The Currituck County Board of Commissioners received a presentation on March 6, 2026, regarding the ongoing beach monitoring and stability assessment. The board also received information on the beach management plan.
Ken Willson, of Coastal Protection Engineering (CPE), presented data from the sixth year of the Beach Monitoring and Stability Study, which began in 2020. The study area includes the entire Atlantic Ocean shoreline of Currituck County, from the Dare County line to the Virginia state border. The report provides an assessment of both long-term and short-term shoreline change trends, an analysis of the impact of projected long-term shoreline changes over 10-, 20-, and 30- year horizons, and an assessment of both long-term and short-term volume change trends.
The 2025 analysis identified three primary areas of vulnerability where long-term shoreline projections pose the greatest risk:
- The stretch between the Horse Gate and Corolla Village Road remains one of the county’s most vulnerable oceanfront areas.
- The Whalehead Beach community
- The Spindrift community is an area of concern; shoreline projection analyses continue to flag this as a high-concern area.
Based on these findings, CPE recommends maintaining the current monitoring frequency, annual surveys south of the Horse Gate and biennial (every other year) surveys for the Off-Road Area to the north.
In addition to the stability data, Willson outlined progress on the county’s Beach Management Plan. This framework will guide the protection and restoration of Currituck’s dunes and beaches. Potential strategies currently under evaluation include:
- Nature-Based Solutions: Sand fence installation and dune vegetation planting.
- Sand Management: Beach bulldozing for temporary dune reinforcement.
- Nourishment Projects: Evaluating both small-scale (truck-hauled sand) and large-scale (offshore dredging) nourishment programs.
- Structural Mitigation: Relocation of vulnerable oceanfront structures.
The county is committed to a transparent planning process and will work with its consultant to share updates and engage stakeholders as more information becomes available.
While long-term planning continues, Currituck County encourages immediate action through its reimbursement incentive program. Oceanfront property owners can receive financial assistance for installing sand fencing and planting dune vegetation.
