20130465 Ver 1_Other Agency Correspondence_20130528

TO:
Karen Higgins
THROUGH:
Anne Deaton
FROM:
Kevin Hart E0
DATE:
March 24, 2013
SUBJECT:
PCN 20130465- NPS, Harkers Island Passenger Ferry Improvements
The following comments by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) on the subject project are offered
pursuant to G.S. 113 -131. The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to add to existing infrastructure in the uplands
and reconfigure an existing boat basin at the confluence of Core and Back Sounds. Currently the boat basin can
accommodate 12 boats, has an existing boat ramp. The two finger piers on the northwestern side of the basin, located
closest to the visitor center, would be removed and replaced by a floating dock system. The park would continue to moor
all of their vessels within the boat basin, and as part of the dock reconfiguration, the National Park Service would be able
to offer space at the boat basin for the ferry concessioner to moor up to three ferry vessels overnight.
The division provided comments on this project for the EA and consistency and noted that the NCDMF's Shellfish
Sanitation and Recreational Water Quality Section determined that the proposed additional slips on the south side of the
basin would cause an increase in shellfish closure by approximately 0.3 acres. It appears that those docks are not part of
this PCN application and therefore the proposed work would not cause any change in shellfish harvest closures. DMF
appreciates the change provided by the NPS since maintaining the public trust right to shellfish harvesting is a priority of
the division. If the applicant intends to add additional slips in the future, they should contact Shannon Jenkins, at DMF to
discuss a dock location that will prevent additional shellfish closures. Shannon's contact information is
Shannon.Jenkinsgncdenr.gov or [phone].
The NCDMF appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any comments or
questions, please call me at [phone] or email me at Kevin, Hart(kncdeiingov .
Milo Nil 11
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