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Board approves no-wake zone on Nottoway River at Monroe Road curve after residents cite near-collisions and erosion
Summary
After multiple residents described near-misses and shoreline erosion, the board approved establishing a no-wake zone on the Nottoway River near Monroe Road; a resident bought and will maintain buoys and staff cited endorsement from the Blackwater Riverkeeper Association.
Southampton County supervisors voted Oct. 22 to establish a no-wake zone on the Nottoway River near Monroe Road after residents and property owners described repeated near-collisions, kayaker safety concerns and shoreline erosion at a blind river curve.
Donnie Upton, who said he has lived in the county 33 years, told the board he has witnessed numerous close calls where boaters unfamiliar with the river entered a sharp curve at speed and nearly collided. He said he purchased buoys for the location and offered to manage them if the board approved the no-wake designation.
Another landowner said the curve has become more hazardous since the pandemic due to increased boat traffic and noted visible land erosion measured at about 2.4 feet since 2020. Staff said the application included coordinates and an endorsement from the Blackwater Riverkeeper Association; the board heard that the riverkeeper had previously recommended action.
A motion to approve the request carried after discussion about boat-launch grants and kayak-launch work near the site. Board members asked about buoy procurement; the speaker said he ordered the buoys commercially and would provide details.
Next steps: The no-wake zone will be implemented according to state procedures; residents may request removal or modification through the board if problems arise.
