Keep Our Beaches Public & Natural: Protect our beaches from hardened structures

Oppose S832, CRC May Permit Terminal Groin

North Carolina's beaches are a public treasure. More than two decades ago, the state decided to protect this natural landscape for future generations by prohibiting hardened structures on beaches and inlets. It's the cornerstone of North Carolina's coastal policy and a national model.

The hazards of hardened structures are well known. A group of more than 40 state, national and international geologists concluded, "There is no debate: A structure placed at the terminus of a barrier island, near an inlet, will interrupt the natural sand bypass system…and cause negative impacts to adjacent islands."

By trapping sand on one side, jetties and groins accelerate erosion further down the beach and destroy the natural beauty of our coast.

Despite its success, the state ban on hardened structures is under attack again this year. A few beach towns and the Figure Eight Island Homeowners' Association have hired a stable of high-powered contract lobbyists to attempt to undo the ban that has protected the public beach for a generation. Don't let them do it.