The Point-Management Plan for a Fragile Coastal Resource-1998

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� THE. 1'l1INT
' MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR A FRAGILE COASTAL RESOURCE
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DCM COPY DCM COPY
lease do not remove!!!!!
Division of Coastal Management
Bill Farris A Associates
1806 Grace Street, Wilmington, NC 28405

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The Town of Long Beach, NC
C BEACO
THE POINT Management Plan for a fragile
Coastal Resource
03/23/98aftOR r'i ,3Y'
Bill Farris -Associates
I806 grace street-wilmington, nc 28405

TABLE OF CONTENT'S
INTRODUCTION I
FRAGILE AREA DESIGNATION 1
COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE 2
PURPOSE OF PLAN 2
CONTEXT
TIIE PLANNING; AREA
THE COMMUNITY
TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS
-PERMANENT POPULATION
SEASONAL POPI IL.ATION
POPULATION CI IARACTER
-ISTICS
THE USERS
NATURAL FEATURES
DUNE SYSTEMS
SHORELINE Cl IANGE
SOILS
WATER
HURRICANE RISK:
VEGETATION
3
3
3
4
5
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10
10
11
11
I(
12
12
WILDLIFE
DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
TOWN OF LONG BEACI I
ZONING
DUNE PROTECTION
CAMA
COASTAL WETLANDS
ESTUARINE SHORELINE
OCEAN ITAZARD AREAS
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
VISION
MANAGEMENT GOALS
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
PLAN COMMENTS
MANAGEMENT PLAN
LAND CLASSIFICATION AND
LAND USES
LAND CLASSIFICATION
LAND USES
13
14
14
14
15
15
15
17
18
18
19
20
20
21

PLANNING DEPARTMENT
i PO Box 217 - 4601 East Oak Island Drive
i Long Beach, NC 28465
[phone], ext. 236 - Fax: [phone]
LAND USE PLAN UPDATE STEERING COMMITTEE
(AH-HOC COMMITTEE)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING SCHEDULE
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITY
DATE*
TIME*
Steering Committee Workshop -
March 12, 1998
7:00 p.m.
Community meetin0sorkshop preparation
Community Meeting/Workshop #1 -
March 26,1998
7:00 p.m..
Growth & Development Concerns and Priority Assessment
Steering Committee Workshop -
April 9, 1998
7:00 p.m.
Results of community meeting/workshop/Review of planning
information base
Steering Committee Workshop -
),Iav 7,1998
7:00 p.m.
Development of draft land use Policies
Community Meeting/Workshop #2 -
June 11,1998
7:00 p.m -
Review Draft land use policies
Community Meeting/Workshop #3 -
June 13, 1998
2:00 p.m.
Review Draft laud use policies
Joint meeting between Town Council, Planning
July 2. 1998
7:00 p.m.
Board and Steering Committee -
Review public comment & draft land use policies
Community Meeting/Workshop 04 -
July 23,1998
7:00 p.m..
Review draft policies
Steering Committee Workshop -
October 8. 1998
7:00 p.m.
Review of DC>1 comments
Joint meeting between Town Council, Planning
October 29. 1998
7:00 p.m.
Board and Steering Committee -
Review of DC\I connnentsi Ian adjustment
Formal Public Hearing and Plan adoption/Plan submittal to CRC
November 17,1998
7:00 p.m.
for Certification
ALL MEETINGS TO BE HELD AT THE LONG BEACH RECREATION CENTER
LOCATED AT 3003 EAST OAK ISLAND DRIVE
*These events. event contents, and dates are tentative and subject to change. Changes in the Public Participation
meetingsAvorkshop+ to include dates/times, may be authorized by the Land Use Plan Update Steering Committee as necessary.
Any changes will he pu+ted as a public notice on the bulleting board in Town Hall, broadcast on the Town's public information
radio station (1350 \JI). as well as tbrnut'.h published the State Port Pilot
FOR ADDITION.-%L INFORMATION REGARDING THE LAND USE PLAN UPDATE. TO INQUIRE REGARDING
CHANGES l'D t'ONI.MUNITY MEETING/WORKSHOP DATES/TIMES. OR TO LEARN HOW YOUR CIVIC
ORGANIZ.\ I'IONC.kN \CTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS CONTACT TOWN PLANNER TIN[ BOSTIC.
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TABLE OF CON'llEM'S
SITE DFVELOI'MLsN•I' 23
EDUCATION CENTER 23
ENVIRONMENTAL ACCESS
FOR ALL PEOPLE 23
VIEWING AREAS 25
PARKING AREAS 26
OLD BRIDGE FISI IING
ACCESS AREA 26
MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING 27
PROGRAMMING 28
SCHEDULING AND BUDGETING 30
PREPARING FOR IMPLE—
MENTATION 31

INTRODUC"I'ION
FRAGILE AREA I►I;SICNATION
"The Point" is defined os a fragile area in the Long
Beach CAMA Land Us- flan. The designation as a
fragile area signifies chit the area has sensitive natural
resources that "could hu easily damaged or destroyed
by inappropriate or pom IY planned development."
The remaining undcvch)ped land at The Point is at a
critical juncture. The land has been a target fbr
residential devefopmem ova• the past 20 years, and at
one point a subdivision plan was prepared for the
1
entire area. More recently, the
land lying behind the Frontal dune
has been subdivided for
residences. Further subdivision ol•
ithe remaining land will block
public use in all but the public
trust areas and it will destroy
many of the natural features and
cultural values that are so
important to the town.
Overuse from the growing population is an additional
threat. Without appropriate management, use by the
town's growing permanent and seasonal population
will seriously damage the environmental, recreational,
and cultural values at The Point.
LOCATION
The Point is located at the extreme western tip of the
beach strand in the Town of Long Beach. The area is
bordered by the ocean on the south, Lockwoods Folly

