Sen. Norm Sanderson last week vowed to again take up measures to deal “with all the archaeological situations that we have in North Carolina that have kind of sprung up on us recently.”
North Carolina General Assembly
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.
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.
Dare towns drop lawsuit over state housing
With Dare County mandated to return $35 million in housing funds to the state, its six towns have voluntarily dismissed the suit filed in October contesting conditions attached to the money.
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.
State’s newspaper association lauds public records bills
The North Carolina Press Association announced its support Thursday for a bill to amend the North Carolina Constitution with language that preserves the public’s right to access government meetings and records.
Opinion: Catch reports will improve fisheries management
Guest commentary: The state needs time to build out its new catch-reporting system, and while it may annoy some, the improved data will mean more fish, longer seasons.
Commission to vote on mandatory harvest reporting rules
The Marine Fisheries Commission will meet by web conference June 6 to vote on the final adoption of temporary rules to implement mandatory harvest reporting requirements.
Harvest reporting rules draw expletive-laden comments
Temporary mandatory harvest reporting rules for recreational and commercial fishers will go up for a vote next month by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission.
Fisheries Division seeks to delay mandatory catch reporting
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is asking the legislature for another year before making effective a controversial new catch-reporting requirement now set to go in force Dec. 1.
Anglers: Reporting law puts burden on them, unenforceable
Coastal recreational anglers are questioning the fairness and motive of a new law requiring them and commercial fishermen to report certain harvests to the state starting this year.
Measure would order restored protection for Jockey’s Ridge
Sen. Bobby Hanig has proposed language that would direct the Coastal Resources Commission to implement its longstanding rule protecting Jockey’s Ridge until the commission can adopt a permanent rule that again defines the massive dune as an area of environmental concern.
Commission adopts amended rule for Jockey’s Ridge
The Coastal Resources Commission unanimously approved on Thursday a revised rule to be returned along with a supporting letter from the state geologist to the board that objected to the longstanding protective designation for Jockey’s Ridge.
Hearing set on new fishing catch reporting requirement
Coastal recreational and commercial fishermen will have to report certain fish harvests under a new North Carolina law that takes effect later this year.
Coastal property owners yet to embrace roof-girding grants
The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association, or Beach Plan, has yet to reach the number of property owners who could benefit from its Strengthen Your Roof grant program.