Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
• Support stream restoration in priority watersheds and in areas with sensitive species or significant aquatic resources (e.g., trout waters).
6.3.4 Education and Outreach Effective conservation can only be an integral feature of human society when it is a priority for most of its citizens. As North Carolina’s population centers become increasingly urban, there appears to be a growing disconnect between people and the outdoors, nature, and wildlife, which can lead to misconceptions, distrust, and fear. Education, outreach, and recreation opportunities are important tools to engage citizens in conservation and improve understanding of our wildlife resources among the public and conservation stakeholders. Two goals of public education and outreach in urban and suburban areas are to increase awareness of and appreciation for wildlife-related issues in the urban landscape, and to inspire people to take action toward protecting their local environment. Some citizens want to learn more about the impacts their homes and yards have on wildlife and how to create backyard oases for species. These programs can increase awareness of and appreciation for local wildlife species and habitats and create a connection between urbanites and nature. Local connections can be emphasized by promoting to the audience an awareness of where they live in their watershed and how their actions affect the world around them. Limited funding, personnel, and resources are challenges when trying to meet education, outreach, and associated recreation needs, especially when there are more imminent needs associated with species and habitat protection. Some may view these types of activities as more expendable when balancing limited budgets and manpower. There is a critical link to be made among education, outreach, and recreation initiatives that can help address conservation problems. Developing appropriate education and outreach efforts requires identifying different target audiences and understanding their respective attitudes and needs in the context of wildlife and natural community conservation. Human dimensions surveys should be used to collect information on attitudes toward wildlife and open space, conservation issues and management options. Further, human dimensions surveys need to identify actions that different audiences are willing to take or have their governments take on behalf of wildlife conservation. In light of the state’s population growth and changing demographics, the perceived needs and desires of the public for wildlife education programs must be evaluated at regular intervals to ensure that needs are being met. The NCWRC-published magazine, Wildlife in North Carolina , is an important outlet for information dissemination about fish and wildlife conservation projects and initiatives across the state. The NCWRC offers other publications such as a Wildlife Diversity newsletter, news releases, photos, and species fact sheets, as well as technical, conservation and management guides. Education and outreach needs specific to species groups (see Chapter 3 North Carolina
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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