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INTRODUCTION
inlet on the west, and Montgomery Slough on the
north. Sheep Island and Horse Island are located
directly north of the Point across Montgomery
Slough.
COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE
Historically, the Point has been a recreational and
environmental education area for the residents and
visitors to Long Beach, Oak Island, and the mainland
The area is used for swimming, fishing, clamming,
bird watching, and educational programs involving
sea turtles, dune preservation, and coastal habitats.
The area is well used, but access is difficult. In the
past, a "loop" road circled the point from West Beach
Drive and a street currently named King's Lynn Dr. A
large portion of the loop was washed out in the late
1970's when the Lockwoods Polly inlet moved east
during a storm. 'file loop road has not been replaced
and as a result, Beach Drive and King's Lynn dead-
end at the Point.
2
It may be that the difficult access bas prevented heavy
use that might destroy some of the natural features of
the area and reduce its value for recreation and
education. I Iowever, Long Beach's population
growth, both permanent and seasonal, pressure from
real estate development will make it difficult for this
area to continue providing unique open space values
to residents and visitors alike.
PURPOSE
T he pin1-7ose of this Mari is to develop management
policies for the Point that ivill preserve its
environmental values and that allow it to continue to
serve as recreational and environmental education
resource for the residents, property owners, and
visitors to Long Beach.
The management policies will provide a means for
coordinated action at the local, state, and federal
levels to protect this important resource and to
maximize its values and public benefit.

CONTEXT
THE PLANNING AREA
The planning area for the Point is a quarter -moon
shaped area that extends From the western end of
Beach Drive west and northwest around to the
western end of King's Lynn Drive. The area includes
approximately 40 acres. On the Beach Drive side, it
is approximately 350 feet wide; on the King's Lynn
side, it is approximately 800 feet wide, cast to west.
A walk around the perimeter of the planning area
from Beach Drive to King's Lynn is approximately
4,500 feet, or nearly 0.9 mile.
At the Beach Drive side, a relatively flat and wide
frontal dune system runs in an east -west direction
from a point near the end of Beach Drive to an area
approximately 200 feet east of the Inlet. The primary
dune system has elevations in the 5 feet to 10 Icct-
plus range and in places it is up to 150 feet wide. The
beach strand is south of this system.
3
An "inter -dune" area separates the primary dune
system fi-om a secondary system to the north. This
secondary dune system is located on the approximate
boundary of the planning area. The land from this
clime system north to King's Lynn Drive is part of the
King's Lynn subdivision. Two houses have been
built in this area.
TILE COMMUNITY
Like other coastal resort communities, the Town of
Long Beach has experienced steady and at some
times dramatic growth since the town was
incorporated in the 1950's. The town's growth
includes both year-round families, working and
retired, and a much larger number of seasonal
visitors. Over the next 20 years, the permanent and
seasonal population of Long Beach and Oak Island
will increase significantly. A significant share of
these new residents and visitors will find their way to
the Point, and they will place added stress on the
area's fragile resources.

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CONTEXT
TRENDS AND 1'ILOJI,C'I'IONS—I'EIZMANEN'I'
POPULATION
As shown in Table 1, Long Beach's permanent
population growth has been extraordinary since 1970.
According to the Census, the town's 1970 population
was approximately 500. By 1980, the population
reached 1,834—an increase of nearly 300%. Between
1980 and 1990, the population increased from 1,834
to 3,816—still an increase of more than 100%.
The 1995 population estimate for Long Beach from
the State Planning Office is 4,674. Even with the
larger population base, the town is still growing at an
average rate of4.4% per year.
The region surrounding Long Beach is growing as
well. From 1970 to 1980, Oak Island's permanent
population grew by more than 200%; between 1980
and 1990, the island's population increased by nearly
90%. Combining State Planning's 1995 estimates Im
Long Beach, Youpon Beach, and Caswell Beach, the
4
current population is 5,733, an increase of 2 1 % since
1990.
TABLE 1
Growth Trends —Long Beach and Region
Year
Long Beach
Oak Island
Brunswick
County
1970
493
827
24223
1980
1834
2513
35777
1990
3816
4725
50985
1995 (estimate)
4674
57331
60739
1990-1995
PcrcentIncrease
22%
21%
19%
Sources: US Census Bureau
NC Office of State Planning
I layes and Associates
Projections of permanent population for Long Beach
are shown in Table 2. These projections indicate that
Long Beach's population will increase to 5,213 in
2000 and to 7,664 by 2020—an increase of nearly
65%, or 2.5% per year, for the 1995 to 2020 period.

