ROCKINGHAM — If you’d planned to get out of the house with a trip to the beach or for some other water-related recreation south of the border, you’re out of luck.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday ordered the closure of all beaches and public boat landings and other water access in the Palmetto State.
“As a result of behavior observed this past weekend by the Department of Natural Resources and SLED, it has become necessary to close public access to our state’s beaches, and to close boat ramps and landings on our state’s lakes, rivers and waterways,” McMaster said in a statement. “This is unfortunate for those who chose to responsibly follow the instructions of our public health officials, but it is a necessary action to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus.”
The latest order “does not apply to individuals possessing a current, valid commercial fishing license or permit to the extent such individuals may seek to utilize or rely upon public piers, docks, wharfs, boat ramps, or boat landings in connection with commercial fishing activities.”
It also “does not impact the rights of private property owners living on beaches, lakes, rivers, or waterways in any way,” according to the press release.
WECT reported last week that beaches from Topsail Island to Ocean Isle were closed by local governments. Prior to that, the beaches from Currituck to Carteret counties were off limits to visitors.
Last week, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources closed more than two dozen state parks, including nearby Morrow Mountain in Stanly County.
Although campgrounds, trails, restrooms and visitors centers are closed, most boat landings are still open, according to the N.C. State Parks website.
The National Forest Service also shut down most areas except for “non-motorized trails and dispersed camping, as these activities support social distancing and small groups.”
“We believe people understand the serious risks posed by facilities that draw large numbers of people into close proximity to each other, Allen Nicholas, National Forests in North Carolina Forest supervisor, said in a statement. “We appreciate your patience and understanding of our efforts to mitigate those risks to protect public health and safety.”
On Saturday, the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina, and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee temporarily shut down trailhead facilities and other access points to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail “to prevent groups from congregating and to protect public health and safety.”
Here in Richmond County, all recreation facilities are now closed, though walking trails at Hinson Lake, Hamlet City Lake and the Hitchcock Creek Greenway are still open, as well as the disc golf course at Hinson Lake.
North Carolina is under a stay-at-home order for the next 30 days, though residents can leave for the following reasons: health and safety; for necessary supplies and services; for outdoor activity; for certain types of work; to take care of others; to return to one’s residence; to receive goods and services; and for volunteering.
There is currently no curfew in effect for Richmond County and workers do not need travel documents in this county.
