The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. March 9 in Beaufort to seek input on a proposal for a public hunting permit system for the Rachel Carson Reserve.
The meeting will be held at the Beaufort Train Depot at 614 Broad St. in Beaufort. Public input from the meeting will help guide the management of areas currently open to hunting within the boundaries of the Rachel Carson Reserve.
“Public input is very important to us,” said Paula Gillikin, manager of the Rachel Carson Reserve. “We would like to hear from all users of the reserve and anyone else who is interested in how the property is managed.”
Representatives from the reserve will present proposed management options that address reported hunting concerns. The proposed permit system will be managed by the state’s Wildlife Resources Commission and will ensure that hunting opportunities continue, while achieving a better overall balance of visitor uses. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s representatives will be in attendance to answer questions concerning the proposed hunting program.
The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program is part of the state’s Division of Coastal Management. The 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. To learn more, go to www.nccoastalreserve.net/web/crp.
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.