Stream buffers, wetlands and other types of dedicated open space in your community can save coastal homeowners money on their federal flood insurance.
News & Features
Legislators Scrutinize DEQ Legal Fund
Legislators mulling Gov. Pat McCrory’s proposed budget want state environmental officials to explain why they need additional $5 million to cover litigation expense.
Seismic Tests Continue to Make Waves
More scientists and coastal businesses are speaking out against the threat to endangered whales from seismic testing for oil and natural gas off the N.C. coast.
Critics: Terminal Groins Don’t Stop Erosion
A terminal groin at Holden Beach would do far less than advertised, opponents said at a public forum. It would likely just benefit a handful of homes, they said, and push chronic erosion farther down the beach.
In Praise of the Humble Oyster
Oyster evangelists are spreading the word about how new aquaculture techniques, marketing ideas and investment in shellfish resources could pair economic development and environmental improvement.
Same Tune, Different Players at Holden
The newest proposal to build a terminal groin to control erosion on the east end of Holden Beach has been tried twice before. The latest version will be the subject of a public forum tonight on the island.
Boat Ramp’s Future Hinges on Park Plan
A large regional boat launch at Hammocks Beach State Park had roiled passions, but its future will be determined by a public planning process that should begin later this year.
State Park Boat Launch Plan Causes Stir
No one will say where the idea started but a planned motorboat launch at Hammocks Beach State Park has park staff and many in the community worried about the effects.
Across N.C.: Pigs Gone Wild
State veterinarians and wildlife and agriculture officials are worried that feral swine are a health risk for both livestock and humans.
Lawmakers: Beaches Need More Money
State lawmakers may move to tap a bigger share of local occupancy taxes to pay for beach renourishment projects during the legislative session that begins Monday.
Bills to Weaken Protections Are Ready
A legislative committee that is the gatekeeper for new environmental bills is ready with measures that weaken stormwater regulations and stream protections. The new session of the N.C. General Assembly starts next week.
Groups Worry Seismic Tests Will Happen
Despite the recent announcement that plans to drill for oil and natural gas off the N.C. coast will not move forward during the next five years, several firms continue to seek federal permits for seismic exploration in the Atlantic.
Land Disputes Stall Sunset Beach Projects
A developer’s plans for residential projects at both ends of Sunset Beach in Brunswick County are in limbo over questions regarding ownership of the some of the land.
After the Titan Decision: What Next?
A month after Titan scrapped its controversial plans for a massive mining and cement plant near Wilmington, opponents of the project are hopeful a countywide planning effort in the works will help avoid future conflicts between economic growth and the environment.
Another View of the Red Wolves’ Saga
Almost two dozen cameras set in the wilds surrounding the Alligator River have captured an amazing array of wildlife. Conservationists hope to use the photos as evidence that the beleaguered red wolf isn’t hurting local wildlife as some claim.
Woodpeckers and the Havelock Bypass
The proposed U.S. 70 bypass around Havelock still has environmentalists worried about the effects on endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in the Croatan National Forest.
