Masonboro to remain open

Masonboro Island has a habit of getting, um, colorful during summer holidays. But the barrier island won't be closed to the public anytime soon.

The Star-News of Wilmington reported Friday that the North Carolina Coastal Reserve program held a hearing in Wilmington to hear from the public about how to protect the island from holiday revelers.

Hope Sutton with the program says people have enjoyed walking, kayaking, surfing and sunbathing at the island, but in recent years, the number of visitors has increased dramatically. Trash covered a quarter-mile stretch of beach after the July 4th holiday.