The federal final environmental impact statement for the proposed channel deepening and widening at the N.C. Port of Wilmington is nearing the final approval stage, but Cape Fear area residents and advocates say their objections and questions about potential effects remain unanswered.
coastal policy
Coastal Review wins five 2026 NC Press Association awards
Coastal Review photographer Dylan Ray is the North Carolina Press Association’s 2026 Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year — one of five awards for Coastal Review announced Thursday.
Brinson touts bills to ax ocean erosion-control structure ban
Sen. Bob Brinson discussed the bills last week in committee, measures that would undo four decades of coastal policy, just as the science advisory panel to the Coastal Resources Commission readies a report on these structures’ effects and effectiveness.
Corbett, Coastal Studies Institute executive director, to lecture
The public is encouraged to attend Dr. Reide Corbett’s lecture, “Holding the Line? Coastal Change and Barrier-Island Dynamics on the Outer Banks,” May 28 in Wanchese.
Commission to consider action on septic tank, sandbag rules
The Coastal Resources Commission is scheduled to consider during its meeting Feb. 25-26 proposed changes to rules for septic tanks, permit fees, using sandbags to protect public roads, and a general permit to replace existing bridges and culverts.
Registration open for inaugural Coastal Leadership Institute
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is launching a six-month leadership and professional development program focused on coastal issues.
Oceanographer Reide Corbett to speak at OBX Green Drinks
Coastal oceanographer Dr. Reide Corbett is to give his talk, “Science, Shorelines, and Tradeoffs: Understanding What’s Happening Along the Outer Banks Coast,” at 6 p.m. Thursday at Waverider’s in Nags Head.
State offers guidance for donated tree placement on beaches
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has announced guidance to property owners, organizations and towns planning to accept natural Christmas trees this year for use in dune restoration.
State Bar Association awards Jennifer Allen for CAMA story
The award was presented along with other awards during the North Carolina Press Association’s annual convention last week in Cary.
Oak Island residents say oceanfront lots unsuited for homes
Oak Island homeowners who have watched across the street as the protective oceanfront dune created by beach nourishment washed away time after time are pleading with officials to bar houses from being built there.
Senate bill pushes for prohibiting, fining for balloon releases
After lobbying, letter writing, cajoling and presentations, “one-woman crusader” Debbie Swick of Southern Shores has seen her efforts to ban balloon releases become a bipartisan-supported senate bill.
State, town leaders to give updates on Topsail-area projects
A breakfast buffet will be available during the Greater Topsail Community Update meeting planned for May 13 in Holly Ridge.
Process to restore Jockey’s Ridge protections continues
The Coastal Resources Commission, when it meets Feb. 26-27 in New Bern, is expected to consider setting a public hearing on proposed permanent rules to redesignate Jockey’s Ridge as a protected area of environmental concern.
Commission OKs sandbag variance for NC 12 on Pea Island
Transportation officials plan to begin building in January a temporary sandbag structure that wouldn’t otherwise meet coastal development rules along Highway 12 by the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge visitor center in Rodanthe.
Coastal commission lawyer: CAMA a 50-year ‘balancing act’
Coastal Resources Commission legal counsel Mary Lucasse, speaking during a recent legal symposium in New Bern, said the Coastal Area Management Act balances development and private property rights with protecting natural resources.
Commission to hear NCDOT request on Pea Island sandbags
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission will hold a special meeting at 10 a.m. Monday by web conference to hear a variance request from the N.C. Department of Transportation regarding sandbags at Pea Island in Dare County.
