Congressman Walter Jones introduces bill to protect Corolla Wild Horses

Below is an article from the Outer Banks Sentinel regarding a House Bill to proetect the wild horses. Great to see some proactive efforts.

Last week U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones (NC-3) introduced H.R. 4867, the Corolla Wild Horse Protection Act.

The bill would require the U.S. Department of the Interior, the State of North Carolina, the County of Currituck and the non-profit Corolla Wild Horse Fund to craft a new herd management plan that would allow for a herd of no less than 100 horses.

That is the minimum number of horses that a preliminary report from renowned equine geneticist Dr. Gus Cothran of Texas A&M University says is necessary to maintain the herd's genetic viability. The current management plan allows for a herd of 60 horses. H.R. 4867 is similar to a bill that Congressman Jones authored to protect the wild horses of Shackleford Banks in the Cape Lookout National Seashore. That legislation, which became law in 1998, has provided a successful statutory framework for management of the Shackleford horses.

The lineage of the Corolla horses can be traced back to the arrival of Spanish explorers on the Outer Banks in the 16th century. These hardy horses have survived in the wild for over four centuries. They currently roam across over 7,500 acres of public and private land in coastal Currituck County, North Carolina.

"These beautiful horses are an essential piece of Eastern North Carolina's heritage," said Congressman Jones. "This bill will help protect the viability of the Corolla herd so people can enjoy them for years to come."

"The critically endangered wild horses of North Carolina have a champion in Congressman Jones," said Karen McCalpin, executive director of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

"These horses are an integral part of the history and culture of our state as well as our country. They are a symbol of American, strength, perseverance, and freedom. Congressman Jones has taken action to ensure that the wild horses of the Currituck Outer Banks will remain here not only for the thousands of national and international visitors who now travel here to see them, but for future generations as well. The depth of our gratitude is immeasurable."

Mid-County Bridge Draft EIS Report Completed

Released on the NC Turnpike Authority's website is a Committee report from a meeting on Wednesday. In the powerpoint document are timelines and locations for presentation of the EIS report as well as an updated timeline for construction of the Bridge should all approvals be met. Copies are at the printer but will be available for review at several location in Dare & Currituck County as well as online. You know you'll find the link here when it is ready. This project has come quite a long way in 25 years!

Currituck County Commissioners considering eliminating use of sandbags and beach push options on Beaches

At a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners tabled a discussion until a later work session regarding prohibiting the use of sandbags and/or a beach push as a means of protecting beach front property in Currituck County. This could have a major impact on available options for homeowners if major storm cause significant damage to frontal dunes. Here are the pdf documents (starting pg 42) from the agenda package at the March 15th meeting. You can also watch the video of that discussion which was initiated by staff originally. Be sure to "Jump to" item #8 on the video menu to see just this topic.

Fozzie the Seal heads back home

The Harbour Seal, Fozzie, who was rescued out in front of Twiddy's 4x4 Wash Woods Office has recovered and was released back home on Thursday. Having spent the day with Fozzie when he washed up, he seemed to be a resilient little guy. The Virginia Pilot's Cindy Clayton provided the follow up story below (Photos taken by Todd Spencer) and there is a great video showing Fozzie's release....complete with a new hairdo.

By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 12, 2010
VIRGINIA BEACH

A harbor seal rescued after it was found stranded in January in Carova, N.C., was released Thursday into the ocean from Virginia Beach.

Fozzie the seal had been undergoing treatment for severe pneumonia at the Virginia Aquarium Marine Animal Care Center since being rescued Jan. 19, according to the aquarium. The seal also had a healing fractured rib.

The seal was released Thursday afternoon from First Landing State Park.

Fozzie weighed 42 pounds on arrival in Virginia Beach and now weighs 70 pounds, a news release said.

The stranding team warns residents that seals and other marine wildlife can be aggressive and dangerous if approached by people.

Those who see stranded animals are urged to keep their distance and report the animals on the team’s 24-hour hotline, (757) 437-6159.

Click HERE for my post when Fozzie originally washed up in January