6.5 State Conservation Partners
in ways that emphasize the natural diversity of North Carolina and the southeastern United States and relate the region to the world as a whole. In support of this mission, the NCMNS scientifc staf maintains the state’s extensive natural sciences research collec- tions, conducts primary research in the natural sciences, collaborates on research proj- ects with area universities, state and federal agencies, and international organizations, and interprets natural history to the public through a variety of outreach initiatives and programs. In addition to the paleontology and geology collections, zoological collections are main- tained for terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, fshes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Tese extensive Research Collections, and the data associated with them, are invaluable sources of information, are available to the larger scientifc com- munity for academic research, and often serve to inform policy makers on environmen- tal issues. NCMNS ofers online access to certain collections on its website (collections. naturalsciences.org). Key programs and resources that support conservation priorities are summarized in Appendix M (page 1247). 6.5.3 NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP), established in 1976, is a unit of the Ofce of Land and Water Stewardship within NCDENR. Its mission is to provide the scien- tifc knowledge and motivation for appropriate stewardship of the signifcant natural areas in North Carolina. Te ofce is an integral part of the state’s conservation eforts, and seeks to maintain a positive relationship with communities through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, industries, and organizations, and private citizens. Te NCNHP inventories, catalogues and facilitates protection of rare and outstanding elements of the natural diversity of North Carolina. Tese elements of natural diversity include plants and animals which are so rare, or natural communities which are so signif- cant, that they merit special consideration as land-use decisions are made. NCNHP follows methodology developed by Te Nature Conservancy and shared by the Natural Heritage Network and NatureServe. By consolidating information about hundreds of rare species and natural communities, the program is able to ensure that the public is able to get the information needed to weigh the ecological signifcance of various sites, and to evaluate the likelihood and extent of ecological impacts resulting from land-use activities. Tis information supports informed evaluations of the trade-ofs associated with biological diversity and development projects. Finally, NCNHP data can be used to help set priorities for the protection of North Carolina’s most important natural areas. Te NCNHP information database is easily reached online
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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