Sunday, March 16, 2025

Ahead of holiday, officials convey safety reminders to Masonboro Island visitors

Visitors flock to Masonboro Island for the Independence Day holiday and are asked to clean up after themselves. (Courtesy NCDEQ)

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Located just south of Wilmington in the Atlantic Ocean is a barrier island, Masonboro — a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve. Boaters flock to it annually for July 4th celebrations.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office remind the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday on the reserve. Each agency is providing public safety resources and increased awareness. 

It’s advised not to attempt swimming through Masonboro Inlet to get to the island. As well, limited resources are on the reserve so visitors should bring appropriate supplies, use reliable transport, pick up all trash and follow guidelines. 

Everything brought to the island should be packed up and ferried off. Pets should be leashed, and wildlife and field data equipment left undisturbed.

All the rules can be found here


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Shea Carver
Shea Carver
Shea Carver is the editor in chief at Port City Daily. A UNCW alumna, Shea worked in the print media business in Wilmington for 22 years before joining the PCD team in October 2020. She specializes in arts coverage — music, film, literature, theatre — the dining scene, and can often be tapped on where to go, what to do and who to see in Wilmington. When she isn’t hanging with her pup, Shadow Wolf, tending the garden or spinning vinyl, she’s attending concerts and live theater.

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