Surface Water Use Plan-2002

DCM COPY-,'
DONOT REMOVE;;,
AUG 7 2002

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
Avery Roberts, Jr. Mayor
RobertA. O'Quinn Mayor Pro Tem
Edward J. Miastkowski Alderman
Barry Mowbray Alderman
Kim Whitten Alderman
Trey Jordan Alderman Elect
SURFACE WATER USE PLAN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Jim Busby
Kay Crocker
David Floyd
Laura Head
Liz Ivins
Pat Lowe
Mike Merritt
Arland Whitesides
Martin Willard
Steve Wright
TOWN PLANNING BOARD
Larry Mahl, Chairman
Matt Nichols
Peggy Gentry
Martie Rice
Tony M. Sease
Dr Bill Sisson
Susan Watson
RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Bill Johnson
Susan Creasy
Jim Griener
Kitty Brunjes
TOWN OF WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH STAFF INVOLVED
Andy Honeycutt
Town Manager
Tony Caudle
Former Town Manager
Andrea Surratt
Planning & Inspections Director
7o6 Bruner
Former Planning & Inspections Director
Carey Disney,
Planning Technician
John Carey
Police Chief
Michael Stokes
Parks and Recreation Director
Don Zearfoss
Reserve Police Officer (Anchorage)
John C. Wessell, HI
Town Attorney
CONSULTING PLANNER
Glenn Harbeck, Glenn Harbeck Associates
"The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal 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, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

TECHNICAL ADVISORS/ RESOURCE PEOPLE
Greg Basinger
Bridge Maintenance Engineer, NC Dept of Transportation
Tim Bullock
Enforcement Officer, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Walter Clark
Marine Law Specialist, UNC-Sea Grant
Dave Dixon
Ensign, US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office
Brian Eure
Enforcement Officer, NC Marine Patrol
John Fullerton
City of Wilmington
Scott Hall
Senior Chief, US Coast Guard Station, Wrightsville Beach
Keith Harris
Navigation Section, US Army Corps of Engineers
Ann Hines
Chief Zoning Officer, New Hanover County
Jeremy Humphrey
NC Division of Environment, Health, Shellfish Sanitation
Jeff Novotny
Lt. Com., US Coast Guard, Port Operations and Planning
Jim Luther
US Power Squadron
Dan McDonald
Liaison to the USCG Auxiliary, US Coast Guard
Jim Nelson
US Power Squadron
Patrick Oxenrider
MK2, US Coast Guard Station, Wrightsville Beach
Bob Sattin
Chief of Navigation, US Army Corps of Engineers
Tom Shaw
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Donna Sauer
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Rhonda Smith
Sergeant, New Hanover County Sheriffs Marine Patrol
Joan Troy
No Wake Zones, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Jim Walker
City of Wilmington
Josh Walls
BM2, US Coast Guard Station, Wrightsville Beach
Bill Wollack
AssL City Attorney, City of Wilmington
SPECIAL THANKS
Jim Herstine Assist. Prof, Parks and Recreation Management, UNC W
Wendy Larimer SBTDC, Marine Trades Services
LAND SIDE SURVEYS OF BOATERS ADMIIYISTERED BY:
Students from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (Jim Herstine, Professor)
Glenna Aycock
Troy Beasley
Jamey Bowling
Chris Bridgers
Eric Caison
Mike Ferguson
Erik Herstine
Jon Hoban
Melissa Hooker
Candace Hughes
Jessica Jablonski
Suzanne Leach
Eric Los
Chandler Madray
Mike Malcolm
Jeff Martens
Cory Mashburn
Angela Mathieu
US Coast Guard
F1odua 10-01
Aboard
Re-Bil
Bill Knoll
Bill Loschiavo
Aboard
Crustal Bluebird
Bill Varker
Stanley Colbert
Tamesha Moore
Jerri Morehead
John Mudd
Matt Nappo
Brooke Newton
Jeff Owen
Betsy Patrick
Pete Peleuses
Will Pridgen
!iary Members
Brook Saunders
Carol Smith
Kat Sparrow
Julia Stancil
Chad Trader
Mandy Uticone
Lauren Walden
Leslie Ward
Carrie Warwick
Flotil/a 10-06
'
Aboard Aboard
Chota Peg IV 19 SeaRay
Tom Shaw Harry Stone
,
Salvatore Pipitone Dick Fisher
11

Thanks, also to the nearly 300 boaters who participated in the special survey of boaters at
Wrightsville Beach conducted Saturday September 1, 2001.
Tuesday, June 19, 2001,
Jack Aardema
Todd Atkinson
Keith Beatty
Claude Bridger
Eddie Collins
Kay Crocker
Jennifer DiLuilo
George Erkes
Tom Harkins
Chuck Hicks
Dan G. Johnson
Charlie Kroger
Mary Lou McJunkin
Dan Miller
Barry Mowbray
Leigh Murray'
Bob Philpott
Avery Roberts, Jr.
Angela Smith
Rhonda Smith
Albert Stevens
Sam Thompson
Bill Traina
Joe Tysinger
Charlie Vernon
Kim Whitten
Wrightsville Beach
Claude Arnold
Bradley Creek
Ben A. Bagget
Wrightsville Beach
C.L.Booth
Wilmington, W Beach
Tony Butler
Wrightsville Beach
Nancy Faye Craig
Wrightsville Beach
Harold Culp
Wilmington
David Dixon
Wrightsville Beach
George Erkes, Jr.
Wrightsville Beach
Les N. Hatague
Wrightsville Beach
Millard Ives
Wrightsville Beach
Jack Kilbourne
Wrightsville Beach
Nippy MacDonald
Wilmington
Mac McJunkin
Wrightsville Beach
Mandy fairer
Wrightsville Beach Charlotte Murchison
Wilmington
Jeff Novotny
Wilmington
Bruce Porter
Wrightsville Beach
Alan Rusher
Wrightsville Beach
Frank Smith
New Han Co Sheriffs Dept.
Peggy Spallek
Wrightsville Beach
Walt Taylor
USCGA-Wrightsville Beach
Sam Toler
Wrightsville Beach
Alice Tysinger
Wrightsville Beach
Jean Van Velsor
Wrightsville Beach
Chris Voss
Wrightsville Beach
School
Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
USCG MSO Wilmington
Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach
Star News
Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington
Wilmington, Airlie Road
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
USCG Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
Ted Wilgis Cape Fear Coast Keeper
SUPPORT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
Pat Hughes
Strategic Planning Coordinator, Raleigh
Mike Loparanskt
Coastal and Ocean Policy Analyst, Raleigh
James Rosich
DCM District Planner, Wilmington
Alex Marks
Former DCM District Planner, Wilmington
Kathy Vinson
Planning and Public Access Manager, Morehead City

Town of Wrightsville Beach
Surface Water Use Plan
Introduction to the Surface Water Use Plan ........... 1
Study Area Map................................................................................2
Challenges to Effective Surface Water Use Planning
atWrightsville Beach.................................................3
Objectives of the Water Use Plan .............................7
Problems and Recommendations .............................8
1. Dealing With Hazardous Boaters................................................8
2. Dealing With Jet Skis in Marshes..............................................13
3. Dealing With Existing No Wake Zones and Signage...............15
4. Dealing With the Need For Enforcement Personnel ...............18
5. Dealing With the Need for Boater Education ...........................19
6. Dealing With Encroachments Into Public Trust Waters ........ 20
7. Dealing with Access Issues.........................................................26
8. Dealing With Water Quality Issues...........................................27
9. Dealing With Jurisdictional Issues............................................28
Summary of Recommendations.........................................30
Appendices and Exhibits........................................................33
Table of Contents for Appendices and Exhibits ..........................33

' Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Introduction to the Surface Water Use Plan
In September 2000, the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Wrightsville Beach authorized the
preparation of a Surface Water Use Plan for all public trust waters within the planning
jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville Beach. The purpose of the plan was to "study and make
policy recommendations to resolve current and potential surface water use conflicts among the
many different users of this, the town's most valuable natural and economic resource." The
Town received a planning grant from the State Division of Coastal Management to offset, in
part, the cost of the work.
Interestingly, when the idea of a "Surface Water Use Plan" was first conceived, it was thought
that the plan might function much as a land use plan functions. That is, it would suggest those
parts of the Town's waters most suited for various on -water activities. Thus, water-skiing and
wake boarding might be directed to certain waters, small boat sailing to other waters, jet skiing to
still other waters, and so forth. These decisions would be based in part, on water depths, bottom
conditions, proximity to land side uses, currents, wind conditions and other physical
characteristics.
What the study revealed, however, is that there is so little surface water available relative
to the numbers of boaters using it, that it would not be practical to set aside specific water
areas for one use over another. Even so, such exclusive use of certain areas is already
occurring with regard to private docks and piers, marinas, moorings, and anchorage areas.
Collectively, these "private uses of public waters" have already removed perhaps 15% of
soundside waters at Wrightsville Beach from use by the general public. A major theme of
this plan, therefore, is to minimize the further expansion of such "occupying uses" into
even more waters of the town*. A second major theme is to improve existing management
of activities on the water so that all activities may get along better while sharing a very
limited amount of space.
While competition for use of the town's public trust waters is steep, it has not yet reached critical
levels. Experience and observation of other popular water -oriented communities however,
reveals that serious conflicts do arise over time if left unattended. The idea of the Surface Water
Use Plan is to identify and head off such problems before they become unmanageable.
*Note: This does not mean that waterfront property owners will be prevented from constructing lawful docks and
I piers in accordance with State and local standards; it does mean that such standards should not be allowed to be
broken (e.g. under no circumstances should a dock or pier be allowed to extend beyond the town pienccad line,
thereby further eroding available surface waters for the general public.
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 1

Masonboro Is,
Off North End _
L�
Atlantic Ocean
Surface
Area
er Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
NORTH APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET
kmn &nd Cooni RewuR� msnt, — — Technical Assistance by jkl
National Oeeenle and A6roephede Ammni.a.tion.• Glenn Harbeck Associates
i �

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach. NC
I
r
11
11
Challenges to Effective Surface Water Use
Planning at Wrightsville Beach
The following observations are listed here primarily to point out the unique circumstances that
make effective water use planning at Wrightsville Beach particularly challenging. Some of these
observations have as their source the survey of boaters conducted on Saturday, September 1,
2001.Other observations come from interviews with area law enforcement officials. Still others
are from views expressed by the public at the first community -wide input meeting held for this
plan on June 19, 2001.
The waters around Wrightsville Beach are an open system for boater entry and exit.
At Wrightsville Beach, there are few identifiable borders or controlled points of entry— like
the closed environment of a recreation lake, for example. Many other case studies involving
successful water use planning focus on the relatively manageable territory of a lake. For this
reason, it is more difficult to "manage" the boating population in the waters surrounding
Wrightsville Beach.
A clear majority of boats use private
marinas and docks as their point of entry.
A sizeable majority (about 70%) of boaters
in the Wrightsville Beach area keep their
boats at private marinas and docks; only
about 15% use the public boat ramp. Given
this situation, the posting of information at
the public boat ramp reaches only a small
percentage of the boating population. This
makes the dissemination of information
concerning boating regulations or other
issues more challenging.
Many boaters are from outside the area.
On a summer weekend during the height of the boating season, more than one third of
boaters at Wrightsville Beach may be from outside New Hanover County. The majority of
these non-residents keep their boat at a yacht club, private marina or dock; they leave their
boat here and drive to the Wilmington area for the weekend. Others, particularly those with
smaller boats and jet skis, trailer their boat or jet ski to a private marina or public ramp for
launching. Roughly half the boaters using the Wrightsville Beach boat ramp are not residents
of New Hanover County. Less than 15% are residents of the Town. These high percentages
of non-residents add further to the difficulty of communicating information to boaters.
Boaters see no need or seem to have little interest in safe boating courses.
Area organizations offering safe boating courses report little or no success in recruiting area
boaters for safe boating classes. When asked by survey takers "How many years having you
been operating a boat?" the responses were quite revealing. Over 75% of area boaters claim
to have been handling a boat for over five years. Nearly 60% claim over 10 years experience.
Many survey takers reported a familiar refrain from a great many respondents: "All my life."
' Glenn HarbeckAssociates. Planning and Public Involvement Page 3

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
This is a hard group to convince of the need to take a boating safety course. Yet, when
pressed for details, many self -described "lifetime" boat handlers were, for many years,
childhood riders more than operators. Now, as adults, they have recently gotten into boating
again. Others had most of their experience on freshwater lakes and rivers, where tidal
currents, sandbars, oyster beds, and other peculiar aspects of Wrightsville Beach area boating
were of no concern. Still others recall years of boating on relatively uncrowded waters, where
momentary lapses in attention offered little fear of accidents or collisions. Such is not the
case in the congested waters of Wrightsville Beach.
The Town of Wrightsville Beach has very limited surface water area, relative to the
other areas of the coast and to the number of boaters that use it.
Survey results indicate that less than 10% of boaters go "outside" the sound and into the
ocean for their recreational boating. The location and extent of the sound area of North
Carolina is determined by the distance between the mainland and the barrier islands off
shore. In the northern counties of coastal North Carolina, the barrier islands, also known as
the "Outer Banks" are miles from the mainland, resulting in the huge expanses of Albemarle
and Pamlico Sounds. In the southern coastal counties, however, the barrier islands are
generally just a few hundred yards from the mainland, resulting in a very limited sound areas
for boating. At the same time, the Wilmington -New Hanover urbanized area is among the
most densely populated in the entire state, with a heavy concentration of recreational boaters.
• There is some confusion over law enforcement jurisdiction by geographic area.
In years gone by, the political jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville Beach was defined
quite clearly by the Intracoastal Waterway. This jurisdiction has become more complicated
over time, however, as annexations by the City of Wilmington have changed the
jurisdictional landscape on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway. Specifically, the City
of Wilmington has undertaken a fairly aggressive annexation program for the unincorporated
County west of Wrightsville Beach. The City's annexation line, however, has been
inconsistent in its application. In some areas, the corporate limits extend to the centerline
of the waterway. In other areas, the city limits extend only to the high water mark on
the west side of the waterway. Further, Wrightsville Beach police officers have stated that
their ability to enforce traffic and safety laws within the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction
remains clouded in the New Hanover County court system.
Among the boating public, there is little understanding as to the law enforcement
powers of different law enforcement agencies:
U.S. Coast Guard- often conducts safety checks according to federal standards, but does not
enforce the general statutes of the State of North Carolina.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission- officers also conduct safety checks, and may issue
citations for reckless boating, including speeding in a state approved no wake zone. Wildlife
officers do not, however, enforce the New Hanover County law regarding jet skis in marshes.
New Hanover County Marine Sheriff's Patrol- enforces all state and local laws but, due to
budget cutbacks, was largely unable to put a boat on the water during the 2001 boating
season (see next bullet point below).
City of Wilmington and Town of Wrightsville Beach- have the authority to enforce boating
laws, but have thus far declined to do so. The Town does, however, enforce certain time
limits pertaining to anchored vessels in town waters.
NC Marine Fisheries Patrol- enforces fisheries regulations concerning equipment and
catch, but has no interest or involvement in general boating safety.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 4

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary -despite their official looking vessels and uniformed
appearance, have no delegated authority to enforce any laws. As one auxiliaryman stated,
"We have only `moral suasion' available to us to improve boating attitudes about safety and
courtesy."
There are limited or non-existent law enforcement personnel patrolling area waters.
For a variety of reasons, but mostly related to federal, state and local government budget
issues, there are very few law enforcement officers patrolling the waters around Wrightsville
Beach. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission, for example, has just four officers assigned
to cover all land and water -based hunting, fishing and boating activity in a three county area:
New Hanover, Pender and Duplin. Perhaps the most vivid example of limited resources
involves the New Hanover County Marine Sheriffs Patrol. A comparison of the 2000 and
2001 boating seasons is telling. In the summer of 2000, the Sheriffs Patrol had two boats and
two jet skis on the water every Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus all holidays. For 2001, the
County Patrol was on the water for just one day of the entire summer boating season.
Reportedly, the County has sold three of its four boats and returned its two jet skis to the
dealer that had donated them. In light of the County's on -going budget crisis, prospects for
funding the Sheriff's Patrol for the 2002 boating season are very uncertain, at best.
There may be some resistance to the use of signage, whether for information or
regulatory purposes. Little is used currently.
People have mixed opinions about the use of signage to
inform the boating public. On one hand, most observers
agree that signage visible from the water is probably the
most effective way to reach a disparate boating public.
Many argue that improved signage is needed to protect the
marsh, control boat speeds, and better mark navigation
channels. It is also considered necessary to enforce certain
laws governing boating activity, or at least to advise
boaters of the law, whether or not enforcement personnel
are around. Others, however, view signage cautiously, out
of concern that if used to excess, such signage becomes a
man-made scar on the natural appearance of marshes and
waterways. And, of course, once a sign is installed, it also
requires maintenance. For whatever reason, official signage
is, for the most part, used very little at Wrightsville Beach.
For the purposes of this plan, the more commonly used term' jet skr"' (with a little "j"— not a brand name) shall be
used interchangeably with the industry term "personal watercraft" or "P WC". This is because most of the boating
public uses and is more acquainted with the term jet ski' than the term "personal watercraft". This choice is further
supported by an intemet search of boating websites, news articles and trade magazines, in which the term "jet ski is
invariably the descriptor of choice, with "personal watercraft" usually mentioned only in a secondary capacity.
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 5

