North Carolina Dedicates $45 Million to Preserve Natural Landscapes and Combat Climate Impact

In a move to bolster environmental resilience, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund recently dedicated over $45 million toward the preservation of the state’s natural landscapes and waterways. The decision came amid efforts to mitigate the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, highlighting the growing need to safeguard against the escalating tempo of climate-induced calamities. As noted by Governor Roy Cooper, the conservation grants serve as a foundation for a more robust future. “These important grants will help protect our state’s land and wetlands for generations to come,”

Governor Cooper

said.

Strategic allocation of the funds will result in public access to over 13,000 acres for recreational purposes like hiking and birding, as well as supporting projects for water restoration and wetland rehabilitation. Reid Wilson, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, emphasized the grants’ pivotal role, stating on

Governer Cooper’s website

, “Preservation and restoration of wetlands and land along streams will help protect water quality and make those areas less vulnerable to future flooding events.” Amidst the grants, over $28 million will favor rural and economically underprivileged counties, nurturing North Carolina’s $28 billion outdoor recreation economy. Moreover, the grants also extend their reach to bolster military buffers, imperative for the defense sector which constitutes a substantial portion of the state’s economic engine.

The focal points for the funding distribution span far and wide, from protecting endangered species across various regions to enhancing outdoor recreation spaces. These endeavors encompass projects like the expansion of game lands and state parks, preservation endeavors for historic and cultural sites, and innovative stormwater management trials. Notably, the contributions seek to ensure the continuity of 26 endangered or threatened species, a stewardship that signals a commitment to biodiversity. John Wilson, chair of the North Carolina Land and Water Fund board of trustees, remarked on the cumulative impact of these projects: “The estimated 460 additional acre-feet of flood water these projects can now retain is especially timely on the heels of recent storms,” as mentioned on the

Governor’s website

.

The grants bestowed by the North Carolina Land and Water Fund have been lauded for their comprehensive approach to environmental protection, recognizing its intersection with cultural heritage and the pressing need for communities to adapt to and withstand the surges of unpredictable weather patterns. More details on the specific grant allocations can be found on the Fund’s official website, providing a transparent overview for the public.

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