coastalissues

Coastal Issues

Land use planning	CRC/CRAC
CHPPS program	Coastal stormwater (Model state stormwater management plan)

Land Use Planning

The Coastal Area Management Act requires planning on the local level to determine consistency for federally funded projects and for CAMA permitting decisions. Local land use planning is recognized by state regulators and others as crucial element of coastal protection. The Coastal Resources Commission , after a lengthy review process, passed a series of regulatory changes in land use planning requirements in 2002. Many of these new planning requirements are commendable - but planning funding assistance has not been increased to correspond with these new requirements.

The League will advocate increased planning assistance, at the same time recognizing the fiscal constraints of the Division of Coastal Management

CRC/CRAC

From the Division of Coastal Management's web site:

The Coastal Resources Commission, or CRC, was created when the General Assembly adopted the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) in 1974.
The CRC establishes policies for the N.C. Coastal Management Program and adopts implementing rules for both CAMA and the N.C. Dredge and Fill Act. The commission designates areas of environmental concern, adopts rules and policies for coastal development within those areas, and certifies local land-use plans.
The CRC consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor. Twelve of the 15 members must have experience in a particular area of expertise, such as marine ecology, development or local government. Three members may be "at-large."
The Division of Coastal Management, in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, provides staffing services to the CRC, implements CRC rules and issues CAMA permits.
The Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) is a 45-member group that provides the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) with local government perspectives and technical advice. Members represent coastal counties and cities, regional councils of government and state agencies. Members serve at the pleasure of the appointing body.

The League has now been tracking coastal issues for a number of years. It is recognized that a number of issues that are of considerable local interest along the coast have the potential of statewide ramifications. Our staff regularly attends the meetings of the Commission and of the Advisory Council, and is an active participant where possible.

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CHPPS

The Fisheries Reform Act was passed by state legislators in 1997 in an effort to protect coastal fisheries habitats before they disappear. The law directs three state regulatory commissions to work together in this effort. These three include the Marine Fisheries Commission, the Environmental Management Commission and the Coastal Resources Commission. This effort involves the crafting of a coordinated plan called the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan or CHPP. The CHPP plan will look at six fisheries habitats that are important to North Carolina fisheries and develop strategies for protecting and restoring these habitats. Each Commission must then adopt policies that support this plan. The Division of Coastal Management has been soliciting comment on every stage of the plan and encourages dialogue. Learn more here .

The League continues to follow this process and offer comment where appropriate.

LATEST UPDATE: (July 8, 04)

Coastal Habitat Protection Plan draft is completed and available for review

Please see press release from DENR, and a Fact Sheet on the plan and process.

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