Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Currituck County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in environment
Corolla wild horse protection
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund reported a strong year: about 115 wild horses, twelve foals, zero horses hit by vehicles, and its first-ever state appropriation for habitat preservation. A new three-year strategic plan focuses on protecting habitat, since there is nowhere left for the horses to go.
Farmland Preservation Grant — North End Farm
A $1,476,700 state grant will permanently preserve 57 acres of the Markert family's North End Farm through a conservation easement — the county's first farmland preservation grant.
Mackey Island Fish and Wildlife Meeting
A March 11 public meeting on Knotts Island will address possible closure or reduced flow through Corey's Ditch, with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Ducks Unlimited.
NC Forest Service Annual Report
Ranger Will Rose reported 53 fire calls including 39 wildfires, $21 million in protected property value, and 444 acres of forest management plans for the past fiscal year.
Coastal fisheries lawsuit ruling
Commissioners passed a resolution asking that a judge's August 17 ruling against the state in a public-trust fisheries case be appealed, fearing it could shut down commercial fishing in the sounds and set a precedent threatening other industries. Glenn Skinner of the NC Fisheries Association may present October 6.
Coastal Legislative Agenda
A bill passed by the NC House would strip Currituck's ability to use occupancy tax for public safety, despite a 7-0 Supreme Court win. Officials are asking residents to call state senators for a carve-out.
Coinjock Bay seaweed/invasive plant problem
Residents Paul and Barbara Hodges described rotting, smelly invasive seaweed harming Coinjock Bay and asked who handles grant money for cleanup. The county manager agreed to connect them with the right contacts.
US 168/158 Corridor Cleanliness
Former commissioner Mary Etheridge urged the Board to keep cleaning the highway corridor and to avoid rezonings and tattoo parlors that could hurt its appearance.
Hardened Shoreline Structures Ban (SB 1009)
The county endorsed a state bill to repeal the ban on hardened shoreline structures like seawalls and to fund beach preservation — a big deal for a coastal county fighting erosion.
Coastal Fishing Regulations Moratorium (SB 1065)
The Board backed a temporary freeze on new coastal fishing regulations, supporting commercial and recreational fishing interests.