The state Coastal Resources Commission this week in Wilmington featured an observance and look back at the N.C. Coastal Area Management Act’s first 50 years.
Spotlight
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.
Hertford’s quiet, rural setting, rich history add to its appeal
The seat of Perquimans County incorporated in 1758 and has never had more than 2,500 residents.
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.
Reflections on 50 years of NC Coastal Area Management Act
When first considered 50 years ago, North Carolina’s Coastal Area Management Act was hotly controversial environmental legislation, and despite challenges past and present, it remains the state’s only attempt to forge a partnership for regional resource management.
Ballance to bring Ocracoke history to Core Sound’s present
“Ocracokers” author and native Alton Ballance is to talk about the isolated island’s growth from a fishing village to a tourist destination.
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.”
Ocracoke man dies on flooded Highway 12
Warren Howard Frantz died Tuesday after his vehicle hydroplaned and crashed off ocean-overwashed N.C. 12 at the north end of Ocracoke.
Bebop drummer Max Roach kept coastal NC connections
Born in Newland near Elizabeth City, the late Max Roach was a pioneer in the mid-20th century New York jazz scene, and a civil rights advocate.
DNA project links individual female loggerheads, nests
University of Georgia research scientist Brian Shamblin leads a study that uses genetic tagging of female loggerheads from southern Georgia to the North Carolina-Virginia state line.
Get to know the most popular lures, how to use them
Capt. Gordon shares his insight on popular plugs used for inshore fishing on the North Carolina coast and how to successfully fish them.
State’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint a necessary new approach
Commentary: Building flood resilience across the state saves $6 for every $1 spent before disaster strikes, and a new tool developed in collaboration with numerous stakeholders can help local leaders determine where to invest.
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.
Former DCM chief Davis takes helm at Coastal Federation
Braxton Davis, who recently stepped down as director of the state Division of Coastal Management, assumed his new role Thursday as executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Federation.
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.
