The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bowing to opposition from property owners in northeastern North Carolina, proposed Wednesday a new rule that would remove the prohibition on killing red wolves on non-federal lands.
News & Features
Rising Seas Threaten $4 Billion in NC Property
Sea level rise will put about $4 billion of coastal N.C. property value at risk of chronic flooding by 2045, says a recent report, but northeastern counties are among those facing problems already.
Board Denies Freeman Park Owners’ Appeal
The Carolina Beach Board of Adjustment this week denied an appeal by Freeman Park property owners to dismiss violations for erecting a post and rope barrier in the public right of way.
Currituck County OKs Grandy Solar Farm
Currituck County commissioners voted Monday, following court-ordered instructions, to approve a permit for Ecoplexus Inc. to turn the site of the old Goose Creek Golf Course into a solar farm.
Coastal Changes OK’d In Whirlwind Session
A controversial shellfish aquaculture bill appeared stalled at the week’s end, but the N.C. General Assembly has already approved dozens of coastal provisions in their rush to wrap up the session by the end of the month.
Hog Farm Lawsuit Protections Pass
North Carolina legislators have approved the NC Farm Act of 2018, which includes provisions to restrict farm nuisance lawsuits.
Budget Plan Funds Dredge, GenX Studies
Among other coastal provisions, Republicans’ state budget proposal released Monday commits $15 million for a dredge for Oregon Inlet and $5 million to the N.C. Policy Collaboratory for GenX research.
Ocracoke Express Ferry Expected This Fall
The Ocracoke Express Ferry is expected to be delivered later this fall, when the ferry will undergo sea trials, and be ready for operation in spring 2019.
Budget Process Underway, Draws Criticism
The process for this year’s state budget, which includes key items for the coast such as beach renourishment and a private-public partnership to purchase a dredge for Oregon Inlet, is facing criticism.
Dare County’s Beach Restoration Recognized
Dare County has been recognized by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association for having one of the country’s best restored beaches.
Oyster Restoration Partners Detail Progress
Groups and agencies that have joined in a public-private partnership to restore and expand oyster habitat in North Carolina hosted Monday a behind-the-scenes tour in Morehead City.
New GenX Bills Prompt Enforcement Worries
GenX-related bills filed late last week in the N.C. General Assembly quickly drew criticism from environmental groups and a former regulator that they could create unintended consequences in the enforcement of existing pollution laws.
Shad in the Classroom Boosts Recovery Effort
Students across the state are raising and releasing American shad as part of the Shad in the Classroom program, giving them a chance to learn about and participate in the recovery work of the American shad.
Marine Debris Program Inspires Students
Carteret County fourth- and fifth-graders learned about marine debris during the interdisciplinary Duke University Marine Lab Community Science program, including Tiller School students who shared last week their research and art.
River Advocates Celebrate Dam Removal
The removal of a longstanding dam on the Neuse River in Raleigh is already having positive effects, advocates say, and a celebration set for Saturday offers a chance to see the changes firsthand.
Gator Sparks Interest As State OKs Hunting
A big alligator in a neighborhood canal in Kitty Hawk last week prompted headlines and concern but the state’s new management strategy of “population reduction hunts” has yet to see any permit seekers.
