COORDINATE ACCESS TO STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS

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3. COORDINATE ACCESS TO STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS

Corolla is over-crowded with 30% of its land still to be developed. Weather all year is mild, but vacationers only focus on the peak season when the weather and water are warm enough for beach recreation.  And yet, to its north are more than 4,000 acres of State and Federal land that are dedicated for public recreational use, but are largely inaccessible.

The one exception and a great example of what these areas could provide for our tourists is the small Estuarine Reserve at the north end of NC12.  Creation of this was a small first step even though it has only a tenth of an acre parking lot and a short third of a mile path to the sound. The future vision should be something like the Huntley Meadows Parkin Fairfax County, Virginia.  Huntley Meadows is a model for what the State and Federal areas on the Outer Banks could become.  Huntley Meadows has over 1,400 acres of preserved wetlands with ten miles of trails and many nature exhibits, open year-round.  It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Creating this opportunity for an expanded rental season will take a County-led effort over perhaps a decade to reach fruition.  Some capital investment will be required, but most effort will be in extended negotiation with State and Federal officials to get them to recognize their deeded responsibilities: “The right of the public to enter … for …outdoor recreational purposes…” and the “right to ingress and egress for… the general public along a right of way”.  You’re going to have to work with Raleigh and DC to make this happen. It will take effort and skill for the new County management.

Hopefully our report can help the County develop a strategic plan for the long-term future of all its Outer Banks resources.  Success will help maintain and grow COBX tax revenues by greatly expanding year round recreational opportunities.

4,000 acres of natural wonderland off limits to tourists -fixing this will add significant economic value

4,000 acres of natural wonderland off limits to tourists -fixing this will add significant economic value

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Ed Cornet

Ed Cornet, PhD, is a long time Currituck resident in Corolla. He has over six years of service as a member of the County's Economic Development Advisory Board and the Land Use Plan Steering Group. His business career was in high-tech industries and as a Partner of Booz Allen Hamilton. He has served on several corporate Boards. After retiring from business Ed was a Professor in the Kenan-Flagler Business School of UNC Chapel Hill where he established the STAR Program guiding MBA students to help NC businesses.