The ‘oyster summit’ in Raleigh last month has generated much buzz about the lowly oyster and its environmental and economic benefits. The summit triggered two bills in the state legislature to strengthen the state’s oyster industry.
News & Features
Sand Bags as Seawalls; Wetlands as Drylands
Bills working their way through the N.C. General Assembly would make it easier to armor the beach and would weaken buffer rules by taking the “wet” out of wetlands.
County Backs Away From Mad Inlet
Brunswick County commissioners have reversed an offer to let a proposed development in Sunset Beach tap into the county’s public utilities.
What’s This Seismic Survey Stuff?
A crowd of eager and curious people turned out in Wilmington this week to learn about what offshore seismic testing is about and what its effects on the environment could be.
Council of State OKs Park Money
After more than eight years of legal wrangling and negotiation, the state is ready to acquire almost 300 acres to add to Hammocks Beach State Park.
Q&A: The Skinny on Seismic Surveys
We offer a primer on what will take center stage this month in the debate over offshore drilling. Public meetings are planned in April along the N.C. coast about using sound waves to determine if oil or natural exists below the sear.
N. Topsail Rocks May Threaten Sea Turtles
Rocks buried beneath sand being pumped onto the southern end of this town’s beach have created an unsuitable habitat for nesting sea turtles, according to the federal agency responsible for protecting endangered species.
Controlling Runoff Is the Fix for Creek
Even if it were possible, dredging may not be the ultimate solution for an ailing creek in Swansboro. Any real fix includes finally getting control of the poisoned runoff that has assaulted Hawkins Creek for decades.
The Sad Story of Hawkins Creek
Hawkins Creek in Swansboro was once thriving with fish and was a good place for a cool summer swim. Now, there’s hardly enough water to wet your feet, and the water’s often nasty. We take a two-part look at Hawkins.
Outer Banks Residents Say ‘No’ to Drilling
About 670 people showed up in Kill Devil Hills Monday for a federal public meeting on offshore oil and gas drilling. That’s more people than have ever attended one of these meetings. Their message was loud and clear.
Eureka! New Plan May Save Hofmann Forest
Three months after a deal fell through to sell the Hofmann Forest, N.C. State University outlined a new plan yesterday that will allow the university to keep much of the 79,000-acre forest and conserve great portions of it.
Pumping Project Dumps Tons of Rocks at N. Topsail
A beach re-nourishment project at North Topsail Beach has covered the beach with tons of rocks. Though that’s against the law, state regulators have given the town a pass as long as tries to remove the rocks.
McCrory Budget and the Environment
The proposed budget that Gov. Pat McCrory released last week cuts money to a grant program that protects water quality and sensitive land and continues the whittling of the state’s major environmental agency.
Report: Fixing the Coast Good for Economy
The benefits of restoring North Carolina’s coastline extend beyond the state’s environment, infusing millions of dollars into local economies, according to a new report.
N.C. Coastal Federation Wins Award
A chapter of the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to fisheries will present one of its annual awards to this environmental nonprofit group for its work restoring marine habitats.
Council of State Delays OK of Park Deal
Final approval of the state funds to begin the acquisition of about 290 acres for an addition to Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro was mysteriously pulled from the N.C. Council of State agenda yesterday.
