6.5 State Conservation Partners
conservation ensures the health of our captive population. North Carolina has three aquar- iums: Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher. Te aquarium setting provides a unique opportunity for scientifc research aimed at sustaining and restoring native aquatic animals, plants, and their habitats. Veterinary research is carried out in partnership with the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, our partner in caring for aquarium animals. Applied research projects are often done in coor- dination with research institutions. Key programs and resources that support conservation priorities are summarized in Appendix M (page 1257). 6.5.11 NC Zoological Park (Zoo) Te NC Zoo is a 1,500-acre tract of land in the Uwharrie Mountains. Approximately 500 acres of this property have been developed into one of the largest “natural habitat” zoos in the United States. Te Zoo’s conservation mission includes initiatives and programs to improve the quality of our environment and the health of our state and participation in international eforts to protect animal habitats and help people understand the value of wild animals and wild places. Te Zoo is active in a number of regional initiatives to pro- tect plants and wildlife in the central Piedmont, preserve the state’s resources, and mini- mize negative impacts throughout the southeastern United States. Te Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the Zoological Park was estab- lished for the care and husbandry of injured and orphaned native wildlife, until they are ready for release back into the wild, as well as caring for education animals housed at the park. Programs and resources that support conservation priorities are described and sum- marized in Appendix M (page 1259). 6.5.12 Offce of Environmental Education and Public Affairs Te Ofce of Environmental Education and Public Afairs (Environmental Education) was established in 1993 to balance NCDENR’s regulatory functions with a commitment to environmental literacy and environmental education outreach. Te mission of the Ofce of Environmental Education is to encourage, support, and promote environmental education programs, facilities, and resources in North Carolina for the purpose of improving the pub- lic’s environmental literacy and stewardship of natural resources through planning, policy development, community involvement, innovative partnerships, and collaboration. Te Environmental Education Section works to increase environmental literacy and nat- ural resource stewardship in North Carolina by encouraging, promoting, and supporting environmental education programs, facilities, and resources throughout the state. It serves as the clearinghouse for all of the environmental education resources in the state. Te
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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