DANGER: Browns Island strictly off limits due to unexploded ordnance
Base officials would like to re-emphasize to the community and out-of-town visitors Browns Island, and its adjacent waters remain strictly off-limits to all personnel regardless of military affiliation.
Located between North Onslow Beach and Bear Island in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, Browns Island poses a continuous and severe threat due to the presence of unexploded ordnance and ongoing live-fire training exercises.
The off-limits 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, shown in the map above, leading to and around Browns Island. These restrictions are in place to protect the public from the frequent live-fire training exercises conducted in the area and the danger of Unexploded Ordnance.
Due to erosion, previously buried UXO can become exposed and create dangerous conditions on the island. Civilian watercraft must never beach or drop anchor on or near restricted areas that are posted with warning signs. The following activities are prohibited at all times:
- Bottom-disturbing activities such as clamming, oystering or crabbing
- Fishing with bottom-dragging nets
- Anchoring
- Stopping
- Disembarking
- Foot traffic from pedestrians or pets
Base officials would like to remind the community to stay away from Browns Island and other impact areas for your own safety. In accordance with Camp Lejeune Base Order 3570.1A, Browns Island is strictly off-limits. Civilians and military personnel who are not scheduled or prearranged to be on Browns Island are not authorized.
All rules and regulations originate and comply with the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 33 CFR 334.440.
Bear Creek and Muddy Creek leading to the Intra-coastal Waterway to Bear Inlet are open to unrestricted navigation; however, an unknown element of risk exists in this area due to the possible presence of unexploded projectiles.
Boaters may proceed through Browns Inlet without stopping during periods of nonmilitary use. For safety reasons due to the presence of unexploded projectiles, any contact with the bottom of the waterways or any bottom disturbing activity is strictly prohibited. Caution should be used through these waters.
Safety Reminders:
- The waters surrounding Browns Island, including creeks and tributaries, and the shoreline of Browns Island are off-limits to all personnel, including boats and passengers.
- Anchoring, disembarking, or engaging in any bottom-disturbing activities, such as fishing with bottom-dragging nets, are strictly prohibited.
Violations and Enforcement:
- Military Police, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, maintain regular patrols of the area.
- Trespassers can face severe penalties, including citations that may require an appearance before a federal magistrate.
- Violators are subject to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
For a printable PDF file containing this policy and a larger map, please click here, or for more information on this policy, please call the Communication Strategy & Operations Office at (910) 451-5655.