Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
Federal- and state-level funding resources that have historically provided grants (as matching funds) that support landscape-level conservation programs include the following programs. However, because these resources are subject to the impacts of economic forces and legislative support, their availability varies annually. 6.2.2.1 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides federal funds managed by the National Park Service and supports acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program is intended to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of quality recreation areas and facilities. The US Department of the Interior (USDOI) provides the funds, and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) administers the program in our state. Since 1965, LWCF has provided $1.5 million on average per year in matching grants to protect land and support more than 875 state and local park projects in the state. Online at https://www.doi.gov/lwcf. 6.2.2.2 North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) The North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) was previously known as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The NCLWF was originally established in 1996 to protect the state’s drinking water sources. In 2013, the NC General Assembly by law (NC General Statute (G.S.) 113A, Article 18) combined the Natural Heritage Trust Fund (NHTF) with the existing CWMTF and expanded the Fund’s mission to include conserving and protecting North Carolina’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and military installations. The Fund has conserved over 500,000 acres and protected or restored 3,000 miles of streams and rivers. In 2024, the Fund provided $45 million to protect natural areas, waterways, historic sites, and military buffers. Online at https://nclwf.nc.gov. 6.2.2.3 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a revolving loan program created by amendments to the Federal Clean Water Act to provide loan funds for wastewater treatment facilities and projects associated with estuary and nonpoint source programs. The CWSRF identifies stream restoration and other types of green infrastructure as eligible for funding and could potentially be a source of low-interest funding for shovel-ready projects. Online at https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-infrastructure/i-need-funding/clean-water- state-revolving-fund. 6.2.2.4 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) NFWF partners with agencies and organizations to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. The Foundation supports more than 70 grant programs and provides funding on a competitive basis to projects that sustain, restore and enhance our nation's fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats.
6 - 4
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator