Stabilizing Outer Banks beaches is becoming more challenging with the quickly evolving and often unpredictable consequences of a changing climate: Sea levels are increasing faster than projected, storms are intensifying, rainfall is heavier.
Ocracoke
Three NC ferry routes to follow adjusted schedule Dec. 25
Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach, and Southport-Fort Fisher ferry routes are to follow an adjusted schedule during Christmas.
Volunteer for Ocracoke, Portsmouth Christmas bird counts
The count dates this year will be Dec. 30 on Ocracoke Island and Dec. 31 on
Portsmouth Island.
Opinion: For whose benefit are barrier island horses?
Guest commentary: Invasive species pose a serious challenge for ecosystems that have not evolved alongside them, and such is the case with North Carolina’s crystal skipper and the nonnative horses allowed to roam the barrier islands that are the butterfly’s only habitat.
Vessel operators urged to slow down for endangered whales
Aerial surveyors spotted four critically endangered North Atlantic right whales off Ocracoke Island, and operators of vessels of all sizes are asked to travel no faster than 10 knots through the area.
Outer Banks senator pushes for state of emergency on NC 12
Sen. Bobby Hanig, R-Dare, has implored the governor’s office to declare a state of emergency for parts of N.C. 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke after several weeks of what he calls “catastrophic shoreline collapse.”
NCDOT to offer ferry service to Ocracoke for Pirate Jamboree
The village of Ocracoke, which is hosting the Ocracoke Pirate Jamboree this weekend, remains accessible by passenger ferry from Hatteras as state transportation crews continue to work to get one lane of N.C. 12 reopen.
Tickets on sale for Nov. 28 Ocracoke Historic Homes Tour
Ocracoke Preservation Society is hosting the homes tour, that will include a first look at the ongoing renovations of Island Inn, which was built in 1901 and has been an Odd Fellow’s Lodge, a school, Navy officer’s club, a coffee shop and more.
North Carolina’s national park sites in 2024 bring in $2.3B
Around 4.7 million visitors spent $732.2 million in the communities surrounding the North Carolina coast’s five National Park Service sites, a recent report finds.
Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Festival to honor tradition
Decoy carving and duck hunting, crabbing, fishing and harvesting shellfish — the skills and trades islanders have passed down through the generations — are set to be celebrated Oct. 11.
Corps awards dredge contract for Ocracoke Island channels
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District has awarded a more than $11 million maintenance dredging contract to clear out two channels used by state ferries to Ocracoke Island.
Study presents modeled views of Ocracoke highway’s future
Researchers met recently with Ocracoke Islanders and presented findings from a multiyear, University of North Carolina-led study that looked at various ways to try and save N.C. Highway 12 from natural forces.
Outer Banks Association of Realtors awards 8 scholarships
The Outer Banks Association of Realtors has awarded eight $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Dare County and Ocracoke Island as part of its “commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.”
NC 12 reopens; Hatteras, Ocracoke Island evacuees return
Ferries and the highway that runs along the Outer Banks are beginning to return to normal in the aftermath of Hurricane Erin’s close pass.
Hurricane Erin to remain offshore, coastal NC to feel impacts
The center of Hurricane Erin is expected to remain offshore, but forecasters expect eastern North Carolina to see coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, overwash and beach erosion.
Coexisting with coyotes workshop set for Aug. 27 in Ocracoke
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are cohosting the public workshop on coyotes.
