Proposed Regulations

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has the authority, granted by the Legislature, to create regulations called “rules” which although not state law, have the force of law. The complete set of rules under the jurisdiction of the Commission can be found here. From Proposal to Regulation describes the Commission's rule-making procedures. Below is a list of the rules the Commission is currently proposing to change, a description of each, and ways to submit your comments. We welcome your feedback.

15A NCAC 10C .0325 Sea Trout – Temporary Amendment

Reason for Proposed Action:

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission adopted the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1 at their March 2025 meeting. To be consistent with the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, a slot limit for Spotted Seatrout where the minimum size limit remains 14 inches, but no fish may be possessed between 20 and 26 inches and only one fish in the creel may be over 26 inches in length is proposed. The daily creel limit will be reduced from four fish to three fish per person. Current data indicates that the Spotted Seatrout population is not overfished but overfishing is occurring. These measures should end overfishing within two years.

Proposed Rule Text

15A NCAC 10C .0325

Public Hearing Information:

Date: May 8, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:

Submit a Comment:

  • Online
  • Email (please include name, county, and state of residence)
  • Mail written comments to:  Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701

Public Comment Period Ends:  May 16, 2025
 


15A NCAC 10D .0260 Pisgah Game Land in Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey Counties – Temporary Amendment

Reason for Proposed Action:

The Lutz Tract portion of the game land is heavily used and overcrowded in the summer months with people camping and gathering. This use results in litter and human waste that creates environmental hazards and habitat degradation. The overcrowding also creates safety issues along the narrow roadway where cars block the thoroughfare on a NCDOT roadway, hindering access for emergency vehicles if needed. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office has expressed concern and asked for allowed activities on the property to be restricted.

The US Forest Service is closing the southern section of the Wilson Creek corridor, and NCDOT is beginning construction on the access road which will exacerbate issues on the game land. The portion of Wilson Creek on the Lutz Tract is designated as Delayed Harvest Trout Waters, and additional use of the Lutz Tract will impact angler access and experience. The proposed amendment should help reduce overcrowding.

Proposed Rule Text

15A NCAC 10D .0260 Pisgah Game Land

Public Hearing Information:

Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:

Submit a Comment

  • Online
  • Email (please include name, county, and state of residence)
  • Mail written comments to:  Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701

Public Comment Period Ends:  May 16, 2025
 

Proposed Regulation Updates

To receive updates on proposed regulations, email regulations@ncwildlife.gov.

Subjecting a Proposed Rule to Legislative Review

Written objections to proposed rules can be submitted to the Rules Review Commission. If the Rules Review Commission receives written and signed objections from 10 or more individuals clearly requesting review by the legislature and the Rules Review Commission approves the rule, the rule will become effective as provided in G.S.150B-21.3(b1). The Rules Review Commission will receive written objections until 5:00 p.m. on the day following the day the Rules Review Commission approves the rule. The Rules Review Commission will receive those objections by mail, delivery service, hand delivery, or facsimile transmission.

Rule Suggestions

As part of the Annual Cycle Rulemaking Process, the Commission considers suggestions and recommendations from NCWRC staff and the public. If you have a suggestion or recommendation you would like to be considered, please submit them here. 

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