Committee Updates: It Takes Teamwork

Thanks to the efforts of engaged community groups -- including Swan Beach and North Swan Beach POA’s, Fruitville Beach Civic Association, and NCOBA  -- meaningful progress has been made. Working alongside the county, these organizations helped implement changes such as the permit system and continue to address the evolving challenges of access management.

NBPA is proud to contribute our support to their efforts and acknowledge there are many other issues affecting us. We continue to look to the community to identify and tackle those issues, whether it be dune preservation, sustainable building practices, land conservation or a host of other challenges facing our fence-to-fence community.  

To support this work, NBPA is forming subcommittees and will need volunteers to serve. If you’ve already expressed interest, we’ll be reaching out soon to learn more about your areas of focus. If you haven’t yet had a chance to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

In the meantime, below is an update on committees currently underway:

Education Committee

Led by NBPA and Fruitville Beach Civic Association

This group’s initial focus is on driving, pedestrian, and vehicle safety, with input from law enforcement. Although newly formed, the committee has already met with the county manager and tourism officials to share insights and address key concerns ahead of the busy summer season.

While much of the visitor-facing material for 2026 has already been published by the county, the group has helped update online content and, in the interim, will host a visitor education page on the NBPA website. This page will include Safety Tips for Visiting the 4x4 and a glossary of commonly used terms. Additional content and programs will continue to roll out in easy-to-access formats.

In response to local community concerns, NBPA is working in partnership with Corolla Outback Adventures to sponsor a comprehensive certification training program for horse tour managers and guides this spring. 

Finally, a Safety Ambassador Program will be introduced to increase safety during the busy season. Ambassadors will patrol the beach, provide guidance on safe driving and parking, share educational information, and help answer questions from residents and visitors on the 4x4.

Technology Committee

Led by the President of the North Swan Beach Property Owners AssociationThis group is exploring technology solutions to better manage access to the 4x4. The group is studying how other coastal communities handle access and identifying tools that improve the experience for residents and visitors.

Siting & Traffic Flow Committee

Led by the President of the Swan Beach Property Owners AssociationFocused on long-term options for a visitor center and parking area, as well as potential improvements to the current permit system, this group is looking ahead to smarter traffic flow and safer access.

Planning & Implementation Committee

Led by the Northern Currituck Outer Banks AssociationFormed to help ensure steady progress across all working groups, this committee provides planning and implementation support and develops a consolidated roadmap for stakeholder discussion.

Moving Forward

Are you interested in becoming part of the solution Please reach out to alliance@thelasttwelvemiles.com and let us know how you'd like to help.