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Resident asks Nags Head planning board to curb beachfront lighting to help sea turtles
Summary
At the Oct. 21 meeting, longtime Nags Head resident and sea-turtle volunteer John Ceasek urged the planning board to partner with the town and engineers to reduce beach lighting, citing falling nest counts and proposing early-stage, cost-effective lighting changes and grant funding.
John Ceasek, a Nags Head resident of 25 years, told the planning board during public comment that volunteers with the local sea-turtle conservation network are urging action to limit beachfront lighting. "We've noticed a trend recently over the last couple of years... the numbers have been dropping, and all the turtles seem to be heading north," Ceasek said, adding that "we think a contributing factor may be lights on the beach."
Ceasek said his group wants to work with the town and engineers "in the beginning of the process rather than the end," arguing retrofits are more expensive than installing turtle-friendly fixtures during initial construction. He said the network is applying for grants to help pay for lighting improvements and asked the board to engage earlier in permitting and design discussions.
Board members thanked Ceasek for the comment and encouraged coordination between the volunteer group and town staff. The remark was made during the meeting's public-comment period and did not prompt a formal action; staff did not announce any immediate regulatory changes but acknowledged opportunities to involve conservation volunteers in lighting reviews and future permitting conversations.