CONTEXT
Long Beach's prgiected growth is parallel to the
projections for Oak Island as a whole and Brunswick
County, which in 1997 is the 3rd fastest growing
county in the state.
TABLE 2
Population Projections --Long Beach and Region
Year
Long Beach
Oak Island
Brunswick
Count y
2000
5213
6,155
69653
2010
6321
7827
8,1454
2020
704
9490
97920
Sources: NC Office of State Planning
William B.
Parris
In the context of population growth projections, the
key consideration for the Point is that usage will
increase at a compound rate over the next 25 years
and that protection of the resources in the planning
area will require careful management.
5
SEASONAL POPULATION
A recent environmental assessment for the "Second
Bridge Corridor" provides a thorough assessment of
the seasonal population of Long Beach and Oak
Island.' This study identifies three seasonal
population groups: 1) property -owning seasonal
residents; 2) overnight visitors who rent
accommodations; and 3) day visitors who come to
Oak Island for the beach and other water -oriented
recreational activities.
The Second Bridge study estimates that, in 1995, the
total seasonal population of Oak Island in these three
categories is approximately 32,000. Based on the
1995 permanent population estimate for Oak Island,
the seasonal population outnumbers the permanent
population nearly 6 to 1.
Peggy I ]ayes, A]CP, I layer and Associates, Ree•ondrrr� and Cunndmire
Impacts: Technical Alemorandum, Second Bridge to Oak Island, NCDOT,
February 1996.
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CONTEXT
Detailed inRnntation on (lie seasonal population of
Long Beach is not available. l lowever assuming that
the number of day visitors is relative to the permanent
population, Long Beach's share of Oak Island's 1995
seasonal population is approximately 26,000, or 80%
of the island's total. About 4,200 people are day
visitors.
It is expected that the seasonal population will grow
at about the same rate as the permanent population. 11'
these projections are realized, the town's seasonal
population could grow to 10,000 by 2020. It should
be noted that the Long Beach CAMA land use plan
indicates that 60% of the town's platted lots are
vacant but that many of these vacant lots will not
support septic tanks. Therefore, seasonal population
growth of this magnitude appears to be dependent
upon installation of a central wastewater collection
system.
Table 3 provides information on the town's current
and future seasonal population.
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TABLE 3
Seasonal Population —Current Estimates and
Projected Growth
Long Beach
Oak Island
Year
Overnight
visitors
Day
visitors
Overnight
visitors
Day
visitors
1995
21600
4160
27000
5200
2000
24192
1608
30240
5760
2010
29568
5632
36960
7040
2020
35616
67841
44520
8480
Source: William 13. Farris
According to the US Department of Commerce,
htclusn•ial Outlook, trends in travel and tourism could
have implications for visitors' utilization of the Point.
Vacationers are looking for both active and passive
recreational opportunities and natural resource -based
tourism is growing at a significant rate. Ocean
kayaking is one of the nation's fastest growing water
activities. The US Forest Service expects that
participation in canoeing and kayaking will grow by
40% over the next 40 years.
With these trends, the Point will be a focal point in
Long Beach's growth. First, increases in permanent

CONTEXT
and seasonal population will stress the resources in
the area; second, properly managed, the Point can be
a major factor in the town's expanding tourism
industry by providing an attraction for the growing
number of families that sect: natural resource -based
vacations.
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS —RACE,
AGE, INCOME, AND EMPLOYMENh
The 1990 Census reveals that the residents of Long
Beach and Oak Island are predominantly white.
Ninety-nine percent of the population counted in
1990 was white. Hispanics were the next largest
identifiable group at 0.4% of the population.
As expected, the town's population is somewhat older
than the general population; however, the gap is
relatively narrow. In 1990, 82% of the population
was older than 18 years compared to 79% in this age
group in the general population. These percentages
indicate that even though Long Beach and Oak Island
have significant retirement populations, there are a
significant number of working families on the island.
There are differences in the recreational needs and
preferences of these two groups.
Residents of Long Beach are financially well-off.
Income statistics from the 1990 Census show a
median household income of $27,072 for Long
Beach. This median income is 15% higher than that
of the County as a whole.
Long Beach has the lion's share of employed persons
residing on Oak Island. In 1990, there were 2,051
employed persons living on Oak Island. Of these,
1,678, or 82%, lived in Long Beach.
Looking at employment from another perspective,
46% of the town's population, age 16 years and older,
participated in the labor force. This participation rate
is nearly the same as the county as a whole. In 1990,
only 47% of the county's population in this age group
participated in the labor force. Economically, these
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CONTEXT
statistics indicate that Long Beach has a balance Illinois, and the North Carolina piedmont are the
between waking and retired families. areas most frequently mentioned.
THE USERS
An informal survey conducted by the planning team
on July 24, 1997 from 10 AM to 2 PM provides a
"snapshot" of the users of the Point and the types of
improvements that they would like to see.
The survey confirms that the Point is a family place.
All of the individuals interviewed were there with
families and small children. About 50% of those
interviewed were in the 20 to 50 age group; 40% were
50 or older; and 10% were. teenagers. Interviewees
were evenly divided between males and females.
Most of the people interviewed were visitors to Long
Beach and Oak Island. Ninety percent of the
interviewees were visitors from a wide area in the
eastern United States —Florida, New Jersey, Ohio,
E
The users interviewed were asked "why they come to
the Point?". "file most frequent responses are
summarized below:
• To fish and to catch bait
• A safe swimming place for children
• Clamming
• To enjoy nature
• To enjoy the quiet
• Relief from the congestion in other parts of
the beach
Users were also asked to identify the types of
improvements that they would like to see at the Point.
All of those interviewed wanted low -intensity
improvements to make sure that the reasons that they
use the Point are not lost. Frequently mentioned
needs are summarized below:

CONTEXT
• Parking and bathrooms and showers were
mentioned by 60% of those interviewed
• Shelters were mentioned by 20%
• Walkways to ease walking and to protect
the environment were mentioned by 10%
Ten percent of those interviewed said to "keep it the
way it is."
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NATURAL FEATURES
Important natural features at The Point are illustrated
on Map 1.
DUNE SYSTEMS
An east -west oriented fi•o fal chute system is located
in the mid -section of the planning area.' This system
begins at the western end of Beach Drive and rtins to
the west for a distance of approximately 1,200 feet.
The dune's width is in the range of 100 feet.
Aleeling m it6 CAMA Permit 011iccr.
10
The property landward of the primary dune has been
subdivided into residential building lots. Homes have
been constructed on two of these lots.
There is significant evidence of foot traffic on the
primary dune in violation of the Town's dune
protection ordinance. With construction of additional
houses north of the dune, encroachment by
pedestrians walking from these homes to the beach
will increase. Steps need to be taken to manage traffic
through this dune system to avoid significant damage.
A second unconsolidated dune system is located to
the south of the primary dune. This "hummocky" area
is not defined as frontal dune. The Town has
designated an informal beach and fishing access on
the ocean side of this system of dunes.
Near the end of Beach Drive, the Town's Erosion
Control Committee has established a dune protection
education area to test and demonstrate alternative

