N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve

COVID-19 update - Phase 2

All sites of the N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve are open as North Carolina remains in Phase 2 of the state’s plan of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. In accordance with Executive Order No. 147, mass gatherings that bring together more than 25 persons outdoors at a time are prohibited. As of 5 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2020, face coverings are required when out in public, indoors or outdoors, where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. To ensure health and safety, visitors should follow the "Three W’s” as outlined by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services – wear a mask or cloth face covering; wait at least six feet away from others, and wash hands frequently.

The reserves will continue to closely monitor state and local COVID-19 guidelines and directives and encourage reserve visitors to comply with these measures to protect themselves and their communities.

Visitors are strongly advised to take the following steps to reduce transmission while visiting a reserve:

  1. Postpone your visit if you are sick or experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
  2. Maintain at least six feet social distancing from other individuals, with the exception of family or household members.
  3. Wear a cloth face covering outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer.
  4. Carry hand sanitizer with you when leaving home and use it frequently.
  5. Avoid touching surfaces others may have touched, such as signs and boardwalk railings.
  6. Do not share any personal items, including phones, cameras, water bottles, and recreational equipment.

Additional guidance for visitors during the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • Avoid group photos that violate social distancing guidelines. 
  • Continue to keep dogs leashed and practice social distancing with other people and their dogs.

Any additional guidance and future updates will be posted to the Coastal Reserve website. For the latest information on COVID-19 in North Carolina, go to: www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus or call 866-462-3821 for health-related questions.

Reserve seeks part-time Geographic Information System Specialist

The Reserve is seeking a talented individual with a natural resources background that is well-versed in the ESRI platforms and experienced with metadata and file structure/organization. Position closes August 14, 2020.

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Public comment for Currituck Banks boardwalk repairs funding application

The Division is seeking public comment on its Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant Program application to repair the Currituck Banks Reserve boardwalk. Written comments will be accepted through September 13, 2020 at 5 p.m.

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Virtual workshop for real estate professionals

The Coastal Training Program will lead a Living on a Barrier Island workshop for real estate professionals via WebEx on August 8, 2020 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Registration is required.

Learn more and register
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State acquires 36 acres for the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve

The Division of Coastal Management purchased 35.6 acres of the Little Colington Island peninsula in Dare County, known as Meter Point, to ensure long-term habitat protection and contribute to enhanced water quality, fisheries, and natural heritage.

Learn more about the acquisition
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2020 Coastal Research Fellow

Meet Aaron Ramus, recipient of the 2020 NC Sea Grant - NC Coastal Reserve Coastal Research Fellowship. He is investigating the effects of a nonnative seaweed on predator-prey relationships, as well as on hard clam production in estuarine lagoons.

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State purchases 35 acres in Sunset Beach for the Bird Island Reserve

The addition of the oceanfront Sunset Beach West property will allow the public to directly access the Bird Island Reserve from Sunset Beach and ensure long-term habitat protection of the area.

Read the press release
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2,224 acres added to the Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge Reserve

Known as the Woodley Tract, the land was purchased through a partnership between the U.S. Air Force, The Nature Conservancy and the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.

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Find a reserve site near you!

The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is a network of ten protected sites spanning the North Carolina coast.

Learn more about our reserve sites
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The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed through a federal-state partnership between NOAA and the N.C. Division of Coastal Management. The Reserve is a network of 10 protected sites established for long-term research, education and stewardship. This program protects more than 44,000 acres of estuarine land and water, which provides essential habitat for wildlife; offers educational opportunities for students, teachers and the public; and serves as living laboratories for scientists.

Learn more about the Reserve program

Reserve sites

Protecting more than 44,000 acres of estuarine habitat for research, education, and stewardship.

Learn more about the 10 Reserve sites

N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve • 101 Pivers Island Road • Beaufort, NC 28516 • 252-838-0883

 

The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed through a federal-state partnership between NOAA and the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.
 



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