Topics Related to Coastal Management

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management (DCM) hereby gives notice that public review and comment is invited on the below proposed federal action.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve. In preparation for the holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide public safety resources and increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal Management (DCM) hereby gives notice that public review and comment is invited on the below proposed federal action.To ensure compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act, NOAA is requesting concurrence with a Federal Consistency Determination for the below actions:

In the event that proposed development cannot meet theoceanfront setback defined in 15A NCAC 07H .0306(a),current Rule 15A NCAC 07H .0309(b) serves as anexception for lots platted before June 1, 1979 that may allowa structure no greater than 2,000 square feet to beconstructed if it can meet a minimum setback of 60 feet andbe sited no further oceanward than its landward-mostadjacent neighbor. The proposed amendments: remove thereference to when a lot was platted, making this developmentoption available to eligible oceanfront property owners

15A NCAC 07H .0209(g) provides a definition of Urban Waterfronts, identifies the significance, and includes both management objectives and use standards for development occurring within Urban Waterfront areas. Amendments to 15A NCAC 07H .0209(g) provide additional language that allows the installation of “non-permanent enclosures” over new and existing decks and boardwalks in urban waterfronts and prohibits the installation of permanently attached HVAC and heating in these areas.

As the summer beach season ramps up, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program reminds coastal residents and visitors about its helpful, interactive public beach and waterfront access map. The map can be accessed directly from mobile devices and desktops to help locate a spot to visit along one of North Carolina’s beaches or coastal waterfronts this summer. The map includes a tool called “Find Sites Near Me,” which will help to locate sites within 10 miles of a location.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is warning the public about how they can help reduce the risk to the most vulnerable residents of Rachel Carson Reserve. On Saturday, May 10, a 6-day-old wild horse, or foal, a resident of the Rachel Carson Reserve in Beaufort, was separated from its mother for hours following disturbance by humans on foot and boats. Several days later, a visitor approached the foal and its social group to coax the foal closer. Visitors are advised that these actions may result in legal consequences. *image available for download

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, a program of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management, hosted its fourth stop on the “Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve” Tour on May 16 at the Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington.

N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson will join staff, state and local officials on a visit to the Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington on Friday, May 16 to continue the Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve Tour.