The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM), in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, will host a public event to mark the transfer of The Topsail Nature Preserve to state management. A ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson, state, local officials and conservation partners will be part of a brief speaking program and self-guided tour of the site.
This milestone reflects a shared commitment to long-term conservation, responsible public access, and stewardship of one of North Carolina’s ecologically significant coastal areas.
WHO:
N.C. Department of Environmental Quality leadership
Division of Coastal Management representatives
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust representatives
Local officials and community partners
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 1 p.m.
WHERE:
Sound Access #1
Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Participants and guests will walk to the oceanside beach for a brief speaking program and ribbon cutting.
Please wear comfortable shoes.
Due to limited parking, please arrive by 12:30 p.m. to allow time to walk to event site.
PARKING:
South Topsail Parking lot entrance (limited)
OUTSIDE Serenity Point neighborhood: Off street right of way parking along Ocean Boulevard.
Vehicles must be completely off the street and should not block driveways.
The Assembly Building, 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC
Parking available in lot across the street
Transport available from this location ONLY to event site from 12 – 1 p.m.
Cars must be removed by 2:30 p.m.
Interested media, please RSVP to Christy Simmons at christy.simmons@deq.nc.gov by noon, Monday, May 18 for onsite interview requests with DEQ leadership.