Gypsy moths have been found in new locations along the Outer Banks, with the state planning to treat the affected areas in late spring 2022.
News Briefs
Onslow shellfish lease proposals hearing Jan. 27
A public hearing is set for Jan. 27 on eight proposed shellfish leases in Onslow County waters.
State seeks comment on water infrastructure spending plan
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is accepting comments on a proposed plan to fund drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
Coastal county, 2 towns selected for revitalization grants
Craven County, Windsor and Edenton have been selected for grants to help improve housing and infrastructure for low- to moderate-income residents.
Brunswick expands oyster shell recycling program
Brunswick County now offers five locations for residents, businesses and restaurants to drop-off oyster shells to be used in restoration projects.
Judge rules in favor of NC on mid-Currituck bridge lawsuit
A federal judge has ruled in favor of NCDOT and Federal Highway Administration over a lawsuit filed by conservation groups and a local organization opposed to the proposed mid-Currituck bridge.
Hatteras Inlet’s South Ferry Channel dredging successful
Dare County Waterways Commission members have heard from fishermen and boat captains that the recent dredging of Hatteras Inlet’s South Ferry Channel improved navigation.
DMF seeks comment on draft southern flounder plan
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting public comment until Jan. 14 on Draft Amendment 3 to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan.
Cape Lookout is now a certified International Dark Sky Park
Cape Lookout National Seashore in Carteret County is the first Atlantic coastal Dark Sky Place in the National Park Service to receive the certification from the International Dark Sky Association.
Work begins to restore historic African American church
Restoration work on Reaves Chapel, one of the Cape Fear region’s culturally and historically significant African American structures, has begun.
Carteret to hold hearing, may vote on land-use plan update
A public hearing and possible vote on Carteret County’s Coastal Area Management Act land-use plan is set for 6 p.m. Monday in Beaufort.
Christmas bird counts set for Ocracoke, Portsmouth
Christmas Bird Counts will be held on Portsmouth Dec. 30 and Ocracoke Dec. 31 and will be entered into the NC Bird Atlas, in its first of a five-year project to gather information about the state’s bird populations.
Four ferry routes to run on reduced schedules Dec. 24-25
Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach, Hatteras-Ocracoke, Southport-Fort Fisher and Currituck-Knotts Island ferry routes will be on a reduced schedule Dec. 24-25.
NC public safety secretary now FEMA deputy administrator
Erik Hooks, North Carolina’s previous secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security adviser, has been sworn in as FEMA’s new deputy administrator.
State reminds public of blue crab harvest closures
Annual blue crab harvest closures will take place early next year in North Carolina waters to help end overfishing.
NC, Ohio to celebrate 118th anniversary of first flight
Nonprofits in North Carolina and Ohio that celebrate aviation history are joining together to celebrate Friday the 118th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight.