NATURAL FEATURES
preservation methods. This area is expected to
remain to use.
SHORELINE CHANGE
Maps provided by the NC Division of Coastal
Management indicate that the beach in the area of
The Point is accreting at in average rate of up to 5
feet per year. This buildup is the result of the
placement of dredge spoil font the maintenance of
the Lockwoods Folly inlet. The Corps of Engineers
dredges the inlet each year and alternates placement
of spoil between Long Beach (The Point) and I lolden
Beach.
SOILS
The Brunswick County Snits Survey places all of the
soils in the planning area in the Newhan series.
These soils are typical of the sands found on North
' "Long Tenn Average Annual shoreline Change Rates Updated Through
1992," NC Division of Coastal Management, Raleigh
11
Carolina's barrier islands. The silt/clay content of
these soils is very low, typically less than 5%.
Calcareous shell fragments may account for up to
25% of the soil volume.
Because they are excessively drained and offer a poor
filter, these soils are rated with "severe limitations"
for the use of septic tanks for on -site wastewater
treatment.
WATEW
The estuarine waters adjoining the planning area on
the north and west are classified as SA. Waters with
the SA classification are managed primarily for
shellfish harvesting and primary recreation, which
includes swimming. Domestic wastewater discharges
are prohibited in SA waters. In addition, there are
limitations on construction and development to
manage sedimentation and stormwater runoff.
' Classifications from maps provided by the Division of Coastal
Management.
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NATURAL FCA'I'URES
None of the SA waters immediately surrounding the
planning area are closed to shellfishing. Ilowever
directly to the north in the Lockwoods Polly River
and to the east in Davis Creek, SA waters are closed
'file ocean waters south of the planning area are
classified SB. Waters in the SB class are managed for
primary recreation, fishing and boating. Discharge
restrictions and development restrictions on land
adjacent to S13 waters are not as stringent as the SA
classification.
Public use of the Point is directly related to
maintaining the quality of the surrounding surlace
waters. Preservation and enhancement of water
quality must be a goal of the management plan.
1 fowever, water quality is also determined by actions
in other areas in the watershed so that efforts must be
comprehensive.
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IIURRICANE RISK
According to mapping provided by the Division of
Coastal Management, the entire planning area would
be inundated by slow -moving hurricanes of category
3 or higher. Slow -moving category 2 storms would
inundate all of the Point except a small area at the
extreme eastern end.
VEGETATION
The vegetation at the Point is quite varied considering
the harsh conditions in which it exists. The plant
diversity offers an excellent opportunity for
developing interpretative programs on coastal
ecosystems.
Typical of dune and interdune areas on North
Carolina's coast, the following are examples plants
that may be found the planning area:

NATURAL FEATURES
■ Beachgrass
■ Beach pea
■ Seaoats
■ Panicgrass and
biller panicum
■ Beach morning
glory
■ Blucstem
■ Marsh -elder
■ Sea elder
■ Silverlcaf croton
■ Seaside
goldenrod
■ Pennyworl
■ Yucca
■ Pigweed (Amaronlhtcs punilus)
■ Tidal marsh grasses
Of these plant types, Amoranthus, Pigweed, is
considered to be rare and endangered. In most
locations, use of the land supporting the tidal marsh
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grasses is regulated by the Coastal Area Management
Act.
WILDLIFE
Sea turtles utilize virtually the entire ocean beach area
and the beach adjacent to the inlet for nesting.
Frequently, these nests may be moved to locations
where the hatchlings will not enter the inlet or the
sound and where the nests can be easily located and
monitored. Management plans should recognize the
presence of the area and insure that it is not disturbed.
There have been reports of Piping Plover (Characlries
melochcs) nests in the areas south of the frontal dune.
Due to destruction of nesting sites, this bird is
endangered. I lowever, a survey by representatives of
the NC Wildlife Commission and the Audubon
Society determined that the area was not an important
nesting site for the bird. Their survey did indicate
that the area hosts a variety of shore birds and has
potential for the study of shorebirds and their habitat.
The area is also Used by small and large mammals.
Small animal tracks and deer tracks are common.

DEVELOPMENC
POLICIES
TOWN OF LONG BEACH
MORNI We]
The Point is zoned R-1 under the'rown's zoning
ordinance. The R-I district is intended to
accommodate both seasonal and permanent single-
family and two-family residences. Two-family
residences are permitted only where municipal water
service is available. The R-I district also allows
customary accessory uses.
'file minimum area requirements for lots in the R-1
district are 7,500 square feet for a single-family home
and 10,000 square feet for a two-family home. The
minimum lot widths are 50 feet for a single-family
home and 75 feet for a tN%o-family home.
'file setback requirements for the district include a
front yard of 30 feet (or 25 feet for oceanfront lots); a
side yard of 8 feet (10 feet along a utility casement);
and a rear yard of 25 feet.
W
In the planning area, the ordinance limits buildings to
a height of 35 feet.
UUNI. 1'RO'rCCTION
The Long Beach Code (Sec. 7-4) contains a provision
for protection of the town's primary or frontal dune
systems. (In the planning area, the primary dune
system runs nearly east -west from a point near Beach
Drive to within 200 feet of the Lockwoods Polly
Inlet.) The code defines primary chines as the first
mounds of sand located landward of the ocean beach
having all elevation equal to the mean flood level plus
6 feet. Frontal dunes are the first mound of sand
landward of the beach having sufficient vegetation,
height, continuity and configuration to offer
protective value.
Under the code, it is unlawful to operate vehicles, to
damage beach grass or any other vegetation, or to
walk on the frontal dunes.

