Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
6.3.2 Private Lands and Conservation Incentives Conservation programs can seem complex. Private landowners can be unaware of programs for which they are qualified and lack information about administrators of such programs. From a programming standpoint, private land programs need to be more streamlined, better coordinated, and more effectively presented to the public. Key agencies and organizations involved in private lands programming in North Carolina should strive for better program coordination, with the goal of providing clear and consistent leadership on options and benefits to landowners. Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships should be fully used to preserve high- quality resources and protect important natural communities. Landowners should be introduced to available cost-share programs (e.g., Farm Bill programs) and habitat improvement advice (e.g., Forest Stewardship Program, Forest Landbird Legacy Program) that fit their needs. The NC Forest Service (NCFS) and NCWRC provide technical guidance to assist private landowners with sustainable management of the natural resources on their property. It is recommended that priority wildlife habitat management on private lands implement silvicultural management practices at appropriate locations to enhance ground forb and grass understory development; provide regeneration and habitat for disturbance-dependent species or early successional species; and enhance mature forest conditions in young to middle-aged pure stands. Quality early successional habitats should be developed and maintained through a combination of management strategies and appropriate practices (including prescribed burning, timber harvest, grazing, herbicide use, or other practices) on both public and private lands. 6.3.2.1 Strategies and Recommendations The following strategies and recommended actions highlight land conservation and management considerations with a goal of conserving wildlife of conservation concern, improving hunting and fishing opportunities for all regions of the state, and improving wildlife habitat in general. These strategies can be implemented through partnerships with private landowners and should be incorporated where appropriate in management of public lands. • Introduce private landowners to available programs that fit their needs, such as cost- share programs (e.g., Farm Bill programs) and technical guidance on habitat improvement (e.g., Forest Stewardship Program, Forest Landbird Legacy Program).
• Inform landowners about Present Use Value Programs to encourage the maintenance of working lands.
• Ensure that priority wildlife habitats are ranked appropriately in Farm Bill Incentive Programs.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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