The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grants program, known as BRIC, a funding source for communities working to be better prepared for the next flood or weather catastrophe, has been axed as “wasteful” spending, leaving local governments in financial binds.
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North Carolina among most successful states for BRIC awards
Since the first applications were accepted for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grants in 2020, state and local-government officials have been successful applicants.
Holden Beach Turtle Patrol readies for summer programming
Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, also referred to as “Turtle Patrol,” is planning to offer educational programs throughout the summer starting June 18.
Hot spots hamper containment of Brunswick wildfire
The Sunset Road Fire that began last Friday in the area of Boiling Spring Lakes remained contained at 15% Wednesday after fire crews noted hotspots in the northern portion of the fire.
Ferry service to Bear Island resumes next week
After being suspended since April 2024, ferry service from Hammocks Beach State Park to Bear Island resumes May 14.
Coastal Commission rejects effort to drop rules lawsuit
Coastal Resources Commissioner Jordan Hennessy garnered only two other votes last week for his effort to withdraw from the commission’s successful lawsuit challenging the state Rules Review Commission, which is set to appeal the ruling.
Dare County board tables action on Buxton zone of influence
Dare County Commissioners voted Monday during its regular meeting to table any decisions on an environmental zone of influence that borders Buxton Woods Reserve for 90 days.
Five coastal counties now see severe drought conditions
Beaufort, Craven, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties are among eastern North Carolina counties experiencing severe drought conditions.
Secotan Alliance event ‘to bring Wingina out of the shadows’
The program, “In the Spirit of Wingina 2: Our Women, Our Words, Our Water,” set for May 30-31 in Nags Head and Manteo will highlight Chief Wingina’s Secotan Alliance, and general Indigenous environmental history, with a concentration on the roles of women.
Institute, ECU Outer Banks Campus to welcome public
The Coastal Studies Institute and ECU Integrated Coastal Programs are hosting an open house from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the campus in Wanchese.
Morning stretch
Daddy longlegs, scientifically speaking, a member of the Leiobunum genus, stretches its legs recently on the leaf of a sweetbay magnolia, or Magnolia virginiana, a native species on the North Carolina coast. Often called harvestmen — there are at least 6,600 suborders of the species — and mistakenly identified as spiders, the insect is an arachnid that has been found everywhere on Earth except Antarctica. Photo: Mark Hibbs
Recreational spotted seatrout season temporarily closed
State wildlife officials say the temporary closure through June 30 was made to avoid confusion.
Officials say Brunswick County wildfire 10% contained
The 1,500-acre wildlife that started Friday afternoon quickly spread Saturday after skipping containment lines in the area of Boiling Spring Lakes.
Water quality workshop to focus on strategies, challenges
The North Carolina Water Resources Association’s workshop, “Restoring Coastal Water Resources — Challenges, Opportunities and Successful Approaches,” set for May 16 will examine water quality conditions, strategies and proven strategies.
Coastal commission OKs limited use of wheat straw bales
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission has changed an oceanfront development rule to allow wheat straw bales be used under certain conditions as an alternative to sand fencing to try and fend off erosion, a move environmental and wildlife groups oppose.
Coastal commission’s counsel moves to Board of Elections
After serving as the Coastal Resources Commission’s legal counsel for close to 15 years, Special Deputy Attorney General Mary Lucasse has been promoted to work with the state Board of Elections.