DLVLLOPMEN't' POLICIES
CAMA
The Point contains five Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC's) as defined in the Coastal Area
Management Act:
Coastal Wetlands,
Estuarine Shoreline,
High hazard Flood Area,
Unvegetated Beach Area, and
Inlet I lazard Area.
Many of these AEC's are overlapping, and where an
area falls into more than one AEC category, the most
stringent of the CAMA use standards apply.
Coastal Wetlands. Wetlands are defined by the
presence of marsh plants. The Division of Coastal
Management has not delineated the coastal wetlands
at the Point; however depending on DCM's
interpretation, the wetlands could be extensive.
Marsh plants that define wetlands are present in
15
several areas, including the vegetated area south of
the frontal dune.
In areas defined as coastal wetlands, only
development activities that require water access and
cannot fitnetion elsewhere are permitted. Piers and
docks are examples of acceptable uses.
Estuarine Shoreline. These are non -ocean
shorelines that are vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or
other adverse effects of wind and water. These
shorelines are considered a component of the
estuarine system because of their close association
With estuarine waters. This AEC is located along the
western and northern shorelines of the planning area
and it extends 75 feet landward of mean high water.
The key regulation in this AEC is a limit on the
intensity of development. Within the AEC,
impervious surfaces are limited to 30 percent of the
area gf•the AEC.
high Hazard Flood Area, Unvegetated Beach
Area, and Inlet Hazard Area. These three AEC's
are within a general category of Ocean Hazard Areas.

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DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
The I ligh l lazard Flood Area is defined generally by
the V zone on the flood insurance maps. This is an
area within the 100-year I food zone subject to high
velocity waters. Nearly one-half of the planning area
oil the south side bordering the Atlantic Ocean is in a
V hood zone.
The Unvegetated Beach Area is an area adjacent to
the Atlantic shoreline where there is no stable
vegetation.
Inlet Hazard Areas encompass those areas within
which ocean inlets will migrate. These areas are
vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and the damaging
effects of sand, wind, and water. All of the planning
area is designated as an Inlct I lazard Area.
Development in these areas is discouraged.
Development must be landward of the primary dunes
if one exists, and if no primary (little exists,
development must be landward ol'the frontal (lunel' or
Primary dune is defined by the Cmisla I bhmagement Regulations as "first
mound or sand located landward or ocean beaches having an elevation equal
to the 100 year flood level plus G Icy t:'
6 Frontal dunes are defined as" riist mound or sand located landward or the
ocean beach having sullicienl vego.ition, height, continuity, and
configuration to offer protective vahic.
16
the long-term erosion setback line, whichever is
farthest from the first line ol'slable vegetation.
Construction ol'growth-inducing public facilities
within ocean hazard areas is permitted only where a
public benefit is derived, such as coastal access, and
where the facilities will not promote growth and
development.
In areas where private development is permitted,
permanent structures are permitted at a density of no
more than one commerciul or one residential
sh•uchwe per 15,000 square,eet (3 twits per acre) and
residential structures ccumot exceed 4 units and
comincl-cial sinichwes must he less tlum 5, 000 square
feet.

COMMUNITY PARTICIMrngN VISION AND COALS
Community Participation is a key element in the
management strategy for file Point. Input and
viewpoints of citizens is not only important for
development of the management plan, they are also
necessary for creating the community partnerships
that will be required to implement it. Formal
participation included two community meetings. The
first meeting involved participants in a visioning
process. The second meeting gained input on a
preliminary management plan.
Meeting One
The first step in what is considered to be an on -going
participation process was. Members of five essential
community boards and committees met on October
27, 1997 to define a vision for the Point and to set
priorities for the action steps required to achieve the
vision.7 The vision is defined as a statement of how
the conurtunity sees the future at the Point.
Step One. In the first part of the meeting,
participants developed their own vision
' Recreation Advisory Board, Erosion Control Cm» miuee, Beach
Preservation 'I Lust Fund Advisor I tomd, Planning Board, and Capital
Improvements Cummitlee
17
j
statement for the Point, shared it with members
of a small group, and reached consensus on a
shared vision for the group. From these group
visions, those attending developed a consensus
vision for the Point.
Step Two. Through a similar process in part
two of the meeting, the group identified the
action steps to accomplish the vision and
identified the highest priorities. This input
from the meeting is the basis for the vision, and
nrcuragement goals and objectives for the Point.
I m m m m m m r = r m = = m r

M, xm m m m m m m m
m= m m m m m m
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
VISION
"The Point will be a public area with universal
access and appropriately sited facilities. The
management plan will ln•e.serve the nalin•al
environment Ior edumliolz crud research while
ti'aditlonal recl'eatlon uses."
Management goals. The management goals are
designed to provide long term direction for
accomplishing the community's vision for the Point.
The following goals are defined to guide land use and
development policies:
m
❑ To insure that use of the Point does not conflict with the
preservation of the unique environmental values found
there
❑ To protect and enhance the quality of the environmentally
sensitive areas
❑ To insure that future uses are compatible with the natural
Icalures of the land and with surrounding land uses
Management policies. The management policies are
aimed at those steps the Town and other agencies
must take to attain the goals for the Point. The
policies will guide the development of funding
proposals, recommendations for land use policies, and
recommendations for facility development.
• Land —The Town of Long Beach should use
MANAGEMENT GOALS available tools to acquire as much land as
possible at the Point for public use.
❑ To preserve the undeveloped laud at the Point for the use of
the residents and visitors to Long Beach and Oak Island
o To use the Point as a classroom for making the public
aware of the fragile coastal environment and its role in the
unique litcslyle enjoyed by the residents of Long Beach
• Planning —Access to the Point should provide
reasonable accommodation for its users while
respecting the area's environmental values and
restrictions on use and development.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
• Policies and regulations —The Town's policies
and regulations should insure that use of the
Point and development in adjacent areas does
not damage the natural resources or impact
negatively on public uses.
• Facilities —The Town should provide
appropriate access facilities for visitors to the
Point —
optimum number of parking spaces for
visitors located and designed to minimize
the impact on environmental values and
surrounding land uses;
... linkages to the Town's bicycle and sidewalk
systems;
... access to the canoe trail; and
... for the long terns, an alternative means of
access.
• Programs —Programming should focus on
delivery of environmental education programs
for uses of all age groups to interpret the
Point's natural resources.
19
• Funding —The financial plan should involve a
consortium of local, state, and federal agencies
to fund land acquisition and development —
'file Town should support state and federal
involvement by introducing funding
agencies to the environmental values at the
Point.
• Public education and support —An education
plan, as a minimum, should make each user
aware of his or her role in preservation of the
Point.
Meeting Two
'File second community participation meeting, held on
February 24, 1998, included members of the five
essential boards and committees involved in Meeting
One, plus residents and property owners. After
hcaring a summary of the draft management plan and
hcaring individual concerns, the participants at this
meeting identified priority improvements that they
would like to see incorporated into the plan. These
improvements are summarized below:
I_' 'M � � m m = = m m = m m � m m m m

