6.8 Local and Municipal Programs
Some local government programs have implemented their own riparian bufer and food- plain protection programs in compliance with National Flood Insurance Programs and as a means to protect nutrient-sensitive waters. Other programs work with landowners, nonproft agencies, public agencies, and other stakeholders in the protection of important farmlands, natural resources, and waterways. An example is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources, which is responsible for the protection and conservation of Mecklenburg County’s parks designated as nature preserves. Nature preserves protect the county’s biological resources and natural areas, while providing opportunities for environ- mental education, nature-based programs, and outdoor recreation. Durham County’s Farmland Protection Program represents a collaboration among Durham’s Soil and Water Conservation District, Open Space and Real Estate Division, City-County Planning, the Farmland Protection Advisory Board, County Manager, and the Board of County Commissioners to protect farmland. Tis collaboration has succeeded in communicating with landowners on farmland preservation options and in leveraging signifcant state and federal funds to match local dollars for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements. Another example of local conservation eforts is Orange County’s Lands Legacy Program. Tis program works with landowners, land trusts, and other conservation partners to lever- age local funds and state and federal dollars for the acquisition and protection of important natural and cultural resource lands in the county. Since 2000, the program has helped to protect more than 3,000 acres that include natural areas, prime farmlands, and watershed riparian bufer lands. In Wake County, the Open Space Program protects valuable open space by purchasing land or conservation easements in areas targeted for protection. Te Wake County Consolidated Open Space Plan was developed to guide decisions about pro- tection and conservation of county land and water for current residents and future gener- ations. Te Open Space Program also provides matching funds to partners for purchase of land or conservation easements. Te Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) works at the county level with urban, suburban, and rural landowners interested in reducing their contributions to nonpoint source pollution. Both Durham County CCAP and Rockingham County CCAP provide assistance for installation of qualifying BMPs (e.g., rain gardens, riparian bufers, stormwater wetlands, stream restoration, permeable pavement, and other conservation measures).
812
2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online