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
What little signage there is, is inconsistent, confusing, and inadequate.
An examination of signs intended to alert the public as to lawful boating behavior in New
Hanover County makes it very apparent just how confusing and inadequate current signage
is. Officially approved, "no wake zone" signs, for example, are of different designs even
within the limited area of Wrightsville Beach. At the same time, unapproved, but official
looking privately placed "no wake zone" signs are prominently displayed on docks and piers
throughout the area, causing confusion among area boaters as to which signs are enforceable
and which are not. Area marshes, specifically protected by law from jet ski activity, exhibit
no signage whatsoever informing the public as to these special rules for personal watercraft.
There is a strong attitude about "unencumbered" boating, based on little need for rules
and regulations during a less populated era
As recently as 1980, New Hanover County's population was less than half its current size.
The Intracoastal Waterway, just south of the drawbridge at Wrightsville Beach was still
relatively free of intensive marina activity, enabling small sailboats to sail in and out of the
area with relative ease. Twenty years ago, the area off the north end of Masonboro Island was
visited by a handful of small boats each weekend. As recently as 15 years ago, jet skis were
almost unknown at Wrightsville Beach (or anywhere else for that matter). Two decades ago,
the occasional water skier enjoyed the largely uncongested expanse of Banks Channel.
Today, boat slips on the south side of the drawbridge crowd the channel on both sides.
Today, hundreds of weekend partiers on dozens of closely anchored vessels congregate at
Masonboro Island each weekend. Today, jet skis seem to be everywhere. Today, water skiers
compete for space with wake boarders, tube riders and knee boarders as well as an
assortment of other towables. Yet the mentality of the average boater appears not to have
changed —to most, boating represents freedom from rules, freedom from constraints.
Similarly, the once strong tradition of courtesy and common sense among boaters seems
to have largely disappeared in favor of a more competitive, "me first" attitude.
While difficult to quantify, this loss of courtesy can be observed in the behavior of many
boaters on the water today. It was certainly reflected in comments received from participants
in the Survey of Wrightsville Beach Area Boaters (see appendix). Owners of some larger or
faster boats, for example, believe it is their inalienable right to maintain a high rate of speed
(and associated imposing wake) regardless of whatever smaller vessels may be using the
same channel. Conversely, owners of smaller boats, including kayaks, canoes, and dinghies,
seem to have lost their common sense about staying out of major navigation channels; some,
by their mere presence, expect to be able to dictate the behavior of larger boats. A few power
boaters, including some jet ski owners, appear to believe that deliberately swerving to spray
another boating party at anchor is great fun. Owners of jet skis have also been singled out for
their aggressive "attacks or charges" against waterfowl. Finally, and unfortunately, too many
boaters think that alcoholic beverages and boating are a natural fit. While each of these
behaviors may not describe the majority of the boating public, collectively, there are enough
of these boaters on the water to make some boating days discouraging at best and others
dangerous at the worst.
These, then, are a few of the considerable challenges facing the development of an effective
water use plan at Wrightsville Beach.
Glenn AarbeckAssociates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 6

Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Objectives of the Water Use Plan
The following objectives reflect the perspectives of the Steering Committee for the Water Use
Plan in framing its recommendations. These perspectives are intended to achieve a proper
balance between public safety considerations and individual responsibility. They are referenced
Iat various points throughout the Problems and Recommendations section of this plan.
Objective 1. Use the least amount of regulation necessary to correct problems.
The focus should be on fixing problems with the least amount of burden placed upon the boating
public, and upon the regulatory agencies charged with responsibility for enforcing the law. This
principle is also consistent with the proper formulation of public regulations in general, in that,
1 under our system of laws, no regulation should be more burdensome than necessary to achieve
legitimate public objectives.
Objective 2. There should be a balance between education and enforcement.
Studies of successful water use planning programs around the country emphasize that it takes
both education and enforcement to improve boater behavior. Education is often the first choice in
advising the public of rules necessary for their own safety and that of others. At the same time,
experience shows that such notification to the public must be backed up by effective law
enforcement on the water, with clear penalties for dangerous or offensive behaviors.
Objective 3. Seek to clarify existing rules for the boating public.
Discussions with area boaters and law enforcement personnel reveal a widespread
misunderstanding by the majority of the boating public as to existing rules governing lawful
boater behavior. Recommendations set forth in this plan should therefore work to clarify any
existing rules rather than making them even more confusing.
Objective 4. Make regulatory signage less confusing; when employed, minimize its
intrusion on the landscape.
Given the difficulty in disseminating information to the boating public by other means, clear
signage must be, of necessity, at the forefront of methods used to communicate such information.
At present, existing signage in the Wrightsville beach area is confusing, inconsistent, or non-
existent. Recommendations set forth in this plan should work to correct such insufficiencies. At
the same time, any such signage should be designed to minimize its negative visual impact.
Objective 5. Maximize the use of existing laws and establish effective enforcement.
At present, even existing laws are not well enforced. This is not a reflection upon the officers
charged with enforcing the law, but rather, a consequence of limited personnel responsible for
covering a large area This plan should avoid recommending additional laws until and unless
existing laws are being properly enforced. This will require better notification to the public as to
what laws currently apply, and a commitment to an effective level of law enforcement on the
water.
' Objective 6. Focus resources on the biggest problems; but don't miss opportunities to fix
smaller problems that may be easily resolved.
As a corollary to Objective 5, it goes without saying that, given limited resources, this plan
should focus on resolving the biggest problems identified, and leave less important issues for
another day. One plan's recommendations cannot solve the whole gamut of problems known to
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 7

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
exist on the water today. At the same time, this plan should not overlook opportunities to resolve
smaller problems when such opportunities clearly present themselves. This includes problems
that may be easily resolved by recommendations that cost little or no money to implement.
Problems and Recommendations
The items identified as problems below are based largely on input received from the public
during a special community input meeting held June 19, 2001 at Wrightsville Beach Elementary
School. Additional input was received from a town -wide survey of boaters conducted on
September 1, 2001. Still more perspectives were gained from interviews with law enforcement
personnel charged with responsibility for enforcing area boating laws. One or more
recommendations follow each problem statement.
1. Dealing With Hazardous Boaters
The first set of recommendations deals with boaters, including some jet skiers, who are hazards
to themselves and others on the water.
Problem: Law enforcement officers and citizens participating in public input meetings, as well
as those offering comments during the Survey of Boaters, voiced a number of similar concerns
about the behavior of some boaters. Among the most serious or frequently mentioned concerns
were: (1) boaters traveling at excessive speeds close to docks and shores, (2) boaters not aware
or not caring about the size of their wake, or its affect on other boats, docks, and shorelines (3)
boats following too closely behind other boats at greater than no wake speed (4) boats weaving
in and out of other boats, whether at rest or underway (5) jet skiers behaving erratically or
performing stunts too close to others on the water (6) boaters drinking and driving.
Recommendation 1(a): "Wrightsville Beach Area Safe Boating Rules" should be posted on
a sign at the boat ramp, plus rive strategic locations along speck, well -traveled navigation
channels. Each sign would list a few concise safe boating rules addressing the most
significant boating safety problems in the area Posting these signs will require cooperation
from the New Hanover County Commissioners, the U.S. Coast Guard, the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission, the US Army Corps of Engineers and, for signs mounted on
bridges, the NC Department of Transportation.
As noted previously, boaters enter the waters of Wrightsville Beach from a multitude of private
docks, piers and marinas. On its face, this would appear to make the dissemination of boating
information quite difficult. Upon closer examination of boating habits in the area, however, there
are actually only a small number of well -traveled navigation channels through which most
boaters pass on any given day. These channels present the best opportunities to reach area
boaters with necessary information. Following an "on -the -water" evaluation of these well
traveled routes, there appear to be just six strategic points of passage through which nearly all
boaters travel, either in a day's outing or certainly over a relatively short part of any boating
season. These six strategic locations are shown on the accompanying map and may be identified
as follows, along with the specific location suggested for each sign:
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 8

M M M M mw s M r M it;frs IA■11 W .s m M M M
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Safe Boating Signs
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Indicates Proposed Location
Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Technical Assistance by
Glenn Harbeck Associates

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Point of Boater
Specific Location of Boater
Intended to Alert Boaters...
Passage
Safety Sign
1. The intersection of the
Approaching from the south on
...coming from all points south,
Intracoastal Waterway
the Intracoastal Waterway or
including Carolina Beach and all
and Shinn Creek (south
from the east on Shinn Creek,
private docks, piers and marinas
of the drawbridge).
boaters would see the sign to
along the Intracoastal Waterway.
their right (east side of channel),
Also boats returning from the
near the south end of the spoil
Ocean, Masonboro Inlet and
island.
Masonboro Island via Shinn
Creek. This would include most
boaters returning to slips in
Bradley Creek.
2. The intersection of the
Approaching from the north on
...coming from all points north,
Intracoastal Waterway
the Intracoastal Waterway,
including Figure 8 Island, Pender
with the Town's
boaters would see the sign on the
County, and all private docks,
extraterritorial
right (west) side of the channel,
piers and marinas along the
jurisdiction line (north
about 2 miles north of the
Intracoastal Waterway.
of the drawbridge).
drawbridge
3. The intersection of
Approaching from the south,
...returning from the Ocean,
Banks Channel and
boaters would see the sign on the
Masonbom Inlet, Masonboro
Shinn Creek.
right (east side) of the channel,
Island and all points south. Also
just before the Coast Guard
from the Intracoastal Waterway
Station.
via Shinn Creek. This would
include most boats returning to
slips and marinas in Motts
Channel and Banks Channel.
4. The US 74 Bridge
Approaching from the north,
...coming from private docks and
over Banks Channel
boaters would see the sign
piers at the north end of
(boaters pass under
mounted on the north side of the
Wrightsville Beach, along Lees
Salisbury Street)
bridge. Passing under the bridge
Cut, as well as others headed
the speed limit is 5 mph,
south into the sheltered area
allowing plenty of time to read
between the two bridges.
the sign.
5. The US 76 Bridge
Approaching from the south,
...coming from private docks and
over Banks Channel
boaters would see the sign
piers along Banks Channel, as
(boaters pass under
mounted on the south side of the
well as others headed north into
Bridge Street)
bridge. Passing under the bridge
the sheltered area between the two
the speed limit is 5 mph,
bridges.
allowing plenty of time to read
the sign.
6. At the North Carolina
Boaters launching their vessel
...who trailer their boat to the
Wildlife Resources
would see an east facing sign to
launch at Wrightsville Beach,
Commission Boat
the right of the ramps. A two-
including boaters from the City of
Ramp.
sided sign (facing east and west)
Wilmington, New Hanover
would also alert boaters on the
County and other parts of the
water near the north side of the
state.
drawbridge.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement
Page 10
1

' Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach NC
In consideration of the most common boater behavior problems observed at Wrightsville Beach,
the following rules are suggested for posting on each Safe Boating Sign:
Wrightsville Beach Area
Safe Boating Rules
1. You are responsible for your wake, whether or not you are
in a "no wake zone".
2. If moving at more than no wake speed...
Stay 300' behind boats towing a person.
Stay 100' behind all other moving boats.
Stay 59 from docks, anchored boats, swimmers, and
marsh areas.
3. Dont weave through other boats at hazardous speeds.
4. Jet ski maneuvers or stunts should not be performed in
congested waters.
5. Dont drink and drive.
6. Be courteous. It's contagious.
Some observations about the sign and its contents:
The list of rules is short, so that they may be quickly read from a moving boat. While
there is always a temptation to add more rules to the list, this should be resisted,
particularly if such rules do not address a specific, frequently observed problem.
• While the rule dealing with boater courtesy is the least specific, it is the one rule which, if
followed, would greatly reduce the need for all other rules.
• The words used, including contractions, are simple and free of jargon to make them
easier to understand. The term, "jet ski" (as a generic term rather than a name brand) is
used instead of "personal watercraft", because that is the more universally recognized
term among the general boating public. This is in keeping with Objective 3, concerning
the clarification of boating rules for the public.
• The typeface used is informal, rather than legal in character. It is intended for maximum
legibility.
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 11

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC I
• The rules address the jet ski problem without dwelling upon it. Rather, most of the rules
apply to all boats. Even so, Rule 4 puts jet ski operators on alert that a higher standard of
restraint is expected in the more congested waters in and around Wrightsville Beach.
• While all of the statements are consistent with established law, they are not intended to be
regulatory. In keeping with Objective 5, they do not add more laws that must be enforced.
In keeping with Objective 2, these rules are primarily educational in nature.
• It should be possible, in most instances, to mount the sign on existing structures, thereby
minimizing its intrusion on the landscape. Such existing structures would include, for
example, the two bridges over Banks Channel and pilings already in place at the locations
specified. This is keeping with Objective 4 concerning signage.
The NC Department of Transportation Bridge Maintenance Engineer , responsible for the
two bridges over Banks Channel, stated that there should be no problem mounting such
signs on the bridges, so long as the other involved agencies agreed upon the language and
appearance of the sign. NCDOT would be willing to make the signs in their shop and
mount the signs on the bridges free of charge. They would also be willing to make
duplicates of the signs as needed for the other locations, perhaps charging only for the
costs of materials. (Navigable waters are part of the State's transportation system and are,
therefore, also eligible for such assistance.)
A representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" stated that the Corps would issue
a permit for such signs along federally approved channels so long as the U.S. Coast
Guard approved of the design of the sign. It would be particularly helpful if the signs
were posted on existing pilings, where no additional disturbances to wildlife, no
additional navigation obstructions, etc. are involved. Guidance on the issuance of such
permits may be found at www.saw.usae.army.mil/wetlands/remour.htm. Then go to
Permits, and look for Nationwide Permit No. 1, Aids to Navigation.
Greg Basinger, Division Bridge Maintenance Engineer, NC DOT telephone conversation 11/16/01 251-5724
Keith Hams, US Army Corps of Engineers, Navigation, telephone conversation 11/16/01 251-4819
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 12 1

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach NC
' Recommendation 1(b): In addition to posting the Safe Boating Rules at a few strategic
locations in the area, these same rules could be published, for example, in a pocket sized
booklet of Tide Tables, such as those sometimes distributed by area merchants.
In keeping with this plan's balanced approach employing both education and enforcement
(Objective 2) it is recommended that the same boating rules that appear on the Safe Boating
signs of Recommendation 1(a) also be reprinted for general distribution to the boating public.
One of the most common printed publications useful to boaters is a booklet of tide tables. For a
number of years, such booklets have been printed by area businesses as a public service and
promotion. The Town could approach the publisher of the booklet and request that the Safe
Boating Rules be added to one of the inside or outside covers. Alternatively, the Town could
publish such a booklet and seek sponsors as advertisers in the booklet. It could be made available
at Town Hall, area retailers, restaurants, etc. In addition to business sponsors, publication of the
booklet might be a candidate for a boating safety grant from state or federal authorities, or from a
private foundation, such as the Landfall Foundation here in New Hanover County.
2. Dealing With Jet Skis in Marshes
Problem. Jet skiers have been observed to be operating in the marshes around Wrightsville
Beach, probably damaging wetlands and certainly disturbing wildfowl and other wildlife. While
New Hanover County has established a special law that sets forth limitations on the operation of
jet skis in these marsh areas, it is not being enforced. There are several reasons, including (1)
the peculiar nature of the law, (2) the lack of notification to the public about the law and (3) the
lack of law enforcement personnel available to police the law. The recommendations that follow
deal with the first two issues. (Recommendation 4 deals with the third.)
Recommendation 2(a): Request that New Hanover County amend its ordinance governing
personal watercraft to increase the required separation from the edge of marsh or shore
from 25 feet to 50 feet, consistent with separation distances for all other activities identified
in the ordinance.
Chapter 59 Article IV of the New Hanover County Code of Ordinances sets forth a number of
rules governing the operation of jet skis within the waters of the County. In particular, Section
59-114 (6) prohibits PWC's from being operated at more than 5 mph:
• Within 50 feet of posted waterbird sanctuaries or management areas
• Within 50 feet of a person in the water or an anchored boat
• Within 50 feet of a pier or dock, except for those along the Intra-Coastal Waterway
• Within 25 feet of a marsh or shore within certain designated areas. (emphasis added)
Thus, the law specifies a consistent separation distance of 50 feet from all activities except marsh
or shore. This plan recommends that the 25 foot separation from marsh or shore be
increased to 50 feet. There are three reasons for recommending this change. First, there appears
to be no rational basis for singling out the marsh for less separation than other activities. Second,
increasing the distance to 50 feet would, in fact, prevent jet skis from traveling down channels of
little more than 50 feet in width at high rates of speed. If one intent of the ordinance is to stop jet
skis from damaging the marsh and disturbing wildlife, it is difficult to imagine how the current
25 foot standard achieves this. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the 25 foot distinction that
applies only to marsh and shore adds an unnecessary quirk to a law that is already little known or
Glenn HarbeckAssociates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 13

