An official with the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping office is aware of concerns raised about changes in proposed new flood insurance rate maps, but says their accuracy is improved.
Coastal Sketch: April Clark Strikes A Balance
April Clark of Swansboro is a business owner and environmental advocate who manages to maintain equilibrium in her efforts to protect natural resources and promote economic growth in a small coastal town.
New Flood Maps May Conflict With NC Rules
Two members of panel that advises the state Coastal Resources Commission are calling for creation of a committee to study proposed new flood insurance rate maps, which they say appear to conflict with state rules and historical flood data.
Public Weighs In on Hammocks Beach Plan
Dozens turned out for a public meeting on long-range plans for adding amenities at Hammocks Beach State Park, where opinions were divided on a proposed boat ramp and related parking area.
Guide Offers Ways to Reduce Seismic Risks
A Duke Marine Lab professor has co-written a new guide to minimizing risks to marine mammals for use by companies preparing to do seismic surveys for offshore oil and gas exploration.
Studies Link Biofuel Demand, Habitat Loss
Researchers with N.C. State and the U.S. Geological Survey say increasing demand for renewable energy, such as biomass or wood pellets as a fuel source, comes with trade-offs, including loss of wildlife habitat.
Boat Ramp Hinges on Park Plan Update
The future of a controversial regional boat ramp at Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro hinges on the outcome of the ongoing update of the park’s management plan, park officials say.
Group to Get Grant to Build Oyster Reefs
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is in the running to get about $1.3 million in federal money to build commercial oyster reefs in Pamlico Sound.
New Flood Maps Could Save You Money But…
Proposed revisions to coastal flood maps shift many properties out of the most flood-prone zones. That will result in lower flood insurance premiums, but some officials fear it could also lead to complacency.
Deadline Approaches for Permit Appeal
Groups opposed to a planned 21-lot subdivision on an undeveloped, oceanfront stretch of Sunset Beach are awaiting a decision on whether they will be allowed to appeal a recently issued state permit for the project.
‘Sad’ Little Boat Tells a Story of Courage
Four women visiting the Cape Lookout National Seashore came upon a small, rusted boat on the beach with strange yellow markings. Thus began the search for the story that the “sad” little boat surely told.
Group Gets New Keeper, New Direction
Nicole Triplett has hit the water paddling as the new riverkeeper for the White Oak-New Riverkeeper Alliance, which has remade itself with a new board of directors and a new direction.
From Unsightly Ponds to Saltwater Creek
Two weed-infested urban ponds in western Carteret County have been transformed into a saltwater creek and freshwater marsh to treat polluted stormwater runoff.
Silent Spring in Japan
Visiting environmentalists from Japan tell of a mountainous, forested country where the song of birds have been nearly stilled.
Coastal Sketch: Gene and Sue Huntsman
The longtime members of the Carteret Wildlife Club and the driving force behind two major hiking trails will receive the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.
Boat Ramp’s Future Hinges on Park Plan
A large regional boat launch at Hammocks Beach State Park had roiled passions, but its future will be determined by a public planning process that should begin later this year.
