Environmental groups argue that Martin Marietta’s preferred plan to enlarge its Castle Hayne quarry would permanently destroy 140-plus acres of pristine wetlands and around 10 acres of open water classified as primary nursery and strategic habitat areas, and essential fish habitat.
Northeast Cape Fear River
Nonprofit, developer carve path to protect Sledge Forest tract
The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust has come to a tentative purchase and sale agreement with Charlotte-based Copper Builders to preserve more than 3,200 acres of Sledge Forest on the Northeast Cape Fear River.
DEQ calls for comment on draft Cape Fear River Basin plan
The N.C. Division of Water Resources is accepting written comments on the draft 2026 Cape Fear River Basin plan through Aug. 4.
New Hanover County agrees to purchase, preserve 28 acres
Commissioners have unanimously agreed to a $2.24 million deal that includes two undeveloped tracts across from downtown Wilmington that will remain preserved from development once they are county-owned.
Sledge Forest added to national threatened forests list
The last remaining expanse of old-growth forest in New Hanover County is among a minute percentage of original ancient forests remaining in the eastern part of the country.
Save Sledge Forest rally planned for this month
The rally to support the conservation of New Hanover County’s last large expanse of old-growth trees is scheduled for June 21.
Water quality officials monitor weekend hog waste spill
State Division of Water Resources officials say more than 80,000 gallons of hog waste spilled into tributaries of the Northeast Cape Fear River over the weekend.
Inundation-prone Sledge Forest site set for development
A sprawling, “rare, old-growth forest” on the banks of the Northeast Cape Fear River in New Hanover County that’s a key part of the river floodplain is targeted for a massive 4,000-home golf course/equestrian development with few options for opponents to stop it.
EPA steps in on Lear Corp. permit; DEQ adds time for input
The Environmental Protection Agency has informed North Carolina regulators it has invoked a 60-day extension to review the automotive textile and technology manufacturer’s draft permit to discharge compounds into the Northeast Cape Fear River.
Saving a Piece of the NE Cape Fear River
Pileated woodpeckers will always have a place to nest on the 2,300 acres along the Northeast Cape Fear River in Pender County that was recently preserved by the N.C. Coastal Land Trust.
Cameras Capture Wildlife Along River
The red fox looks a bit surprised to have its picture made. It is one of the many animals along the Northeast Cape Fear River that was photographed remotely as part of a project to document wildlife along the river.
Northeast Cape Fear River
Bald eagles are among the endangered and rare creatures that live along the river, but environmentalist fear what another potential resident — the Titan Cement plant — will do to the river.
