Local advisory committees for three coastal reserve sites will meet in January. The meetings are open to the public.
The meetings are being held to gather input from the committees and the public on the management of potential shellfish cultivation at the three Reserve sites where waters are open for shellfish harvesting.
- The Masonboro Island Reserve and the Zeke’s Island Reserve Local Advisory Committees will meet at 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at the UNCW Center for Marine Science, Atrium Conference Room, 5600 Marvin Moss Lane in Wilmington.
- The Rachel Carson Reserve Local Advisory Committee will meet at 4 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Beaufort Train Depot, 614 Broad Street in Beaufort.
The meetings will include a background presentation on shellfish cultivation and Reserve-related management considerations, as well as a facilitated discussion with the committees and the public.
The committees consist of local residents, partners and community leaders who provide the Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding management of the reserve sites.
The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program protects natural areas for education, research and compatible recreation. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 42,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites along the coast.