The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve are seeking public comment on the Reserve’s revised management plan.
NOAA’s National Estuarine Research Reserve System requires periodic revision of management plans for sites in the system. The revised management plan for the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve outlines a strategic plan; administrative structure; research and monitoring, education, stewardship, and training programs of the reserve; resource protection and manipulation plans; restoration management plan; public access and visitor use plan; consideration for future land acquisition; and facility development to support reserve operations.
The management plan addresses themes identified during the plan’s public input process including program visibility, visitor use, research awareness, and partnerships. The plan also addresses threats and stressors of concern to the Reserve sites, including invasive species, water quality, sea level rise, and storms. To view a copy of the plan, visit the Reserve’s web site at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/coastal-management/nc-coastal-reserve/about-reserve/management-plans/review-2020.
NOAA is soliciting comments from the public on the draft revised management plan for the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve. The federal register notice will be posted at https://www.federalregister.gov/ and written comments on the draft management plan should be sent to Stephanie Robinson, NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, S.C. 29405 or via email at Steph.Robinson@noaa.gov during the 30-day comment period.
Additionally, the Reserve is hosting three meetings to update the public on the draft revised plan and gather comments on behalf of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The meetings are scheduled for:
Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary and Audubon Center
300 Audubon Drive, Corolla
Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
NOAA/NCNERR Administration Building Auditorium
NOAA Beaufort Lab
101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort
Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Center for Marine Science Auditorium
UNC-Wilmington
5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane, Wilmington
The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve is a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, which is a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The Reserve protects natural areas for education, research and compatible recreation. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 44,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites along the coast. Four of these sites comprise the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve: Currituck Banks on the Outer Banks, Rachel Carson in Beaufort, and Masonboro Island and Zeke’s Island near Wilmington. The N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed through a federal-state partnership between NOAA and the Division of Coastal Management.
For additional information, contact Reserve manager Rebecca Ellin at 252-838-0880.