m m m m m m m m
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
❑ Parking and restrooms may conflict with
existing residences and should be located
farther west to avoid these conflicts.
Restrooms should be located as
conveniently as possible for people using
the area.
u "file management plan should protect the
residential character of existing platted lots.
o The frontal dune should be protected by
limiting the number of cross-overs.
o Require property owners behind the frontal
dune to protect the dunes and vegetation.
These improvements are incorporated into the final
management plan.
HE

MANAG EN I EW PLAN
The management plan for the Point consists of the
actions required to achieve the Tolvn's goals. These
actions ilnvolve—
... adoption of public policies regarding the use
and development of the land,
... development of public facilities to support use
of the point in in environmentally sustainable
manner, and
... coordination with private interests to insure
that their uses are consistent with the
conununity's goals.
LAND CLASSIFICATION and LAND
USES
Land Classification
It is probable that all of the land within the planning
area may be designated as in AEC. The area includes
coastal wetlands, ocean huzard areas, and estuarine
shoreline. In addition, the potential exists for "404
wetlands" and the presence of endangered plant
species. Therefore, all of the undeveloped land in the
planning area should be classified as Conservation,
according to the land classification system of the
Coastal Area Management Act.
21
The "purpose of the Conservation class is to provide
for the effective long-term management and
protection of significant, limited, or irreplaceable
areas." These areas require management due to the
natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic values that
they hold for the residents and visitors to Long Beach
and to the region as a whole.
■ Coastal wetlands —only uses associated
with public access should be permitted in
these AFC's. Where public access uses are
required, such as for elevated walkways,
structures should be located and designed in
a manner that minimizes their impact on the
wetland.
Any development or land use adjacent to the
wetland should be designed and managed to
minimize its impact on the environmental
values of the resource.
■ Estuarine s1101-elinC-public access in
these areas can be accommodated as long as
it is consistent with the productive values of
the adjacent estuarine waters. The 30%
' NCAC T15A 7n Section .0213.

=, :m
M M
M�
M=
M= M M = = M= M M M
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
22
impervious surface rule must be met. In
addition, access should be managed along a
limited number of established corridors
rather than multiple corridors as presently
exist.
■ Ocean hazard areas —development and
facilities in these areas (including all of the
planning are,i) arc subject to erosion and
storm risks. Public facilities should be
minimal and, where present, designed to
sustain minimal damage in storms.
Public facilities and services within the planning area
Should only support public coastal access. They
Should not encourage development.
The portion of the planning area generally lying north
of the frontal thine system along King's Lynn to its
end and along Beach Drive to its end is either
developed or has been subdivided for building lots.
This area should remain in its current
classification—rheve/upuL (Map 2 shows the
subdivisions in the planning area.)
The land classification for the planning is shown in
Map 3.
Land Uses
The major recommended land uses for the Point are
recreation, environmental education, and associated
accessory uses. These uses support the development
goals for the Point and also insure consistency with
the Conservation classification.
Recreation and environmental education uses will
require development of minimal public facilities to
allow access to the area and to support a program of
environmental interpretation and education. An
arrival area should be planned to support the major
uses. This area should include a visitor's center, rest
rooms and an outdoor shower for sand and salt
water, parking facilities and secure storage areas
for bicycles.

MAP 2. "THE POINT" EXISTING SUBDIVISIONS
MI'm m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m m

NIANACLMENT PLAN
SITE DEVELOPMENT
'I'he recommended development plan is illustrated on
Map 4. The Ivey features of the plan include the
lollowing:
■ An education near the western end of King's
Lynn. The education center will provide
parking and minimal services that are
consistent with CAMA regulations.
■ Access tails originating at the education
center an connecting to the inlet fishing
areas and to the beach.
■ Dishing access on King's Lynn near the old
bridge st•uclurc
■ Viewing areas at the termination of West
Beach Road and near the western end of the
primary dune
■ A small pocket parking area in the right-of-
way of the plaited sheet connecting King's
Lynn and West Beach Road.
Education Center
The education center is the central feature of the site
development plan. Even though the center will
include minimal improvements, it will provide an
23
opportunity liar the Town to create a focal point for
environmental education and access:
■ orientation to the natural features and
environmental processes at The Point,
■ displays that interpret the natural systems of the
area,
■ small, informal classroom area,
■ rest•ooms, if CAMA requirements can he met,
■ location for program and maintenance staff.
Outside of the center, the site will provide a small
parking space for cars and storage area for bicycles.
Dishing and beach access tails will link the education
center to the rest of The Point; bikeways and
sidewalks will link the center to the community to the
east.
Environmental Access for All People
A universally accessible trail is planned to provide
managed access to the Point and to support the
development of an outdoor teaching center and
working environmental laboratory. By managing
access, the trail will reduce the conflicts between

