Local governments within North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties may apply by April 24 for funding to help improve public access to coastal beaches and waterways.
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Fort Raleigh closer to installing shoreline erosion protection
Both the National Park Service and state have comment periods open on an erosional control measure along the shoreline of the national historic site on Roanoke Island.
UNCW Blue Economy Index posts increase over November
The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Blue Economy Index ended 2025 on an upswing and outperformed its major global benchmarks.
Science panel to begin hard structures on coastlines report
The Coastal Resources Commission’s science panel will meet Thursday to begin planning a report on the effects of hardened structures on coastlines.
Controlled burn planned for Wilmington park
Between now and early March, the North Carolina Forest Service will conduct a controlled burn of a portion of Halyburton Park in Wilmington as part of an ongoing project to restore longleaf pine habitat.
Thriving oyster colonies on living shorelines boost protection
While it’s not exactly “build it and they will come,” nature-based shoreline erosion-control structures such as living shorelines offer increased protection when they successfully attract and grow oysters.
Pony Patrol applications open through February
Online applications are now being accepted for the Pony Patrol, a volunteer program that helps raise awareness and protect wild horses on the Rachel Carson Reserve and Shackleford Banks.
Former Sea Grant Director BJ Copeland leaves coastal legacy
Dr. B.J. Copeland, 89, who died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, influenced coastal science and management in the state for decades.
Millions marked for port, short-line freight rail upgrades
North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division officials have announced $16.3 million for freight rail infrastructure improvements that include coastal lines and state port facilities.
Division OKs Corps’ request to pause state consistency review
The N.C. Division of Coastal Management has granted a request by the Corps of Engineers to indefinitely pause the division’s review of whether the proposed project conforms with state coastal management program laws, regulations and policies.
Brunswick County buys land for future raw water reservoir
Brunswick County commissioners on Wednesday morning unanimously approved a more than $8.7 million deal to buy land to be used as a future raw water reservoir.
NC awards $1.5M for water management, recreation projects
Morehead City and Windsor have been awarded $200,000 each from the state for stream restoration, water-based recreation and water management projects.
Historic Bath group urges seller to preserve significant tract
The Historic Bath Foundation says the 1,768-acre tract known as Archbell Point near Bath contains remnants of Native American and early colonial inhabitants.
Raising awareness of Outer Banks history on Eastern Shore
Joan Collins shares how she is thrilled to have been invited by The Water’s Edge museum in Oxford, Maryland, to talk next month about her family’s deep ties to Roanoke Island and the U.S. Life-Saving Service.
Coastal Federation gets funds to remove 12 abandoned vessels
BoatUS Foundation has awarded the North Carolina Coastal Federation funding to remove a dozen abandoned and derelict vessels in Hyde, Carteret, Onslow and New Hanover counties.
Apply now to join Holden Beach turtle watch program
The Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program is accepting applications for volunteers for the 2026 sea turtle nesting season.
