From the archives: In 1980, a proposal to freeze development on Wilmington-area islands

In March, a coastal conservation group began efforts to raise money to buy the undeveloped southern end of Topsail Beach, also known as "The Point."

If a certain piece of legislation 44 years ago had gone through, the purchase wouldn't be necessary.

According to a story in the April 28, 1980, edition of the Wilmington Morning Star, a bill proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives would have designated undeveloped areas of barrier islands as national parks. However, a state representative believed it was doomed from the outset.

The article cited Wilmington-area islands that would have been included: All or portions of Topsail Island, Lea Island (now Lea-Hutaff Island), Figure Eight Island, the Shell Island end of Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, Pleasure Island (Carolina and Kure beaches), Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Bird Island.

For 1980, it was estimated if the government bought these undeveloped areas, it would have cost $2 billion. With balancing the budget a major priority 44 years ago, another spending program had little backing, although proponents pointed to long-term savings by avoiding beach nourishment and other projects designed to protect development.

While not national parks, islands such as Bird, Lea-Hutaff and Masonboro remain completely undeveloped and maintained by conservation groups such as Audobon North Carolina.