6.5 State Conservation Partners
State Energy Program and Weatherization Assistance Program. Te NC Geological Survey is part of the Division and is responsible for performing scientifc investigations, providing technical assistance and maps of the state’s geological resources. Te Division as a whole supports public geoscience education. Information about conservation eforts can be found on the NCDEMLR web page. 6.5.9 NC Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR) Te North Carolina State Parks System exists for the enjoyment, education, health, and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. Te mission of the state parks system is to con- serve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features, and recreational resources of statewide signifcance; to provide outdoor recreational opportuni- ties in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportu- nities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural heritage. Te ecosystems and cultural features protected by the state parks system often represent the highest quality examples of the state’s natural landscape cultural heritage. In many cases, these ecosystems and cul- tural features are also among the most threatened. Te division’s Natural Resources Program provides feld staf, planning staf, and con- struction staf with technical expertise on issues such as resource stewardship, scientifc research, environmental review and compliance, and landscape planning. Te primary goal of natural resource management is to minimize human impacts on the natural envi- ronment and to ensure the long-term protection of state parks as intact, naturally evolving ecosystems. Te primary goal of cultural resource management is to protect and pre- serve historically signifcant features. Te program is currently working with a number of agencies, universities and cooperative extension program to control exotic species in the state park system. Exotic species are seen as one of the greatest threats to rare spe- cies, high-quality communities, and biodiversity. Over the past several years the Natural Resources Program has been working with feld staf to develop a natural resources data- base. Te database contains a number of projects that will need to be accomplished to ensure resource protection in the park system. In addition, the database will assist in set- ting priorities for the Natural Resources Program. 6.5.10 North Carolina Aquariums Te NC Aquariums were established in 1976 to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources of North Carolina’s ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. Tey incor- porate conservation into daily activities and long-term programs. Tis is also integral to maintaining accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Collections
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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