The largest land conservation plan in North Carolina in 20 years was ordered by Gov. Roy Cooper Monday.
Surrounded by state officials and environmentalists, Cooper signed the executive order calling for the preservation of one million acres of wetlands and forests; the creation or restoration of another million acres; and the planting of one million trees of native species in urban areas across the state.
A news release said the move was the largest land conservation plan since Gov. Jim Hunt’s “Million Acre Initiative” in 1989. The Hunt initiative helped expand state parks and public areas, and created more regulation for private landowners and the logging industry. Cooper’s order set what was called the “most ambitious environmental and conservation and restoration targets in the state’s history.”
By 2040, Cooper calls for public and private landowners to permanently conserve and/or restore a total of two million acres, and plant one million new trees – all of native species – in urban areas.
The order also establishes a Native Plant Policy for state government, requiring the use of native plants, flowers, bushes and trees on state property. The order also directs state agencies to minimize or avoid new projects that could negatively impact sensitive areas such as pocosins, Carolina bays and mountain bogs.
Cooper also directed state agencies to take up the slack in areas where federal legislation has been lightened regarding wetlands and sensitive areas. Environmentalists have urged the state to adopt stricter wetlands rules than the federal government for decades. State agencies will also study “the social, economic, and environmental value of protecting North Carolina’s wetlands,” particularly wetlands that recently lost state and federal protections.
Forests, wetlands and bogs help absorb and manage stormwater runoff, as well as providing natural filters for pollutants and habitat. Public and private studies have also shown that trees reduce heat and air quality issues in dense urban areas.
“Without bold action like the one being taken today, studies show North Carolina will continue to lose natural and working lands, decreasing not only important natural heritage, but removing a key tool to fighting climate change,” Cooper said in the press release.
The goals were in line with the 2020 North Carolina Natural and Working Lands Action Plan , which was criticized by pro-development groups for calling for tighter controls on residential and highway development, which could slow the state’s growth.
State and federal officials praised the plan.
“Preserving more natural and working lands will enhance quality of life, increase recreation opportunities, and protect air and water quality,” said N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson. “From promoting native plants to creating more parks, this landmark Executive Order will benefit North Carolinians today and long into the future.”
“This Executive Order positions North Carolina to take a science-based approach to achieving mutually beneficial goals relating to environmental quality, economic development, resiliency, and ecosystem enhancement by identifying and protecting our forests and natural and working lands,” said Division of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser.
“North Carolina has set a game-changing target to conserve and restore millions of acres while addressing climate hazards and nature equity in urban areas,” said, Sara Ward, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Nature Based Resiliency Coordinator. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is particularly excited about the emphasis on the state’s internationally significant peatlands, known as pocosins, in today’s action.”
“Given all the tremendous pressures facing North Carolina’s lands and waters, we are excited to be a part of this ambitious and important initiative,” said N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director Cameron Ingram. “We look forward to continuing to work with our State agency and non-profit partners to support the conservation of land to benefit wildlife and their habitats while providing opportunities for North Carolinians to enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife associated recreation.”
Katherine Skinner, Executive Director of the Nature Conservancy North Carolina, said natural areas are important to future development.
“Protecting and restoring natural areas is vital for the future of North Carolina. They ensure clean air, clean water, and recreational opportunities in a rapidly growing region,” she said. “They are also crucial to our continued economic growth, most of which is centered on our natural resources.”
“Now more than ever, North Carolina needs to conserve our working lands,” said Grady O’Brien, North Carolina Conservation Network, “That includes wetlands and forests that reduce flooding, clean our drinking water, and sustain fish and wildlife. We’re grateful for the robust commitment this executive order makes toward protecting natural resources and providing good stewardship of our state’s valuable lands.”.
