6.3 Conservation Opportunities and Incentives
diferent audiences are willing to take or have their governments take on behalf of wildlife conservation. In light of the state’s population growth and changing demographics, the perceived needs and desires of the public for wildlife education programs must be evalu- ated at regular intervals to ensure that needs are being met. Te Commission-published magazine, Wildlife in North Carolina , is an important outlet for information dissemination about fsh and wildlife conservation projects and initiatives across the state. Te WRC ofers other publications such as a Wildlife Diversity newsletter, news releases, photos, species fact sheets, and technical, conservation, and management guides. Education and outreach needs specifc to particular species groups (see Chapter 3) or habitats (see Chapter 4) are addressed within the appropriate natural community or river basin sections. 6.3.3.1 Public Education Education, outreach, and recreation initiatives are components of successful wildlife conservation because they provide a way to connect natural resource agencies and orga- nizations to citizens that comprise the broader conservation community. Tis community includes students and educators, public and private landowners, urban and rural residents, special interest and user groups (e.g., birders, hikers, paddlers, sportsmen and women), as well as local governments, corporations, and other natural resource stakeholders. State fsh and wildlife agencies have a mandate to manage shared public wildlife resources for this broad constituency. Te NCWRC Division of Wildlife Education provides publications and programs through which the general public and educators can learn about wildlife, natural history, and out- door skills. Te NCWRC runs four education centers across the state and provides educator training, distance learning opportunities, and in-service training opportunities for profes- sional educators and civic groups, who in turn, can carry what they learn to larger audi- ences. Programs for students of all ages can provide opportunities for hands-on learning outside the classroom as well as connect students to education programs through the use of current technologies. Tese programs include: • Growing Up WILD, an early childhood program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and their habitats, with an emphasis on promoting aquatic resource appreciation and stewardship. Trough a wide range of activities and experiences, Growing Up WILD provides an early founda- tion for developing positive impressions about nature and lifelong social and academic skills. Tese six-hour workshops are primarily oriented toward formal and non-formal educators who work with children ages three to seven. Tey include early childhood and classroom educators, homeschool teachers, and park rangers.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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