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Forest Service OKs plan to improve 100 acres of Croatan

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A damaged walkway in Croatan National Forest after Hurricane Florence. Photo: U.S. Forest Service
A damaged walkway in Croatan National Forest after Hurricane Florence. Photo: U.S. Forest Service

A project to repair and improve around 100 acres of recreation sites in Croatan National Forest now has the go-ahead.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service released the final decision last week for the Neuse River recreation sites project following public comment and objection periods, which took place in the fall of 2023.

The final decision authorizes the Croatan Ranger District to begin at Fisher’s Landing, Flanners Beach, Pine Cliff, and Siddie Fields recreation sites projects that include the removal of riprap and work to control erosion, stabilize the bank, upgrade restrooms, make trails and walkways safer and add group sites.

Croatan District Ranger Ron Hudson expressed optimism about where the project is headed.

“We are all thrilled to see these projects moving forward and building on the recovery we’ve already accomplished. The work will take time, but these sites will be incredible for our visitors and generations to come,” Hudson said in a statement.

The project also addresses ecological damage caused during Hurricane Florence and will increase the resiliency of the shorelines along the Neuse River. Adaptive approaches for the living shoreline stabilization include recreating a more gradual slope for safety and stability as well as planting native plants that offer stability.

In September 2018, Hurricane Florence caused catastrophic damage throughout the Croatan National Forest and the surrounding area, officials said. High winds, flooding, and a large storm surge eroded the Neuse River shoreline, toppled trees, and damaged infrastructure. The erosion created unstable cliff faces and the recreation sites were closed for public safety.

This project is the largest so far for the newly established North Carolina Disaster Assistance Recovery Team called DART. This group of U.S. Forest Service employees is dedicated to streamlining recovery projects and preparing for potential disasters on the National Forests.

“This project and this team are a big shift in how we respond after disasters. We’re ready at all times, and we’re not just thinking about repairs back to the status quo or old standards. We’re thinking about how we can build resilience into recovery,” said Jenifer Bunty, a DART spokesperson.

The final environmental assessment and decision notice for the Neuse River project are available online.

About Staff Report

The story was compiled by staff members of Coastal Review.

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