Coastal Habitat Protection Plan On-line

[NCangler]

IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSALS NOW ON-LINE FOR
COASTAL HABITAT PROTECTION PLAN

MOREHEAD CITY – Enhancing oyster restoration and reducing pollution caused by storm water runoff are among a list of actions proposed by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to begin implementation of North Carolina’s Coastal Habitat Protection Plan.

The proposed list of actions, which also includes preparing a comprehensive coastal beach and inlet management plan, is available for public comment and review.

On Feb. 11, DENR Secretary Bill Ross, signed the CHPP – a landmark conservation package designed to protect and restore critical fisheries habitat. DENR, along with the Marine Fisheries, Coastal Management, and Environmental Management commissions, is required to adopt measures to implement the CHPP by July 1, 2005.
DENR is already taking action by enhancing enforcement of existing rules protecting fish habitat, developing a set of indicators to gauge the on-going health of the estuaries and habitats and reporting on those trends, expanding oyster restoration efforts and educating the public about the importance of these habitats.

Implementation plans are posted at http://www.ncdmf.net/habitat/chpp28.html or are available in hard copy by calling the CHPP Office at 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632. The public can provide comments to CHPPs@ncmail.net or by mailing input to the CHPP Office, Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. 769, Morehead City, NC 28557.