Blaze, a piping plover shown here on the beach in Waukegan, Illinois, has returned for the second consecutive year to winter at Masonboro Inlet in New Hanover County. The small, but determined piping plover was abandoned before she hatched and became among the first captive-reared chicks to be released from the University of Michigan Biological Station in 2023. Within about two months of her release into the wild, Blaze migrated south to spend the winter at Masonboro Inlet, according to Audubon North Carolina. Audubon officials spotted Blaze Aug. 15 at the inlet, returning from Waukegan, where she successfully raised three chicks. Photo courtesy of the Lake County (Illinois) Audubon Society.
News Briefs
Park projects in 3 coastal counties chosen for state grants
Of the nearly $18 million in grants being awarded through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, about $1.5 million will go to efforts in Chowan, Hyde and Brunswick counties.
Town council puts Hotel Hinton permit decision on hold
Edenton officials have tabled action on a requested permit related to SAGA Realty and Construction’s $9 million plans for the historic Hotel Hinton.
Groups petition EPA to revoke NC’s water permit authority
Advocacy groups are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to revoke the state’s authority to regulate water pollution through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program.
Full sun, fully shaded
A sea of sunshades hug the shoreline recently in Atlantic Beach on Bogue Banks. Photo: Dylan Ray
Fisheries aligns with Wildlife Resources’ flounder season
The Division of Marine Fisheries has lined up its rules with those of the Wildlife Resources Commission for recreational flounder fishing by hook-and-line in joint waters.
State outdoor recreation plan online survey closes Sept. 30
The online survey is to help the state guide its comprehensive outdoor recreation plan that must be updated every five years.
Swim warnings remain in effect for handful of coastal areas
State water quality officials have lifted most of the precautionary swimming advisories issued earlier this month when Tropical Storm Debby made its way to North Carolina.
Team to study erosion’s impact on Ocracoke transportation
This multiyear study aims to answer questions on adaptation and mitigation strategies to improve transportation reliability and management of natural barrier island processes.
Harkers Island bridge replacement earns national award
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recognized the bridge project during its annual America’s Transportation Awards contest.
BOEM seeks public input on possible wind energy areas
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management officials are asking for feedback on possible commercial wind energy development in areas off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
Jennette’s Pier makes switch to curb light pollution
The Nags Head facility’s transition to more wildlife-friendly amber lighting is less disruptive to insects, bats, birds, and, most importantly along the oceanfront, sea turtles.
Homeownership assistance program reopens to applicants
Around $2.2 million still is available to eligible first-time and first-generation homebuyers in the 16 federally designated storm-impacted eastern North Carolina counties.
Cleanup continues after beach house collapses in Rodanthe
Contractors were still working Monday to remove debris from Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches after the collapse of a multilevel home into the ocean Friday, the seventh oceanfront Rodanthe house to fall since May 2020.
Coastal commission to adjust rules to comply with new laws
The Coastal Resources Commission, when it meets Aug. 27-28 in Beaufort, is to consider changes to align existing rules with recently passed state laws, including new looser requirements for replacing or repairing damaged or destroyed docks.
Beaufort to extend dock operator’s lease, reset selection
The town commission came together Thursday on the issue of the waterfront docks that had divided it earlier this week.
