Young cadets recently completed the inaugural North Carolina Marine Patrol Junior Academy, an immersive educational experience geared to provide a glimpse into the officers’ daily routine.
Spotlight
St. James folk bask among beauty, birds certification brings
The town of St. James in Brunswick County recently became the only coastal town to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, a relatively easy-to-get distinction through a National Wildlife Foundation program.
Judge Boyle rejects preliminary injunction in wetlands case
District Court Judge Terrence Boyle last week denied Robert White’s motion for a preliminary injunction in the Pasquotank County man’s challenge to Clean Water Act enforcement against him.
Bald Head Island Conservancy questions groin bill logic
The nonprofit’s executive director, whom the village council invited to make a presentation Friday, urged a smart decision regarding marine life and terminal groin law changes pending in Raleigh.
Carteret Commissioner Chadwick cited for Atlantic fire
A permitted debris burn three weeks ago rekindled Sunday and scorched more than 500 acres in the Down East community, resulting in a $50 fine.
Bill change adds terminal groin, limits historical site rules
Language to “rein in” the Division of Coastal Management’s authority has been removed, but a Coastal Area Management Act review could return during the next session.
No recreational flounder season likely this year; here’s why
The agency that manages inland waters is looking for public input on a proposed temporary rule to close recreational flounder season in inland waters for 2024.
Biologists, advocates push for more wildlife crossing funds
Proponents of the federal Red Wolf Recovery Program say more protected highway wildlife crossings in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge would benefit all species.
Public can weigh in on Wilmington Harbor expansion plan
The Army Corps of Engineers has kicked off a public review and comment period for its environmental study of the State Ports Authority’s controversial plan to deepen and widen Wilmington Harbor to accommodate larger ships from Asia.
Lake Mattamuskeet algaecide pilot study tied up in court
A lawsuit to stop a controversial pilot study to treat the cyanobacteria in the 40,000-acre freshwater lake has stalled both the plans and the funds.
Wildlife crossings gain visibility, financial support in state
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge officials are working with the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Transportation to build wildlife crossings at each end of the Alligator River replacement bridge between Tyrrell and Dare counties, and more could be built.
Bald Head Island seeks to change hardened shorelines law
The first North Carolina beach to build a terminal groin after state lawmakers lifted a 30-year ban on erosion-control structures like those is asking legislators to allow more.
State commissions adopt fisheries catch-reporting rules
The Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources Commission in separate meetings Thursday approved rules that take effect Dec. 1 and that critics call unenforceable government overreach.
Hurricane season begins; officials advise detailed planning
While forecasters see a “very high chance of a very active hurricane season,” the main point to remember is that preparation is key because it only takes one storm to disrupt lives.
Jigs: Knowing these ubiquitous lures equals fishing success
No matter the variety — and there could be any number of choices — jigs are nearly universally guaranteed to improve an angler’s odds.
Tree rings show summer 2023 was hottest in 2 millennia
After last year’s record-breaking temperatures, forecasts for this summer indicate another scorcher ahead, just as researchers find more troubling climate data and elected officials point to relief efforts.
