Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune officials remind the public that Browns Island and its nearby waters are strictly off-limits because of the unexploded ordnances and ongoing live-fire training exercises that take place on the federally owned barrier island in Onslow County.
The restricted areas include all navigable waters in the area between the south bank of Bear Creek and the north bank of Browns Inlet, including the creeks and tributaries leading to and around Browns Island.
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Officials, in their announcement May 22, added that military police, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, regularly patrol the area.
“The primary safety hazards around and on Browns Island are everything from 500-pound air-delivered bombs all the way down to 25- and 40-millimeter high-explosive dual-purpose munitions,” explained Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cummings, director of Range Control, for Camp Lejeune, in the announcement.
“Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune wants to ensure the safety of our boating public,” Cummings added.
“Civilian watercraft must never beach or drop anchor on or near restricted areas that are posted with warning signs,” he continued. “Bottom-disturbing activities such as clamming, oystering or crabbing are prohibited. Foot traffic is also prohibited on any of the land areas on or about Browns Island at all times.”
Trespassers can face severe penalties, including citations that may require an appearance before a federal magistrate, and are subject to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
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For additional information on the off-limits areas and safety restrictions surrounding Browns Island, visit the base’s website.