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach. NC
understood. One of the six objectives set forth in the preceding section states that this plan
should "Seek to clarify existing rules for the boating public. " Making the required separation
distance for jet skis 50 feet across the board is one easy, inexpensive way to do this.
Recommendation 2(b): Request that the County post small, relatively unobtrusive signs
around the perimeter of marshes north and south of Wrightsville Beach, notifying jet
skiers of the County ordinance concerning the use of jet skis in marsh areas. Use the
smallest effective signs and mount them, whenever possible, on existing pilings or posts,
along with, for example, existing "closed shellfishing" signs.
Signage addressing jet skis in marsh areas is needed to overcome an enforcement problem. Law
enforcement officers have stated repeatedly that, if people are not informed of a law, it is much
more difficult to hold them accountable for such laws. While the expression "ignorance of the
law is no excuse" may sound convincing, there are clearly limits as to how far this principle can
be carried when taking someone to court. Since the adoption of the County ordinance concerning
jet skis in marsh areas, the New Hanover County Sheriff's Marine Patrol has dealt with this
problem by employing a two step approach: "First Offense —A Warning, Second Offense —A
Citation." In other words, since many if not most jet skiers are not aware of the law, the Sheriff's
Department has adopted a procedure of notifying each jet skier one at a time, as the law is
broken.
There are several disadvantages to this approach. First, it is reactive in nature; the law must be
broken before information is conveyed to the jet skier. Second, the adverse impact that the law is
intended to prevent, damage to the marsh, is not addressed until it is too late. Third, and perhaps
most significantly, this procedure relies upon law enforcement personnel to (1) directly observe
the violation (2) notify the violator of the law, and (3) keep records of first offenses in order to
issue citations for the second offense. Unfortunately, the County Sheriffs patrol was on the water
only one day out of the entire 2001 boating season. Other law enforcement personnel, such as the
Wildlife Resources Commission and the US Coast Guard are apparently not chartered to enforce
the County ordinance. Therefore, the law can be continually violated with no recourse against the
offender and no way to effectively notify the offender that the law exists.
Significantly, a Sheriffs Department representative stated "Most people will not deliberately
break the law if they know that the law exists." If we accept the premise that most people are law
abiding, then posted signage can achieve the purpose of the law 24 hours a day, 7 days per week
at a very low cost. Consistent with this solution, signs are needed along the perimeter of these
marsh areas. These signs could be worded quite simply, as illustrated below.
5 MPH
No person may operate a personal
watercraft at more than 5 mph within
50 feet of marsh or shore in this area.
Ch 59 Art IV New Hanover County Code of Ordinances
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Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
' Some observations about the sign and its contents:
• A simple graphic icon of a personal watercraft at the top of the sign will draw the attention of
' PWC operators. Experience on the water indicates that such signs need not be large to be
noticed. A sign of as little as Ix2 feet is quite visible when on the water.
I
I
• The term "personal watercraft", rather than the more commonly accepted "jet ski" is used
here because that is the term used in the County Ordinance. Regardless, the use of a graphic
icon of a jet ski will aid in identifying the type of vessel to which the law applies.
• As this sign is intended to be regulatory in nature, the wording on the sign conforms, as much
as practically possible, with the language and intent of the County Ordinance. The County
Ordinance is also referenced along the bottom edge of the sign.
• The typeface used is formal, consistent with its intent as a legal notification.
• The presence of existing "closed shellfrshing" signs and channel markers
afford the opportunity to co -mount signs on shared posts and pilings.
3. Dealing With Existing, Confusing No Wake
' Zones` and Associated Signage
Problem: As noted in the Challenges section of this report, "no wake zones " at Wrightsville
Beach and, particularly the signs used to identify them, are indeed confusing. Remedying this
problem will require action on three fronts: (1) Current no wake zones should be defined
according to logical boundaries and problem areas (2) Existing no wake zone signs should be
consistent within the area, and (3) unauthorized but official looking "no wake" signs placed on
' or near public waters must be prohibited. These three problems will be dealt with in that order.
Recommendation 3(a): Request that the New Hanover County Commissioners authorize
' the placement of a no wake zone marker at the east end of Lees Cut so as to extend the
existing no wake zone over the entire length of this channel
Debate over the establishment of a no wake zone for the entire length of Lees Cut has gone on
for several years. Public comment at the community -wide input meeting revealed that area
citizens continue to be divided over this issue. Currently, a no wake zone is in place for "...that
part of Lee's Cut between the Intracoastal Waterway and the eastern boundary of the Lee's Cut -
Channel Walk property at Wrightsville Beach." 15 NCAC 1 017.0314(a)(4)
Thus, only the west end of Lee's Cut, closest to the Waterway and the public boat ramp, is
within a no wake zone. At the same time, the 1999 Session of the NC General Assembly on May
26, 1999 ratified House Bill 772, which states:
Section 1. It is unlawful to operate a vessel at greater than no -wake speed in the
waters of Lee's Cut in New Hanover County... and...
' See the Appendices to this report for a map showing existing no wake zones in the Wrightsville Beach area.
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page15

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
Section 2. The municipality or county with jurisdiction over the area of Lee's Cut
may place and maintain markers... in sufficient number and size to give adequate warning
of the no -wake speed zone ... and
Section 5. This act is effective when... markers complying with Section 2 of this act
are placed in the water to mark the no -wake zone.
Significantly, House Bill 772 was not sponsored nor requested by the Town of Wrightsville
Beach, but rather by an independent third party, working through a member of the state
legislative delegation. Nonetheless, House Bill 772 authorized the extension of the no wake zone
over the entire length of the channel, but made its effective date contingent upon the placement
of no wake zone markers in the channel. (emphasis added).
For all other no wake zones in the County, "the Board of Commissioners of New Hanover
County is designated the suitable agencyfor placement and maintenance of markers" (15 NCAC
1 OF .0314(b)). Customarily, when such markers would be in waters under the jurisdiction of a
municipality, the Board of Commissioners will not place such markers until after consulting with
the elected officials of such municipality. In this case, the Board of Aldermen have not given
their approval to the placement of such markers so as to extend the no wake zone.
This plan recommends that the no wake zone be extended to cover all of Lees Cut There are
several reasons for this recommendation. First, every law enforcement officer consulted stated
that Lees Cut was among the most hazardous navigation channels in the area It is a narrow,
twisting channel. It is lined with "wall to wall" docks, piers and boat slips along nearly the entire
length of its south side. It is bordered by sand bars, oyster beds and other underwater hazards for
much of its north side. (Sand bars are visible in the photo below, effectively narrowing the
channel where it appears to widen.) Due to its east -west alignment, it is oftentimes sheltered
from prevailing winds at times when the area's north -south running channels, such as the
Intracoastal Waterway and Banks Channel, are churned with whitecaps. This, unfortunately,
makes it a popular location for water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding and tubing. Yet the
channel is so narrow, that it is difficult even to turn around pulling a skier. Further, most manuals
on water-skiing recommend that each boat should be able to maintain a 200-foot wide "ski
corridor" (100 feet on either side of the boat)
Despite the honest differences of opinion over this issue, the overwhelming number of risk
factors discussed above make Lees Cut an appropriate channel for a no wake zone. The no wake '
zone should therefore be extended.
Boating Safetypresented by the U.S. Coast Guard and Met Life, page 44. Also Tins for Safe Water Skiing,
American Water Ski Association.
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Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach. NC
' Recommendation 3(b): Request that New Hanover County, working in cooperation with
the U.S. Coast Guard, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission, make all official no wake zone signs consistent throughout the area.
As noted previously, official no wake zone signs in the Wrightsville Beach area are not entirely
consistent with one another. While the differences are not major, they nonetheless contribute to
the already confusing number of authorized and unauthorized no wake zone signs in the area. In
most instances, the differences can be corrected when the authorized signs are repainted. Of note,
State design standards for no wake zone signs, as promulgated by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission, call for no wake zone "markers" in form of buoys. Flat signs fixed on pilings are
not shown in any illustrations on the Commission's web site. The U.S. Aids to Navigation
System employed by the U.S. Coast Guard, however, does show flat signs as an acceptable form
of regulatory signage. Interestingly, the placement of official no wake zone signs on pilings,
rather than buoys, may be contributing further to the confusion. This is because both official and
unofficial signs, authorized and unauthorized, are displayed using pilings for support.
Which of the signs below are official no wake zone signs, enforceable by law?
Which are "imposters"?
All of the no wake signs shown on
this page can be found in the
Wrightsville Beach area. Which of
them are enforceable by law as
declaring a no wake zone? Which of
them have been placed along the
waterway in hopes ofslowing boat
trait, but have no legal status?
(The answer is in the fine print
below)*
Ifyou were a boater visiting the
area for the first time, would it be
any easier to figure these signs out?
How would you know whether or
not you were breaking the law?
' The sign in the lower left comer is the only official, enforceable no wake zone sign. This one is located in Motts Channel.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 17

Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Recommendation 3(c) Request that the State prohibit private individuals and organizations
from posting unauthorized, but official looking, regulatory type signage on or near public
waters. Courtesy signs, however, using unofficial colors and worded in non -legal language
such as "Watch Your Wake" or "No Wake Please" could still be permitted.
In the state of Virginia, for example, it is unlawful to place unauthorized regulatory signage on or
near public waters.* Officials in Virginia have realized that such signs confuse the public and
draw attention away from legitimate regulatory signage. When the boating public is confused
as to which signs to believe, adherence to legitimate signs suffers. As an analogy, a
homeowner would not be permitted to put an official looking "Speed Limit 5 MPH" sign in their
front yard along a busy thoroughfare. Neither would such property owners be permitted to install
an octagonal side with the word "STOP" in white letters on a red background. Yet, that is exactly
what we are doing when we allow the owners of some piers and docks to put official looking
"No Wake" signs (square sign, white background, red circle, black letters) up along busy
navigation channels. This plan, therefore, recommends that such official looking, unauthorized
signs be prohibited At the same time, such a law would not prevent a dock or pier owner from
installing courtesy signs (in non -official colors and shapes) asking for the boating public's
voluntary cooperation in minimizing the size of their wake, reducing their boat speed, etc.
4. Dealing With the Need For Enforcement Personnel
Recommendation 4: Request that New Hanover County restore full funding to the New
Hanover County Sheriff's Marine Patrol for the year 2002 and subsequent boating seasons.
The New Hanover County Sheriffs Patrol is, in practical terms, the only law enforcement
agency specifically charged with enforcing County ordinances. The U.S. Coast Guard
enforces only federal boating laws. Similarly, officers of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission
have indicated that they focus on the enforcement of state boating laws, and do not get involved
with New Hanover County statutes. To date, the Town of Wrightsville Beach and the City of
Wilmington have declined to get involved in the enforcement of boating laws altogether. This
leaves only the Sheriff's Patrol to enforce certain laws enacted to address specific problems in
New Hanover County. Unfortunately, as noted under the "Challenges" section of this report,
budget cuts by the County have effectively eliminated the Marine Sheriffs Patrol for now.
It has been said that a law which is passed and ignored is worse than no law at all. Such is the
case with New Hanover County's law governing the operation of jet skis. The Sheriffs Marine
Patrol is no longer on the water. Budget cutbacks by the County during the 2001 peak boating
season effectively eliminated the Patrol. Prospects for funding the Patrol for the 2002 season are
looking quite uncertain.
The Sheriffs Marine Patrol has a proven track record of enforcing boating safety laws. At the
present time, it does not make sense for either the City of Wilmington or the Town of
Wrightsville Beach to establish an additional marine patrol. In fact, if in the next few years,
consolidation of City and County law enforcement functions is to take place, it makes even less
sense for the City to get into the marine safety business at this time.
' Virginia Watercraft Owner's Guide, January 1, 1999, page 25.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement
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Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
' Therefore, full funding must be restored to Sheriffs Marine Patrol if County boating laws
are to be obeyed. Such funding is justified by facts. The Survey of Wrightsville Beach Area
Boaters, conducted by UNC-W and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, revealed that 64% of
1 boaters on the water at Wrightsville Beach are residents of New Hanover County, with most of
the others from elsewhere in North Carolina. Interestingly, while some 37% of all boaters are
also residents of the City of Wilmington, only 16% are also residents of Wrightsville Beach.
' While the argument has been made before, it must be made again: Wrightsville Beach provides a
huge tax base to the County and should expect to receive needed services in returnfrom the
' County. This is particularly true when such services can be clearly tied to resources that benefit
all County residents. Without question, the waters of Wrightsville Beach, including both the
sound and ocean, are easily one of the most significant recreational resources available to all
County residents. The safety of those residents, whether as swimmers, boaters, surfers, or
fishermen, should be of paramount importance to the County. The Town currently shoulders the
full burden of responsibility for lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach. Surely, the County should not
abandon its responsibility for ensuring safety elsewhere on the water.
' 5. Dealing With the Need for Boater Education
Problem: As noted previously in this plan, the majority of boaters at Wrightsville Beach see no
need to take a safe boating course. Yet observations of boater behavior on the water reveal that
many lack a basic knowledge of boating safety and "the rules of the road " pertaining to boating.
Recommendation 5(a): Request that the New Hanover County Library purchase at least
one copy of the videotape course and book on safe boating available from the U.S. Power
Squadron. Make it available for check out from the County Library system. Have posters
and flyers at area marinas and marine supply stores announcing the availability of the
videotape. Use public service announcements on radio, TV and cable to further publicize
its availability.
' Judging from the lack of attendance at safe boating courses offered in the area, one of many
factors deterring boaters from attending may be busy lives and schedules. Another factor is the
' cost, no matter how minimal, of attending a boating course.
' The U.S. Power Squadron has developed an 80-minute videotape course and 240-page book that
covers all the material taught in the USPS regular six lesson boating course. After studying the
materials, anyone can earn a USPS Power and Sail Boating Course certificate by taking a test.
i The cost of the video and book are $39.95 plus shipping and handling. The toll free number to
call to order the course materials is 800-937-BOAT.
Initially, just one copy of these materials could be purchased by the New Hanover County
Library. Then, based upon the response, additional copies could be purchased as needed.
Announcements concerning the availability of the course could be run on radio, TV and Cable.
' Posters and flyers could be put up at area marinas and marine supply stores.
While the ability to use a home -study course may not be a panacea for encouraging the study of
' safe boating in New Hanover County, the purchase price is quite small relative to the potential
benefits it could bring to those who use it. It should be viewed as one of many ways to approach
a major safety problem in our County.
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Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Recommendation 5(b): Sponsor, through a non-profit organization, the preparation of a
locally produced video, combining an overview of the area's scenic and recreational water
resources, with a summary of the most important boater precautions and safe boating tips.
This recommendation is similar to 5(a) above, but with several differences. First, the videotape
would be locally produced and custom tailored to the waters of New Hanover County. Second, it
would not be oriented toward taking a test for certification but, rather, simply an entertaining
way to disseminate important information about boating in the area. Interspersed among images
of the beautiful waters and marshes of the area could be tips for dealing with common situations
that a boater might have to face on a typical outing. Included, for example, could be suggestions
for anchoring under various tidal conditions, avoiding running aground on oyster beds and sand
bars, tips for pulling skiers and other towables, an overview of jet ski requirements, a review of
basic rules of the road for boating, watching your wake, and so forth.
The video tape could run be on the local government cable TV station, or alternatively, could be
sponsored by local area businesses such as marine supply stores, hotels, waterfront restaurants,
etc. An area non-profit group, such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, might be eligible for grant
funding related to boating safety*. Students at UNC-W or Cape Fear Community College might
undertake production of the video as a major class project.
Recommendation 5(c): Encourage NC Wildlife Commission Officers, the New Hanover
County Sheriff's Marine Patrol, and local area judges to make attendance at a safe boating
course part of the penalty for receiving a citation, when appropriate.
Law enforcement officers have indicated that area judges have some latitude available, when
handing down penalties for boating violations. During some court sessions, the judge may ask
the officer involved for his or her opinion regarding the fine or penalty. At such times, depending
upon the nature of the offense, the officer may suggest that attendance at a safe boating course
would be appropriate. This plan, therefore, recommends that the Board of Aldermen prepare a
resolution and letter to area law enforcement agencies and judges, requesting that attendance at
safe boating courses be handed down as part of sentencing for boating violators, whenever such a
judgment is reasonable and appropriate to the offense.
6. Dealing With Encroachments Into Public Trust Waters
Problem: Wrightsville Beach has a very limited amount ofsurface water available for boating,
encroachments which would further erode the resource must be guarded against. Such
encroachments include longer, larger, more intensive piers and docks which inhibit navigation,
and the creation or expansion of mooring areas and anchorages into waters which would
otherwise be available for open boating.
Recommendation 6(a): The Town should continue to strictly enforce its pier head line, as
well as applicable CAMA development standards for docks and piers, whichever are
stricter.
For example, the Appendices to this report include specific information regarding grants available through the
National Safe Boating Council.
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Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
The 1996 CAMA Land Use Plan for the Town of Wrightsville Beach states:
"...(An) issue of growing concern at Wrightsville Beach ... is the trend toward lengthy
piers extending out into the Town's estuarine waters ... And, while State regulations
require that such piers shall not block stream channels, the effect in many instances is to
inhibit the movement of watercraft in the shallow water estuary. This can be evident at
high tide when small boats, which would normally have free movement through the
estuary, must constrain their navigation to limited pockets of open water, essentially
fenced in by these long pier lengths. In the case of small, shallow draft sailing craft, the
presence of these long piers may totally prevent the craft from sailing through the
affected body of water. Thus, the Town reserves the right to be more restrictive than the
State's standards where the public's right to the reasonable, unobstructed use of public
trust waters is being compromised." (Page 8-5)
Encroachments by Private Docks and Piers-- More surface water acreage is "consumed" by
privately owned docks and piers than any other waterborne activity in the Town of Wrightsville
Beach. In fact, with the exception of the back side of Shell Island, virtually all soundfront
properties at Wrightsville Beach have been intensively developed for private dock space. Further
intensification is expected to continue as pressures for more boat slips mount over time. The
intensity of the dock spaces in the community is a product of the lengthy history of development
at Wrightsville Beach, with many piers and docks installed during an era before environmental
protections were in place. As a result, an estimated 10 to 12 percent of all navigable soundside
waters at Wrightsville Beach are taken up by private docks and piers and the relatively narrow
spaces of water between them. In addition, when the 50-foot buffer zone off the end of docks and
piers is factored in, available surface water area for boating is even less.
Encroachments by Marinas— The Appendices to this report include a listing of the major
private marinas within a 20-minute cruse of Wrightsville Beach. While the listing shows
approximately 2,500 wet and dry slips in some 21 marinas, the actual number is more likely to
be over 3,000 owing to incomplete data. Of these 3,000, about 70% or 2,100 are wet slips. Total
boat slips in private marinas within the jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville Beach number
about 600, of which some 430 are wet slips. These 430 wet slips are largely concentrated along
Molts Channel and the Intracoastal Waterway just south of the drawbridge. Collectively, these
wet slips consume about 1 percent of all navigable soundside waters at Wrightsville Beach
Town Pierhead Line— Fortunately, the Town has a long established pierhead line, designed to
limit the intrusion of docks, piers and marinas into the navigable waters of the Town. One short
section the pierhead line map is presented on the following page. The full map, made up of
several component map sections, is available for public review at the Planning and Inspections
office at Town Hall. The Town has been wise to hold fast to the limits established by the pier
head line. Even so, as waterfront property values continue to rise, and pressures for more
intensive development increase, the Town is apt to find itself warding off additional requests to
compromise on the pier head line as well as other constraints on development. It should not
waver in its protection of public trust waters.
' While Shell Island does have quite a few soundside docks and piers, some quite lengthy, this area is generally not
as intensively developed for pier; as the balance of the town.
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 21

