CRUISERS NET
Cruisers Helping Cruisers
Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
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Belhaven Marina photo of the week, Belhaven, NC, AICW MM 135, Pungo River
Our thanks to Belhaven Marina for this sunset photo from Belhaven, which sits on the northern shore of Pantego Creek south of the Alligator River – Pungo River Canal, and is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
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LNM: AICW MM 246, Live Fire Drills, New River Restricted Areas, NC
Click here for SAFETY/CAMP LEJUNE OPERATING AREAS/HAZ OPS/SEC NC BNM 0061-24
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Elizabeth City history traces back to early Colonial days – Eric Medlin
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
Click here for Elizabeth City history traces back to early Colonial days
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A New Year at the Coast, NC Coastal Federation
Dear Friends of the Coast, It’s the start of a new year with new opportunities to improve the health of our beautiful coast! As you’ll read below, we are proud of last year’s accomplishments and have developed a set of ambitious goals for our work in 2024. To learn more about our plans for the year, be sure to check your mailbox soon for the winter edition of the Our Coast publication.
– Todd Miller
Executive Director
North Carolina boasts a large and productive estuarine system with 220,000 acres of salt marshes that provide vital habitats for fish, improve water quality, and protect against flooding. However, these marshes are threatened, and to ensure their protection, the Coastal Federation is leading a partnership to develop the North Carolina Salt Marsh Action Plan (NC SMAP), a five-year strategy to protect, restore, and preserve these vital ecosystems.
The plan is part of the larger South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI), which prioritizes protecting and restoring nearly one million acres of salt marshes along the South Atlantic coast. The NC Salt Marsh Plan will serve as the foundation of the Coastal Federation’s New Marsh Program Goal that will focus on salt marsh conservation and restoration, facilitate salt marsh migration, and include our work to advance living shorelines along the coast.
Educating the next generation of coastal stewards is a critical part of the Federation’s work and it’s something our team of educators enjoys. Recently Coastal Education Coordinator, Rachel Bisesi led a lesson on the importance of oysters to a group of students in Carteret County.
“We love partnering with different community groups and were honored to work with Carteret Parks & Recreation at Fort Benjamin to help educate the next generation about the value of oysters and healthy waterways.”
During Rachel’s lesson, students had the chance to build an oyster reef of their own with the help of recycled egg cartons!
Tonight is the highly anticipated Wine & Brine event at Southern Salt in Morehead City and there is still time to grab your ticket!
Come learn about our coastal protection and restoration projects while enjoying great company, delicious fresh oysters from local growers, and expertly paired wines. Wine & Brine will take place on January 19, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant in downtown Morehead City.
CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS 
One of our most popular events of the year is drawing near, the Hatteras Island Oyster Roast that will take place at Oden’s Dock on February 3. Tickets sell out fast but everyone can participate from their home in the online silent auction. This year’s auction includes incredible items like gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, stunning pieces of art, and more!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND SILENT AUCTION 
As we begin the new year, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a perfect gift for your special someone, we’ve got just the thing for you. Adopt an oyster and not only will you get a sweet Valentine’s Day message for your loved one, but you’ll also be supporting the Federation’s efforts to restore oyster populations. Did you know that oysters are crucial to our estuaries because they can clean up to 50 gallons of water per day? They also provide habitat for other creatures and are delicious to eat too!
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND VALENTINE 
Here’s a look at some recent news featuring the Federation:
- Federation founder Miller to step back, Davis new director – CRO
- Founder of North Carolina Coastal Federation moves to new role – WITN
- Where and How to Recycle Your Oyster Shells After Using Them – WWAY
- NCCF Lost fishing gear recovery program underway – Carteret County News-Times
- Restoring a North Carolina Wetland – PBS
- Tickets on sale for Feb. 3 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast – CRO
Want to Read More? Check out our Blog! Keep up with the Coast
Stay up-to-date with the Coastal Review, North Carolina’s only nonprofit news service providing unbiased and investigative reporting on the issues that matter most to the coast. Subscribe.News | Events | Give | Coastal Review | Forward to a Friend JOIN, RENEW OR DONATE North Carolina Coastal Federation
3609 Highway 24 (Ocean) Newport, NC 28570
252-393-8185www.nccoast.org Be the first to comment!
Exciting Discoveries at Hayes Farm, Edenton, NC
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Hello,
One of the exciting things happening in Edenton is the renovation and preservation efforts at Hayes Farm, once home to North Carolina’s fourth governor, Samuel Johnston.
When the State of North Carolina finalized the purchase of the property in 2022, the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation began working with Down East Preservation to revitalize this important piece of history with the goal of transforming it into a 180-acre public park for residents and tourists to enjoy.
We are excited about the many discoveries that have already been uncovered at Hayes Farm, and we invite you to follow along with the renovation efforts either through social media or by visiting Edenton.
You can find out more about Hayes Farm by reading this week’s blog.
Visit our website! 101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932
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A Quiet Winter Getaway in Edenton, NC
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Happy New Year!
We hope you’ve enjoyed a festive and happy holiday season.
Winter has settled in and maybe you find yourself stuck in snow and ice. Are you craving a quiet winter getaway where you can relax and recover from the holidays?
Why don’t you join us here in Edenton? While we do get a few beautiful snow days, they are usually short-lived. In fact, winter in Edenton brings milder temperatures and a peaceful landscape.
So, come escape for a quiet winter getaway in Edenton where you can cozy up to a warm fireplace in one of our B&Bs and indulge in delicious food and drinks at one of our fabulous restaurants.
We can’t wait to see you soon!
Erienne Mizell,
Tourism DirectorVisit our website! 101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
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Shared Photo – Dawson Creek, NC
Our thanks to Flora Moorman for this shot of Dawson Creek in Pamlico Sound.
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Annual First Day Hike, Jan 1st, Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, AICW Alternate Route
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
The Dismal Swamp State Park is hosting their annual First Day Hike on Jan. 1st, 2024 at 10am. Enjoy a relaxing and beautiful 2 mile loop of Supple Jack Trail with Ranger Alan Brown. See the link below for more details & contacts:
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/dismal-swamp-state-park/events/first-day-hike-2024
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority
2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
www.VisitCamdenCountync.com
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The other coup d’état: Remembering New Bern in 1898 – David Cecelski
The white supremacy meeting was held at the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern, shown here. Photo: Susan Rodriguez/File photo
Click here for The other coup d’état: Remembering New Bern in 1898
CoastalReview.orgNew Bern is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR New Bern Grande Marina.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
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The Last Days of the East Dismal Swamp by David Cecelski
A logging crew in the East Dismal Swamp, historically one of the largest freshwater wetlands on the North Carolina coast, ca. 1910-12. Source: Surry Parker, Steam Logging Machinery (Pine Town, N.C., 1912). Copy, North Carolina Collection, UNC-Chapel Hill
Click here for The Last Days of the East Dismal Swamp
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Gift Memberships from NC Coastal Federation
A great gift idea anytime of year!
Have you heard about our updated gift memberships? This holiday season, your gift recipient will receive a brand new concept item: two felt oyster coasters. You won’t find table decor like this anywhere else! Gift memberships ordered before Dec. 17 will ship before the holidays.
Not only will your gift recipient receive a set of oyster coasters, they will also get a full year of membership benefits including event invites, discounts, and a subscription to our Enewsletter. The Federation’s Gift Membership is the perfect way to celebrate with those who love the North Carolina coast.
Click Here to Order Now!
Keep up with the Coast
Stay up-to-date with the Coastal Review, North Carolina’s only nonprofit news service providing unbiased and investigative reporting on the issues that matter most to the coast. Subscribe.News | Events | Give | Coastal Review | Forward to a Friend JOIN, RENEW OR DONATE North Carolina Coastal Federation
3609 Highway 24 (Ocean) Newport, NC 28570
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Celebrating the Coast – NC Coastal Federation
Dear friends of the coast, The holiday season is upon us and we couldn’t be more grateful for your support throughout the year. The year may be winding down, but our work to protect and restore the coast is still in full force. As you’ll read below, we recently held a public meeting to recap the latest work being done to restore Lake Mattamuskeet, and we’re pleased to announce that new support will ensure this work continues over the next five years.
– Todd Miller
Executive Director
Earlier this month the Coastal Federation and Hyde County held a public meeting to brief participants on recent actions to restore Lake Mattamuskeet.
The meeting included briefs from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, UNC’s School of Government, engineers from GPI, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., consultants from Geosyntec, and representatives from the Federation.
Each group provided an update on the work they’ve been doing over the past year to implement the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan. We appreciate everyone who joined us at the meeting, and for those who couldn’t attend, each presenter’s recorded updates can be viewed on our website.
Just after our public meeting, the Federation received notice from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program that $16.86 million in funding was awarded to support continued restoration efforts at the lake over the next five years.
After a year of planning and permitting efforts, construction is set to begin to help restore the eroding shoreline along Sugarloaf Island in Morehead City.
This tiny island sits just in front of downtown Morehead City and offers protection to the homes, and businesses there, but for years the small island has experienced chronic erosion. In an effort to protect and restore this island, the Federation, the Town of Morehead City, Quible and Associates, and aquatic restoration firm; Sea and Shoreline have joined forces to develop a plan to protect the island.
Restoration methods for this project include reducing wave energy with an offshore living breakwater, planting seagrass behind the living breakwater, and planting a living shoreline on Sugarloaf Island. The living breakwater will not impede normal vessel traffic because it will be installed in areas too shallow for vessels to navigate safely at high speeds. The breakwater will also be staggered so that fishers can fish around it or pass through sections of the wave attenuators. Construction on the wave attenuators has already begun and contractors are expected to begin installing them in early January.
A press conference was held on Nov. 15th to mark the beginning of the construction, partner organizations joined the Federation, State Senator Norm Sanderson, and Representative Celeste Cairns.
Recently we had the chance to take a group of students out exploring and it was such a great day! These students are part of an environmental education class at North Carolina Central University. Their visit included a trip to Hammocks Beach State Park where we got to spend time exploring the coastal estuaries. The students also joined us at Dodea Johnson Primary School at Marine Corps Air Station New River, where they led a lesson on living shorelines and oysters to the entire second grade!
We had so much fun with this group and we’d like to thank our project supporters from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NOAA, Lady Swan Boat Tours, and Hammocks Beach State Park.
This month we’d like to take a moment to highlight a special series by Coastal Review.Org. Frank Stick helped to shape the Outer Banks, in this series written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Gil Gaul, you’ll get a deep dive into newspaper clippings, archives, and other sources that uncover the complex story of the New Jersey artist, outdoorsman, developer, and speculator. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and we know you will too!
Be sure to subscribe to Coastal Review for daily news and features about our coast.
We’ve got some exciting news to share with you. If you’re aged 70 1⁄2 or older and have been looking for ways to give back to the community, then you’re in luck! You can now complete charitable distributions from your individual retirement account (IRA) and support the Federation. And here’s the best part – your donation can count toward your required minimum distribution.
But wait, there’s more! You can also show your love for the coast by donating stock to the Federation. These giving options are super easy to do and will help you cross off one more item from your to-do list. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make a difference together!
Please contact Sarah King via email or at 252-393-8185 for more information so we can be on the lookout for your gift!
Have you heard about our updated gift memberships? This holiday season, your gift recipient will receive a brand new concept item: two felt oyster coasters. You won’t find table decor like this anywhere else! Gift memberships ordered before Dec. 17 will ship before the holidays.
Not only will your gift recipient receive a set of oyster coasters, they will also get a full year of membership benefits including event invites, discounts, and a subscription to our Enewsletter. The Federation’s Gift Membership is the perfect way to celebrate with those who love the North Carolina coast.
We are so excited to share with you that we’ve made your holiday shopping even easier this year with our Holiday Pop-up Shop! Head over to our gift shop to see an exquisite collection of coastal-themed holiday gifts that are sure to wow anyone on your list! The best part is that with each purchase you’re also helping to support the Federation’s mission to protect and restore our beautiful coast.
Want to Read More? Check out our Blog! Keep up with the Coast
Stay up-to-date with the Coastal Review, North Carolina’s only nonprofit news service providing unbiased and investigative reporting on the issues that matter most to the coast. Subscribe.News | Events | Give | Coastal Review | Forward to a Friend JOIN, RENEW OR DONATE North Carolina Coastal Federation
3609 Highway 24 (Ocean) Newport, NC 28570
252-393-8185www.nccoast.org Be the first to comment!
November OBX Park News: Honoring American Indian Heritage, Sea Turtle Scoop, Inspiring Junior Rangers, and more!
Your November E-news preview: Last month, I had the honor of presenting at the National Park Friends Alliance conference in Cleveland, Ohio, hosted by the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This yearly event is always inspiring and a great way for us to learn from park partners around the country who are working like us to protect and enhance these special places.
At the conference, I shared the story of how we’ve worked with our park partners in Dayton, Ohio, to end the “rivalry” between our states about who can truly claim to be first in flight and to better tell the story of the Wright brothers’ hard work and determination. This partnership is how we created the Wright Route – a new way to experience the story of the Wright brothers from Ohio to North Carolina, with aviation highlights along the way. 
In addition to this fun partnership, this year we helped Wright Brothers National Memorial launch the Wright Flight Academy in partnership with First Flight High School. Students are currently beginning to learn how to build an FAA-certified airplane in a new workshop that was built at the park. Check out the first of a series of videos we’re helping the park produce to document this inspirational new program! As the holiday season kicks off, we are so grateful for your continued support and look forward to wrapping up another successful year of caring for our Outer Banks national parks with you!
See you in our parks,
Jessica Barnes
Director
Outer Banks Forever
This month, national parks around the country are honoring Native American Heritage Month, and our Outer Banks national parks are joining them! Years before the arrival of Europeans, the land now known as the Outer Banks was home to American Indians who honored and cultivated the unique resources of these barrier islands. In fact, two Outer Banks towns you’re likely familiar with, Manteo and Wanchese, are named for members of the Carolina Algonquian.
Learn More 
Here at Outer Banks Forever, our mission is to protect and enhance our Outer Banks national parks, now and forever – which means preserving them for future generations! One way we do this is by supporting and promoting our parks’ Junior Ranger programs throughout the year.
To learn more about the Junior Ranger programs offered at our national parks and how to become a Junior Ranger (yes, programs are open to the young and young at heart!), read on! Learn More 
While human visitors flocked to the Seashore this summer, over 370 sea turtles also made their way here to nest. We are thrilled to share that more than 25,000 hatchlings (like this rare Leatherback, at right) began their journey to the ocean this year and that you helped us raise $28,987 to protect and enhance the Seashore and the vital sea turtle habitat it preserves!
Check out our Sea Turtle Scoop to learn more about the 2023 nesting season. Learn More 
Giving Tuesday is almost here (Nov. 28)! This day of giving is celebrated around the world each year following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. We’re inviting you to join the global movement and give back to our Outer Banks national parks!
We’ll also be joining our friends at Swells’a Brewing Beer Company from 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 to celebrate our national parks and our community!
If you’re in town, we’d love for you to join us at Swells’a! If you can’t join us in person but would like to make your gift early, you can do so by clicking the button below. Make Your Gift Today It’s never too early to get started on your holiday shopping! Did you know you can give gifts to your loved ones while at the same time giving back to our Outer Banks national parks? Check out our gift ideas below to learn more. 
