For the first time in more than a decade, the National Park Service hopes to unclog two channels that passenger ferries and private boaters use to access Cape Lookout National Seashore, and place the material that is dredged onto the soundside beach in front of the lighthouse compound.
News & Features
Deeds filed for Atlantic Beach dunes lead to access dispute
James Anthony Bunn has notified numerous beachfront property owners in Atlantic Beach that he now owns the dunes in front of their properties and that their continued access to the beach amounts to trespassing.
Waterways panel eyes Avon, emergency ferry harbors
Now that the dredge Miss Katie has improved conditions in Hatteras Inlet’s Connector Channel, the Dare County Waterways Commission is looking ahead to long-discussed projects in Avon Harbor and the Stumpy Point emergency ferry harbor.
Officials, advocates answer questions on solar, wind power
A recent symposium at Carteret Community College explored the challenges and opportunities associated with the expansion of the renewable energy industry along the North Carolina coast.
Massachusetts turtles released on NC beach: A photo essay
Ten loggerheads that were cold-stunned off Cape Cod and treated at a Missouri aquarium were flown to North Carolina last week and released at Fort Macon State Park.
Topsail Beach holds hearing on inlet property rezoning
The request to rezone “The Point” from conservation to conditional use would allow Raleigh tech CEO Todd Olson to pursue plans to build a family compound.
Despite opposition, Dare OKs cluster home project permit
The unanimous vote in favor of the special use permit allows the 60-home project proposed for 10.5 acres in Wanchese to move forward.
Commission approves septic rule changes, flood disclosure
The state Coastal Resources Commission took separate actions last week to clarify two persistent issues: septic systems on the public beach, and residential flooding.
‘Cutting edge of coastal science’: Institute marks 10th year
The Coastal Studies Institute chose Saturday, Earth Day, to celebrate a decade on the East Carolina University Outer Banks Campus with an open house.
NC farm bill would restrict how state defines wetlands
Environmentalists say the bill would strip the state’s ability to fill in regulatory gaps to protect federally nonjurisdictional waters, including isolated wetlands.
Book chronicles Endangered Species Act’s first 50 years
Author, environmental attorney and historian Lowell E. Baier explores the context for the act, its pitfalls, successes and challenges and offers a look into the future, all with the hope of preventing more losses like the extinct Carolina parakeet.
Officials show off progress on new Fort Fisher visitor center
After more than a decade of planning and fundraising, construction is underway on the Fort Fisher State Historic Site’s new center that’s three times larger than the current building.
Education, not profit, county’s aim for composting program
New Hanover County’s composting program, now more than five years old, was never intended as a revenue stream, rather it’s way to keep food waste out of the landfill.
Residents speak out against Wanchese cluster homes
Dare County commissioners have tabled a decision on a requested special use permit that would greenlight a controversial proposed 60-unit cluster development in Wanchese.
Momentum picks up on draft Flood Resiliency Blueprint
NCDEQ staff and AECOM consulting firm began working with local and state agencies, nonprofits and others last month on creating the draft statewide Flood Resiliency Blueprint.
Judge finds court lacks authority in groups’ PFAS lawsuit
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Myers II on Friday released his decision to dismiss a lawsuit that would have forced Chemours to pay for health studies on dozens of chemical compounds manufactured at its Fayetteville plant.