Petition to Protect North Carolina's Public Trust Waterways: Stop Privatization!

To the Citizens of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Justice, and our State Legislators:

North Carolina's magnificent rivers, streams, and coastal waters are a shared heritage, belonging to all of us. The fundamental principle of the Public Trust Doctrine in North Carolina guarantees every citizen the right to access and enjoy these navigable waters for recreation, fishing, swimming, and navigation. Yet, this cherished public right is under severe and ongoing threat from the privatization efforts of wealthy riparian (waterfront) landowners.

The Crisis: Our Public Waterways Under Attack

The Public Trust Doctrine, deeply embedded in North Carolina law and tradition, establishes that our navigable waters are held in trust by the State for the benefit of all its people. This means that even where land borders these waters, the public retains the right to use the water itself.

However, we are witnessing an alarming trend where private interests are attempting to assert exclusive control and ownership over sections of water that are, by law, public highways. This can manifest in various ways, including:

 * Blocking access: Actions that prevent public entry to or passage on legally navigable waterways.

 * Claiming exclusive rights: Asserting ownership over sections of waterways that are legally recognized as public.

 * Interfering with public use: Harassing or deterring individuals who are legally using public trust waters, sometimes through intimidation tactics such as the installation of video surveillance systems.

These actions directly undermine our collective rights and threaten to permanently transform our shared natural resources into private playgrounds for the privileged few.

An Urgent Battle: The Fight in Our Courts

This isn't a theoretical concern; it's a battle being fought right now in our courts. There is an ongoing legal challenge addressing these very issues, highlighting the critical need for robust defense of our public trust rights. The outcome of these cases will profoundly impact the future of public access to North Carolina's waterways for generations to come.

We recognize and commend the tireless efforts of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) in their dedication to upholding public trust rights and protecting these vital resources. They are often on the front lines, fighting to preserve access for hunters, anglers, boaters, and all outdoor enthusiasts. However, they face an uphill battle against the significant financial resources of wealthy landowners determined to privatize what belongs to the public. It is a testament to their commitment that they continue this essential work despite such immense pressure.

We Call for Decisive Action:

 * To the Citizens of North Carolina: Understand your public trust rights! Be vigilant, report instances of blocked access or privatization, and speak out against these threats to our shared heritage. Your awareness and support are crucial.

 * To the North Carolina Department of Justice: We urge you to vigorously defend the Public Trust Doctrine in all legal proceedings, ensuring that the rights of the public are paramount and that clear precedents are set to prevent further privatization. Provide the necessary legal support and resources to state agencies, including the NCWRC, in their efforts to protect these resources.

 * To North Carolina State Legislators: Strengthen and clarify laws protecting public trust waterways. Ensure that legislative intent unambiguously supports public access and use, and allocate sufficient funding for enforcement and public education regarding these critical rights.

North Carolina's Public Trust Waterways are a Legacy for All. We must act now to prevent their permanent loss to private interests.

By signing this petition, you stand with us in demanding immediate and decisive action from our state government to protect North Carolina's public trust waterways and ensure they remain accessible to every citizen.

We the people of North Carolina