Stan Riggs seems to be on a mission these days. His goal is ambitious: To save our beautiful coast – its inlets and marshes and barrier islands – and in the process to save our coastal economy. To do that, though, he has to persuade us to change our ways.
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Unusual Coalition Promotes Better Runoff Controls
The Wilmington Home Builders Association and the federation have joined to promote low-impact development methods.
N.C. 12: Uncertain Future in Era of Rising Seas
Two severe cuts in N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island inflicted by Hurricane Irene were the most recent illustrations of the road’s vulnerability to erosion and storm damage, renewing questions about the futility of fixing such a vulnerable highway, especially in an era of a rapidly rising sea.
Getting Sued for Speaking Out Against Titan
Kayne Darrell and Dr. David Hill believed that they were armed with solid research when they spoke at public meeting against Titan America. The company sued them for slander. Here, they talk here about what it’s like getting sued for speaking your mind.
Mine Discharge Could Affect Blounts Creek
Martin Marietta Materials wants to pump about 9 million gallons of water a day from a proposed limestone quarry in Beaufort County into a creek that feeds the Pamlico River.
The Fatal Flaw of Cost-Benefit Studies
These studies fail to adequately reflect the inherent risks of protecting buildings along the volatile oceanfront.
A Wildlife Spectacle at Pungo Lake
Many coastal residents are unaware that a great wildlife spectacle occurs each winter just a day trip away at the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
Federal Cuts Threaten Beach-Testing Program
North Carolina would likely have to cut by more than half the number of coastal swimming beaches that it routinely tests for contamination if the EPA follows through with a plan to eliminate federal grants for the monitoring.
Coastal Sketch: Harry Brown, the N.C. Senate’s ‘Fixer’
State Sen. Harry Brown of Jacksonville is the majority leader and the coast’s highest-ranking legislative leader. A well-known car dealer, Brown talks about juggling his business life with a hectic schedule in Raleigh and his ability as a “fixer.”
State Grapples With Unknowns of Groin Permits
The N.C. Division of Coastal Management is grappling with many unknowns as it works with applicants to implement a new state law that allows as many as four small jetties, called terminal groins, to be built at inlets along the beach.
Birders Flock to Coast for Winter Migration
Locals spending a sunny Saturday on the Brunswick County beaches may have wondered what the fuss was about when they saw clusters of excited people, huddled together, pointing and gazing out to sea. Bird lovers had flocked to the coast to view the winter migration.
Wind Energy Could Benefit Morehead City
This port town in Carteret County is uniquely situated near prime offshore sites to take advantage of any wind-energy boom off the N.C. coast.
Coastal Sketch: Marc Basnight Rises to Power
Marc Basnight of Manteo rose to unprecedented political power as the president of the N.C. Senate for 18 years. In this, the second of two parts, Basnight, who retired last year, talks about his legislative legacy and about having Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Coastal Sketch: Marc Basnight, the Squire of Manteo
Marc Basnight was the most powerful politician in the state before his retirement last year from the N.C. Senate. He championed many measures to protect coastal resources. Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Basnight talks about his career in the first of a two-part series. It’s the only interview he’s granted since his retirement.
Sam’s Field Notes: Sea Star
Many stuffy marine biologists would scoff at the term “starfish” because these animals aren’t fish. But, by any name, they are awesomely cool.
Sam’s Field Notes: Kingfisher
As the setting sun lowered a crimson veil over the horizon, I took a late afternoon stroll down to a favorite marsh overlook and was greeted by a loud, clear rattling call that sliced through the calmness of the approaching evening. A disturbed Kingfisher stared at me with obvious irritation, its magnificent crest feathers stood erect, resembling a Mohawk hair style spiked up with gel.
