Newsletter: 4 October 2025
IMMEDIATE COMMENTS SOUGHT ON DRAFT OF
HARBOR-DEEPENING IMPACT STUDY
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District has opened a public comment period on its draft environmental impact statement of the Wilmington Harbor project. Public comments will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 3, on the multi-million dollar project to deepen the main channel from a depth of 42 feet to 47 feet.
On Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 3 to 7 pm, District officials are scheduled to host an open house at the Cape Fear Community College Union Station Building, Daniels located at 502 N. Front St. Participants will get the opportunity to speak with Corps officials, learn about the conditionally authorized project, ask questions, and provide comments. PFAS containment in the Cape Fear navigation channel is currently one of the many critical environmental concerns that must be addressed.
Public comments may be submitted by email to WilmingtonHarbor403@usace.army.mil, or you send your comments by mail to "ATTN: Wilmington Harbor 403, 69 Darlington Ave., Wilmington, N.C. 28403." You can also submit a comment card at the public meeting.
Brayton Willis, Retired USACE Senior Project Manager, has written a letter to the USACE District Engineer detailing the origin and consequences if proceeding with the project. In the letter, he provides indisputable, effective facts, figures that are disturbing. Click here to read the full letter.
Monthly Speaker Presentation
When: Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:15 pm
Speaker: Roger Shew
Topic: A Changing Southeastern North Carolina: Threats to our Natural Areas and Health from National, State and Local Policies.
Roger Shew serves on the board of Cape Fear River Watch, Eagles Island Task Force, and Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, and is a supervisor on New Hanover County Soil and Water Board. He also works with the Nature Conservancy on conservation and restoration projects. Roger loves to engage the community and provide facts regarding issues and opportunities facing our area.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.
Save Sledge Forest - Call to Action
On Monday, Oct. 6, the Save Sledge Forest Team will be presenting nearly 13,000 petition signatures to the NH County Commissioners during their 4 pm meeting. There will also be a 3 pm rally on the courthouse steps to kick things off.
This is a milestone for Save Sledge Forest and they hope you will attend to show your solidarity.
Carolina Beach State Park Glass Cleanup
Come join other fellow non-profits clean up a unique area of Carolina Beach State Park called "Lily Pond," which was a dumping site for trash from the 1920s through the 1960s. The Plastic Ocean Project (POP) is the main sponsor and they would be delighted to have anyone interested to join them. Park Ranger Jesse Anderson will also give a short presentation on the Lily Pond.
When: Oct. 11 from 10am to 1pm (although you are free to leave when you want.)
Where: Meet at the picnic tables in the front of the Park Visitor Center. Click here for a map of the Park.
Bring: Hat, work gloves, water and a small trowel for digging in the dirt for glass.
More Info: For further information, contact Emily Mulvihilll at Plastic Ocean Project: emily@plasticoceanproject.org.
New October Outing
Come join us for a walk along the Island Greenway in Caroling Beach on Saturday, Oct. 25 and explore the side of Carolina Beach that many of us are not familiar with. Click here to register and get information on time and meet-up location.
The Sierra Club enjoyed a 2-mile hike at Fort Fisher on Friday, Sept. 26. Ranger Stephanie escorted our group telling us about this most unique and beautiful trail near Fort Fisher State Park.