Swface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
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The above map shows a small section of the Town's detailed Pierhead Line Map, prepared in 1971. This map
section depicts the pierhead line along the east side of Banks Channel between the two bridges. Note how the
pierhead line is measured from fixed points on land, such as the western right of way line for North Lumina Avenue,
rather than the shoreline or mean high wafer mark, which could shift and change over time. The full map, in several
component maps, is available for public review at the Planning and Inspections office at Town Hall.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 22 1

' Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Recommendation 6(b): The Town should not approve of the establishment or expansion of
any additional mooring buoys/spaces or anchorage areas within the town's jurisdiction.
The recently emerged "squatter's" anchorage area north of the Salisbury Street Bridge is
an example of an additional anchorage area that should not be permitted.
As noted previously, when the idea of preparing a water use plan for Wrightsville Beach was
first conceived, it was imagined that various areas within the Town's public trust waters could be
roughly allocated to different uses. While each intended use might not be exclusive, such a plan
could have established, for example, "a pecking order" for various uses. As the plan unfolded,
however, it became apparent that there is far too little water area to apportion out parts of the
Town's surface waters to any single use. Despite this concern, moorings and anchorage areas do,
indeed, "occupy and take over" certain waters for their exclusive use. At present, there are three
such locations in the waters of Wrightsville Beach: (Also see map, page after next.)
Banks Channel Mooring Buoys —These mooring buoys, located on the west side of Banks
Channel roughly opposite the Blockade Runner Hotel, provide opportunities for several
boats/yachts to "raft up" following, for example, a day's sailing race. These mooring buoys have
been approved for use by (1) The Wrightsville Beach Ocean Racing Association (WBORA), (2)
the Cape Fear Cruisers (CFC), (3) the Dirty Bottom Sailing Club (DBSC) and the (4) Turtle Hall
Yacht Club (THYC); the buoy markers have, in fact been labeled as to their owner. Town policy
requires that each of these mooring buoys must be available for use by the general public
whenever they are not in use by the organization that "owns" them. Further, the Town has
adopted a policy that there shall be no additional mooring buoys anywhere within its jurisdiction.
(The four buoys mentioned above have been allowed to continue as pre-existing uses established
prior to the Town's policy regarding new moorings.) While activities associated with these
mooring buoys consume a small percentage of soundside waters at Wrightsville Beach, their
strategic location and use in Banks Channel could be viewed as obstructive to small boat sailors
and sailing regattas which frequent this middle section of Banks Channel.
Banks Channel Anchorage —The Banks Channel anchorage occupies the water south of Bridge
Street in Banks Channel, just north of its intersection with Motts Channel. The proximity of this
' area to dinghy docks at Wynn Plaza, and from there to a full range of food and retail services in
"downtown" Wrightsville Beach, makes this an especially popular location for those cruising the
' eastern seaboard. The area has, in fact, been recognized in cruising guide literature as a suitable
location to drop anchor for the night.
' ' The word "owns" has been placed in italics here to acknowledge that none of these mooring spaces, located in the
midst of public trust waters can, realistically" be owned by a private entity. Rather, they exist at the pleasure of the
public as represented by the Town.
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 23

Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
In accordance with Town Ordinance 92.19, no boat may be anchored in Wrightsville Beach
Waters for more than 30 days in a 180 day period. (e.g. a boat could anchor in the area for 15
days on 2 occasions, for 10 days on 3 occasions, etc. within a 6-month period.) The ordinance is
enforced by a Town Police Reserve Officer who volunteers his time and boat. When an anchored
vessel has overstayed its welcome, a notice is affixed to the boat advising the owner of the
violation, and warning that the vessel may be impounded if not removed.
While area boaters seem to have accepted the use of this Banks Channel location as an
"approved" anchorage, it does consume a relatively large amount of surface water relative to the
number of boats benefited. Further, the location of this anchorage is viewed by some as
obstructive to other boaters, particularly those in small sailboats, and those power boaters headed
in and out of Banks Charnel between the bridges. For these reasons, it may become necessary
in the next few years to define the limits of this anchorage area, and set limits as to the total
number of vessels that may occupy the site.
Lees Cut "Squatters" Anchorage— More recently, a second anchorage area has emerged in an
opening in the marsh north of the Salisbury Street Bridge, near the cast end of Lees Cut. Unlike
the Banks Channel anchorage, this area is relatively distant from Wynn Plaza or any other public
landing. It is also not convenient to the retail services and restaurants of the downtown core.
From an economic impact standpoint, it could be said that the probability of these boaters
contributing to the economy of the Town is clearly less than at the Banks Channel location.
Further, due to its non -recognized status, some have labeled it the "squatter's anchorage".
Of interest, this area is just outside the corporate limits of the Town but within the town's
extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ); to date, the Town has not enforced the 30-day limit on boats
anchored in this area. Significantly, State law enables towns to regulate the placement and use of
moorings anywhere within the town's zoning jurisdiction, including its ETJ. Less certain is
whether the town may regulate overnight anchorages within the ETJ. Even so, with such a
limited amount of open water area available within the Town's jurisdiction, this plan views this
newly emerging anchorage area as an undesirable intrusion into the surface water; of the Town.
Actions should therefore be taken to clarify enabling legislation concerning anchorages in
the zoned area of the Town's ETJ. If such legislation can be confirmed, then the Town
should take steps to prevent this area from becoming a second Town anchorage area.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 24

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Mooring and
Anchorage Areas
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Lees Cut "Squatters" Anchorage
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Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Technical Assistance by
Glenn Harbeck Associates

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach; NC I
7. Dealing with Access Issues
Problem: With over 12, 000 registered boats, New Hanover County is among the most "boating
intensive" areas in the State. While it is difficult to get a fixed number, there is little question that
several thousand boat owners in the County must rely upon public and private boat ramps to
gain access to the water. Beyond these registered boats, there is a rapidly growing segment of
boaters that have taken up kayaks and canoes. These unregistered boats also require access to
the water. Significantly, for more than a 30-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway from
Snows Cut to Surf City, North Carolina and with an estimated population of over 200, 000 people
in the New Hanover-Pender County area, there are just two public boat ramps providing access
to the popular sound areas behind the barrier islands. One of these ramps is at Wrightsville
Beach. The other is at Carolina Beach. There has not been a public boat ramp constructed along
this 30-mile stretch of the ICWW in decades, despite huge increase in population and boaters.
Recommendation 7(a): While the Town recognizes the heavy demand for boat launching
facilities in the Wrightsville Beach area, additional public boat launching facilities should
be developed by the State and/or other local governments at locations well removed from
the already congested waters of Wrightsville Beach.
The public boat launch at Wrightsville Beach, operated by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission, has long been one of the most popular ramps in the State of North Carolina.
Improvements to the facility have expanded the number of ramps and made the traffic pattern
more efficient. Even so, the ramp is routinely overwhelmed by boaters. Typically, all parking
spaces are taken by the very early morning hours on weekends during the boating season.
Increasingly, the same is true even on many weekdays during the peak boating season. The
Town routinely issues parking tickets, as cars and trailers spill out of the parking area onto
nearby rights of way. The water area north of the drawbridge is often heavily congested, as
boaters wishing to "take out' jockey for position amid swirling currents and other boaters.
Physically, there is no more room to expand the facility any further. For matters of safety on the
water, it would not be advisable anyway.
For all of these reasons, this plan recommends that the NC Wildlife Resources Commission,
working in cooperation with other area local governments, take action to develop other boat
launching facilities at locations well removed from Wrightsville Beach. Currently, it appears that
a new public ramp may soon be in service in the Surf City area of Pender County. At least one, if
not two other ramps are clearly needed somewhere in the twenty mile stretch between Surf City
and Wrightsville Beach. The idea should be to spread boaters over a wider area of water,
employing public boat ramps as a means to help effectuate the distribution.
Recommendation 7(b): The Town should continue with plans to make the new Wynn Plaza
a convenient access point for kayaks and canoes.
As previously mentioned, an increasing segment of the population is turning toward kayaks and
canoes for their boating interest. As this interest has grown, more kayakers and canoeists are
seeking convenient places to launch their boats. This was made evident, in particular, at the
community -wide meeting held for the Water Use Plan.
One such opportunity site is Wynn Plaza, a town park located just south of Causeway Bridge on
Waynick Boulevard. This waterfront park has been undergoing a major renovation. The new
I
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 26

Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
' design includes some floating docks suitable for launching small boats, such as kayaks and
canoes. The height of these docks from the surface of the water is somewhat lower than docks of
conventional height.
The surface water in the vicinity of Wynn Plaza is relatively sheltered and occupied primarily by
the overnight mooring area for the Town. A five mile per hour speed limit is posted for boats
passing under the bridge nearby. By most accounts, therefore, it is a suitable place for small
boats. The Plaza is also located near the heart of the commercial district, offering the opportunity
for small boat enthusiasts to purchase food, or to
visit retail stores on the front or back end of their
boating day.
Of particular note, the Town has received a grant
for the development of a kayak and canoeing
trail/loop that could begin and end at Wynn Plaza.
In light of the potential demand for use of this
trail by groups of paddlers, the Town has also
given consideration to the parking needs of such
groups. The paddlers would likely drop off their boats in an open area at Wynn Plaza, then
caravan their vehicles a short distance to the extensive free parking at Town Park (middle of
Harbor Island). Just one vehicle could then shuttle all drivers between the two parks. While
parking at Wynn Plaza is handled by a pay station, the cost of parking just one vehicle could then
be split among all the paddlers.
8. Dealing With Water Quality Issues
Problem: A typical concern found in most water -oriented communities is the quality of the water
for fishing and swimming. Media reports often cite those communities that routinely monitor the
quality of their water as responsible and caring of their visitor population. Fortunately, with the
exception of brief periods of time following major hurricane events, the waters around
Wrightsville Beach have been consistently of a quality suitable for both swimming and fishing.
Nonetheless, without a baseline of regularly gathered water quality information, there is no way
of knowing whether the water is improving or declining, and at what rate.
Recommendation 8: The Town should seek to reestablish a program of water quality
monitoring on a routine, perhaps quarterly, basis.
At one time, The Town of Wrightsville Beach contracted with a private company to monitor the
quality of water in and around the town. Testing was done on a quarterly basis for a fee, and
included certain key water quality indicators. More recently, however, the service was
discontinued and the Town is no longer kept apprised of water quality conditions.
This plan recommends that a program of water quality testing be reestablished. Further, it may
be possible to have the testing done through agreement with the State, with UNC-W's marine
science program, the Surfrider Foundation, or with some other non-profit group. It may also be
decided that it is easiest and most economical to resume the services of a private testing
company. Regardless, the water around Wrightsville Beach is the most valuable resource in the
community. It is worth making sure that it is being properly protected; the only way to know for
certain is to give it regular check-ups.
I' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 27

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
9. Dealing With Jurisdictional Issues
Problem: There is some question about the enforceable jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville
Beach with regard to boating and regulation ofjet skis. Reportedly, New Hanover County courts
have been reluctant to uphold arrests in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Town if the offense
did not originate within Wrightsville Beach corporate limits. A second jurisdictional issue
concerns recent annexations by the City of Wilmington of areas abutting the Intracoastal
Waterway opposite the town limits and ETJof Wrightsville Beach. These two issues will be dealt
with in turn.
Recommendation 9(a): Request that the Town attorney look into the applicability of
General Statute 160A-176.2, regarding the Town's ability to establish and enforce laws
pertaining to boating and jet skis within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Wrightsville
Beach.
G.S. 160A-176.2 reads:
..."A city may adopt ordinances to regulate and control swimming, personal watercraft
operation, surfing and littering in the Atlantic Ocean and other waterways adjacent to that
portion of the city within its boundaries or within its extraterritorial iurisdiction:
provided, however, nothing contained herein shall be construed to permit any city to
prohibit altogether swimming or surfing or to make these activities unlawful." (emphasis
added)
Questions that the town attorney may wish to address include:
• Does the statute enable the town to adopt ordinances regulating boating within its
extraterritorial jurisdiction, or just personal watercraft and the other activities
specified?
• Does this statute or any other general statute suggest implications for enforcement of
these activities?
• While the ordinance clearly states that swimming or surfing may not be prohibited
altogether, it offers no such specific language concerning the ability of a city to
prohibit personal watercraft. Could the Town do so under this statute?
Note: So long as the Town declines to get directly involved in the enforcement of general
boating laws, this issue is not likely to be a pressing matter. However, it may be useful to clarify
this situation now so that if and when the Town does elect to do so, this issue will have been
resolved.
In a related matter, the question posed under recommendation 6(b) above, concerning the
Town's ability to regulate overnight anchorages, should also be addressed as part of this legal
research.
Glenn HarbeckAssociates, Planning andPublicInvolvement Page18 1

