The N.C. Maritime Museums System is beginning its April programs with a ribbon-cutting for a new exhibit on the commercial fishing history of the Cape Fear area.
Carteret County
Nature’s prescription
Smoke rises in the pines Monday in a section of the Croatan National Forest after a prescribed burn of 561 acres in the area of Nine-Foot Road and Millis Swamp Road near Newport. The U.S. Forest Service also prescribed a burn of 499 acres off U.S. Highway 70, Hibbs Road and Shaver Road, near Newport. This controlled application of fire is to diminish fuel for wildfires and restore natural ecosystems. Note posted signs and watch for firefighters and personnel in the area. Helicopters assist during the burns, so drone use is prohibited. Photo: Dylan Ray
View from above the fog
A late winter fog blankets Beaufort’s historic downtown in this recent aerial view. The Gallants Channel Bridge is visible at the upper left, Pivers Island and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Beaufort Laboratory docks, lower left. Photo: Dylan Ray
Most coastal state parks report visitor growth in 2023
North Carolina State Parks recently announced that attendance grew by 4% statewide last year, with most of the nine sites on the coast contributing to that growth.
Lookout dredging project underway after years of planning
Contractors have told Carteret County officials that work to address shoaling in the channel has begun, but weather has hampered progress.
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.
Living Shoreline Academy to offer intro, design courses
A course on the basics of living shorelines is being offered in March, and a course on designing the shoreline protection in April through Carteret Community College.
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.
Atlantic Beach OKs tougher rules to prevent dune damage
The Carteret County town this week approved an ordinance strengthening frontal dune protections.
Volunteers can learn to protect wild horses, inform public
Volunteers are needed for a program called Pony Patrol to help to boost community awareness, protect wild horses, and increase visitor compliance regarding wild horse rules and guidelines at Shackleford Banks and Rachel Carson Reserve.
Insurance Commissioner Causey, specialists visit Down East
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and insurance industry officials joined an all-day community roundtable on Harkers Island Wednesday, encouraging coastal residents to be their own advocates.
Sleepy harbor
Fishing trawlers are protected from recent strong winds in a boatyard on the Sleepy Point peninsula between Gloucester and Marshallberg in Down East Carteret County. Photo: Dylan Ray
Coastal native plant talk to show the role of resilient species
N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Amy Mead will present “Life on the Coast is Easy? How Native Plants are Built for Life Near the Beach” Feb. 7 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.
Three-hundred-year-old Beaufort faces existential threat
Guest commentary: Duke University senior Holden Buchanan examines Beaufort’s duality as a coastal science hub and example of climate vulnerability.
Public hearing set for Carteret shellfish lease applications
The hearing will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the division’s office in Morehead City and by WebEx.
Cape Lookout’s Beaufort visitor center to permanently close
Cape Lookout National Seashore’s lease with the town for a visitor center on Front Street expires Dec. 31 and will not be extended.
