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A new nonprofit named “Save Cape Lookout Foundation” has been formed to help draw attention to the fact that the 1859 Cape Lookout Light Station in Beaufort, North Carolina is in danger because of rising sea levels.
“The lighthouse itself won’t be there if there is no beach,” said Joni Dennis, president of the group. She said that her main concern is that the water is getting closer to the lighthouse each year.
Although the lighthouse itself needs major restoration work, which is estimated in the millions, that is not the biggest concern of the group. Their primary focus is to draw public awareness in getting sand or some other type of barrier built-up in front of the light station.
In 2006, 70,000 cubic yards of sand was brought in to replenish the area. At that time high water was 75 feet from the keeper’s house. Currently, at high water, it is only 15 feet from the keeper’s house. One major storm could destroy the keeper’s house and could undermine the169-foot tower that was last pained in April of 2015.
In June of 2003, Cape Lookout Lighthouse was featured on a United States postage stamp and in 2001, the lighthouse, affectionally called by some as the “Diamond Lady,” was featured on a North Carolina automobile license plate.
Photos by Joni Dennis,
Director, Save Cape Lookout Foundation Inc.
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