Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
6.8 Local and Municipal Programs There are 100 counties in North Carolina and hundreds of municipal and local governments that range from large cities like Charlotte and Raleigh to small communities such as Banner Elk and Navassa. Local governments are eligible for funding assistance for their land conservation programs through various grant making organizations, like the Open Space Institute (https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/states/north-carolina). Other funding programs specific to North Carolina are described in Section 6.2.3. Some local government programs have implemented their own riparian buffer and floodplain protection programs in compliance with National Flood Insurance Programs and to protect nutrient-sensitive waters. Other programs work with landowners, nonprofit agencies, public agencies, and other stakeholders in the protection of important farmlands, natural resources, and waterways. An example is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources (https://parkandrec.mecknc.gov/places-to- visit/nature/natural-resources), which is a regional environmental leader and willingly partners with other public agencies and non-profit organizations on preservation, conservation and educational endeavors. Nature preserves protect the county’s biological resources and natural areas, while providing opportunities for environmental education, nature-based programs, and outdoor recreation. Natural Resources staff use controlled burns to improve wildlife habitat. Examples of fire-dependent natural communities in Mecklenburg County include Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve and the Latta Nature Preserve. Durham County’s Open Space and Farmland Protection Program represents a collaboration among Durham’s Soil and Water Conservation District, Open Space Program, City-County Planning, the Farmland Protection Advisory Board, County Manager, and the Board of County Commissioners to protect farmland. This collaboration has succeeded in communicating with landowners on farmland preservation options and in leveraging significant state and federal funds to match local dollars for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements. As of 2022, Durham County has received over $6.9 million in federal and state grant awards to support its farmland preservation efforts. Durham County has developed five Open Space Plans that set goals and objectives for protecting land in specific areas of the county. More information is available on the website https://www.dconc.gov/county- departments/departments-a-e/engineering-and-environmental-services/open-space-and-real- estate-division/durham-county-open-space-program. Another example of local conservation efforts is Orange County’s Lands Legacy Program. This program works with landowners, land trusts, and other conservation partners to leverage local funds and state and federal dollars for the acquisition and protection of important natural and cultural resource lands in the county. Since 2000, the program has helped to protect more than 3,000 acres that include natural areas, prime farmlands, and watershed riparian buffer lands.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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