[Durham INC] Latest front in the legislative blitzkrieg in Raleigh

[Pat Carstensen]

H116: Delineate Coastal Wetlands Riparian Buffers would fundamentally change the way we measure protective buffers to coastal wetlands in the Neuse River Basin or the Tar-Pamlico River Basin.  Under existing law a 50 foot protective setback would start from the end of the wetlands, however the bill changes this to start the setback at the beginning of the wetlands, if the wetlands are greater than 50 feet the setback would end at the end of the wetlands, if they are less than 50 feet the setback would end 50 feet from the beginning of the wetlands. 
THe bill only applies where there are tides -- but we need to keep an eagle eye on it because no doubt someone will have the idea of making it apply to all wet-lands along the river systems.   As we learned with the EEUDO, to make the wetlands work, you need to have shade and protection from run-off at their edges.  So it's a LOUSY idea even if it doesn't affect Durham's streams  If you are wondering about why to care, as they say, "no wetlands, no seafood."
Regards, pat 		 	   		  
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