MANAGEMENT PLAN
traditional recreational use and preservation ofthe
area's natural systems.
When complete, the planned trail system will
originate at the education center. From the education
center, the trail heads south and intersects with an
east -west trail that connects the inlet and West Beach
Road. The total trail length is approximately 2,000
feet.
Each segment of the trail system has specific
functions:
—The trail segment from the intersection west to the
inlet is designed to provide access for fishermen to
the prime fishing areas. Access to the fishing
areas is difficult for fishermen who must haul
heavy equipment through soft sand for
considerable distances to reach their favorite
fishing areas. The fishing access trail will protect
the areas natural systems from potential damage
resulting from multiple access trails.
—The segment running to the east from the
intersection will be located to "hug" the toe ofthe
frontal dune. One or more trail spurs will allow
access south to the beach. These trails will serve
to manage existing beach access and direct it into
areas where it will cause the least environmental
24
impacts --particularly avoiding the sea turtle
nesting areas. It will allow managed access to the
beach and will protect sensitive natural areas from
damage from foot traffic. This trail segment will
also allow users to view and study the area's
unique habitats and its diverse population of shore
birds. This segment will include two "viewing
platforms" that are described below.
Property -owner access. Evidence shows that owners
ofthe lots north of the primary dune are likely to
cross the primary dune to walk to the ocean. To avoid
a difficult ordinance enforcement problem and to
avoid further damage to the dune system, the Town
should work with owners to install walkways over the
dune to connect to the trail system. The dune cross-
overs will allow owners reasonable access and
prevent damage.
Accessibility. All of the trail should meet Uniform
Federal Accessibility Standards. At the present time,
accessibility standards, as they relate to outdoor

Illlllll, �
MANACEMENr1' PLAN
recreation, are evolving. I lowever, certain ntininntnt
design standards are available:
Width
Sustained running slopes
Cross slope
I landrails and curbs
Nslance allo%%cd at maximum
grade
Rest space
Minimum Standard
4 feet (48 in.) (requires
passing space
50/0(P in20')
3%
32 inch handrails on elevated
walkways; 2 inch curbs on
walkways at ground level
30 feet
400-fbol maximum interval
The trail system should include a variety of materials
that support universal accessibility --elevated wooden
walkways, where required, hardened materials such
as coquina, asphalt or concrete where required and
appropriate, and movable malting where conditions
warrant.
Environmental interpretation. The trail should also
be designed to provide access for users with visual
and hearing impairments. Access for these users
should include 3-dimensional maps of the Point and
9 Design Guide fur Universal: recess to Outdoor Recreation, PLAE, lilt.,
Berkley, CA. 1993.
25
key resource areas, frequent stations with recorded
messages, and numerous hands-on opportunities.
Viewing Platforms
Two viewing platforms are planned for the trail
system. The first area is located on the near the
western end of Beach Drive. This platform will
provide space for simple visual access to the ocean
and its surrounding environments. It will also provide
space to support environmental education programs,
such as beach preservation and restoration, sea turtle
nesting, and shore birds.
A second viewing area is planned at the western end
of the primary dune system near the trail's
intersection with the fishing spur. This area will be

MANAGEMENT PLAN
widened area of the walkway providing seating for a
resting area, a place for bird watching, and an
opportunity to observe the diverse environmental
systems at the Point.
Parking Areas
In addition to the small parking area associated with
the education center, a small Pocket Parking area is
recommended for the dedicated but unopened street
right-of-way that connects West Beach Drive and
King's Lynn --designated 69°i Place West on the
King's Lynn subdivision plat. This parking area will
allow some management of the current unorganized
parking situation. It will also allow development of a
more stable and secure parking surface for users.
Pocket Parking should be designed as a parking bay
that, to the maximum extent possible, is developed
within the public sweet right-of-way. An example of
how this design might be developed is shown below.
This configuration will require a 40-foot by 120-foot
space and should accommodate 10 parking spaces.
The area that adjoins the residential lots should
include a berm and appropriate native landscape
materials.
26
The bay configuration at this location will also
provide for an efficient turn around that requires
much less space than a cut -de -sac.
To supplement this parking area, the Town should
Provide adequate on -street parking spaces by
stabilizing the road shoulders near the end of Beach
Drive.
OLD BRIDGE FISIIING ACCESS
A fishing and
bait casting area
is planned on
King's Lynn near
the remains of an
old bridge that
was part of the
loop road. This
site already gets

m m m m m m
MANAG EM LNry PLAN
extensive use. Development should be
simple —cleanup of debris left from the bridge and
road and installation of a simple bulkhead.
The fishing access area at 1 Icron Park is a model for
the type of development planned for the Old Bridge
Site.
MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING
Safety, cleanliness, and programming are the key
management and staffing issues fin• development of
27
the Point. It is important to develop strategies to
address these issues well before major development
occurs.
SAFETY
A sense of personal security is essential for the Town
to reach its environmental access goals at the Point. If
at any time in the future users feel insecure, then
utilization will be low.
Reasonable rules of conduct for users are basic.
These rules should clearly state what is expected and
they should be consistently enforced:
• Opening and closing hours —the trail itself
should open at sunrise and close at dark is
recommended.
• No motorized vehicles, with the exception
of wheel chairs, should be allowed.
• Walkways will be too narrow to allow
bicycles for the general public. I lowever,
bicycles would be ideal for police patrols.
• Camping should be carefully supervised and
should only be allowed in conjunction with
programs offered or sponsored by the'l'own.