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Recommendation 9(b) Request that the City of Wilmington take action as soon as
practicable to move the City's current eastern boundary from the mean high water mark
to the centerline of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Two fairly recent annexations by the City of Wilmington have created an anomaly in the
jurisdictional boundary lines between the City, New Hanover County, and Wrightsville Beach.
One of the annexations has, as its easternmost boundary, the centerline of the Intracoastal
Waterway. The other annexation used the mean high water mark on the west side of the
Waterway for its easternmost boundary. As a result of using the mean high water mark rather
than the centerline, the City left the western half of the surface area of the Intracoastal Waterway
in the County's jurisdiction. Whether this anomaly would have any effect on enforcement issues
relative to jurisdiction is unclear. However, in light of court interpretations concerning where the
offense occurred, where the arrest was made, whether enabling legislation supports the action,
etc., it may be wise for the City to correct this inconsistency in its easternmost boundary as soon
as practicable.
End of Problems and Recommendations
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 29

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
Summary of Recommendations and Actions
1. Dealing With Hazardous Boaters
Action/Approval/Involvement
Requested Of:
Recommendation 1(a): "Wrightsville Beach Area Safe
New Hanover Co Commissioners
Boating Rules" should be posted on a sign at the boat
in cooperation with:
ramp, plus five strategic locations along specific, well -
traveled navigation channels. Each sign would list a few
U.S. Coast Guard
concise safe boating rules addressing the most
Wildlife Resources Commission
significant boating safety problems in the area. Posting
US Army Corps of Engineers
these signs will require cooperation from the New
NC Department of Transportation.
Hanover County Commissioners, the U.S. Coast Guard,
the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Army
Corps of Engineers and, for signs mounted on bridges,
the NC Department of Transportation.
Recommendation 1(b): In addition to posting the Safe
Area Merchants
Boating Rules at a few strategic locations in the area,
these same rules could be published, for example, in a
pocket sized booklet of Tide Tables, such as those
sometimes distributed by area merchants.
2. Dealing With Jet Skis in Marshes
Recommendation 2(a): Request that New Hanover
New Hanover Co Commissioners
County amend its ordinance governing personal
watercraft to increase the required separation from the
edge of marsh or shore from 25 feet to 50 feet,
consistent with separation distances for all other
activities identified in the ordinance.
Recommendation 2(b): Request that the County post
New Hanover Co Commissioners
small, relatively unobtrusive signs around the perimeter
in cooperation with:
of marshes north and south of Wrightsville Beach,
notifying jet skiers of the County ordinance concerning
U.S. Coast Guard
the use of jet skis in marsh areas. Use the smallest
US Army Corps of Engineers
cf ective signs and mount them, whenever possible, on
Shellfish Sanitation Division
existing pilings or posts, along with, for example,
existing "closed shellfishin " signs.
3. Dealing With Existing, Confusing No Wake Zones
and Associated Si na e
Recommendation 3(a): Request that the New Hanover
New Hanover Co Commissioners
County Commissioners authorize the placement of a no
in cooperation with:
wake zone marker at the east end of Lees Cut so as to
extend the existing no wake zone over the entire length
US Army Corps of Engineers
of this channel.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 30 1

Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Recommendation 3(b): Request that New Hanover
New Hanover Co Commissioners
County, working in cooperation with the U.S. Coast
in cooperation with:
Guard, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the NC
Wildlife Resources Commission, make all official no
U.S. Coast Guard
wake zone signs consistent throughout the area.
US Army Corps of Engineers
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Recommendation 3(c) Request that the State prohibit
NC General Assembly
private individuals and organizations from posting
unauthorized, but official looking, regulatory type
signage on or near public waters. Courtesy signs,
however, using unofficial colors and worded in non-
legal language such as "Watch Your Wake" or "No
Wake Please" could still be permitted.
4. Dealing With the Need For Enforcement Personnel
Recommendation 4: Request that New Hanover
New Hanover Co Commissioners
County restore full funding to the New Hanover County
Sheriffs Marine Patrol for the year 2002 and subsequent
boating seasons.
5. Dealing With the Need for Boater Education
Recommendation 5(a): Request that the New Hanover
New Hanover County Library
County Library purchase at least one copy of the
videotape course and book on safe boating available
from the U.S. Power Squadron. Make it available for
check out from the County Library system. Have posters
and flyers at area marinas and marine supply stores
announcing the availability of the videotape. Use public
service announcements on radio, TV and cable to further
publicize its availability.
Recommendation 5(b): Sponsor, through a non-profit
Area Merchants
organization, the preparation of a locally produced
Cape Fear Community College
video, combining an overview of the area's scenic and
UNC-W and/or
recreational water resources, with a summary of the
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
most important boater precautions and safe boating tips.
6. Dealing With Encroachments Into Public Trust
Waters
Recommendation 6(a): The Town should continue to
Board of Aldermen
strictly enforce its pier head line, as well as applicable
Town Administration
CAMA development standards for docks and piers,
whichever are stricter.
I' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement
Page 31

Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
Recommendation 6(b): The Town should not approve
Board of Aldermen
of the establishment or expansion of any additional
Town Administration
mooring buoys/spaces or anchorage areas within the
town's jurisdiction. The recently emerged "squatter's"
anchorage area north of the Salisbury Street Bridge is an
example of an additional anchorage area that should not
be permitted.
7. Dealing with Access Issues
Recommendation 7(a): While the Town recognizes the
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
heavy demand for boat launching facilities in the
New Hanover County
Wrightsville Beach area, additional public boat
Pender County
launching facilities should be developed by the State
Other Local Governments
and/or other local governments at locations well
removed from the already congested waters of
Wrightsville Beach.
Recommendation 7(b): The Town should continue
Town Administration,
with plans to make the new Wynn Plaza a convenient
Parks Director
access point for kayaks and canoes.
8. Dealing With Water Quality Issues
Recommendation 8: The Town should seek to
Board of Aldermen
reestablish a program of water quality monitoring on a
Town Administration
routine, perhaps quarterly, basis.
Private or Non -Profit Testing
Organization
9. Dealing With Jurisdictional Issues
Recommendation 9(a): Request that the Town attorney
Town Attorney
look into the validity and applicability of General
Statute 160A-176.2, regarding the Town's ability to
establish and enforce laws pertaining to boating and jet
skis within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of
Wrightsville Beach.
Recommendation 9(b) Request that the City of
City of Wilmington
Wilmington take action as soon as practicable to move
the City's current eastern boundary from the mean high
water mark to the centerline of the Intracoastal
Waterway.
Glenn Narbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 32 1

1
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II
Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Town of Wrightsville Beach
Surface Water Use Plan
Appendices and Exhibits
General Information _ _ „ . .. „_ .. „.............„.„A-1
Organization Chart .............................. ........ ....................... » ........... A-1
Planning Process Chart ».»»».....».»..»».».»....».».....»......»...A-2
Map of Federally Maintained Channels ..... ».......... »..... „..„„.............. A-3
Identification Of Issues _.... „..„„.„...„....._ ..„„ __ A4
How the Concerns Were Identified ............................................. ........ A-4
Listof Issues (detailed) ... »..»............ „......... „.... ».„.».».»......................A-5
Ranking of Issues (summary) .„ .... „........ „..... .... ....... .......... „............. A-13
Copy of Flyer for Community -Wide Input Meeting ............... „........ A-14
Survey of Boaters
A-15
Proposal to US Coast Guard (Survey Design) ........................ „......... A-15
Copy of Survey Form Used ..... »...... »... »»... _....».»........ „„......... ».....A-17
Survey Study Area Map ............. ....... ...................... „...........»..........A-18
Results of Boater Survey. »
Boating Data Section.....„ „. „ ....A-26
Registered Boats by Selected Coastal Counties.................................A-26
Registered Boats Relative to Population„ ....„...»..» ...»„.»„..»..... A-26
Registered Boats Relative to Water Area .......................................... A-26
Registered Boats Relative to Boating Education Students.:.„...».....A-26
Boating Accidents ........................................ „....................................... A-29
Jet Skis in New Hanover County.........„„.......„..„--'........„.._„„„„„A-30
Marinas Within 20 Minutes Cruise of Wrightsville Beach..............A-31
Existing Ordinances/Legislation.„............. ...................... A-32
Personal Watercraft Safety..... „...„».„„.... ._..... »... ..».»„A-32
Official "No Wake" Zones in New Hanover County ................... »... A-34
An Act to Establish a No Wake Zone in the Waters of Lees Cut ....A-35
Map of No Wake Zones in Wrightsville Beach Area ........................ A-36
30-Day Anchorage Warning Tsg»» .» ....»„..„...»„... .....»»........A-37
NCGS 160A-176.2 Ordinances effective in Atlantic Ocean »........... A-37
Grant Funding Sources .... .................................... „... „... „...»»...„.A-3s
National Safe Boating Council Grants Program„....».....„...„.»....... A-38
BoatU.S. Foundation..„.......» .... „......... „...... »........ ............................. A-39
1 Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page 33

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
Town Planning
Board
General Information
Recreation Advisory
Committee
Town of Wrightsville Beach
Surface Water Use Plan
Organization and Management
Board of Aldermen
Town of
Wrightsville Beach
Surface Water Use
Plan
Steering Committee
Town Staff/
Consultant Team
Citizen Advisors
Resource Advisors
• Board of Aldermen provides direction to Steering Committee, early in the process as
well as during review of draft plan; they also hold a formal public hearing to consider
adoption of the plan.
• Steering Committee guides preparation of the Surface Water Use Plan and
recommends plan to Board of Aldermen.
• Planning Board provides input on draft plan to Steering Committee.
• Citizen Advisors and Resource Advisors provide input and perspective at organized
public input meetings, as well as by letter, phone contact, etc.
• Staff/Consultant Team provides technical and administrative assistance, organizes
public involvement process and prepares draft and final plan.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement
PageA-I ,

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Town of Wrightsville Beach
Surface Water Use Plan
Planning Process
1
Organize for Planning and Public
Involvement
Identification of
2
Surface Water Use Issues
3 Surface Water Use Findings
and Analysis
4 Policies and
Implementation Actions
5-0--
Public Comments on Draft Surface
Water Use Plan
6 Joint Review Session: Board of Aldermen,
Planning Board, Recreation Advisory
Committee and Steering Committee
M1
7 Public Hearing by Board of
Aldermen to Adopt Plan
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-1

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Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Identification of Issues
Wrightsville Beach Surface Water Use Plan
Results of Special Community Input Meeting
Tuesday, June 19, 2001 •7:00 to 9:00 PM
Wrightsville Beach Elementary School
This report presents a summary of the issues identified, ranked and discussed during a special community
input meeting held the evening of Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at Wrightsville Beach Elementary School. The
report may be used to suggest the principal areas in need of research during the balance of the planning
process for the Surface Water Use Plan at Wrightsville Beach.
HOW THE CONCERNS WERE IDENTIFIED
Shortly after the June 19th meeting was convened, the following question was presented on an overhead
projector for consideration by the entire gathering of boaters, agency representatives and other interested
citizens:
What are some issues concerning boating and other uses of public trust
waters in and around the Town of Wrightsville Beach?
• Be Specific: What, where, when, etc.
• Try to think of something no one else might think of.
• Think about the perspectives of those who may not be here tonight.
• Try to think ahead ten years from now.
After two or three minutes of quiet brainstorming, a "prompt slide" was then placed on the projector
suggesting numerous potential categories of issues for the group to consider. The prompt slide is
presented beginning on the following page.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-4

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC 1
5uriace water use rtan rossmte issue t-atei oones
•
Barge traffic
•
Pier length
•
Bath Houses
•
Piers
•
Boat charters
•
Porpoise
•
Boat fueling
•
Power boating- towable water sports
•
Boat parades
•
Primary nursery areas
•
Boat pump -outs
•
Public access- boat ramp(s)
•
Boat rentals
•
Public access- parking
•
Boat repair and maintenance
•
Public access- pedestrian
•
Boating courtesy/safety
•
Rafting/Rafting parties
•
Channel maintenance
•
Regulatory Issues
•
Commercial fishing
•
Sailboats (large) & regattas
•
Crabbing/crab pots
•
Sailboats (small) & regattas
•
Docks, dingy
•
Seals
•
Docks, private
•
Shellfish areas
•
Docks, public
•
Shellfishing
•
Education of Boaters/Others
•
Shore boat storage
•
Enforcement Issues
•
Shoreline treatment -bulkheads, rip rap,
•
Fishing licenses
marsh, beach, etc.
•
Fishing tournaments
•
Spoil Areas
•
Floating homes
•
Sport fishing (boat)
•
Grass beds
•
Sport fishing (bridge)
•
Interagency cooperation
•
Sport fishing (surf)
•
Intergov'mental cooperation
•
Surfers
•
Intertidal flats
•
Swimmers
•
Kayakers and canoeists
•
Towing companies
•
Litter and trash
•
Transient boats and boaters
•
Marinas -dry stack
•
Triathlon
•
Marinas -wet slip
•
Speed limits- no wake zones
•
Marine Insurance
•
Waterborne concessionaires
•
Moorings
•
Waterborne taxis
•
Net fishing
•
Waterborne signage
•
Noise
•
Waterfowl
•
Para -gliding
•
Waterfront restaurants
•
Party boats
•
Wetland areas
•
Personal watercraft ("jet skis")
•
Wildlife
•
Pier fishing
•
Wind surfers
Participants first recorded their issues and concerns on 3 x 5 cards. These issues were then transferred to
flip chart sheets in small groups facilitated by members of the Surface Water Use Plan Advisory
Committee. After all the items were listed on the flip chart sheets in the small groups, the entire gathering
of citizens was invited to choose their top priority issues (from among all items) by a simple voting
process. The voting process was conducting by giving each workshop participant a strip of ten, "sticky
back" voting dots. After all the flip chart sheets from all small groups were mounted on a common voting
wall, each participant was invited to choose their top ten priority items from among all the items
identified. Each participant then placed their ten dots on the sheets next to ten distinctly different items.
(Participants were instructed that they should not place more than one dot next to the same item or on
different items that were very similar in nature.)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-S ,

' Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
The following pages contain a list of the surface water use issues which were identified during the
community -wide input meeting. All items have been typed up just as they were recorded on the flip chart
sheets. For the purpose of follow-up discussion and analysis, all items have been sorted into categories.
The assignment of any one item to a particular category is a judgment call and is subject to other equally
' valid viewpoints. In some instances, an item may be included under more than one category. Similar ideas
have not been combined so as to preserve the original content of each idea and to show the number of
times that the same idea came up.
The individual issues within each category have been arranged in order of the number of priority votes
received. The results of the process are printed below.
List of Issues Concerning Surface Water Use
In and Around the Town of Wrightsville Beach
—ARRANGED BY CATEGORY
(As identified by citizens in attendance at the June 19, 2001 community input meeting)
Issues
Operation and Use of Jet Skis
Priority
Votes
47
- jet skis operating in an unsafe manner and in environmentally sensitive areas
19
- 'et ski use restriction, operating too close to swimmers
7
- 'et skis too close to shore
5
control 'et ski rentals under bride
4
- no age limit to drive, 'et ski do need license
3
more education, information about surfing, 'et ski regulations for visitors
2
- no jet skis in marsh areas
2
no personal watercraft in Banks Channel
2
personal watercraft too fast in marshes
I
'et skis too noisy, tear up estuaries, inexperienced operators
1
'et skispeed limits
1
'et ski disregard
0
age limit to drive boat and jet ski
0
(issues continued on next page)
IGlenn Aarbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-6

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Rnatino Fdnratinn
41
lack of awareness of "rules of the road" on water
12
- improve boater safety and education. licensing?
7
lack of education
6
- sailboat right of way (no understanding)
4
teenagers need to complete a boating course
3
- more education, information about surfing, 'et ski regulations for visitors
2
-post boating safety rules on bridges
2
inexperienced boat operators
2
increase safety training for boaters no life jackets in winter
1
more public safety information on swimming, riptides, etc.
1
- 'et skis too noisy, tear u estuaries inexperienced operators
1
- right of wayin regatta situations
0
- safety knowledge
0
- water use and boating education
0
clarification of which agency enforces which laws
0
Damaee to Nursery Areas. Marshes and Wildlife 35
et skis operating in an unsafe manner and in environmentally sensitive areas
19
- wakes are destroying the nurse areas
7
water use effects on wildlife
3
- no'et skis in marsh areas
2
protection of nursery areas
1
personal watercraft too fast in marshes
1
- 'et skis too noisy, tear up estuaries, inexperienced operators
1
loss of shorelines due to wakes and manmade structures
1
Water Access. Esoecially for Kavaks and Canoes 34
- surfing access and less restrictions
8
- adequate access for canoes and kayak
7
- need for seasonal ovemight access, beach launched water craft with regulations)
6
- lack of conventional / safe access for non -power and non -sail craft
5
- Wynn Plaza — add kayak launch to finger piers
5
- CAMA access areas too narrow
1
clarify parkingregulations at access points
1
- more access to the sound, ocean, street ends — public access
1
identification / clarification of access points (kayak, canoe
0
(issues continued on next page)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-7

