The Buxton Woods Reserve site of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve is now open to visitors after closing Aug. 18 due to the threat of damage from Hurricane Erin, and to protect public safety from the potential risk of downed trees, flooding and other hazards. Visitors should continue to exercise caution when visiting the site and be aware of the risk of potentially hazardous conditions associated with storm damage.
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM), a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, works to protect, conserve and manage North Carolina's coastal resources in the 20 coastal counties. The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, a program of DCM, protects natural areas for education, research and compatible traditional uses. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 44,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites along the coast.