Commentary
The North Carolina Coastal Federation publishes Coastal Review.
As I reflect on my journey over the past four decades with the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the changes of the past year, I am filled with both gratitude and optimism for the future of our coast.
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This year has marked an exciting new chapter for me personally and for the Federation. Since stepping into my role as Senior Advisor to our new Executive Director, Braxton Davis, back in February, I’ve had the privilege of shifting my focus away from the day-to-day operations, allowing me to concentrate on some of the core priorities of our organization in a way that is both refreshing and invigorating.
When I founded the Federation in 1982, our mission was clear: protect and restore North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems for future generations. Over the years, we have worked toward this vision — advocating for stronger environmental policies, engaging with local communities, and making significant strides in safeguarding our waters and wetlands. But as I’ve learned throughout my time here, the work is never done. It’s a continual journey, one that requires constant reflection, collaboration, adaptation and lots of helpful hands.
In my new role, I’ve been able to focus more deeply on the heart of our mission: land protection and habitat restoration, along with improving safeguards to prevent polluted stormwater runoff. These are critical efforts that will help restore coastal water quality, protect wildlife, sustain our fisheries, and make our coastal communities safer and more resilient for years to come. Healthy, thriving habitats — whether wetland forests, estuaries, or saltwater marshes — are the foundation for vibrant ecosystems and communities. As we look to the future, these efforts have never been more urgent. The challenges ahead are real and growing, but so are the opportunities.
One of the most pressing issues we face is the ongoing loss of wetlands. Wetlands play a vital role in filtering pollutants, providing habitat for marine life, and buffering communities from storm surges and flooding. This year, the Federation made significant progress on land protection initiatives, securing ownership and conservation easements on thousands of acres of riparian estuary buffers and collaborating with partners to raise more than $33 million to restore marshlands and riparian zones. These efforts will continue to grow in the years ahead, supported by our strong relationships with landowners, local governments, as well as state and federal agencies, and the N.C. General Assembly.
Restoring fisheries habitats is another area where we see great potential for impact. Coastal fisheries are essential not only to the health of our marine ecosystems but also to the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people in North Carolina depending on our commercial, recreational and tourism industries. By focusing on water quality and habitat restoration — particularly in the headwater areas of our coastal estuaries — we can ensure these ecosystems continue to thrive. Already, we’re seeing positive effects of this work: fish populations are rebounding in some areas, and water quality is improving in others. But there is still much work to be done, and the Federation remains committed to staying at the forefront of these efforts.
Sponsor Spotlight
The Coastal Federation has always thrived due to its strong, community-driven approach. We know that lasting change happens when people come together—when communities are empowered to protect their environments and when businesses, local governments, and environmental organizations collaborate for the greater good. With our new director’s years of experience working with North Carolina’s coastal communities to protect coastal habitats and marine fisheries, I am confident that the Federation will continue to build on this foundation, driving progress in ways that are both sustainable and effective. While I will continue to help where I can, this work relies on many capable and passionate hands — especially younger generations — who will sustain it for the future.
Becoming a grandparent this year has given me even greater perspective on the importance of this work. In August, I welcomed my first grandchild, and just before Thanksgiving, we learned that our family will grow with a second grandchild arriving in the spring. This personal milestone has only deepened my commitment to ensuring that we leave a healthier, more productive coast for the next generation.
The road ahead may not always be smooth, but we are on the right path. As we look toward the future, the hard work of today will lay the groundwork for a healthier coast tomorrow. The Federation has the knowledge, commitment, and partnerships needed to overcome the challenges we face and ensure that North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems remain healthy and productive for generations to come.
Only together, will we move forward as we protect, restore, and preserve our coast for the future.
