Fundraiser being held for Yaupon Pier

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on August 8, 2008 1:35 PM

• Print
• Email

OAK ISLAND -- The North Carolina Public Access Foundation will be doing a fund raising event for the Town of Oak Island to assist them in their efforts in purchasing the Yaupon Pier.

The event is August 23 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and will be at the far west beach access location on Oak Island.

North Carolina has lost public access at an alarming rate for its natural resources over the last decade. The areas around the state's natural resources are becoming privatized and access is being cut off. The NCPAF is trying to help reverse that trend.

The efforts of the Town of Oak Island need to be supported. They have taken a landmark step in deciding to purchase the Yaupon Pier, which will provide fisherman from all over the eastern seaboard affordable access to the waters off of their island.

This is some of the most productive fishing areas on the eastern seaboard. Last year alone Yaupon Pier produced 244 King mackerels, the most in the state. This year the pier has yet to put an angler over the water as it is waiting for an owner to purchase it.

The Town of Oak Island is the only serious contender for that property, but it needs help to make this possible. Saving the pier is an important step for North Carolina coastal communities because it would give them the model to protect public access that made their localities special in the first place.

The event Website is http://www.ncfps.com/Save_Yaupon_Pier.html.