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Location and Mananement of Monrinv Areas 33
need for designated mooring areas to avoid conflicts with other uses
9
mooring revenue
8
- add limited number of mooring fields within the anchorage
4
- prime windsurfing areas conflict with anchored boats, especially across from
Blockade Runner Hotel, conflict with sailingregattas also
3
- overnight mooring / anchor(holding tanks water quality
3
anchoring behind Scotchman removed
3
- unattended boats anchored for lengthy period adds congestion
1
mooring of boats / sewage / trash
1
- should have designated anchorage areas
1
anchorage areas not navigable
0
longterm mooring
0
- random mooring ok
0
mooring in Bank's Channel
0
- provide, as designated, anchoring area from junction of Motts and Banks Channels
to the CausewayBrid e
0
provide a limited mooring field 2 rows for example) closest to the bride
0
Enforcement of Boating Laws 32
- enforcement of regulations we alreadyhave
13
- vigorous enforcement of wreckless operation statutes
6
- lack of fundin to enforce current regulations
5
problem with random stopping of boats with no apparent violation
2
- coordination of rules and enforcement
2
- over protected b lice
I
- too much Wildlife checking — harassment
1
enforce laws concerning damaging boat wakes outside of no wake zones
1
- more available enforcement
1
sharing cost of enforcement: source of revenue
0
- consistent patrol
0
lack of personnel to enforce current laws
0
Excessive Boat Sneed Close to Docks and Shore 29
- high speed boat operation close to docks
11
- unsafe speeds — too close to docks
5
- speed limits rather than no wake
4
- too many boats too close to piers, too fast
4
speed and density of various craft in restricted waterways weekends
3
- enforce laws concerning damaging boat wakes outside of no wake zones
I
- 'et skispeed limits
I
(issues continued on next page)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-8

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Use of Wvnn Plaza
24
establishment and enforcement of regulations for Wynn Plaza docks
7
- uncertain about use of Wynn Plaza
6
Wynn Plaza — add kayak launch to finger piers
5
- Wynn Plaza — no enforcement
4
transit dockage at Wynn Plaza - more control of longer stays
2
Water Pollution from Fuel Snills/Stormwater Runoff 20
- pollution of waters by boats
6
- measures to prevent fuels ills and other pollution
6
surface water runoff
6
fuels ills —marina areas
1
- control of fuel and maintenance areas for boats
1
pollution problems — fuel, stormwater runoff
0
No Wake Zone. Lee's Cut 19
need no wake zone Pelican Drive / Lee's Cut
10
need no wake zone in Lee's Cut
5
expansion of no wake zone i.e. Lee's Cut
4
Trash an Reaches and in Water 1R
- trash on beaches and in water
15
- beach and water pollution better control), impact on Masonboro Island
2
- mooring of boats / sewage / trash
I
- litter and trash
0
Mehl Liehts from Docks/Shoreside 17
- lighting
on docks(blinding)14
bright lights
from Marine Max a navigational hazard
3
Pumn Out Facilities 16
provide more marine pump out stations
4
- transient and anchored vessels dumping holding tanks in Banks Channel
3
- overnight mooring / anchor(holding tanks water quality
3
effective purnpout facilities, new re s
2
- sailboat pollution at anchorage
2
- mooring of boats / sewage / trash
1
- access to um out facilities
1
um out stations — money machines
0
provide marine sanitation pump -out facilities
(issues continued on nest page)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-9

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, AC
No Wake Tones_ Generally 15
effect of no wake zones on traffic flow
4
no more no wake areas
3
too many and too extensive "no wake" zones slowing traffic
3
better "no wake" signage
2
- no wake buffer zone on Banks Channel — off piers — not whole channel
1
no wake zones causing shifting and build up of sandbars
1
property owners ft*g to control public waters
1
enforce current no wake zones — better signage
0
Public Rest Rooms 13
- more public restrooms
11
bathrooms for boaters
2
public restrooms
0
Safetv of Swimmers 13
et ski use restriction, operating too close to swimmers
7
lifeguard stand staffed daily from 10 to 6
3
enforce existing surf zones — don't mix surfing and swimming
2
more public safety information on swimming,riptides, etc.
1
- safety of swimmers
0
Surfing Access and Management 12
surfing access and less restrictions
8
more education, information about surfing, jet ski regulations for visitors
2
enforce existing surf zones — don't mix surfing and swimming
2
surfing restrictions
0
Navigatinn and Channel Maintenance 11
- need to support relocation and dredging of Mason's Inlet
8
channel maintenance — Lee's Cut
2
no wake zones causing shifting and build up of sandbars
1
sandbars
0
markers "19" and "21" — relocate or dredge
0
need for maps / charts of areas
0
Licensing of Boaters 8
licensing for boat operators
2
- licensing and restrictions
2
- all boat operators should be licensed
2
require drivers license for any boat operator or jet ski
1
set a minimum standard for operating watercraft
1
(issues continued on next page)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-10

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Use of Banks Channel 7
- prime windsurfing areas conflict with anchored boats, especially across from
Blockade Runner Hotel, conflict with sailing regattas also
3
no personal watercraft in Banks Channel
2
- no wake buffer zone on Banks Channel — off piers — not whole channel
1
numbers and size of docks on Waynick
I
congestion in Banks Channel and Masonboro
0
mooring in Bank's Channel
0
provide, as designated, anchoring area from junction of Motts and Banks Channels
to the Causeway Bridge
0
-provide a limited mooring field 2 rows for example) closest to the bride
0
Boatine Congestion 7
- seed and de sity of various craft in restricted waterways weekends
3
limit boating density however possible
2
- unattended boats anchored for lengthy eriod adds congestion
1
- need to plan for increase in volume and craft size of commercial traffic
1
- congestion in Banks Channel and Masonboro
0
Rinht of Wnv for Sailing 7
- sailboat right of way no understanding)
4
- prime windsurfing areas conflict with anchored boats, especially across from
Blockade Runner Hotel, conflict with sailing regattas also
3
1
right of way in regatta situations
0
Piers and Docks 6
create plan to address encroachment on waters by piers, marinas, etc.
5
numbers and size of docks on Waynick
1
private property rights, especially piers
0
less restrictions on dock size
0
Boat RamD 6
availability of boat rams
2
parking after launch of boat seasonal ass
2
why the barrier erected along Pelican Drive near boat ramp — moved problem
further down rather than solving
1
parking meters at boat ram
I
abandon boat trailers at boat ramp taking up space
0
- public boat ram — lack of storage areas for trailers
0
- parking for boat owners
0
(issues continued on next page)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-11

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Nnise from Rnats 4
excessive noise from certain types of boats
3
et skis too noisy, tear up estuaries inexperienced operators
1
noise from sailboat halyards
0
and
Mi4cell9nennc
boats docked and moored in unsafe locations during storms
3
small boat storage
2
hazards associated with continuous dredging a ui ent
1
long range problems with "melting pot" of users
1
too high a density of crab pots in confined areas
I
I love it as it is.
I
fishing inland with nets
I
- jurisdictional conflict
0
respect other people's likes and dislikes
0
floating homes regulations
0
cell phones and boating do not mix
0
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public involvement Page A-12

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC I
Ranking of Issues Concerning Surface Water Use I
(As identified and ranked by citizens in attendance at the June 19, 2001 community input meeting)
ISSUES
PRIORITY VOTES '
Operation and Use of Jet Skis
47
Boating Education
41
Damage to Nursery Areas, Marshes and Wildlife
35
Water Access Especially for Kayaks and Canoes
34
Location and Management of Mooring Areas
33
Enforcement of Boating Laws
32
Excessive Boat Speed Close to Docks and Shore
29
Use of Wynn Plaza
24
Water Pollution from Fuel Spills/ Stormwater Runoff
20
No Wake Zone, Lee's Cut
19
Trash on Beaches and in Water
18
Bright Lights from Docks/Shoreside
17
Pump Out Facilities
16
No Wake Zones Generally
15
Public Rest Rooms
13
Safety of Swimmers
13
Surfing Access and Management
12
Navigation and Channel Maintenance
11
Licensing of Boaters
8
Use of Banks Channel
7
Boating Congestion
7
Right of Way for Sailing
7
Piers and Docks
6
Boat Ramp
6
Noise from Boats
4
Wakeboarding and Skiing
4
Miscellaneous
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement
PageA-13

.Attention!
Wrightsville Beach Area
Boaters, Sailors, Fishermen,
Surfers & Others
The Town of Wrightsville Beach is
holding a special meeting on June 19tn
to hear your views on the use of boating
waters in and around the Town.
For example, what's your view on:
• No wake zones?
• Personal watercraft get skis)?
• The boat ramp?
• Mooring buoys?
• Enforcement of boating laws?
• Construction of docks and piers?
Please attend and let your views be
known:
Wrightsville Beach Area
Surface Water Use Plan
Special Public Input Meeting
Wrightsville Beach Elementary School`
Tuesday, June 19, 2001 7:00 to 9:00 PM
'Take the first left after the Town Park on Harbor Island,
(Coral Drive) and then go to the end of the street.
Hosted by
Surface Water Use Plan Advisory Committee
Jim Busby
Mike Merritt
Kay Crocker
Laura Head
Arland Whnesides
Bill Curry
Liz Nins
Steve Wright
David Floyd
Pat Lowe
Martin Willard
The Surface Water Use Plan is a special project of the
Town of Wrightsville Beach made possible, in part,
through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program.
For more information call the Town offices at 256-7937
or visit the Surface Water Use Plan website at
www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Survey of Boaters
Proposal to the US Coast Guard to Authorize Participation of Coast Guard Auxiliary
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Wrightsville Beach has authorized the preparation of a Surface
Water Use Plan for all public trust waters within the planning jurisdiction of the Town of Wrightsville
Beach. The Town received a State grant from the Division of Coastal Management to offset, in part, the
cost of the work The purpose of the plan is to study and make policy recommendations to resolve current
and potential surface water use conflicts among the many different users of this, the town's most valuable
natural and economic resource.
The plan will address the existing and potential demands of different surface water "users" such as large
and small craft sailors, water sports enthusiasts, commercial and recreational fishermen, personal
watercraft ("jet ski") users, cancers and kayakers, surfers and swimmers, to name a few. Also included in
the plan would be an inventory of existing and potential marine structures such as docks, wharves, piers,
marinas and mooring facilities. Finally, the plan would identify, to some extent, important wildlife
habitat, including wild foul and aquatic life in these waters. Management objectives for competing uses
would be developed, and ultimately policies and actions would be developed to achieve the objectives.
While competition for use of the town's public trust waters is steep, it has not yet reached critical levels.
Experience and observation of other popular water -oriented communities however, reveals that serious
conflicts do arise over time if left unattended. The idea of the Surface Water Use Plan is to identify and
head off such problems before they become unmanageable.
SURVEY OF BOATERS
Purpose of the Survey
The ultimate purpose of the survey is to better manage and improve boating safety in and around the
heavily used waters of the Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC. To do this, the survey asks about five
pertinent questions. One question, for example, is to determine: "Where are the boaters coming from who
frequent the waters around the Town of Wrightsville Beach?"
Are they primarily residents of the Town of Wrightsville Beach?
Are they primarily residents of the City of Wilmington?
Are they primarily residents of the unincorporated area of New Hanover County?
Or, are they primarily residents from elsewhere in the State?
The answer to this question has important implications concerning management responsibilities by
government jurisdiction. Other questions have to do with where the boater "put in", the boater's principal
activity that day, and their number of years of boating experience. (See attached survey form)
Time Required to Administer the Survey
So as not to inconvenience the boater, and to maximize efficiency, the survey has been designed to be
administered in about one minute.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement PageA-15 '

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Plan of Execution For Administering the Survey
The survey methodology is designed to capture a "snapshot" of the boating public in and around the
waters of the Town of Wrightsville Beach on a peak season boating day. To do this, we need to survey all
boats in use on the water that day from all "sources". And, while boats in the waters around Wrightsville
Beach come from a variety of sources, fundamentally, they can be traced to one of two types of locations:
(1) Boats coming from Private Marinas and Public Boat Ramps (Groupings of Boats)
(2) Boats coming from Private Docks (Individual Boats)
The survey approach is designed to capture both types of boaters.
(1) Boats coming from Private Marinas and Public Boat Ramps
A class of student researchers at the University of North Carolina, with the guidance of their professor,
has agreed to conduct "point of entry" surveys at private marinas in the vicinity of Wrightsville Beach.
Upon completion of each survey, the boater would be given a two -foot length of brightly colored
surveyor's tape to tie to their antenna, grab rail, etc. The tape would serve as notice that the boat has been
surveyed and would receive no further attention that day.
(2) Boats coming from Private Docks
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary has been approached with a request to survey boats on the water that may
have originated from private docks, or that may have come from smaller or more distant marinas where a
student researcher is not stationed. (If these boats are not included in the survey, the validity and purpose
of the survey will be undermined.)
Procedures would be to survey only those boats not tagged with the brightly colored surveyor's tape.
Boats not tagged would be approached for the survey in the following order:
First Priority: Boats already at rest
Second Priority: Boats at no wake speed
Third Priority: Boats moving at greater than "no wake speed" would not be approached until
such time as they are observed to have slowed, of their own accord, to "no wake" speed or are at
rest. There is no intent to "hail" boats or boaters actively underway.
Further, the survey would not be administered in any location that, due to congestion, boat traffic, or other
reason would pose a hazard. (The common sense and boating experience of Coast Guard Auxiliary would
prevail.) Note: There would be no exchange of paper and no need to raft up or even touch boats. The
survey taker would ask the few simple questions verbally and record the response on the survey form
mounted on a hand held clipboard As noted above, the survey would take about one minute.
Results of the Survey
The results of the survey would be delivered to the Surface Water Use Plan Committee, the Town of
1� Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen and also shared with all appropriate agencies, including, but not
limited to: the US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the
New Hanover County Sheriffs Marine Patrol, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the City Council of the
City of Wilmington, and the New Hanover County Commissioners. Appropriate acknowledgments would
be made in the survey report concerning the contributions of the US Coast Guard and UNC-W to the
project. Copies of the survey results would also be delivered to the local print and electronic news media.
I�
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement PageA-16

Wrightsville Beach Area Boater Survey
The Town of Wrightsville Beach, with the help of the US Coast Guard
Auxiliary and UNC-W, is conducting a survey of boaters in our area. May
I ask you a few quick questions? It will take less than 2 minutes. (If asked,
the purpose of the survey is to help ensure an enjoyable, safe boating
experience for present and future boaters.)
Where did you put in today? (If survey is given at point of entry, just fill in)
_ Boat Ramp at Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge _ Private Marina (name)
_ Boat Ramp at Snows Cut _ Private Dock (closest street)
Boat Ramp at Carolina Beach State Park _ Street End (name)
_ Other (specify)
What is/was your primary destination today?
_1. Circle destination on map if possible 2. If not on map (specify)
Boater's primary activity on the water today is/was (can be observed or asked):
_ Just cruising _ Water Sports (Towables) _Driving PWC (Jet Ski) _ Fishing
_ Sailing _ Canoeing or Kayaking _ Swimming/Wading _ Picnicking
_ Traveling to _ Other (specify)
What hours do you expect to be (were you) on the water today? _ _ am/pm to _:_ am/pm
In which one of the following areas do you live? ("""important to pinpoint permanent residence)
City of Wilmington Unincorporated New Hanover County _Town of Wrightsville Beach
_Town of Carolina Beach _Town of Kure Beach _Outside the County (specify)
About how many years have you been operatingthandling a boat?
Would you like to add anything about your boating experience in this area?:
Location where survey questions are asked:
1. Mark location with an'W' on map if possible 2. If not on map (specify)
Estimate Boater's Age (Clyde): <18 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-65 65+ Boater's Gender: M F
Number of people in boat: _ Type of Boat:
Date: Tune: _ am/pm Name of survey taker
Appraz Length: _

•.I .o .. as M am r so as r r are M an " as � a• s
If possible, circle the stated or observed destination of the boater.
If possible, mark an "X" where the questions were asked.
If these locations are off this map, write in the locations where asked on the other side.
9
A Masonboro Is,
Off North End _
�•' ,; 3 _.
5
SMI IN MU
Boating Survey Area
15. Atlantic Ocean
Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
T,00ml AseMann M
Glenn Harbeck Assocletes

