The Rules Review Commission could ultimately alter key rules for enforcing environmental policy. Learn who the members are, what their power is and which constitutional question they’re sparking.
News & Features
CRC Won’t Fill Science Panel Vacancies Yet
Uncertain of what an updated sea-level rise report would accomplish, two members of the N.C. Coastal Resource Commission’s Science Panel resigned this year. The chairman won’t fill any positions until the release of that report in 2015.
10 N.C. Birds Threatened by Climate Change
A warming climate is likely to have these 10 birds leaving North Carolina in search of cooler, more hospitable climate, but there are ways you can help.
Exodus: Movement of N.C. Birds?
Scientists predict that more than half of U.S. birds may be threatened by climate change, including ospreys, wild turkeys and brown pelicans.
An Optimistic Outlook for Oyster Season
Oyster harvest season opened in North Carolina this week, and officials think it will be a good one for several reasons.
Hofmann Forest Case Goes to Supreme Court
The N.C. Supreme Court will hear the long-running and controversial Hofmann Forest case, bypassing the state Court of Appeals.
An Invasion of Tentacles
An unusual number of Portuguese man-of-war, pushed along by onshore winds, have beached along the Outer Banks, causing officials to warn about nasty stings.
Old Hatteras Oil Well Draws State’s Attention
Core samples from a decades old oil test well near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that was abandoned as a dry hole in 1946 will get another look as part of the state’s effort to expand oil and gas exploration.
Coastal Energy Summit Draws Skepticism
Later week in Wilmington, the governor and industry pros will discuss North Carolina’s coastal energy initiatives. Some film-industry backers are wary of what will take center stage at the summit, including the city’s mayor.
New Deal But an Old Court Fight
A court ruling that could block the sale of the Hofmann Forest in Jones and Onslow counties could come any day now. Meanwhile, N.C. State announced a new deal with new prospective owners.
Pelican Award: Burrows Smith
He told his engineers to trash their plans once he learned how he could help the environment and save money. Find out why the N.C. Coastal Federation gave this developer a Pelican Award.
Bulldozers and Turtles? Oh My
Soon the public will have a chance to comment on a series of proposals aimed to change the way inlets are managed, such as extending the time “window” for dredging and beach re-nourishment into turtle and bird nesting seasons.
Deal Would Allow Bonner Bridge Replacement
The state and environmental groups are working toward a compromise that would allow work to begin on the stalled replacement for the aging Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet in Dare County.
What Will a Groin Do to Rare Birds at Rich Inlet?
That’s the million-dollar question. Though the federal review of the possible environmental effects of the proposed terminal groin on Figure Eight Island is nearing completion, federal agencies charged with protecting birds haven’t yet started assessing what the groin might do to troubled bird species.
From Eyesore to Functioning Wetlands
The designs are completed and the easements surveyed. The N.C. Coastal Federation will soon start restoring two ponds in Cape Carteret to aid an ailing creek.
Pelican Award: Trinity Center and Sound to Sea
They went above and beyond for the coast and for their students. Find out why this worship center and its educators received a Pelican Award from the N.C. Coastal Federation.
