Natural Resources, Environment, Conservation and Trusts
Many North Carolinians are becoming more aware of the state's environment and natural resources. Through conservation programs and trusts, more land and water is being saved from development or overuse, and preserved for present and future generations to enjoy.
Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina (CCANC) - CCANC advises & educates the public on conservation of marine resources. Its objective is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.
Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) - This is a great site for land conservancy. CTNC works with governments, agencies, local land trusts, and other conservation groups to save the places we love in North Carolina. It provides aid and services to the state’s 24 local land trusts. You can find your Local Land Trust on their site.
Nature Conservancy - North Carolina - This is the N.C. chapter of the leading conservation organization that works to protect ecologically important lands and waters. In North Carolina, the Conservancy has protected nearly 700,000 acres of land and manages 64 preserves.
N.C. Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund - Between 1990 and 2002, North Carolina lost 1 million acres of forestland, 3/4 of this loss to urban development. Since 2002, N.C. has lost more than 6,000 farms and 300,000 acres of farmland, the worst in the nation. The purpose of the fund is to support the farming, forestry, and horticulture communities within the agriculture industry.
N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund - This Trust Fund makes grants to local governments, state agencies and conservation non-profits to help finance projects that specifically address water pollution problems.
North Carolina Conservation Network - The N.C. Conservation Network supports, trains and coordinates diverse groups and directly advocates to achieve equitable and sustainable solutions for our environment.
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) - This is a must-go-to site! NCDENR is the lead stewardship agency for the preservation and protection of North Carolina's outstanding natural resources. Its Divisions and Special Programs include coastal management, environmental education, parks and recreation, conservation, wildlife resources, the NC Zoo and aquariums, and so much more.
N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation Grants - N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) provides matching grants to local governments for parks and recreational projects to serve the public. N.C. Trails Program provides governmental agencies and non-profit organizations grants for trail construction and maintenance projects, for trail side facilities and land acquisition projects. Since 1965, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program has built a permanent park legacy in N.C. The program has provided more than $75 million in matching grants to protect land and support more than 875 state and local park projects.
N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund - This Trust Fund is a funding source for state agencies to acquire and protect land with outstanding natural or cultural heritage value.
One North Carolina Naturally - The One North Carolina Naturally initiative promotes and coordinates the long-term conservation of North Carolina’s threatened land and water resources. It is administered through divisions under the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.