6.2 Planning and Implementing Conservation
legacy of quality recreation areas and facilities. Te US Department of the Interior (USDOI) provides the funds and the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) administers the program in our state. Since 1965, the LWCF has provided $1.5 million on average per year in matching grants to protect land and sup- port more than 875 state and local park projects in the state. • Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF)—In 2013, the NC General Assembly by law (NC General Statute [G.S.] 113A, Article 18) combined the Natural Heritage Trust Fund (NHTF) with the existing CWMTF and designated that annual appropriations be used to fnance projects to clean or prevent surface water pollution and for land preser- vation. Te merged trust fund can support projects for: a) acquiring land or conserva- tion easements for riparian bufers, conserving surface waters and enhancing drinking water supplies, high-value ecological diversity of natural features (riverine, montane, coastal, and geologic systems), and natural areas; b) coordinating with other public programs to enhance water quality protections or restoring degraded lands for water quality protection; and c) supporting other eforts related to stormwater management and pollution reduction initiatives. Since 1996, and before its merger with CWMTF, the previous NHTF had contributed more than $335 million ($18.5 million annually) through 528 grants to support the conservation of more than 300,000 acres in the state. CWMTF has provided $1 billion ($55 million annually) and partnered with commu- nities across the state to support key local economies by funding on-the-ground water quality projects, which have leveraged an additional $500 million ($27.7 million annu- ally) in private, local, and federal funds. • Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)—Tis fund primarily supports state and local parks and recreation projects (e.g., recreational trails, greenways, community centers) that serve the general public by providing local governments (counties, incorporated municipalities, and public authorities) with dollar-for-dollar matching grants. Te program is managed by the NC Parks and Recreation Authority and administered by the NCDENR, Division of Parks and Recreation. Since 1999, more than $450 million has been awarded ($25 million annually) for 736 projects statewide. • Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF)—Tis fund supports the preservation of NC farmland and depends on annual appropriations from the General Assembly. Te fund supports farming, forestry, and horticulture com- munities within the $77 billion NC agribusiness industry by providing matching grants for the purchase of development rights by recording perpetual or term agricultural con- servation easements (on farm, forest, and horticulture lands). Te fund also provides matching grants for public and private enterprise programs that promote proftable and sustainable family farms. Grants for agricultural conservation easements give pref- erence to lands with active production of food, fber, and other agricultural products.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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