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Historical Highlights
- The NC CWMTF provided $2.1 million to purchase a 780-acre parcel along the White Oak River between Swansboro and Stella. Options are being explored for the best protection of the relatively pristine river, while offering opportunities to leverage additional funding.
- Ted Wilgis became NCCF's first Coastkeeper and began duties as the Cape Fear Coastkeeper in January. Headquartered in the Wilmington field office, Ted focused on beach renourishment and wetland ditching issues in the first few month. On May 3, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Water Keeper Alliance President, officially launched the Coastkeeper Program at the UNC Wilmington Center for Marine Science, generating statewide and national coverage of NCCF's program.
- Members of the NC Environmental Review Commission participated in an NCCF-sponsored field trip in January to learn more about coastal management issues. Staff led tours to several estuarine shoreline restoration sites, stormwater outfalls and beach erosion sites in Carteret County.
- The NC Ports Authority announced that El Paso Merchant Energy planned to site a liquefied natural gas terminal on Radio Island in Carteret County. NCCF conducted research on the proposed terminal and encouraged public participation in workshops and hearings. Later in the year, a rare butterfly was discovered living on the island and may provide criteria to halt plans for construction.
- NCCF purchased the building and one acre property adjoining its Ocean headquarters and began a campaign to raise funds to purchase, renovate and equip the building. The former electrical contracting office will be transformed into a Learning Center, allowing NCCF to significantly expand its education program.
- Staff from NCCF conducted research and compiled data on the status and trends of coastal habitats and restoration needs and plans in the Southeast. This work is a major component of a National Strategy for Coastal Habitat Restoration for Restore America's Estuaries and NOAA, and will be used to identify restoration sites across the country as in initial implementation tool of the Coastal Waters and Estuary Protection Act signed by President Clinton in the year 2000.
- An invitational workshop on May 7-8 was organized by NCCF to discuss the status of scientific knowledge regarding beach renourishment. The workshop brought together more than 60 scientists, engineers, economists and policymakers to examine and discuss scientific findings and research gaps regarding renourishment of NC's beaches. A white paper is being produced for distribution.
- An effort was begun to have the White Oak River designated as Scenic and Recreational under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in order to bring national recognition to the rivers' outstanding resource values and help further protect these unique qualities.
- The NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) approved two major grants co-sponsored by the NCCF. In cooperation with the Town of Emerald Isle, NCCF applied for and will receive $2.4 million for a storm water project that includes purchase of 40 acres of undeveloped barrier island land. NCCF and the Neuse River Foundation will receive $1.25 million to acquire conservation easements at the Gum Thicket property – a primary nursery and open shellfishing area – owned by Weyerhaeuser in Pamlico County.
- In June, NCCF was successful in obtaining a much-needed change in the classification of shellfish waters from the Division of Water Quality. The new methodology for determining which shellfish waters will be listed on NC's 303(d) List of impaired waters provides a more accurate accounting of degraded waters, and therefore will offer a better chance of obtaining corrective measures.
- Restore America's Estuaries and NOAA announced a three year $3.4 million public-private partnership to expand community-based restoration projects. The NCCF will receive at least $325,000 over the three-year period for coastal restoration projects.
- The White Oak River was the focus of the September 15 Big Sweep. NCCF partnered with The Crystal Coast Canoe and Kayak Club, the White Oak Izaak Walton League and the NC Canoe Association for what was billed as the biggest clean up of the White Oak River, removing more than 150 bags of garbage from the area.
- A shoreline restoration project at the NC Maritime Museum's Gallants Channel site was completed in September when NCCF volunteers planted two marsh areas, restoring natural habitat for a variety of marine species. The project is providing the basis for a citizens' based monitoring program, which will determine the biological benefits of marsh restoration.
- NCCF's annual State of the Coast Report was released October 20 during a Coastal Celebration held at Hammocks Beach State Park where coastal experts hosted field trips and workshops for members and guests. 140,000 copies of the Report were distributed.
- On October 25, the Coastal Resources Commission adopted revised CAMA land use plan rules. The rules represent two years of work by a stakeholders group on which NCCF's Program Manager served. While the NCCF did not fully support some of the changes that weakened the rules the compromises should result in a higher survival rate as they go before the Rules Review Commission and the State Legislature. NCCF heavily promoted the public hearings that were held prior to the rules adoption.
- The Bird Island Preservation Society (BIPS), NC Coastal Land Trust (NCCLT), and the NC Coastal Federation (NCCF) worked for nearly ten years to battle developers and bridge builders to save one of North Carolina's last pristine barrier islands. Finally, Bird Island in Brunswick County will be permanently preserved. Half of the island was purchased with funding from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the NC Natural Heritage Trust Fund. The Bird Island Preservation Society will continue to work with NCCF, NCCLT, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the NC Division of Coastal Management to secure funding for the remaining acreage. Ultimately, the island will become part of the state Coastal Reserve Program.
- The NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund approved a $500,000 request submitted from the Town and the NC Coastal Federation to purchase Sugarloaf Island. The Town has pledged $125,000 in taxpayers money to match the grant. The 47-acre island is just across from downtown Morehead City and will be kept in its natural state. Purchased from the Charlotte-based Pharr Yarn Company, the island had been eyed in the past as a potential development site for condominiums.
- The Clean Water Management Trust Fund approved a planning grant for Carteret Community College for a shoreline restoration project and to prepare a campus-wide stormwater management plan. The College will work with NCCF, NC State University and others to conduct the plan and develop a full restoration proposal for implementation in 2003.
- In partnership with the Sunset Beach Taxpayers Association, NCCF filed an appeal of the NPDES stormwater permit issued to South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority and asked for a stay on any further activity by the authority pending the outcome of the appeal. NCCF claimed that the permit issued by the Division of Water Quality will not protect shellfish waters that are within the 54 square mile jurisdiction of the authority. The outcome of this appeal may well set the standard for Phase II permits to be issued in the coastal region.
- Members of the Coastal Caucus met with DENR Secretary Ross and staff in November to discuss key coastal environmental issues. The group encouraged Secretary Ross to adopt all sections of the draft 7L Land Use Plan Funding rules, raised concerns about the Department's position on implementation of the Phase II stormwater rules, and suggested that the Department create a special Environmental Education Academy for educating local government officials about the environment. The Caucus also called for strong riparian buffers and a comprehensive strategy for managing the state's beaches. DENR is the head Department in the state that oversees environmental rules and their enforcement. Members of the Caucus plan to continue discussions with the Department in 2002. The Caucus was formed in the summer of 2000 to provide an opportunity for coastal environmental groups to strategize about issues and create plans for action.
- NCCF announced that Frank Tursi, the state's lead environmental reporter will become its second Coastkeeper, accepting the position of the Cape Lookout Coastkeeper, working with citizens between Camp Lejeune and the Pamlico Sound.
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10-07-08: New Hanover limits tree cutting