Adopt A Pony: Legend has it the Ocracoke ponies arrived in the Outer Banks with shipwrecked explorers in the 16th or 17th century, and they’ve called the island home ever since. Now you can help these beautiful and unique ponies by symbolically adopting one this holiday season! Click here to adopt a pony or to support the herd. 
Shop Our Online Store: Did you know you can find all your favorite Outer Banks Forever merchandise (like these adorable Orville and Wilbur Wright teddy bears!) in our online store? Your purchase helps ensure that future generations continue to have the opportunity to learn and create memories at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial. Click here to shop! Support Our Business Partners: We’re so grateful to the small businesses that have partnered with us in our mission to protect and enhance our Outer Banks national parks, now and forever. You can support them AND our Outer Banks national parks by shopping their merchandise! 
Amabile Co.: Amabile Co. provides beautiful sustainable products that create awareness, funds, and connections for local people to organizations focused on cleaning the waters they call home. The waters we share with the world will be safe and clean for all life, present and forevermore. Our friends at Amabile Co. have designed special bracelets (like this one pictured at right) just for us! With your purchase of an “OBX Forever” bracelet, 5% is donated back directly to us.
Additionally, if you would like 10% of your purchase from Amabile Co. to support Outer Banks Forever, select “NC – Outer Banks Forever” from the “Water Protecting Partners” dropdown menu at checkout. Click here to shop all of their unique designs!
Roasts for Coasts Coffee Co.: Roasts for Coasts Coffee Co. was founded alongside a passion for giving back to the planet. Roasts for Coasts Coffee Co. is here not only to sell outstanding coffee, but also to donate a portion of profits to organizations that ensure the survival and protection of our wonderful marine life and the ecosystems in which they live. Our friends at Roasts for Coasts Coffee Co. have committed to donating 5% of gross sales directly back to us!
Click here to shop all of their coffees! Photo & Image Credits: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Giving Tuesday, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, America’s National Parks, Amabile Co. Roasts for Coasts Coffee Co.Our mailing address is: Outer Banks Forever802 Colington RdKill Devil Hills, NC 27948-8086
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Why We Are Thankful to Live in Edenton, NC
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Hello,
As we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with our families and friends, we reflect on how blessed we are to live in Edenton!
There are so many reasons why we are thankful to live in Edenton, and we invite you to experience how great this place is by visiting us during this holiday season.
We can’t wait for you to experience the festive celebrations and holiday spirit that you’ll find when you visit our community.
So, why not book one of our beautiful B&Bs, all decked out for the holiday season, and experience for yourself why we are so thankful to live in Edenton?
We can’t wait to see you soon!
Visit our website! | 101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
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Frank Stick finds success, designs signature Banks cottage – Gilbert M Gaul
Frank Stick plays with his dog outside a Flat Top cottage in 1950. Photo: Charles Brantley ‘Aycock’ Brown and courtesy of the Maud Hayes Stick Collection at the Outer Banks History Center/North Carolina State Archives.
Click here for Frank Stick finds success, designs signature Banks cottage
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A future tied to tourism: Stick presses for national park by Gilbert M Gaul
Fourth in a special series: Frank Stick’s Outer Banks development dreams.
The Stick family, from left, Maud, David and Frank, pose at beach resort. Photo courtesy of the Maud Hayes Stick Collection at the Outer Banks History Center/North Carolina State Archives
Click here for A future tied to tourism: Stick presses for national park
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Lil’ Pirates Menu at “The Salty Crab” Restaurant, Dowry Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC AICW MM 131.5
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Dowry Creek Marina is owned by the Zeltner family who want to roll out the red carpet to transients, offering whatever you might need during your visit. This highly praised and transient friendly marina lies off the AICW/Pungo River north of Belhaven, NC. See Salty Crab.
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
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‘Catastrophic crisis’: Imported shrimp flood US market
Shrimp imports are overwhelming domestic shrimp producers and driving prices for locally sourced shrimp to record lows, prompting demands that the federal government declare a fishery resource disaster.
Click here for ‘Catastrophic crisis’: Imported shrimp flood US market
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