A case set to go before the North Carolina Supreme Court challenges what is known as the state’s public trust doctrine and the people’s right to access the beach.
News & Features
Studies Link Biofuel Demand, Habitat Loss
Researchers with N.C. State and the U.S. Geological Survey say increasing demand for renewable energy, such as biomass or wood pellets as a fuel source, comes with trade-offs, including loss of wildlife habitat.
Figure Eight Set to Vote on Terminal Groin
Property owners on Figure Eight Island will soon receive ballots for a vote on whether to proceed with construction of a terminal groin here. Meanwhile, a letter from nearly 50 owners opposed to the project will also arrive in their mailboxes.
Plans Presented for Offshore Wind Auction
Federal officials this week outlined the steps in the process for a proposed lease of offshore sites for wind energy off Kitty Hawk during a public information meeting in Nags Head.
Lowly Oysters Set to Take Center Stage
Using federal money, an environmental group and a state agency have formed a partnership that could bring the oyster back to its once lofty peak.
Feds to Scale Back Red Wolf Recovery Area
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced coming changes in the way it manages its red wolf recovery program in northeastern North Carolina, scaling back the area where wolves roam wild.
Boat Ramp Hinges on Park Plan Update
The future of a controversial regional boat ramp at Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro hinges on the outcome of the ongoing update of the park’s management plan, park officials say.
Groups: Ocean Isle’s Groin Application Flawed
The N.C. Coastal Federation and the Southern Environmental Law Center say Ocean Isle Beach’s permit application for a terminal groin doesn’t meet state, federal environmental requirements.
Questions Raised as Farmers Turn to Solar
As more farmers lease their lands to solar in North Carolina, more communities and state officials raise questions over the potential effects.
Sunset Beach Studying Plan to Dredge Canals
Officials in Sunset Beach have hired a firm to review the environmental effects of dredging creeks and man-made canals here, but some say going deeper for bigger boats is a bad idea.
Coastal Federation Opens New Office
The North Carolina Coastal Federation will be officially opening the doors to its new Wanchese office this week.
Hurricane Fran: A Storm to Remember
As we all nervously track a storm heading our way on this holiday weekend, CRO takes a look back at one of the worst hurricanes to hit the coast 20 years ago Monday.
Lawmakers Tour New River Inlet
Members of a state House committee took a boat ride through New River Inlet to get firsthand look at shoaling and the erosion at North Topsail Beach. They heard about dredging, terminal groins and even jetties as possible solutions.
UNC Center Names Interim Director
UNC chose an interim director for its new environmental policy center amid heightened concerns both on and off campus about the potential for political interference in the center’s work.
Turning the Ocean off Buxton Into Salt
A new business on Hatteras Island uses recycled material and the sun to turn Atlantic sea water into a specialty salt.
Groups Want Industry to Get More Scrutiny
Environmental groups and residents have proposed changes for New Hanover County’s special-use zoning permit process that would provide the public more detail on the potential effects of industrial development.
