Longtime commercial fishermen see little threat from offshore oil drilling and say they expect improved fishing as a result rather than detrimental effects.
Necessary Risk or Needless Threat?
From Corolla to New Bern, opinions on drilling off the coast are rooted in residents’ work experiences and attitudes toward government and the environment.
Banks Communities: Staking a Position
Many communities on the N.C. Outer Banks have officially stated opposition to drilling, but some barrier-island communities have yet to take a position.
Inaugural Festival to Celebrate Black Bears
The only bear species on the East Coast, black bears are found on about 60 percent of total land in North Carolina. The N.C. Black Bear Festival, the first of its kind in the state, will be held Saturday at Plymouth.
How Can Oregon Inlet Be Fixed?
More intense dredging may be one answer. The state is also considering a more novel approach: Acquiring the federal land on either side of the inlet to build jetties to hold the channel in place.
Take a Ride Through Oregon Inlet
We take you on a boat ride through the recently dredged Oregon Inlet for a sense of why many think this is the most treacherous inlet on the East Coast.
The Scotch Bonnet’s 50th Anniversary
North Carolina was the first state to declare an official state shell 50 years ago this year. The elusive Scotch bonnet is, however, a rare find for beachcombers.
Outer Banks Residents Say ‘No’ to Drilling
About 670 people showed up in Kill Devil Hills Monday for a federal public meeting on offshore oil and gas drilling. That’s more people than have ever attended one of these meetings. Their message was loud and clear.
The Bear Lady: Her Life and Mysterious Death
They called Kay Grayson the “Bear Lady” because of her passion for feeding and protecting bears near her home in Tyrrell County. While it appears a bear may have dragged the remains of her body into the woods, the cause of her death remains unknown.
U.S. 64 Project Leaves Aging Bridge Hanging
Plans for widening the eastern end of U.S. 64 are now on hold. That’s fine with most locals, but many think the old swing bridge over Alligator River is overdue for a replacement.
No Huffing and Puffing Over Wind
The feds had a meeting in Kitty Hawk about offshore wind energy. There were no protests or demonstrations, no talk of spills and sullied beaches.
Crab Pot Project Is a Success
The N.C. Coastal Federation’s pilot program wrapped up, clearing hundreds of derelict crab pots from waterways between Ocracoke Island and the Virginia line
Coastal Sketch: Paul Sykes
You may not know the name, but the guy’s a rock star in the world of birds. No one — probably on the planet — has done more Christmas Bird Counts. 475 and, yes, counting. The 77-year-old will add another to the tally this month when he leads a count on the Outer Banks.
Energy From Tides, Waves and Sea
Experts say that North Carolina is well positioned to be a leader in the production of energy from the marine environment.
Part of Pelican Rookery Protected From Erosion
Beacon Island in Pamlico Sound is one of nine known pelican rookeries in the state. Reefs made from oyster shells now protect one of its shorelines. And more work is planned.
Texas Tea in the Dunes of Carolina
That’s what the residents of the Outer Banks thought they had when the oilmen came calling after World War II. Some thought their fortunes were just a gusher away.