The state Environmental Management Commission is set to vote Thursday on whether to put proposed “monitoring and minimization” rules for some PFAS and 1,4-dioxane out for public comment.
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Our Coast: On the shores of Harkers Island, 1944
Historian David Cecelski looks beyond the tranquil scene in this image featuring Capt. Stacy Davis, his fish house and nets on Harkers Island, and at the great upheaval here in the years between the 1933 hurricane and just after World War II.
Sun sets on 2025
A small gathering watches 2025’s final sunset Wednesday over Taylors Creek from the wooden deck at Harborside Park at 322 Front St. in Beaufort. Here are some of Coastal Review’s most-read stories of the year. We thank you for reading. Photo: Mark Hibbs
New year, new definition: Feds set to limit water protections
The public has until Monday to comment on the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed changes to the “waters of the United States” definition that are expected to limit eligibility for federal water quality safeguards.
Beaufort docks under new management starting Jan. 1
“The transition marks a new chapter for the Beaufort Town Docks, with an emphasis on enhancing services for residents, visiting boaters, and the maritime community while preserving the character and heritage of Beaufort’s historic waterfront,” the town said.
State offers guidance for donated tree placement on beaches
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has announced guidance to property owners, organizations and towns planning to accept natural Christmas trees this year for use in dune restoration.
Life rises from, returns to dirt, and hidden worlds teem below
Dirt is all around us. Under our feet. What we live on. What we build our houses and roads on. Dirt is just … there, something we don’t pay much attention to unless we’re cleaning up a mess somebody tracked in, or planting.
New Outer Banks Youth Choir set to perform into 2026
The newly formed Outer Banks Youth Choir made possible, in part, by an Outer Banks Community Foundation grant, is accepting new members ages 9-19.
NOAA’s Chris Doley: Quiet leadership, lasting impact
In tribute: Chris Doley’s legacy at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is closely tied to his long and deeply influential partnerships with community-based organizations working on the frontlines of coastal restoration.
Roanoke Island welcome center to close for renovations
The Sarah Owens Welcome Center/Rest Area on Roanoke Island will temporarily close beginning Wednesday to undergo a $1.4 million renovation project.
William Matthias to lead Carteret Emergency Services
Carteret County announced Monday that Emerald Isle Fire Chief William Charles “Billy” Matthias II has been selected to serve as the county emergency services director, effective Jan. 26, 2026.
Annual TreeFest in Wilmington set for Jan. 16-17
The 28th annual TreeFest in Wilmington is scheduled for Jan. 16-17 at the JCPenney atrium in the Independence Mall, where more than a dozen species are expected to be available.
Casting call: Practice the fundamentals to become proficient
The act of throwing out a fishing line isn’t as easy as it seems, and if you want to do it well, which means delivering it distantly and accurately, you’ll need to do some work.
Commercial fishing fund committees to meet jointly in January
Committees that oversee funds collected from an increase in commercial fishing license fees that have been in effect since 2015 will meet jointly Jan. 14.
CFPUA head to discuss impacts of proposed water transfer
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Executive Director Kenneth Waldroup will discuss at Cape Fear River Watch’s First Saturday Seminar on Jan. 3 the potential impacts of Fuquay-Varina’s request to transfer millions of gallons of water a day from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin.
New Hanover decoration recycling program to begin Dec. 26
Live Christmas tree disposal services, many free of charge, are being offered in areas of the lower Cape Fear Region after Christmas day through to January.

















