Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
Scenic Rivers, and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The mission includes inspiring all citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation, and education.
The division's Natural Resources Program provides field staff, planning staff, and construction staff with technical expertise on issues such as resource stewardship, scientific research, environmental review and compliance, and landscape planning. The primary goal of natural resource management is to minimize human impacts on the natural environment and to ensure the long-term protection of state parks as intact, naturally evolving ecosystems. The primary goal of cultural resource management is to protect and preserve historically significant features. The program is currently working with several agencies, universities and cooperative extension programs to control exotic species in the state park system. Exotic species are seen as one of the greatest threats to rare species, high-quality communities and biodiversity. Over the past several years the Natural Resources Program has been working with field staff to develop a natural resources database. The database is available online auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/nrid/public.php. 6.5.2.4 NC Aquariums The North Carolina Aquariums were established in 1976 to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources of North Carolina’s ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. They incorporate conservation into daily activities and long-term programs. This is also integral to maintaining accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Collections conservation ensures the health of our captive population. North Carolina has three aquariums: Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher. The aquarium setting provides a unique opportunity for scientific research aimed at sustaining and restoring native aquatic animals, plants, and their habitats. Veterinary research is carried out in partnership with the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, our partner in caring for aquarium animals. Applied research projects are often done in coordination with research institutions. 6.5.2.5 NC Zoological Park (Zoo) The North Carolina Zoo is a 1,500-acre tract of land in the Uwharrie Mountains. Approximately 500 acres of this property have been developed into one of the largest “natural habitat” zoos in the United States. The Zoo’s conservation mission includes initiatives and programs to improve the quality of our environment and the health of our state and participation in international efforts to protect animal habitats and help people understand the value of wild animals and wild places. The Zoo is active in several regional initiatives to protect plants and wildlife in the central Piedmont, preserve the state’s resources, and minimize negative impacts throughout the southeastern United States.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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