A lone cypress stands apart from those closer to the shoreline at the old mill pond in Carteret County that was originally part of a tract owned by Welshman Robert Williams, who settled in Carteret County in 1763. Williams created the mill pond by having a dam built on Black Creek. A gristmill and a sawmill operated at each end of the dam, which is now below a bridge span on Mill Creek Road. Williams was also one of two county landowners whom historians say received money to build salt works in the county to assist in the Revolution. Photo: Dylan Ray
News Briefs
Commission to consider changes to some fisheries rules
At its meeting mid-March in Kitty Hawk, N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will consider next steps in the process to approve amendments for southern flounder, eastern oysters, hard clams and spotted seatrout management plans.
Comment period on migratory bird hunting season to end
The public has until 5 p.m. March 2 to comment on the state’s 2025-26 migratory game bird hunting season.
Old-Growth Forest Network adds Bald Head Island Reserve
A nearly 200-acre forest of large, old live oak trees on Bald Head Island has been added to the national Old-Growth Forest Network.
Committee calls special meeting on industry dischargers
Updated Feb. 25: The Environmental Management Commission’s water quality committee special meeting scheduled for Feb. 25 has been canceled, NCDEQ officials announced Tuesday morning.
Renewable energy groups seek to gather input on projects
The Southeastern Wind Coalition and North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, which are part of the Carolinas Renewable Energy Development Assistance and Siting Hub, or DASH, rescheduled its Feb. 20 meeting in Bolivia for April 3.
Public hearing slated for proposed Carteret shellfish leases
A public hearing will be held in Morehead City and via the web on several proposed bottom and water column shellfish leases in Carteret County waters.
Lace up for the April 5 Core Sound Run on Harkers Island
The annual 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run usually bring together more than 400 participants of all ages and speeds.
Water quality officials monitor weekend hog waste spill
State Division of Water Resources officials say more than 80,000 gallons of hog waste spilled into tributaries of the Northeast Cape Fear River over the weekend.
Process to restore Jockey’s Ridge protections continues
The Coastal Resources Commission, when it meets Feb. 26-27 in New Bern, is expected to consider setting a public hearing on proposed permanent rules to redesignate Jockey’s Ridge as a protected area of environmental concern.
Carbon-removal project in Duck topic of next science talk
Dr. Jaclyn Cetiner is to present “Preliminary Results from a Carbon Removal Field Trial in Duck, NC” has been rescheduled from 6 p.m. Thursday to Feb. 27 and will still take place at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus in Wanchese.
WWII all-Black women’s unit focus of Feb. 20 program
The legacy of the all-Black World War II Women’s Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, will be highlighted during a Feb. 20 New Hanover County Black History Month recognition program.
Proposed Wilmington harbor project draft study due in fall
Officials with the Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District expect to release a draft environmental impact study of a proposal to deepen the Wilmington harbor to make way for larger container ships.
Work in motion to expand artificial reef in lower Cape Fear
Work began this week to add 4 acres to an existing oyster and recreational fishing reef in the lower Cape Fear River near the banks of Carolina Beach State Park.
Late civil rights attorney James Walker Jr. to be honored
A North Carolina Highway Historical Marker is to be erected in recognition of civil rights attorney, the late James Walker Jr., in his hometown of Ahoskie.
State seeks feedback on proposed conservation access pass
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing to implement a pass program for non-licensed hunters, fishers and trappers to access state game lands, boating accesses and shooting ranges.
