Duke geologist Orrin Pilkey raises the question about the state and its coastal management program after a project at North Topsail Beach left tons of rock on the beach.
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Outer Bankers Helping Sea Turtles
In the second of two stories celebrating the beginning of sea turtle nesting season in May, we take a look at how the NEST volunteer group is helping endangered sea turtles’ chances of survival and inspiring kids to care for the ocean.
In Celebration of Turtle Time
In the first of two stories about the beginning of turtle-nesting season next month, we look at the successful efforts at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to control predators of sea turtle eggs.
“May the Odds Be in Your Favor”
Photography by Cathy Martin of Emerald Isle.
May 1 is the beginning of sea turtle nesting season for North Carolina’s beaches. In this photo, a baby loggerhead sea turtle makes its way to the ocean for the first time after a next excavation. See more…
Our Coast’s Food: Collards
Snooty food encyclopedias may consider this Southern staple to be similar to kale. But Tar Heels know better. Stewed slowly with hamhocks and a dash or two of Tobasco…. well, “mmm, mmm, mmm,” as Bob Garner might say.
How Did Rocks End Up on the Beach?
Questions abound about the beach re-nourishment project at N. Topsail Beach. Why haven’t regulators been more forceful in protecting the public’s beach and the endangered animals that use it ?
Public Hearings on Flood Zone Repeal
The state Division of Coastal Management will hold public hearings in each of North Carolina’s oceanfront counties to gather comments on a proposal to repeal the High Hazard Flood Area of Environmental Concern.
Could Hatteras Be America’s First Colony?
Jamestown Virginia is the site of the first permanent English colony in the New World. Or is it? Recent archaeological findings could give that honor to Hatteras Island, and change history.
BOEM Defends 50-Mile Buffer
Barring offshore drilling rigs within 50 nautical miles of the Southeast coast would provide an environmental buffer, accommodate the needs of the military and commercial fishing and give potential wind farms room to develop, the director of the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said.
A Humdinger Winter for Hummers
The number of hummingbirds wintering in North Carolina is dramatically increasing. These hummers seem to prefer coastal North Carolina where the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures warmer.
Guest Column: Buffer Bills Shortsighted
Two bills in the state legislature that would eliminate or greatly reduce buffers along the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers would place greater burdens on cities, towns and farmers to clean up the polluted rivers.
“Stalking Lunch”
Photograph by Jody Merritt of Beaufort.
A little blue heron stalks a fresh water pond on Harkers Island in Carteret County looking for its next meal.
Salt: The Coast’s Great Equalizer
It’s in our our blood, part of our very being. It connects us to our watery past. Here, on the edge of the sea, life adapts to it or perishes.
Earth Day Events This Weekend
The N.C. Coastal Federation and its friends are getting a jump on Earth Day, with a variety of fun and planet-friendly events set for today and Saturday.
‘Oyster Summit’ Paying Dividends
The ‘oyster summit’ in Raleigh last month has generated much buzz about the lowly oyster and its environmental and economic benefits. The summit triggered two bills in the state legislature to strengthen the state’s oyster industry.
Sand Bags as Seawalls; Wetlands as Drylands
Bills working their way through the N.C. General Assembly would make it easier to armor the beach and would weaken buffer rules by taking the “wet” out of wetlands.
