Monday, June 30, 2025

NCDEQ encourages safe and responsible behavior while visiting Masonboro Island Reserve during July Fourth holiday

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve. 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.
Morehead City, NC
Jun 30, 2025

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve. 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. 

“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. Your care and cooperation are essential to protecting the island’s wildlife, research opportunities and preserving its beauty for future generations.”

The agencies would like to remind 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.

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The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, works to protect, conserve and manage North Carolina's coastal resources in the 20 coastal counties. The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program protects natural areas for education, research, and compatible traditional uses. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 44,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites along the coast.

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