Steer Clear of Brown’s Island

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC – Unauthorized users of Brown’s Island will be ticketed to ensure the safety of the public due to frequent live-fire training exercises conducted in that area and the danger of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Brown’s Island is the property of the United States Government and is not open to the public.
           
With several different ranges including machine guns, rockets, mortars, field artillery and Naval boat-to-shore fire, firing into Browns Island, additional enforcement measures are being implemented to keep people off the island and out of the impact area.
           
Military Police, in concert with U.S. Coast Guard, regularly patrol the area and will issue citations to trespassers that will require an appearance before the federal magistrate. Violators can be imprisoned up to six months and fined a maximum of $5,000. Additionally, boaters traversing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in close proximity to the island may not stop, tie up or disembark their vessels to walk the island.
           
This restriction applies to the entire area of Brown's Island and extends into areas outside of the immediate vicinity of Brown's Island, namely part of Saunder's Island and North Onslow Beach. These actions are being taken to better protect the safety of recreational boaters and fishermen who frequent the area. Additionally, “Danger”/”Keep Out” signs are posted on the island and an information campaign is being conducted to inform the public about the restricted access. For more information, call 910-451-7425.

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