The Division of Coastal Management has opened for public comment a proposal to use no more than $50,000 to cover closing costs associated with the transfer of nearly 100 undeveloped acres at the south end of Topsail Island.
Critically endangered right whale found dead off NC coast
The carcass of a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was spotted about 25 miles offshore of Avon on Jan. 27.
Coastal attractions to close ahead of winter storm
Popular attractions including Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will remain closed through at least Monday morning.
Monthlong training exercise to take place at Bogue Field
Communities near Marine Corps bases in Jacksonville and Havelock, as well as the auxiliary landing field in Bogue on N.C. 24, should expect through February increased military vehicle traffic and noise associated with a monthlong training exercise starting Friday.
Damaged valve leads to untreated wastewater discharge
Brunswick County Public Utilities staff repaired a damaged sewer tap gate valve after it failed on Wednesday, discharging more than 30,000 gallons of untreated wastewater that reached the Little Cawcaw Swamp.
Holden Beach turtle patrol launches adopt-a-nest program
The all-volunteer turtle patrol on Holden Beach is launching an adopt-a-nest program for the upcoming nesting season.
Emancipation laws during Revolution virtual program set
The virtual lunch-and-learn program, “Bound by Law: Limits to Emancipation during the Revolution,” explores legislated restrictions on the emancipation of enslaved individuals in early North Carolina.
High schoolers can apply for June conservation workshop
Rising 10th through 12th graders who want to attend a weeklong intensive study on managing natural resources have until March 31 to get their applications in to their county’s Soil and Water Conservation District representative.
Webinar to cover invasive plant identification, management
In the February installment of the webinar series, “Landscapes that Last,” participants will get tips on how to identify and manage invasive plants.
NC Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition meeting canceled
The N.C. Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition meeting originally scheduled for Feb. 4 in Morehead City has been canceled.
State announces beach and water access program funding
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.
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.
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.
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.

