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC I
Results of Boater Survey
Survey of Wrightsville Beach Area Boaters
Saturday September 1, 2001
Introduction and Background
As part of the Wrightsville Beach Surface Water Use Plan, a survey was conducted to determine the
specific nature of boaters using the waters in and around the Town of Wrightsville Beach. The first
Saturday in September was selected as "survey day" to allow for the assistance of UNC-W students
(having recently returned to school), while still within the bounds of the traditional boating season. The
intent was to conduct the survey in a single day so as to gain a snapshot of the total boating public on a
peak season summer day. In addition, the survey period was focused on the hours from 6:00 am until
about 2:00 pm, so as to "capture" the maximum number of boaters putting in for the day.
A two -pronged approach helped to ensure that virtually all boaters on the water that day would be
included. The first prong involved capturing boaters as they entered the water at numerous "put -in"
locations. To do this, volunteers were recruited from two classes at UNC-Wilmington. Landside surveys
were administered at eight significant put -in locations in the Wrightsville Beach area. At the conclusion
of each successful survey, a bright orange length of flagging tape was given to the participating boater so
as to mark each vessel as having been captured.
The second prong involved approaching boaters on the water who were not captured at a "put -in"
location. For this second prong, volunteers were recruited from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to
administer the survey to boaters on the water who did not exhibit flagging tape. The principal
researcher/consulting planner for the Surface Water Use Plan was also in a boat on the water that day to
administer additional surveys and to generally observe boats within the survey area. The two -pronged
approach did, in fact, prove to be successful, in that by early afternoon, it was the rare boat that did not
have bright orange flagging tape fluttering from their bow rail, grab rail, antennae or other boat part. In
all, nearly 300 survey forms were successfully administered that day.
The survey form involved 12 questions, half of which were asked verbally, and half of which could
usually be determined simply by the observation of the survey taker. The survey results begin on the
following page.
I
I
1
I
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-19 '

IAppendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
11
It
Where did you put in today?
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Ramp at Wrightsvile Beach Drawbridge
Boat Ramp at Snows Cut
Boat Ramp at Carolina Beach State Park
Private Marina
Private Dock
Street End
Other
Over 60% of area boaters put in at private marinas. This number rises to about 70% if private docks are included.
Interestingly, only about 15% of area boaters put in at the public boat rump at Wrightsville Beach. This relatively
small percentage of boaters using the public ramp is perhaps a reflection of the very limited capacity (parking) of
this facility in the context of tremendous area population growth. With no additional public boat ramps to serve an
exploding population, the private sector has stepped in, giving rise to significant numbers of slips in private marinas.
Also, the survey revealed that no boaters surveyed in the Wrightsville Beach area that day had put in at the public
ramp at Snows Cut in Carolina Beach. It is possible that the unpredictable, potentially stormy weather that day could
have discouraged boaters from venturing too far from their boat ramp of origin. (about 20-30 minutes south along
the waterway) Furthermore, surveys taken at the Snows Cut boat rump that day (but not included in these survey
numbers) revealed that boaters putting in there consistently had destinations other than the Wrightsville Beach area.
What is/was your primary destination today?
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
Just Cruising/No Particular Destination
Baldhead Island
Banks Channel
Figure 8/Rich's Inlet
Masonboro Inlef/Jetties
Masonboro Island
Ocean/Offshore
Intracoastal Waterway
Other
Nearly 30°/oof area boaters had no particular destination in mind. Almost 200/owere headed to Masonboro Island.
Another 17°/oconsidered the Intracoastal Waterway to be their primary destination for the day.
' Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning andPublic Involvement PageA-20

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Boater's Primary Activity on the Water Today
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Just cruising
Sailing
Traveling Outside the
Wrightsville Bch Area
Water Sports Crmables)
Driving PWC (Jet Ski)
ing/ Wading/Picnicking
Fishing
Canoeing or Kayaking
Other
Over half of all area boaters surveyed identified cruising as their primary activity. About 18% identified fishing as
their primary activity. All other activities involved 5% or less of area boaters.
What hours do you expect to be on the water
today?
0%
Morning Hours, Mostly
Mid -Day Hours, Mostly
Afternoon Hours, Mostly
All Day
Overnight
5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40'
The hours of peak boating activity were evenly distributed in the morning and afternoon with a significant peak
during the mid -day hours. Only about 3%of area boaters planned to spend the night on the water.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-21

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
U
I
II
I�
11
11
11
is
U]
In which area do you live?
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
City of Wilmington
gated New Hanover County
Town of Wrightsville Beach
Town of Carolina Beach
Town of Kure Beach
Pander County
Research Triangle Area
Elsewhere in North Carolina
Outside the State of North Carolina
About 37% of boaters surveyed lived in the City of Wilmington. 9% lived in the unincorporated area, while 2%
were from Carolina Beach. Interestingly, about 35% of boaters on the water the day of the survey were from other
parts of the state outside New Hanover County and its municipalities (i.e. Pender County 3%, Research Triangle
Area 12%, and Elsewhere in the State 20%). Only 16% called Wrightsville Beach their place of residence. (Note:
Survey takers were instructed to make sure boaters were very specific about their place of residence.)
How many years have you been
operating/handling a boat?
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
5 Years or Less
6-10 years
I � �
11-20 years
21 years or more
Most boaters were, in their own estimation, very experienced in terms of number of years of experience handling a
boat. Nearly 60% of all boaters said they had more than 10 years boating experience. Several survey takers
commented that the response to this question was often "All my life % At the same time, nearly a fourth of all boaters
on the water had five or fewer years of experience operating a boat. One boater responded, "Just since I put in my
a new boat --about 45 minutes ago".
11
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-22

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
Volume of Boats Surveyed at Various Locations
Atlantic Marin
I Creek Marina/Creekside Marin
Boat Ramp at Wrightsville Beact
Dockside Marine
Masonboro Boat Yar
Molts Channel/Banks Chanrn
Seapath Marin
Waterwa
Other Location
0°h 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%
Forty percent of all boaters were surveyed at locations in the Intracoastal Waterway. In fact, two US Coast Guard
Auxiliary boats positioned themselves in the middle of the waterway north and south of the drawbridge over the
waterway at Wrightsville Beach. This put them in an ideal location to capture a large number of boats as they
entered the heavily congested no wake zone near the drawbridge, marinas and boat ramp. Another 17% were
surveyed as they put in or took out at Bradley Creek and Creekside Marinas in Bradley Creek.
Boat Operator's Age
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
<18
18-25
26.35
1 I 1 I I
3645
1 I 1 i i
4"5
65+
Boat operators, on average, were well represented by the baby boom generation —now about 40 to 55 years of age.
Nearly a third of all boat operators were aged 36-45 alone. Even so, there was a disproportionate number of younger
boat operators, with nearly 40% of all those surveyed 35 years of age and younger (Generation X'ers and the Baby
Boom Echo). Only about 3% of area boaters were over 65.
Boat Operator's Gender
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Male
Female
Over 90% of all boat operators were male.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-23

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Number of People in Boat
>6
6
7
6
5
4
3
2
I
1
I
I
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
One third of all boats had two people on board. On fourth had only one person. Another 30% had three or four
people on the boat. Thus, nearly 90% of all boats had four or fewer people on board.
Power Boat, <16
Power Boa[, 16-20
Power Boat, 21-25
Power Boat, 26-40
Power Boat, Over 40
Sailboat, 25 feet or
Sailboat, 26+
Kayak, or other Paddle f
Personal Watercraft (Je
Type of Boat
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
teat
feet
I
1
I
feet
I
I
feet
1
I
feet
less
feet
:rah
sk)
Fully one-third of all boats on the water were power boats from 16-20 feet in length. The next largest category was
made up of power boats 21-25 feet in length. Power boats less than 16 feet and those over 25 feet in length were
roughly evenly represented at about 17% of all boats on the water. Interestingly, only about 2% of all boats surveyed
were sailboats, while fewer than 3% were canoes, kayaks and other paddle craft. At the same time, personal
watercraft comprised about 6% of the boat volume that day.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-14

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Would you like to add anything about your
boating experience in this area?
(comments volunteered)
Boats too fast/ enforce no wake zone
Boat traffic/boat congestion/too crowde
Control, contain, zone for jetskis/ ban jetski;
reckless, crazyjetskiers
Require, push boating safety and educatic
courses/require licensing
Crowded boat ramp/ need additional boat acces
Trash receptacles, disposal facilities at ramp
Enforcement personnel to reduce routine stop:
pullovers/ instead focus on troublemakers
Better channel markers, buoy
Miscellaneous Comment
0% 5% 10% 15% 200/6 25%
1
/ f
3
s
s
The final question in the survey allowed each boater to volunteer comments about their boating experience in the
Wrightsville Beach area. Responses were then clustered into categories. Foremost among the comments received
were those about jet skis and the need to regulate them. A three-way tie for second place involved general comments
about boating congestion, the need to push boater safety and education courses, and the crowded conditions at the
public boat ramp. Other comments concerned the need for trash receptacles, boats going too fast, a need for better
channel markers, and requests that law enforcement personnel reduce routine stops and focus on troublemakers.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-25 I

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Boating Data Section
This boating data section presents an array of information regarding boating activity in New Hanover
County. In some instances, the data for New Hanover County is compared with data from other North
Carolina coastal counties with substantial shorelines along the waters of the Atlantic or its estuarine sound
areas. Information is generally presented on boat registrations, boating accidents, boating education, jet
ski numbers and area marinas.
Registered Boats
New Hanover County has the highest number of registered boats of any of the coastal counties examined.
In fact, the actual number of boats competing for use of the County's waters is much greater. One need
only consider the number of boats on trailers headed east on I-40 on any weekend to appreciate these
greater numbers. Further, these registered boats do not include small sailboats or the rapidly growing
numbers of kayaks and canoes in area waters.
Registered Boats, 2000
Selected NC Coastal Counties
Pender County
Pamlico County
Onslow County
New Hanover County
Hyde County
Dare County
Currituck County
Carteret County
Brunswick County
Beaufort County
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000
Source: Connie Murphy, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, [phone], W 240
for Registered Boats
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-16

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Registered Boats Relative to Population
New Hanover County has nearly the twice the number of boats per capita as the State as a whole.
Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for registered boats.
NC State Data Center for population.
Registered Boats Relative to Water Area
The information in the table below and the chart following is provided as an indicator of the high number
of boaters competing for a very limited amount of surface water in New Hanover County. Note, for
example, that there are 557 boats for every square mile of surface water in New Hanover County, while in
Dare County there are just 6 boats per square mile of water. In fact, the situation in New Hanover County
is more severe than these numbers suggest. Much of the surface water area in New Hanover County may
be attributed to the Cape Fear River, a water body that, due to its brown (tanic) color, strong currents, and
commercial shipping use, has only limited use for most recreational boaters. Thus, the number of
registered boats per square mile of water in New Hanover County is probably twice the number indicated.
Registered Boats/
Registered
Water Area
Square Mile of
Boats, 2000
(Square Miles)
Water
Beaufort County
5691
131
43
Brunswick County
7255
39
186
Carteret County
9964
526
19
Currituck County
2902
183
16
Dare County
4795
865
6
Hyde County
814
766
1
New Hanover County
12249
22
557
Onslow County
7022
52
135
Pamlico County
2256
225
10
Pender County
3692
9
410
North Carolina
355089
3996
89
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-27

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Registered Boats/ Square Mile of Water,
Selected NC Coastal Counties, 2000
Beaufort County
Brunswick County
Carteret County
Currituck County
Dare County
Hyde County
New Hanover County
Onslow County
Pamlico County
Pender County
North Carolina
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
43
86 '
19
16 '
1
'
Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for Registered Boats.
Statistical Abstract of North Carolina Counties, 1991 for Water Area Statistics
Registered Boats Relative to Boating Education Students
The chart below shows the dramatic decline in persons enrolling in boating education classes relative to
the total number of boats registered in the state over the past twenty years.
Boat Registrations Compared to Boating Education
Students, State of North Carolina, 1980 to 2000
400, 000
350,000
36
300, 000
15
250,000
4,666
8,019
200,000
--$—Boats Registered
150,000
—FBoating Education Students
100,000
90
50,000
2
0
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Source: NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Division of Enforcement, NC Report of Boating
Accidents and Fatalities, 2000
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-18

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC I
Boating Accidents
While New Hanover County is only one of 100 counties in the State of North Carolina, over the past
decade it has accounted for nearly 7% of all boating accidents in the state. In 1994 and 1999, New
Hanover County accounted for over 10% of all boating accidents statewide.
14.0%
12.0%
10.0%
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Boating Accidents In New Hanover County as a Percentage
of All Boating Accidents in the 100 Counties of North
Carolina
iP,
VM1 11
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Total
The chart below indicates that, since 1992, nearly 5% of all fatal boating accidents occurred in New
Hanover County. 1998 and 1999 were especially bad years as the number of accidents involving death
rose to 10 and 14% of the state total, respectively. Significantly, the numbers in this chart do not show the
total number of fatalitiesbut rather only the total number of fatal boating accidents. Thus, a fatal accident
may account for more than one death.
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
10.0%
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Fatal Boating Accidents in New Hanover County as a
Percentage of All Boating Accidents in the 100 Counties of
North Caroliona
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Total
Source for this chart and the previous one: NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Division of
Enforcement, NC Report of Boating Accidents and Fatalities, Reports for 1992 through 2000
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-19

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Jet Skis In New Hanover County
The chart below would seem to indicate that purchase of jet skis reached a peak in the middle of
the last decade, with nearly 200 registered in 1996 alone.
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Registered JetSkis by Model Year, New Hanover County
from Year 2000 Boat Registration List
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Despite the apparent moderation in the pace of new jet ski registrations, the growth in their
numbers continues to outpace the growth in numbers of boats generally. As a result, jet skis as a
percentage of all boats registered has continued a steady climb.
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%
4.0%
3.0%
2.0%
1.0%
0.0%
Jet Skis as a Percentage of All Registered Boats in New
Hanover County, 1992-2000
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Source: NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Boat Registrations, New Hanover County,
July,2001
Note: The numbers used to calculate these percentages are an approximation, based upon jetskis
registered by model year as shown on the year 2000 registration list from the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission. In years prior to 2000, the actual number could be somewhat greater
than as shown, due to the registration of some jetskis that have since been removed from service.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-30

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Major Marinas Within Twenty Minutes Cruising Time of Wrightsville Beach
The table below provides the relative number of wet and dry boat slips within a boater's comfortable
cruising range of Wrightsville Beach for a typical outing on the water. Note that of the some 2500 slips
enumerated, about one third are dry slips and two thirds are wet. Further, over 800 are located at Bradley
Creek Marina and Creekside Yacht Club, both in Bradley Creek, outside the jurisdiction of Wrightsville
Beach. In fact fewer than 500 slips, or less than 20%, are located within the jurisdiction of the Town of
Wrightsville Beach.
a
Wet
Dry
Total
Name of Manna
Address' `'
c' orTo%vn
zip =
Slips
I Slips
Sli s
�AirlieMarina !1402AirlieRd. Wilmington 28403 58 0 58
Bradley Creek Marina P.O. Box4867 Wilmington 28405 165 256 421
:Bridge Tender Marina
P.O. Box 1037
Wrightsville Beach
28480
65
0
65
Canady's Yacht Basin Marina
7624 Mason Landing Rd
Wilmington
.28405
_
72
10-82
CreeksideYachtClub
6334 Oleander Dme
Wilmington
28403
0
380
380
_
Dockside Marina —
-----
13oeanieRd.
----
wAmington
- -�--
zaao3
-
27,
-0-
0
27
Inlet Watch Yacht Club
801 Paoli Ct, #1
Wilmington
28409
200
200
Johnson Marine Services
2029 Turner Nursery Road
Wilmington
28405
60
0
60
Marine Max Carolinas
130Short St
WrghtsvilleBeach
28E480
5
165
170
Masonboro Boat Yard/Marina
609 Trails End Road
Wilmington
28409
105
50
155
Mason's Marina
a-
7421 Mt. Pleasant Dr.
Wilmington
2e405
30
1
31
--- ----- -- _..._.-_---------
Oak Winds Marina
2127 Middle Sand Loop Rd
---- --
Wilmington
-----
28405
- .._�.
44
-
44
_
Otter Creek Landing Yacht Club
--
123 Harper Ave
- - ---
Carolina Beach
97
-
97
Scott'sHillMarina
2570 Scott's Hill Loop Rd.
Wilmington
2&111
62
0
62
SeaPaii Yacht Club
P.O. Box 690
Wrightsville Beach
.28480
187:
187
Shandy Point
110 Crojack Lane
: Wilmington
28409
26
26
_ ___ _
Tangle Oaks Yacht Club
5247 Martna Club Dr
Wilmington
28403
99
99
—
Waterfronte Villas and Yacht
- -- - . _—
129 spencer Parkrx or.
- ---
caraina Beach
.--
28428
- ----
160
- --
-
160
-- -
- - _----8-
Wn htsvill-e Yacht Club
P O. Box 1215------
Wrights---ville- Beach--
2aaeo—
-
89
0
89
TOTALS
1665
862
2527
Source: coastalmarmas
Glenn Narbeck Associates, Planning and Public Imolvement Page A-31

