NPS Photo/S. Godin Shackleford Banks WildernessThree miles offshore, Shackleford Banks is the only proposed wilderness on the Outer Banks. This proposed wilderness area includes the entire eight-mile stretch of the island, except for the two acres near the ferry docks on the east end. 
NPS Photo/S.Godin What is Wilderness?In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson passed the Wilderness Act, which established the National Wilderness Perseveration System. Under this Act, land would be permanently protected for the people. Federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service (NPS), would manage these areas and preserve wilderness character. Shackleford Banks was propsesed under the Eastern Wilderness Act of 1975, which applied to lands east of the 100th meridian. Wilderness looks different depending on where it is located. The smallest designated wilderness is five and a half acres managed by US Fish and Wildlife in Florida. The biggest designated wilderness is the nearly 10 million acres in Wrangell-St. Elias Wilderness in Alaska, which is managed by the NPS. These two areas are much different than Shackleford Banks, but they all still uphold the same wilderness principles. 
NPS/S.Godin What is Wilderness Character?Under the 1964 Wilderness Act, “wilderness character” is referred to as free from modern civilization, absent from human manipulation, and lacking sights and sounds of human occupation. Wilderness areas also allow for solitude and primitive creation, and/or contains ecological, scientific, educational, scenic, historic, or other intrinsic values. But what does this mean for Shackleford Banks? An artist being inspired by the grass-covered dunes of Shackleford Banks is an intangible wilderness character. The artists experience the wind blowing through the grass and watch the waves crash along the shore. Their experiences at Shackleford Banks inspire them to recreate the feeling in their artwork. Kayaking across the sound and camping under the night sky has tangible wilderness character. The camper seeks out the solitude the island provides and enjoys the undeveloped barrier islands. They can disconnect from the modern, developed world. What is Proposed Wilderness?In the NPS, there are five categories of wilderness: eligible, proposed, recommended, designated, and potential wilderness. To become a designated wilderness area, the area must go through a multiple-step process. Shackleford Banks is currently proposed as wilderness. This means Cape Lookout has completed a formal wilderness study to further evaluate Shackleford Banks. The proposal for wilderness is submitted to the Director of the Department of Interior. Since Shackleford Banks is not designated wilderness, it is still managed to preserve its wilderness character according to NPS policy, rather the Wilderness Act.
NPS/S.Godin What does Wilderness Look Like on Shackleford Banks?First, ask yourself, “What is wilderness to me?" Close your eyes and imagine it. Do you picture snow-covered mountains, large fields with wildflowers blooming, or a forest with leaves changing for autumn? Everyone has their own definition of what wilderness means to them. When visiting Shackleford Banks, wilderness can mean saltwater air blowing over grass-covered dunes, a night sky filled with a thousand stars, and a campfire glowing below. Depending on how you enjoy Shackleford Banks, wilderness can be defined by different characteristics. The eight-mile, undeveloped barrier island allows for excellent hiking and primitive beach camping. Visitors can enjoy shelling, fishing, and watching the wild horses graze throughout the dunes. The island remains undeveloped for visitors to come and define their own concept of wilderness. Learn More About Wilderness |
Last updated: September 14, 2024