Atlantic Coast Conservation Association (ACCA) (P.O. Box 2623, Wilmington 28402; 910/256-2191): Promotes the protection and enhancement of marine fisheries resources. Represents salt water anglers. Conducts lobbying, public education, and a tag and release tournament. Publishes a bimonthly newsletter, Undercurrents.
Bird Island Preservation Society (Bill Ducker, c/o Sue Weddle, 706 N. Shore Dr., Sunset Beach 28468; 910/579-9754): Working toward the preservation of Bird Island, a pristine, privately owned barrier island. Raises funds and grassroots support toward the goal of state ownership and preservation of the island. Publishes a newsletter.
Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) (P.O. Box 878, Glendale Springs 28629; 910/982-2691): A network of 24 chapters across N.C., three in Virginia, and some in other southeastern states. Works on a variety of issues, including those specific to coastal areas. Provides sample letters and technical assistance in using Freedom of Information Act and in examining state documents. Conducts research.
Carteret County Crossroads (c/o Alynn Powell, P.O. Box 155, Beaufort 28516): Produces educational materials and conducts lobbying and public education on coastal environmental issues, with emphasis on water quality, wetlands, and land use. Publishes a quarterly newsletter.
N.C. Coastal Federation (Hadnot Creek Farm, 3223-4 Highway 58, Swansboro 28584; 919/393-8185): Conducts community organizing and provides technical assistance regarding coastal issues such as water quality, wetlands, and development and land use. Serves as a clearinghouse for related information. Fosters public involvement to improve regulatory information implementation. Refers people to local organizations and individuals working on coastal issues. Produces educational materials. Published two guides, A Citizen's Guide to Coastal Resource Management Through Local Government and A Citizen's Guide to Coastal Water Resource Management. The guides are excellent sources of information for coastal issues such as water quality, land use and development, and wetlands protection.
N.C. Coastal Land Trust (The Cotton Exchange, 321 N. Front St., Wilmington 28401; 910/763-0332): Works to preserve and protect important natural lands in counties of the coastal plain from the South Carolina to Virginia state lines. Holds lands and assists local governments, individuals, and groups in land protection arrangements.
Ducks Unlimited South Atlantic Flyway - Regional Field Operations (c/o Donald Manley, Rt. 6, Box 559, Clinton 28328; 910/592-3898): Raises funds for the preservation and restoration of habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. Preservation is done by state and federal agencies. 120 chapters across N.C. Publishes the quarterly North Carolina Ducks Unlimited Magazine. The national headquarters publishes Ducks Unlimited, a bimonthly magazine.
N.C. Fisheries Association (P.O. Box 12303, New Bern 28561; 919/633-2288): A non-profit trade association representing the commercial fishing industry. Forms policy positions, makes policy recommendations to the General Assembly, and works with people in the industry on specific technical problems. Involved in related water quality issues. A member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
Friends of Hatteras Island (c/o Carol Anderson, P.O. Box 669, Buxton 27920; 919/995-6649): Works for the protection of Hatteras Island's maritime forests and water supply (its quality and quantity). Active in related development and land use issues. Supports the work of other groups. Publishes a newsletter.
Friends of Roanoke Island (P.O. Box 1750, Manteo 27954; 919/473-6365): Can provide much information on the wetlands of Roanoke Island (part of the drainage area of the Currituck, Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds). Works on broad quality of life issues in the area, including the conservation and protection of natural and cultural resources.
Neuse River Foundation (P.O. Box 5451, New Bern 28561; 919/637-7972): The Neuse River Keeper, Richard Dove, serves as an interface between the general public, regulatory agencies, and violators of regulations. Responds to and investigates Lower Neuse water quality problems and advocates for regulation enforcement. Produces educational materials. Publishes the quarterly Neuse River Notes.
Ocracoke Preservation Society (c/o Kenneth Ballance, P.O. Box 491, Ocracoke 27960): Preserves areas of Ocracoke Island, a coastal barrier island.
Pamlico-Tar River Foundation (P.O. Box 1854, Washington 27889; 919/946-7211 or 9492): Produces educational materials, gives talks, provides technical assistance, and conducts research and advocacy regarding water quality and wetlands, and land use planning/growth management. Maintains a library of materials on natural resources and environmental issues, primarily pertaining to the coast. Publishes the quarterly newsletter, Currents, and a booklet called "A River of Opportunity".
Pender Watch and Conservancy (c/o Howard Stern, P.O. Box 662, Hampstead 28443; 910/270-9733): Works on various issues including water quality, wetlands, and land use. Conducts advocacy, provides technical assistance, produces educational materials, lobbies, and organizes outings. Tests water quality in estuaries and streams. Works with the N.C. Nature Conservancy. Publishes the quarterly newsletter Pender Watch.
Roanoke/Chowan Wildlife Club (c/o Earl Edwards, P.O. Box 707, Winton 27986; 919/357-0639): Works on conservation issues with an emphasis on Gates, Hertford, Northampton, and Bertie counties, but active statewide. Cooperates with the State in forming wildlife access areas. Owns and manages a protected conservation area, where public education programs and special events are conducted. Awards scholarships. Affiliated with the N.C. Wildlife Federation.
Sierra Club - N.C. Chapter Charles Bolles, Marine Mammals Issues Chair (2502 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville 28480; 910/256-3990) Inge Larson, Maritime Forests Issues Chair (P.O. Box 93, Chapel Hill 27514; 919/967-8686); Bob Slaughter, Conservation Coordinator for coastal issues and Issues Chair for coastal wetlands and beach hardening (P.O. Box 1039, Carolina Beach 28428; 910/395-2183)
Society for Masonboro Island (P.O. Box 855, Wrightsville Beach 28480; 910/256-5777): Works to protect the eight-mile barrier island between Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach.
Southeastern N.C. Waterman's Association (c/o Melvin Shepard, P.O. Box 0015, Sneads Ferry 28460-0015; 910/327-1231): Advocates for the protection and proper management of fishery habitat, wetlands, and estuarine areas. Compiles data and performs independent fishery research. Supports enforcement of fishery regulations. Lobbies state and federal agencies. Creates a common ground for fishermen to meet and discuss and solve problems and differences.
Sunset Beach Taxpayer's Association (c/o Minnie Hunt, 1210 E. Main St., Sunset Beach 28468; 910/579-2124): Works to preserve the environment and quality of life of Sunset Beach, a community on a barrier island and the mainland. Focuses on issues of development density and water quality. Participates in statewide water quality activities.