Join us in our community efforts to reduce flood risks and enhance resilience.
NFMA Meetings
Northend Flood Mitigation Alliance (NFMA) meetings are designed to bring information to help our members better understand issues and possible solutions for flood mitigation and building resilience.
March 19, 2026, 6pm to 8:30pm, Havana's Restaurant
Runoff-induced pollution from Northend flooding poses a severe threat to our local basin, a vital hub for both recreation and the economy. To address this, Ted Wilgis of the North Carolina Coastal Federation will present on March 19, 2026, on how building living shorelines and restoring oyster reefs can significantly improve the health of our island's harbor.
Ted is a coastal scientist and the Marine Debris Program Director for the North Carolina Coastal Federation. He has been with the organization since 1997 and is a prominent figure in North
Carolina's coastal conservation efforts, particularly regarding oyster restoration and marine debris removal.
- Marine Debris Management: Ted Wilgis coordinates large-scale efforts to remove abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) and storm-related debris from North Carolina's estuaries. Under his leadership, the program has removed hundreds of tons of debris and numerous vessels to improve water quality and habitat health.
- Oyster Restoration: He designs and implements projects to rebuild oyster reefs and salt marsh habitats. He is a key advocate for the NC Oyster Blueprint, a strategy aimed at restoring the state's oyster populations for their ecological and economic benefits.
- Living Shorelines: He promotes and installs living shorelines—natural alternatives to bulkheads that use marsh plants and oyster shells to stabilize shorelines and provide habitat.
- Education & Advocacy: Having previously served as the federation's education director and the Cape Fear Coastkeeper®, he remains active in environmental education, leading volunteer events and community outreach programs.
Ted holds a Bachelor of Arts in zoology from Connecticut College and has conducted graduate work in marine biology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). He serves on the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission's Shellfish and Crustacean Advisory Committee
About the NC Coastal Federation
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is a member-supported 501(c)3 that focuses on protecting and restoring the North Carolina coast.
Since 1982, the Federation has been in the field restoring miles of coastline; training and educating students, adults, and communities to take actions that result in cleaner coastal waters and advocating for an accessible, healthy, productive coast.
Created to give a united voice to the need for long-term coastal management, the Federation remains a collaborative, grassroots organization at its heart and brings together traditional and nontraditional organizations, government agencies, and businesses in order to achieve what is best for the North Carolina coast and to leave a legacy of clean water for future generations.
Northend Flood Mitigation Alliance
Community Action Organization
The Northend Flood Mitigation Alliance (NFMA) was established by homeowners and other stakeholders to provide community flood support in addressing flooding issues on the Northend. The alliance focuses on flood risk reduction by implementing programs aimed at decreasing the frequency of flooding, minimizing the duration that floodwaters remain on the streets, and fostering long-term resiliency.
Our Mission
Our goal is to enhance community flood support in our neighborhood through effective flood risk reduction strategies. This initiative aims to preserve our safety, health, environment, and property values, aligning with the efforts of the Northend Flood Mitigation Alliance (NFMA).
Our Objectives
ACTION COMMITTEES
Establish working committees to develop strategies and action plans that focus on community flood support and address current flood issues, including long-term flood risk reduction solutions.
COMMUNITY-LEVEL SUPPORT TO TOCB
Work proactively with the Town of Carolina Beach (TOCB) to ensure that flood mitigation tactics are upheld through the Northend Flood Mitigation Alliance.
RECRUIT AND INFORM
Raise awareness of the need for flood mitigation to gain support and participation from Northend stakeholders, fostering a strong community flood support network.
FORM ALLIANCES
Establish advisory relations with local organizations, education/research institutions, the Town of Carolina Beach, as well as state and federal programs to enhance flood risk reduction efforts as outlined by the National Flood Mitigation Act (NFMA).
SEEK FUNDING
Collaborate with the Town of Carolina Beach to seek funding for research and implementation of flood mitigation solutions while also raising funds to support flood mitigation and protect the harbor environment.