Analyzing lessons learned over decades of fighting back the ocean is critical as the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission’s Science Panel wraps up its ongoing study of the effects of permanent beach erosion control structures such as seawalls and jetties.
Dare County
Coming ashore
A snapping turtle climbs from the water for a snack recently at Sandy Run Park in Kitty Hawk. The park at 4343 The Woods Road offers public access to the Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest, a half-mile nature trail with a pair of gazebos, canoe or kayak access, a nature observation tower, a catch and release fishing pier, picnic tables, benches and interpretive signage. While Sandy Run Park is home to friendly turtles, visitors are asked to not feed them. Photo: Kip Tabb
Dare A250 Faire to Be Held in downtown Manteo April 18
Tickets are on sale now for the Dare A250 Faire, taking place April 18 in downtown Manteo and Roanoke Island Festival Park.
Coastal commission holds off changing septic system rules
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission is holding off on amendments to oceanfront septic tank rules to give the state’s environmental and health departments time to collaborate on the rulemaking process.
Opinion: After 31 houses fall into the ocean, a viable way out
Guest commentary: As the Atlantic claims more than 30 homes since 2020, it’s past time to shift from the cycle of federal subsidies and reactive cleanups toward insurance reforms and proactive retreat programs.
Dare chairman to deliver state of the county later this month
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard is scheduled to deliver a state of the county presentation in Buxton March 21, three days after making the same presentation to a full Kill Devil Hills audience.
Dare students can enter essay, art contest for America’s 250th
Students in third through 12th grade are encouraged to enter the committee’s essay contest and student art exhibit, both “designed to celebrate local history, highlight student talent and support innovative learning in the lead-up to the Dare A250 Faire” on April 18.
New interactive map shows Hatteras Island erosion over time
The map, Hatteras Island Erosion Drone Imagery, features side-by-side comparisons of aerial photos of Rodanthe and Buxton.
Brilliant redhead on the hunt
A male pileated woodpecker, or Dryocopus pileatus, searches for a snack Sunday in the bark of a pine tree in Nags Head Woods Preserve, one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast, according to The Nature Conservancy. This woodpecker, which feeds on insects in trees and logs, is one of more than 150 bird species visitors may spot at the preserve, and at least a third nests here, according to the conservancy. Photo: Kip Tabb
Causey urges council to help Outer Banks as more homes fall
“There’s some angry people out there,” Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey told members of the Council of State Tuesday, referring to the four houses that fell into the ocean last weekend, a total of 31 homes since 2020, and calls to end the ban on beach hardening.
Buxton beach nourishment focus of community meeting
Dare County officials will be joined by representatives from the National Park Service – Outer Banks Group at a public meeting to provide general information about Buxton’s beach nourishment project scheduled for this year.
Elizabeth II unable to leave for overdue maintenance … again
Once again, shoaling in a Roanoke Sound channel is preventing the state attraction Elizabeth II, a vessel representative of Lost Colony-era ships, from leaving its moorings at Roanoke Island Festival Park for maintenance.
Dare seeks input on resiliency plan for unincorporated areas
The plan for unincorporated areas of the county builds on the resilience strategy that was completed for Hatteras Island in 2022.
Black history key to understanding Outer Banks’ past
Learn about Black history on the Outer Banks during a special event Feb. 28 at the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum on Roanoke Island.
Dare County begins America’s 250th commemoration
Dare A250, the county’s planning committee for America’s 250th, has begun celebrating with an interactive map and passport program that focuses on Dare’s contributions to the nation’s origins.
Dare scholarship program to ease students’ financial burden
The Dare County Education Foundation is transitioning its scholarship program to renewable awards to allow recipients to continue to receive financial support throughout their education as long as they meet renewal criteria.
