Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
The division evaluates and develops fishery regulations for inland fishing waters that are managed under the authority of the NCWRC and include all inland waters except private ponds, and all waters connecting with or tributary to coastal sounds or the ocean extending inland from the dividing line between Coastal Fishing Waters and Inland Fishing Waters as agreed upon by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (see 15A NCAC 03Q .0102) (NCMEF 2025) . • The Wildlife Management Division oversees and manages the state’s terrestrial game, nongame, and furbearer species. The division evaluates and develops hunting and trapping regulations through rule-making processes. Biologists develop, coordinate, and evaluate data collected through survey and research programs for all terrestrial species. They also implement the Wildlife Conservation Lands Program that helps landowners who enroll in this statewide property tax deferment program to manage their land for the benefit of wildlife. District biologists work regionally to provide technical assistance to private landowners as well as to partners. The division also advises the public on coexisting with wildlife through several programs, including the national BearWise program, deer management assistance, beaver management assistance, and others. • Biologists in the Habitat Conservation Division protect, manage, and conserve aquatic, wetland, and upland habitats for the benefit of fish and wildlife populations through technical guidance. The division’s biologists assess impacts and provide recommendations to avoid or minimize those impacts through permit and environmental document review; provide technical guidance regarding habitat conservation to governmental and private agencies and to individuals; and encourage adequate mitigation for losses of fish, wildlife, and their habitats, and uses thereof resulting from land and water developments. The Habitat Conservation Division is responsible for the Wildlife Action Plan and the Green Growth Toolbox (see Section 6.2.4.3) and Wildlife Friendly Development Certification programs so users can implement conservation priorities and measures that reduce wildlife and natural resource impacts. • The Law Enforcement Division provides proactive law enforcement that conserves wildlife resources and promotes safe and responsible boating, hunting, and trapping. The division is the only state agency responsible for enforcing boating laws and regulations on the state’s waters. Officers work cooperatively with other agencies and regulatory authorities to protect species statewide from poaching and persecution. The division also helps through search-and-rescue efforts of citizens during natural disasters, boating accidents and missing persons, and other types of public safety support. • A standing Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) is a board established by the state legislature (General Statutes 113-335 and 113-336) and comprises North Carolina citizens. The members are volunteers representing specific types of expertise or
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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