EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (April 15, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the Town of Emerald Isle celebrated the opening of the Emerald Isle Boating Access Area —the largest public boat launch facility on the North Carolina Coast —during a grand opening ceremony Friday morning. The Emerald Isle Boating Access Area, on N.C. 58, has four launch lanes, parking for 18 single vehicles and 112 vehicles with trailers.  The town eventually plans to construct additional park amenities. “We are grateful for this partnership with the Town of Emerald Isle that has allowed us to build this coastal region site,” said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services. “The four launch lanes and ample parking will allow boaters from across the state more convenient access to Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. We are grateful to all the partners that contributed to this pro

EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (April 13, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has completed construction on the Emerald Isle Boating Access Area and is opening the site to the public Friday afternoon, April 15. The Emerald Isle Boating Access Area, on N.C. 58 between mile markers 17.5 and 18, has four launch lanes, parking for 112 vehicles with trailers and parking for 18 single vehicles. The town eventually plans to construct additional park amenities. “We are grateful for this partnership with the Town of Emerald Isle that has allowed us to build this coastal region site,” said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services. “The four launch lanes and ample parking will allow boaters from across the state more convenient access to Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. We are grateful to all the partners that contributed to this project.” The Wildlife Commission paid for the const

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 7, 2011) –Renovations to the Snow’s Cut Boating Access Area have been completed, and the popular Carolina Beach site is set to re-open to public this weekend. The Commission received $500,000 in funding from sales of the Coastal Recreational Fishing License to assist in the improvements. About $400,000 from motorboat registration receipts also went toward the cost. “When funding like this is available to upgrade such a popular coastal site, the boaters and anglers of North Carolina benefit from the improved access,” said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services. “We are so grateful to receive this grant from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, which allows us to make such a first-class upgrade to Snow’s Cut.” Improvements to the site include more than 100 feet of additional dock space, plus new make-ready and tie-down lanes. The site al

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 7, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has completed renovations on the Federal Point Boating Access area and opened it to the public. The Federal Point Boating Access Area, off U.S. 421 in Kure Beach, has newly paved parking lots for both trailers and single vehicles, a boardwalk for beach access and concrete sidewalks. Last winter, during the first phase of the renovation, the site received new ramps, floating docks, a new concrete apron, filled basin and new bulkhead, breakwater and a retaining wall. “These renovations will make access to Buzzard Bay easier and more convenient for boaters who come from across the state to this extremely popular spot,” said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services. “We are grateful for the partnerships with other agencies that allowed us to make these renovations to Federal Point.” A large portion of phase one was

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 5, 2011) – Just in time for striper season in the “Rockfish Capital of the World,” the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission held a ribbon cutting last week on the newly renovated Weldon Boating Access Area. By mid-April, the site, one of the oldest boat fishing sites in the state, will be packed with hundreds of anglers casting a line for striped bass in the Roanoke River. The Boating Access Area has new courtesy docks and has been expanded from two launch lanes to three. “Now, fisherman will be able to launch their boats much faster and have more time to fish,” said Town of Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham, during the Ribbon Cutting ceremony. “Weldon is proud to be the Rockfish Capital of the World, and we are equally proud of the newly renovated boat access area here at the Roanoke River Landing. The natural beauty of the rocks, the rapids, the water and the joy and pleasure people derive from fishing her