The long-running legal battle over 289 mainland acres adjacent to Hammocks Beach State Park is over. Both parties signed an agreement Wednesday that will lead to the eventual expansion of the park.
News & Features
The House Budget and the Environment
The N.C. House released its version of the state budget, which contains a few conservation surprises.
Teaching Center and Budget Math
The N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching has made it through the N.C. Senate budget after being eliminated in Gov. Pat McCrory’s version. Next up is the N.C. House.
Budget Cuts Threaten Shellfish Monitoring
Gov. Pat McCrory’s budget proposal cuts university marine centers and closes a state office that monitors shellfish waters.
Cruise With the Federation
No need to leave the coast this summer. Travel through estuaries and explore unspoiled islands on one of the N.C. Coastal Federation’s coastal cruises near you.
Meet the Author of the Magic School Bus
This Saturday is your chance to eat ice cream with Joanna Cole and hear her read from her children’s book on the climate challenge.
Senate Budget and the Environment
Medicaid cuts and teacher raises grabbed the headlines, but the N.C. Senate’s proposed state budget contains numerous provisions that would affect environmental policy on the coast.
Deal Could Add Land to Hammocks Beach
A possible settlement in a long-standing lawsuit may be in the works that would add 289 mainland acres to the state park in Swansboro.
NOAA Lab Made Region a Research Center
In the last of two parts, we recount the colorful past of the NOAA fisheries lab near Beaufort and describe its importance in making the area a center for marine sciences.
History of a Marine Science Powerhouse
For over a century, the NOAA fisheries lab near Beaufort has been the cornerstone of marine science on the East Coast and a driver of Beaufort’s economy and culture. We’ll spend the next two days exploring its history.
Bill Would Restrict Permit Challenges
A bill being considered by the N.C. Senate would limit people’s ability to challenge air and coastal development permits and virtually eliminate state protection of certain wetlands.
“Our Coast” Magazine Hits the Streets
The N.C. Coastal Federation’s annual “Our Coast” magazine makes it easy for tourists and residents this summer to visit some special natural places where they can hike, launch a canoe or kayak, look for birds, wildflowers and seashells or learn about the region’s heritage.
Corps Alleges Illegal Ditching in Hofmann
After a three-month investigation, the Army Corps of Engineers thinks illegal ditching may have affected 6,500 acres of wetlands in Hofmann Forest.
Coal Ash, Budget Dominate Opening Day
Gov. Pat McCrory yesterday introduced a bill to clean up four coal-ash sites, including one near Wilmington, and unveiled his budget proposal on the first day of the legislative session.
Former Federation President Honored
Melvin Shepard, the former longtime president of the N.C. Coastal Federation and a former member of the Coastal Resources Commission, will receive the commission’s highest honor today.
Developer Wants to Build in Old Hazard Area
Two months after the state’s controversial decision to remove an old inlet on Sunset Beach from its inlet-hazard zone, a developer announced plans to put 23 homes there.