MANAGEMrN'1,13LAN
• Sensitive areas that can be damaged by foot
traffic should be clearly marked with -keep-
oil" signs. Educational signs that interpret
the resources should accompany the "keep -
oft" signs.
Regular patrols, particularly when the trail is closed
will be required to insure compliance with the
facility's rules, to prevent vandalism, and to insure
that users feel secure. Since patrol requirements will
be much higher during the tourist season, the Town
may consider using civilian personnel. I lowever, the
police department should be closely involved in
detailed planning.
CLEANLINESS
Inviting additional users to the Point will bring
additional trash problems. Keeping the trail and park
clean is a major new responsibility for the Parks and
Recreation Department. Initially, the "town should
plan to add at least one seasonal worker to maintain
the trail and surrounding areas.
— Durable trash receptacles that will withstand
weather and public use should be placed at
frequent intervals along the trail. These receptacles
M
should be serviced regularly enough to avoid any
overflow.
—Trash on the trail, in the parking areas, and
throughout the area must be picked up at least on a
daily basis, and during times of heavy use, more
often.
— When restrooms are developed, they must be kept
clean.
PROGRAMMING
The programming goal is to deliver "environmental
education programs for users of all age groups to
interpret the Point's natural resources." The current
stall'of the Parks and Recreation Department is well
positioned to implement this goal. It already has
expertise and a track record in developing and
implementing environmental education programs.
The ambitious goals set for the Point will raise the
level of these programs significantly. It will be
necessary to augment the core staff with additional
training resources. Coordination with other
organizations and agencies can fill some of this need.
The Audubon Society, the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission, and the NC Aquarium at Port Fisher are

!. -: = m= m m= m m
MANAGEMENT PLAN
three agencies that have expressed interest in
assisting with programming.
Programming at the Point is also an opportunity to
involve volunteers. A number of individuals who
reside on Oak Island have the experience and skills
required to assist with programming. Interns are an
additional source of assistance.
m m m m M M
29

SCHEDULING AND BUDGE rrING
30
'Fable 4 shows very preliminary cost estimates for the reconunended improvements at the Point and a schedule for
making these improvements. The total project schedule is four years.
TABLE 4
PLANNING COSTS ESTIMATES AND SOURCES OF F FUNDING
- Project Cost Estimates
Year One Year Two Year Three Year Four Totals
-- Pr--- - — ---
otect Lin—e Item
Land Acquisition -"The Point"
_ $350.0_0_0_
Shoulder Parking - Beach Drive
- - - - ---
$5,000
Access Trail -South____
_
$75,000
$150,000
People Ramp for fishing access
Education Center at King's Lynn
_ _
$75,000
Egret Overlook at King's Lynn
Pocket Parking at Beach Drive
Totals
$350,000
$155,000
$150,000
Potential
Funding
Sources
NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
$75,000
$73,000
NC Clean Water Trust Fund_
$200,000
$50.000
$49,000
NC Coastal Access Program
tJC Adopt -a -Trail Program
$7,000
NC Fishing Access Program _
—
$75,000
_$_7,000
Town of Long Beach and private
$25,000
$24,000
_
$70,000
sources
_
Totalsj
$350,0001
$155,0001
$150.000
$7.
$7,500
i
139,000
The four-year schedule also meets the requirements of the NC Parks and Recreation 'Trust Fund grants for
acquisition --site development must be completed within five years of the grant award date.
'Ihe schedule also illustrates potential phasing for the development. Once site acquisition is accomplished, the
Town can schedule improvements according to funding availability.
M' ,M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M

II- T Ilflfllll, fllflllll, 11111111, 111111111, Illlllllll` Ifllllll, 11111f111, III- Illlllllf,
SCHEDULING AND BUDGETING
PREPARING FOR IMPLEMENTATION
m M = � t � �
31
To provide a foundation for implementation of the management plan, it will be necessary to gain the support of
state and federal regulatory and funding agencies and to create a means to secure private financing for acquisition
and development.
A workshop for local, state, and federal agencies and representatives of private funding sources will be held by
late spring of 1998. The purpose of this workshop will be to introduce these representatives to the environmental
and cultural values at The Point, to introduce the Town's management plan, and to seek their collaboration on
implementation.
In addition, the Town will explore the feasibility of creating a non-profit entity (tax exempt) to assist with
implementation of the management plan and to participate in the on -going management of the area. This non-
profit will provide a effective vehicle for tapping private funding sources and will provide a crucial link between
'file Point and its community of users.

M M � M M = M= M M= i
110
"The Point"
Fragile Area Management Plan
Town of Long Beach
0
Shorebird
Study Area
ra
Beach •
Access ;
c^2rv"
Viewing Area r—'>I / C
Planning
j Area
Forris•Associates
1806 Grace Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
910 762-3577
the preparation of this map was financed in part through a
grant provided by the North Carolina Cooslal Management
Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972. as amended, which Is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, Notional Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
Education
Center
x
*Bait Casting
Site
Planning
Area
),L
Map 4. Future Development Plan
■.... Main Trail
— — -- Access Trails
Private Walkway(w/controlled dune crossing)
i�t Pocket Parking

"The Point"
Fragile Area Management Plan
Town of Long Beach
Conservation ..
/
Planning
Area
R_==__ _- __:-_: :_ _ _ __=
i---- -- _=_ _ _ _
Area _ = = _
__ --_ _-
Farris•Associales
1806 Grace street Map 3. Proposed Land Classification
Wilmington, NC 28405
910 762-3577
Conservation
The preparation of Ihis mop was financed in pod through a I Developed
grant provided by the North Carclino Coastal Management
Program. through funds provided I q the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972. as amended, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.

ORFM M M M M M = M M M M M M M M 11M
"The Point"
Fragile Area Management Plan
Town of Long Beach
Prime Fishing
Area-_:-_---�
0
Frontal
Dune �\\
Turtle Nesting \ 1
Ara
Access from
1>. Kings Lynn t Planning
Area
Ocean Hazard
Area
Dune
Preservation �
K
Pump House
Out of Service
r
1
Planning 1
Area r 1
J
1
Access from 1
Beach Drive 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Ocean Hazard 1
Area
Farris *Associates
1806 Grace Street Map 1. Planning Existing Features
Wilmington, NC 28405
910 762-3577
Frontal Dune (Approximate Location)
Tne preparation of It us trap was financed in part through o Prime Fishing Area
grant provided by the rtodh Carolina Coastal Management
Program. through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management. Turtle Nesting Area (Approximate Location)
Act of 1972. as amended. which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Adnm is[ ration. Dune Preservation (Demo Area)

LUNG BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PO Box 217, 4601 East Oak Island Drive, Long Beach, NC 28465
Phone: [phone], ext. 236 Fax: [phone]