marina was to provide free launching for residents. It is apparent that residents are abusing the privilege of free access. The ramp is the only local access available to ICW. The town manager will develop a fee schedule, along with the management plan. Donations to NCPAF can help acquire additional ramps such as the Topsail ramp.

$500,000 Dedicated for Purchasing Yaupon Pier

The Town of Ocean Isle received a matching funds grant for $500,000 toward the purchase of Yaupon Pier, which was recently bought by a bank for $1.6 million at auction and subsequently closed. The town is being tight-lipped about where the other money to purchase the pier will come from. Residents can help this cause by donating to NCPAF.

Sunset Beach Bridge Work Wipes Out Ramp

When NCDOT begins replacement of the Sunset Beach Bridge this summer, the existing ramp at the bridge site will be closed. The town is negotiating purchase for a replacement ramp site, but it won't be available for use for at least a couple of years. Meanwhile, the WRC is taking steps to double the number of parking spaces at its Ocean Isle ramp, which is already filled to capacity on busy days. Work to reconfigure the parking at the Ocean Isle ramp will take 12 to 18 months. The WRC also plans to increase parking at its Sunset Harbor ramp, which is located near Lockwoods Folly Inlet. A lot of slightly less than one next to the ramp will be purchased in July for expanding the parking area. The price for this small lot is $775,000. Donations to NCPAF can help expand ramp parking areas.

Closures on Hatteras and Ocracoke Island are at an all time high. Come find out about the issues and find out how to help at www.savehatteras.com