Maryland high court sides with homeowners on private beach access

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland's highest court is restricting access to the Dobbins Island beach.

The state Court of Appeals issued an opinion on Friday reversing a lower court ruling that said even the privately owned areas of the beach were open to the public. The appeals court said continued public use of the beach was at the discretion of the owners.

David L. Clickner Sr. and his wife bought the 7-acre island several years ago and planned to build a home there.

The Magothy River Association sued to preserve public access to the beach after Clickner erected a fence along a portion of the shoreline in 2006.

Clickner has said he's trying to keep the beach tame and quiet, noting that partiers often converge for the Bumper Bash celebration.