One Year of Progress.
Planning for the Future.

NBPA is approaching its one-year anniversary. As we reflect on this past year—the alliances we have formed, the hundreds of residents and visitors we have connected with, and the relationships we have built with those who can influence and promote our mission—one thing is very clear: North Beach is special, and there is strong support for protecting the natural and economic assets of the Last 12 Miles. Some key observations and accomplishments:

Guests and residents choose the Northern Outer Banks because of the absence of paved roads and commercial development. They value the remoteness and the lack of distractions created by the more commercial or developed activities found on other beaches.
As Beach Ambassadors, we had weekly opportunities to educate visitors about driving patterns and the importance of airing down their tires to avoid getting stuck and damaging the beach. Thanks to Twiddy, we were able to give tire gauges to hundreds of guests, many of whom were unaware of the impact proper tire pressure can have on our beaches.
NBPA conducted a survey that received more than 500 responses from residents, property owners, visitors, and other stakeholders regarding managed vehicular access. Results will be forthcoming, but the responses show significant support for finding some type of solution to traffic and enforcement concerns.
NBPA continues to build partnerships with universities and other communities working on projects and initiatives that align with our mission.

As you can see, we are already planning well in advance to improve conditions on the Last 12 Miles for 2027 and beyond. Action. Facts. Transparency. Keep yourself
informed by subscribing to our email list. If you would like to be part of the change, email us at here. We need everyone who cares about the future of the 4x4 to help! Some of our immediate needs include marketing, fundraising, grant writing, research, special projects, and attending commissioners meetings.

FLOats find new families

As summer winds down, we want to thank our local pool companies and Twiddy for donating pool floats left behind at rental properties. Each weekend, NBPA collected the floats and gave them a second life by redistributing them to new visitors. What might have been left behind became hours of fun for happy kids and families—and even created one special engagement
memory!

Recycling Center Hours
Updated as of 9/7/26

Monday-Saturday 7AM-7PM

Sundays 1-7PM

Closed Holidays

Commissioners Review North Beach Topics

Aug 22

TURTLES ARE EMERGING!

It is now turtle hatching season! There are 5 turtle nests here on the North Beach.
One, a loggerhead nest, has already had some hatchlings make it safely to the ocean!!

The others are expected to hatch between now and mid-October (to include the much-anticipated leatherback). Please drive with caution, especially at night. If you see the N.E.S.T. team setting up runways and preparing for hatchlings, please use caution and follow their driving instructions. They may ask you to reduce or turn off headlights if it is safe to do so. Also, please turn off outside lights if you have a beachfront home close to one of the nests.

We also invite you to visit the nest, engage with the team – they love turtle talks! If you encounter a sea turtle, especially a hatchling on the beach, contact the N.E.S.T. 24-hour hotline at 252-441- 8622. Find out more at: www.nestobx.org and follow on Facebook.

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

Help us tell the story of The Last 12 Miles.

We’re looking for photos that truly capture the spirit, beauty, and character of the 4x4 beaches that make this stretch so special—from wild horses and natural dunes to quiet shorelines and everyday moments that reflect life here.

Selected photos will be featured on our website and in future community updates as we continue to highlight and preserve this unique coastal environment.

Please send your submissions to alliance@thelasttwelvemiles.com, along with your name and a brief description of your photo.

Show us what The Last 12 Miles means to you.