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Existing Ordinances
This appendix includes the specific language of several laws applicable to boating in the Wrightsville Beach
area. Included are laws concerning jet skis (personal watercraft), no wake zones, and the overnight
anchorage of vessels.
ARTICLE IV. PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SAFETY*
(New Hanover County Code of Ordinances)
'State law reference(s)—Personal watercraft, G.S. 75A-13.2 et seq.
Sec.69-111. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly
indicates a different meaning:
Personal watercraft means a small vessel which uses an outboard motor, or an
inboard motor powering a water jet pump, as its primary source of motive power
and which Is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on
or being towed behind the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of
sitting or standing inside the vehicle.
(Code 1978, § 12-143)
Cross reference(s)—Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Sec. 59-112. Operator.
A person shall not lease, hire, rent, operate or knowingly give permission to
operate a personal watercraft on the waters In this county unless the operator is
16 years of age; however, this prohibition is subject to the following exceptions:
(1) A person between the ages of 13 and 16 may operate a personal
watercraft if he has completed a boater's safety education course approved
by the N.C. Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources, U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary or National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators and Is in possession of the certificate at time of operation.
(2) A person between the ages of 13 and 16 may operate a personal
watercraft without certification if accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
The lanyard of the personal watercraft must be attached to the adult
(Code 1978, § 12-144)
Sec. 59-113. Required equipment
A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on the waters of the county
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-31

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC '
unless such personal watercraft is equipped with a self -circling device or a
lanyard -type engine cutoff switch. If equipped with a self -circling device, such
device must be fully operational. If equipped with a lanyard -type engine cutoff
switch, the lanyard must be attached to the operator's clothing, body or personal
flotation device.
(Code 1978, § 12445)
Sec.69-114. Speed.
In the following specified areas, no person may operate a personal watercraft in
excess of headway speed, which shall not exceed five miles per hour:
(1) Within the posted waters of the University of North Carolina at
Wilmington research leased area.
(2) Within 50 feet of posted waterbird sanctuaries or management areas.
(3) Within 50 feet of a person in the water or an anchored vessel.
(4) Within 50 feet of a pier or dock In the waters of the county excluding
the waters of the Intra-Coastal Waterway.
(5) Within the county waters of the Atlantic Ocean, within 50 feet of
persons in the water or surf fishermen.
(6) Within 25 feet of marsh or shore within the following areas:
a. Bounded by the Atlantic Intra-Coastal Waterway to the west,
Shinn Creek to the south, Banks Channel to the east and Motts
Channel to the north.
b. Bounded by the Atlantic Intra-Coastal Waterway to the west,
Lee's Cut and the Highway 74 bridge extending across the waters of
Banks Channel within the Town of Wrightsville Beach, North
Carolina, to the south, the mainland of the Town of Wrightsville
Beach to the east, and the creek leading from the Atlantic Intra-
Coastal Waterway to Mason's Inlet to the north.
(7) Bounded by the Atlantic Intra-Coastal Waterway to the west,
Masonboro Island to the east, Masonboro Channel to the north, and
Carolina Beach Inlet to the south (this marsh area is within the boundaries
of the Masonboro Island component of the North Carolina National
Estuarine Research Reserve System).
(8) Bounded by the Atlantic Intra-Coastal Waterway to the west, Rich Inlet
to the north, Mason Inlet to the south and Figure Eight Island to the east.
(Code 1978, § 12-146)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-33

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Official "No Wake" Zones in New Hanover County
15 NCAC 1 OF .0314 NEW HANOVER COUNTY
(a) Regulated Areas. This rule applies to the following waters in New Hanover County:
(1) that area bounded on the north by the bridge of US 74-76 crossing the Intracoastal Waterway, on the
south by a line parallel to the center line of said highway and intersecting Intracoastal Waterway
marker number 127, on the west by the high water line of Wrightsville sound, and on the east by a
line perpendicular to the center line of said highway and intersecting marker number 27 in Motts
channel.
(2) that area of Motts Channel between marker number 27 at the Intracoastal Waterway on
the west and marker number 16 at the entrance from Banks Channel on the east;
(3) that area bounded on the west by the bridge of US 76 crossing Bradley Creek, on the
north and south by the banks of said creek, on the east by a line parallel to the centerline
of the aforesaid highway, said line being 1,000 feet, more or less eastwardly therefrom
and intersecting the westernmost port (black) marker in Bradley Creek Channel;
(4) that part of Lee's Cut between the Intracoastal Waterway and the eastern boundary of the
Lee's Cut -Channel Walk property at Wrightsville Beach;
(5) the unnamed channel lying between the shore west of Bahama Drive in the Town of
Wrightsville Beach and an unnamed island located approximately 300 feet northeast of
the US 74 bridge over Banks Channel;
(6) those waters of the Northeast Cape Fear River between the US Hwy 117 bridge and the
Seaboard Coastline Railroad bridge.
(b) Speed Limit. No person shall operate a vessel at greater than no -wake speed within any of the
regulated areas described in Paragraph (a) of this rule.
(c) Placement and maintenance of markers. The Board of Commissioners of New Hanover County is
designated a suitable agency for placement and maintenance of the markers implementing this rule,
subject to the approval of the United States Coat Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
History Note: Authority GS 75A-3; 75A-15
Eff. Februaryl, 1976,
Amended Eff. July 1, 1993, May 1, 1989; June 1, 1987, May 1,1987..
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-34

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC ,
II
CJ
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 1999
SESSION LAW.1.999-95.
96USE BILL 772
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A NO -WAKE ZONE IN.THE WATERS OF LEE'S CUT
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. It is unlawful to operate a vessel at
greater than no -wake speed in the waters of Lee's Cut in New
Hanover County. No -wake speed is idle speed or a slow speed
creating no appreciable wake.
Section 2. The municipality or county with
jurisdiction over the area of Lee's Cut may place and maintain
markers in accordance with the Uniform Waterway Marking System
and any supplementary standards for that system adopted by the
Wildlife Resources Commission. All markers of the no -wake speed
zone shall be buoys or floating signs placedyin the .water' and
must be in sufficient number;and.size io'give adequate.waininq'of
the no -wake speed zone to vessels approaching from 'various
directions.
Section 3. Violation of this act is a Class 3
misdemeanor.
Section 4. This act is enforceable.under G.S. 75A-17
as if it were a provision of.•Chapter 75A of the General Statutes,
Section 5. This act is'effective when it 'becomes law
and is enforceable after markers complying'with Section 2'of this
act are placed in the water to mark the no -wake zone.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified
this the 26th day of May, 1999.
s/ Marc Basnight
President Pro Tempore of the Senate
s/ James B. Black
Speaker of the House'of`Representatives
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-35

�. � , a es, South
L
c� of Harbor Island c'
rn 1 I
�anKs Cfa South
_ � t
c \ .
o
0
0
No
a
NORTH
11
Official No Wake Zones
in the Wrightsville Beach Area
Existing
Proposed
i111 111111 1
Atlantic Ocean
o sm +coo 2400 1200 .The preparation of this report was financed in part
7L7Lthrough a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management pmgram,thmugh funds
provided by eIe Coastal Zone Management Act of1972.
as amended which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Mans¢menL
APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET National Oceanic and Arnosphenc ACkni baton"
Waterway, North of Drawbridge i--
r
Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Technical Assistance by
Glenn Harbeck Associates

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightrville Beach, NC '
I
The Town of Wrightsville Beach uses the following tag to warn boaters anchored overnight as to whether
they have "overstayed their welcome".
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH POLICE DEPT.
321 CAUSEWAY DRIVE
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC 28480
►M61,112111►`(tl
NAME/NUMBER
Wrightsville Beach Town
Ordinance #92.19 prohibits
anchoring/mooring of vessels for
more than 30 days in Wrightsville
Beach Waters.
This vessel has been
anchored/moored in Wrightsville
Beach waters for more than 30
days and is subject to
impoundment at owners expense
if not removed by
By Order: Chief of Police
Date:
The following legislation authorizes several municipalities bordering the coast of North Carolina to
regulate swimming, jet skis, surfing and littering in the Atlantic Ocean and other waterways adjacent to
these towns.
§ 160A-176.2. Ordinances effective in Atlantic Ocean.
(a)A city may adopt ordinances to regulate and control swimming, personal watercraft
operation, surfing and littering in the Atlantic Ocean and other waterways adjacent to that portion
of the city within its boundaries or within its extraterritorial jurisdiction; provided, however,
nothing contained herein shall be construed to permit any city to prohibit altogether swimming or
surfing or to make these activities unlawful.
(b) Subsection (a) of this section applies to the Towns of Atlantic Beach, Cape Carteret,
Carolina Beach, Caswell Beach, Emerald Isle, Holden Beach, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Long
Beach, Manteo, Nags Head, Ocean Isle Beach, Southern Shores, Sunset Beach, Topsail Beach,
Wrightsville Beach, and Yaupon Beach, and the City of Southport only. (1991, c. 494, ss. 1, 2;
1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 801; 1993, c. 67, s. 5; c. 125, s. 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 625, s.
1; 1997-48, s. 1.)
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-37 i

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Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Grant Funding Sources
Shown below and on the following pages are two sources of grant funding that are available for use in
support of boating safety education and similar projects. They may be reached at the following addresses:
National Safe Boating Council (e-mail NSBCdirect(a)safeboatin¢council.ore )
BoatU.S. Foundation( www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/)
National Safe Boating
Council Announces Local
Recreational Boating
Safety Grant Program for
2002
Grants under this program are made possiDie through the
Aquatic Resources (wallop/Breaux) Trust Fund, administereu
by the US Coast Guard. This year, the National Safe Boating
Council !NSBC) will make available S18,250,00 for local
Recreational 9oating Safety (RBS) grants. Each project
selected for funding will be eligible for a graft up to
$1000,00.
The NSBC encourages a wide range of projects that
creatively focus on improving boating safety at the local
Level and address local boating concerns and needs. Among
ttie applications the NSBC hones to receive are protects
addressing issues such as adaptive coating, paddle sport
safety, fishing, the needs of local flotillas, and initiatives for
instructor trairnng. However, applications are not timitej to
these topics and NSBC will review and consider all
applications that aretubmitted. Preference will be given to
Nose pro3ects that expand on the 2002 North American Safe
Boating Campaign slogan "Boat Smart From the Start, Wear
Your Life jacket."
Applicat:ons should 6e postmarked no later than January
25, 2002. for more information on this program, or to
request an application, contact:
NSBC Executivo Director Virgil Chambers
P.C. Box 1058
Delaware, CH 43015
Tetephone: 740/666.3009
Fax: [phone]
1 Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-38

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Boc7t a+t S
Jz Foundation
— / Duulu,g tiJ Iv 6 ciry uwT
Grassroots
Grants Program
Back to Clean Water
Back to Boating Safety
Boating Safety Grants
Oki ewt'asE;ltecipie�nquest.�WormeUo
a
Since 1989, the BoatU.S. Foundation has
awarded over $5O0,O0O to local, volunteer
organizations that use innovative
approaches to educate boaters about safe
boating practices.
The Foundation makes at least $45,000
available each year for grassroots programs
that solve specific problems and can be
adopted by other groups across the country to
fit their boating safety needs.
To be eligible for grant funding, your
organization must be volunteer, non-profit,
and non -governmental. Award limits are set
at $5,000 to ensure project diversity. In 2001,
the Foundation selected 28 projects from 200
applicants.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is also
eligible to apply for grants. While Auxiliary
grant applications are judged by the same
criteria as other organizations, the submittal
process varies slightly. While most
organizations submit applications directly to the
Foundation, Divisions and Flotillas of the U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary must submit their
applications to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Association Incorporated. Upon approval by the
USCG Auxiliary Association Director, Auxiliary
applications will be forwarded to the Foundation
and will be reviewed by the Grant Committee
with all other applications.
Applications for the 2002 grant cycle are
currently being reviewed. The Foundation will
notify all applicants about funding decisions by
early January 2002.
If you have any questions regarding the
program contact Vanessa Pert, the Program
Administrator. She may be reached by phone at
The Bwaco Firemen's Association of Washington
state produced signs and coloring books to
encourage kids to wear life jackets.
Public Broadcasting at Northwest Ohio filmed and broadcar
public service announcements called Mostbg Knules'to
promote safe boating In the Toledo area.
[phone].
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-39 I

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC
Grassroots
Grants Program
Boating Safety Grants
�'^ r The following organizations were awarded grants for the year
'�a "" 2001.
Organization
City
State
Project
American Greater Amarillo
Amarillo
TX
To Produce 2000 children's boating safety
Chapter Red Cross
coloring books and tow full -color launch ramp
signs reminding boaters to wear life jackets.
Apollo Beach Sail &
Apollo Beach
FL
To produce 100 posters each month to address
Power Squadron
12 different boating safety topics.
Berkeley County Water
Moncks Comer
SC
To install 50 signs at public boat ramps along
Safety Council
the shoreline of local lakes to encourage life
jacket use.
Boca Ciega Sail & Power
Treasure Island
FL
To purchase materials to construct a "safety
Squadron
wagon."
Boy Scouts of America
Frederick
MD
To produce soundings at low tide on Back
Sea Scout Ship 59
Creek of the Chesapeake Bay and distribute
these color -coded maps to the boating public.
Charlotte Power Squadron
Charlotte
NC
To produce two banners with six Velcro
attachments to promote Squadron activities.
ClarkSkamania Flyfishers
Vancouver
WA
To install two Informational kiosks that address
river safety for kayaks and jet boats.
Elizabeth River Power
Chesapeake
VA
To implement a local Boating Safety Poster
Squadron
Contest for children.
Erie Safe Boating Task
Erie
PA
To install two weather resistant display cases at
Force
highly frequented marinas along the
Pennsylvania shore of Lake Erie.
Friends of Castaic Lake
Castaic
CA
To implement the "PFDs for Kids" campaign by
handing out coloring books and lifeguard
badges to children wearing life jackets.
Green Bay Sail & Power
Green Bay
M
To host a boating safety event with the U.S.
Squadron
Coast Guard Auxiliary Department of Natural
Resources local fire department
Greenville Power
Greenville
Sc
To produce weatherproof posters to advertise
Squadron
safe boating courses and life jacket use on
Lake Hartwell.
Glenn Harbeck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement Page A-40

Appendices to the Surface Water Use Plan
Town of Wrightsville Beach, NC L
Ilwaco Volunteer Fire
Ihvaco
WA
To produce two full -color launch ramp signs
Department
reminding boaters to wear life jackets and 2000
children's coloring/activity books on boating
safety.
Lake City Yacht Club
Lake City
MN
To print and laminate 1500 cards with
emergency & safety Information
New England Safe Boating
Boston
MA
To produce and distribute 10000 stickerswith
Council
bps for paddle -sport safety.
Public Broadcasting of
Toledo
OH
To produce five one -minute informational spots
Northwest Ohio
entitled 'Boating Minutes" which would be
broadcast beginning Memorial Day Weekend
2001.
Quantico Yacht Club
Quantico
VA
To produce and distribute 2000 laminated
handouts to address "Man Overboard -
Prevention and Recovery."
Quincippi Yacht Club
Quincy
/L
To install four aluminum signs on Hog Back
Island to war boaters and swimmers of
undertows and strong currents.
San Luis Yacht Club
Avila Beach
CA
To produce 10000 cartoon place mats for
children and distribute 7500 tri-fold brochures
from a sign at a boat ramp.
Schuylkill River Power
Shillington
PA
To create a mobile safety display that would be
Squadron
built around an existing sailboat hull.
Smith Mountain Lake
Moneta
VA
To reproduce and distribute 1500 copies of a
Water Safety Council
video filmed with the VA Department of Game &
Inland Fisheries to address boating safety on
Smith Mountain Lake.
Thurmond Lake Sail &
McCormick
SC
To implement the "Splash the Turtle and His
Power Squadron
Life Vest' campaign by producing posters
coloring sheets and turtle magnets.
U.S. Coast Guard
Southem MO
To purchase one PFD Panda as part of a
Auxiliary Division S
and Northern
boating safety program for children.
AK:
U.S. Coast Guard
West Coast of
MJ
To award t-shirts to children wearing life jackets
Auxiliary Division 20/9CR
Michigan:
and distribute ski flags with boating safety
messages to participants of a Vessel Safety
Check.
U.S. Coast Guard
Chandler
AZ
To award t-shirts to children wearing life jackets
Auxiliary Flotilla 10.8
and distribute ski flags with boating safety
messages to participants of a Vessel Safety
Check.
U.S. Coast Guard
Massapequa
NY
To implement the "Help From Above" campaign
Auxiliary Flotilla 12-07
by producing 5000 brochures.
Glenn Harheck Associates, Planning and Public Involvement
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