The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is currently not known to exist in North Carolina. This non-native invasive pest is native to China and was first found in the U.S. in eastern Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it has spread to three additional states: New York, Delaware, and in January 2018, Virginia. While this sucking insect prefers tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), it has an extremely wide host range, including: pine, hardwoods (maple, poplar, willow), fruit

The Wildlife Commission, along with the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, is asking anglers who fish in North Carolina reservoirs to complete an online survey about their opinions on fish attractors and aquatic vegetation. Survey results will help fisheries staff improve aquatic habitat enhancement programs in the state's reservoirs. Take the survey. #publiccomment

Proposals are now being solicited for projects that implement a DWR-approved watershed restoration plan to restore the water quality of waters impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Approximately $1.2 million of federal funds are available for water quality restoration projects. Funds are provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. State and local governments, interstate agencies, and public and private nonpro

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking public comment on upcoming migratory game bird hunting seasons, as well as advising hunters of several important changes to the 2018-19 seasons. Comments can be submitted online through April 8. The Commission will select the season dates at its April 26 business meeting in Raleigh, based on public comments received. Hunters should note the following changes to the hunting seasons for migratory birds, which include waterfowl,

The Natural Shift: Longleaf Conversion Over Time Ready to move your forest back to its true nature? Converting to longleaf pine is a natural decision that takes planning and intention. Many existing forest stands in eastern North Carolina are located in prime longleaf pine habitats. Natural fire exclusion, old field succession, and market forces have all contributed to the dominance of intensively managed, or naturally regenerated, stands of loblolly pine in the region. This

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will be offering a Green Growth Toolbox Workshop hosted by the Brunswick County Planning Department and Brunswick Community College. When: April 27, 2018 from 9:00 am to 4 pm Where: The Leland Center of Brunswick Community College, 2045 Enterprise Dr. NE, Leland, NC 28451, (910) 755-7300 Please bring a laptop or tablet if possible for the conservation GIS data training and to explore the websites. The workshop is intended t

Laurel wilt is a fungal disease of plants in the Laurel family that is carried from tree to tree by a small beetle called the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). The disease has killed nearly all of the mature redbay (Persea borbonia), the most widely affected host, in affected areas south of North Carolina. The fungus that causes laurel wilt (Raffaelea lauricola) is very aggressive and mortality is thought to occur in trees attacked by a single female beetle. Frequ

The Wildlife Conservation Society's Climate Adaptation Fund supports projects that implement effective interventions for wildlife adaptation to climate change. Grants of $50,000 to $250,000 are provided to nonprofit conservation organizations for applied, on-the-ground projects focused on implementing priority conservation actions for climate adaptation at a landscape scale. In 2018, the Fund is inviting applications for projects that implement joint mitigation and adaptation