Im very optimistic: Coastal Land Trust shares how it plans to reach fundraising goal to acquire The Point in Topsail Beach [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – After years of attempted private development in the area, a 150-acre property known as “The Point” in Topsail Beach could be acquired by a conservation group instead.

Coastal Land Trust has already signed a contract to purchase “The Point,” but will have to raise $8 million by March 2025 to finalize the acquisition.

“We actually have applied for several grants already,” Coastal Land Trust Executive Director Harrison Marks said. “I’m very optimistic about them.”

One of the grants could come from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund. That would bring in $3 million. Another grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation could bring in an additional couple million.

Marks says the group will also be relying on private fundraising to reach their goal.

“There is great interest and love for this property because it’s a very iconic piece of Topsail Island,” Marks said. “Just …