The 5-4 decision means that the definition, “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, applies only to wetlands that have “continuous surface connection.”
News Briefs
Groups urge action on health risks from exposed septic
The Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, has sent letters to the National Park Service and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services urging them to address threats to public health, welfare, and safety associated with collapsing houses and abandoned septic tanks in Rodanthe.
Reserve advisory committee applications due June 30
Community members are needed for each of the Coastal Reserve’s 10 sites: Bird Island Reserve, Bald Head Woods Reserve, Zeke’s Island Reserve, Masonboro Island Reserve, Permuda Island Reserve, Rachel Carson Reserve, Buxton Woods Reserve, Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve, Currituck Banks Reserve, and Emily and Preyer Buckridge Reserve.
Museum of the Albemarle to host program on pollinators
The Museum of the Albemarle’s History for Lunch program at noon June 21 will focus on bees and other pollinators.
Coastal Habitat Protection Plan committee to hold update
Committee members are to hear updates on the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment recommendations and presentations on the Marine Debris Action Plan and the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative.
Aquarium at Fort Fisher to ‘shellabrate’ World Turtle Day
Visitors to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher can win a prize as part of the aquarium’s “shellabration” of World Turtle Day Tuesday.
Ocracoke celebrates light station’s 200th anniversary
More than 500 gathered at the base of Ocracoke Lighthouse Thursday for the 200th birthday celebration of Ocracoke Light Station.
NCDEQ launches online planning guide for coastal counties
“Comprehensive Land Use Planning in Coastal North Carolina — Guidance for Local Governments,” is available on the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Division of Coastal Management website.
NCDOT eases concerns about Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry
Passenger ferry service is to expected to begin Tuesday as well as an expanded vehicle ferry schedule between Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Celebrate pollinators Saturday during World Bee Day
“World Bee Day 2023 calls for global action to support pollinator-friendly agricultural production and highlights the importance of protecting bees and other pollinators, particularly through evidence-based agricultural production practices,” U.N. officials said.
Regional plan aims to protect salt marsh as sea levels rise
The South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative unveiled Wednesday includes measures to conserve natural land near marshes so the tidal wetlands can move inland as sea levels rise.
State has $47M for hurricane-impacted residents
This is the third phase of the Affordable Housing Development Fund program, and the money is for financing multifamily or single-family housing rehabilitation and new construction outside the 100-year floodplain.
Ocracoke museum to boost collections care
The Ocracoke Preservation Society is one of 44 institutions selected by the Collections Assessment for Preservation program to assess and improve collections care.
State to offer Flood Resiliency Blueprint input sessions
NCDEQ will hold public sessions in New Bern, Lumberton and Wilmington to gather feedback on the statewide initiative to address riverine flooding.
Cape Fear River Watch to host ‘State of the River’ forum
“The State of the River Forum offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts, and to network and brainstorm with people who understand the issues first-hand, and those who can get things done to effect positive change,” organizers said.
Commission to vote on rule change to help protect shellfish
During the meeting May 24-26 in Beaufort, N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission members are scheduled to vote on a rule change to help protect shellfish and amendments to striped mullet and spotted seatrout management plans.
