6.5 State Conservation Partners
ofce also manages a nationally recognized professional development program that certi- fes educators in environmental education. Te NC Environmental Educator Certifcation Program provides enrollees with outdoor teaching skills, science and nature content knowledge, and environmental education methods. Since 2005, the Ofce of Environmental Education has been a key partner in a 10-state consortium that has developed an interactive, web-based database that allows us to share resources and opportunities. Tis greatly increases the capacity for environmental edu- cation in North Carolina and allows sharing of grants, resources, and job opportunities with the people of the state. Appendix M provides more information on Environmental Education Programs in the state (page 1260). 6.5.13 NC Forest Service (NCFS) Te NC Forest Service (NCFS) is a division with NCDACS. Te mission of NCFS is to protect, manage, and promote forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina. NCFS accom- plishes its mission through management of existing resources, development and creation of new and better forests, and protection of these valuable resources. NCFS is directly involved with forest management assistance to private landowners, reforestation services, forest fre prevention and suppression, and insect- and disease-control programs. Te NCFS Forest Action Plan is a strategic plan that defnes the goals and objectives that guide the agency’s eforts in meeting its mission. It is a complementary plan to the WAP. Te NCFS is also involved in the operation of tree seedling nurseries, long-range forestry planning and technical development, water quality controls, urban forestry assistance, training and support to volunteer fre departments, and forestry education. Te primary emphasis in conducting the programs under these objectives is directed at the 664,000 forest landowners who collectively own nearly 70% of more than 16 million acres of the state’s privately owned forest land. Information about programs and resources that support these priorities are described in Appendix M (page 1261). 6.5.14 Plant Conservation Program (PCP) Te mission of the NCDACS Plant Conservation Program (PCP) is to conserve the native plant species of North Carolina in their natural habitats, now and for future generations. To accomplish its mission, PCP develops regulations, voluntary programs, and cooperative partnerships to help protect imperiled species and their habitats. PCP’s responsibilities include maintaining the list of imperiled species and the development of conservation pro- grams to protect these species permanently.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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