It’s been a little while since our last update, but your voices—and your signatures—are as powerful and essential as ever. Thanks to your support, we are very close to 12,000 petition signers! That’s an incredible show of unity and committment to protecting this irreplaceable natural treasure.
Here’s the big news:
On August 4th at 4:00 PM, we will officially present our 12,000 petition signatures to our elected officials at the County Commissioners meeting. This is a crucial moment to show the strength and solidarity of our movement—and we need you there!
💚 We’re asking everyone who can to join us in person—wearing green—as a visual sign of our collective commitment to protecting Sledge Forest. (You can print the above 17 x 11 photo to bring. We'll also have some to hand out)
⏰ Can’t make it right at 4:00? That’s okay.
The public comment portion—when our advocates will speak and the petitions will be presented—won’t begin until closer to 5:00 PM or later, depending on the agenda. So if you're coming after work, you won’t miss our moment.
Let’s pack the room and make it clear that our community is watching, engaged, and unwilling to back down. Invite a friend or neighbor—every body in the room makes a difference!
What’s going on legally?
At this time, Copper Builders has not submitted any completed permit applications since revising Phase One of the Hilton Bluffs project from 230 to over 560 proposed homes. Without submitted permits, there is currently nothing to challenge or appeal—but we’re staying vigilant.
And yes—there's more.
Copper Builders has racked up yet another violation.
After previously being cited for illegally building in a floodplain without the proper zoning, building, and environmental permits, Copper Builders’ owner Wade Miller has now drawn new attention by anchoring his floating houseboat illegally in Banks Channel since the July 4th weekend. Despite orders from the Town of Wrightsville Beach to remove it, it remained in violation until July 21st, when fines escalated from $50 to $500/day and it was finally moved to Carolina Beach Marina.
It begs the question: If they can’t follow the rules now, why should we trust them with a massive, environmentally sensitive development?
Let’s remind our leaders that we are still here, still watching, and still united in our demand to Save Sledge Forest.
See you August 4th—wearing green!
With gratitude and resolve,
The Save Sledge Forest Team
#SaveSledgeForest #StopHiltonBluffs
If you'd like to donate to our cause, please click here and DO NOT click the "Take the Next Step" button (that takes you to a payment site for change.org. NOT Save Sledge Forest!)