Biologists, extension agents and foresters here on the North Carolina coast say National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Feb. 26-March 3, is an important time to learn how to limit the spread.
News & Features
Administration unveils $3B plan for cleaner air near ports
EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced the new federal program’s launch Wednesday at the N.C. Port of Wilmington.
Officials see a future for historic Mattamuskeet Lodge
An estimated $14.4 million renovation is planned for the deteriorating former pumphouse, which was part of a failed project in the early 1900s to drain the lake for agriculture and a county landmark.
Diesel odor returns to Buxton beach; source still unknown
A Defense Department project purportedly cleaned up petroleum and debris from a former Naval base site on a Hatteras Island beach, and while the source of recurring fumes and sheens on the water remains a mystery, erosion has revealed a messy past.
Southport advances plan to sell habitat-rich acreage to state
Wildlife Resources Commission is closer to purchasing more than 400 acres from Southport for conservation after a majority of Brunswick County town’s aldermen said they intended to sell the land to the state in a majority vote.
A million new acres: Cooper sets lofty conservation goals
Environmental advocates are calling the governor’s latest executive order to conserve and restore forests and wetlands and plant 1 million trees in urban areas “ambitious and important.”
An era ends: Wanchese seafood operation to close in March
The parent company of Wanchese Fish Co., an Outer Banks small business launched 88 years ago and with an outsized presence in the seafood industry, has confirmed the fish operation will be shuttered March 29.
Extensive study aims to help state better manage fisheries
Researchers from multiple universities are working under the North Carolina Collaboratory umbrella to develop recommendations to improve state management of species like oysters.
Interior Secretary Haaland’s stop means more than $1.4M
Deb Haaland was warmly welcomed when she arrived at the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Thursday to announce federal infrastructure funding in a region where folks often feel lost in the shuffle.
Dredge firm to begin $6.9M project in Cape Lookout waters
Louisiana-based Next Generation Logistics is contracted to open channels to the national seashore with suitable material to be used for beach nourishment to protect Cape Lookout Lighthouse and nearby historic structures.
Opponents say Pender shellfish leases will crowd waters
Speakers at the public hearing said they support Topsail Island-area shellfish farming, but more leases will infringe upon popular fishing spots, impede boat and kayak access, and the floating equipment used will detract from the view from waterfront properties.
Hyde County agency’s future home may be key to saving it
A new idea to house Hyde County’s Cooperative Extension agency within the Mattamuskeet Lodge could be the only sustainable way to restore, reopen and preserve the historic structure in the national wildlife refuge.
Surveys to guide moves to save cultural sites on state lands
Rising sea levels are increasing erosion along the North Carolina coast, threatening to destroy forever important cultural artifacts on state lands, but archaeologists are working on a plan to protect the sites.
Amid losses, wood pellet company Enviva at risk of default
The company with a significant economic and environmental footprint in North Carolina is facing “substantial doubt” about its ability to stay in business.
Officials testify before legislative panel on flood blueprint
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser was called before a hurricane response committee this week to explain the agency’s progress and use of state funding on a flood resilience tool for decision-makers and the public.
Exposure study evolves to measure PFAS’ long-term effects
Researcher Jane Hoppin, who is leading a study of North Carolina residents exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in their drinking water, says the ongoing work will help in understanding how these compounds affect human health over time.
