July 13, 2007 - As developers and property owners gobble up prime shoreline property, Brunswick County residents and visitors are finding it increasingly difficult to gain access to area waterways.
Among its more than 200 boat access facilities across the state, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission operates boat access points locally at Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Fish Factory Road, Rice Creek, Sunset Harbor and Pireway. With a growing population and booming tourist industry, more boaters are using waterways, but access is quickly diminishing.
In addition to the state access points, users previously launched watercraft from the ends of streets and at the State Port marina. However, privatization and changes at the marina and development of once-vacant streets have left many boating enthusiasts scrambling for a place in line at state ramps.
It's a problem facing communities along the East Coast, according to Gordon Myers, deputy director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. By Stacy S Manning