http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bushs-forest-plan-halted A federal judge reinstates the effort to keep logging interests off 58.5 million acres By Barbara Barrett, Washington Correspondent http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bushs-forest-plan-halted Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/natural-land-buys-on-council-of-state-agenda http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/natural-land-buys-on-council-of-state-agenda Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/belmont-approves-guide-for-its-growth Land-use plan meant as vision for layout of townBy: Rebecca Sulock http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/belmont-approves-guide-for-its-growth Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-trust-poised-to-buy-tract-for-park CONGAREEThe (Columbia) StateBy: Joey Holleman http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-trust-poised-to-buy-tract-for-park Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/-tourism-study-rates-environment-as-important By: Scott Nicholoson http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/-tourism-study-rates-environment-as-important Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/counties-next-transfer-tax-battleground-for-realtors By: Rick MartiezDon't think the war over the land transfer tax is over. The battlefield http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/counties-next-transfer-tax-battleground-for-realtors Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bridges-publics-help-needed-to-save-n_c_-nature Opinion: The Aug. 2 editorial in the News & Record, "Conservation goals http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bridges-publics-help-needed-to-save-n_c_-nature Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/jackson-gives-final-ok-to-new-development-regulations By: Scott McLeodJackson County commissioners have given final approval to what http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/jackson-gives-final-ok-to-new-development-regulations Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-trash-can-range OpinionNorth Carolina won’t have a Trash Can Range after all. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-trash-can-range Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-money-to-shell-out http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-money-to-shell-out Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial-untouched---land-water-preservation-needs-emphasis Opinion http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial-untouched---land-water-preservation-needs-emphasis Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-circulating-growth-petition The Environmental Conservation Organization is circulating a petition http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-circulating-growth-petition Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/official-wonders-if-parents-will-pay-for-pender-parks http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/official-wonders-if-parents-will-pay-for-pender-parks Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/davidson-looking-at-plans-for-greenway-trails By: Michael Hewlett http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/davidson-looking-at-plans-for-greenway-trails Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/landfill-bill-gets-final-approval Legislation would tighten rules, deal with computersBy: Wade Rawlins State lawmakers Thursday gave final approval to environmental http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/landfill-bill-gets-final-approval Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bill-likely-to-scrap-proposed-north-carolina-landfill By: Jeff Hampton State lawmakers passed tougher landfill http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bill-likely-to-scrap-proposed-north-carolina-landfill Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bill-may-hurt-riegel-ridge-project http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bill-may-hurt-riegel-ridge-project Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/conservation-goals-wont-be-reached-easily OPINION Barring a dramatic turnaround, North Carolina isn't likely to meet its http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/conservation-goals-wont-be-reached-easily Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/one-more-big-development-for-apex By: Sue Stock http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/one-more-big-development-for-apex Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/man-behind-the-greenspace-retires A PASSION FOR PARKS http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/man-behind-the-greenspace-retires Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-lowes-for-harrisburg Fight reveals bitter divisions over growth in Cabarrus County townBy: Sharif DurhamsHarrisburg won a court battle this week that allows it to keep a http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-lowes-for-harrisburg Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/cabarrus-to-hold-growth-summit By: Sharif Durhams http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/cabarrus-to-hold-growth-summit Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/activist-energizes-landfill-fight By: Jennifer Calhoun LAUREL HILL — About 50 environmentalists from Scotland http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/activist-energizes-landfill-fight Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/town-aims-to-clean-up-park-waterways By: Cara McDonough PITTSBORO -- The town, in cooperation with a group http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/town-aims-to-clean-up-park-waterways Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-wants-to-preserve-tract By: Cara McDonoughCARRBORO -- Just because they've moved out, the http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-wants-to-preserve-tract Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/growth-cuts-a-swath-in-apex Billion-dollar, 1,000-acre Trinity project to go up over 10 yearsBy:Sue StockIn 2004, Apex residents welcomed a Super Target. It was a new place to http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/growth-cuts-a-swath-in-apex Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wake-buys-17_5-acres-near-rolesville By: Michael Biesecker RALEIGH - http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wake-buys-17_5-acres-near-rolesville Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/tega-cay-seeks-to-build-100-acre-park Facility would be along Catawba River below Lake Wylie damBy: Karen Bair(Rock Hill) Herald http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/tega-cay-seeks-to-build-100-acre-park Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/once-again-a-clash-over-land-development Opinion Any way you cut it, $6 million is a lot of money for a narrow wetland http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/once-again-a-clash-over-land-development Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-seems-unwilling-to-spring-for-conservation By Si Cantwell http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-seems-unwilling-to-spring-for-conservation Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/garbage-divides-house-senate The House removes most of the stringent requirements of the Senate's landfill bill By: Wade Rawlins  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/garbage-divides-house-senate Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/project-draws-more-jeers By: Cara McDonough http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/project-draws-more-jeers Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/development-on-the-rise-in-pender http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/development-on-the-rise-in-pender Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bluegreen-project-should-be-rejected The following is a Counterpoint http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bluegreen-project-should-be-rejected Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bill-would-tighten-n_c_-landfill-rules  Sets new standards, adds tax as moratorium endsBy: Mark SchreninerRaleigh | It's unclear what a proposed radical revision of the state's http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bill-would-tighten-n_c_-landfill-rules Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/commissioners-split-on-land-transfer-tax 4 Mecklenburg Dems back measure, but 4 from GOP opposedEmily S. Achenbaum and David Ingram http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/commissioners-split-on-land-transfer-tax Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/jackson-should-lift-subdivision-moratorium-aug_-6 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/jackson-should-lift-subdivision-moratorium-aug_-6 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-ought-to-purchase-private-park Editorial  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-ought-to-purchase-private-park Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/stand-up-and-save-trees Editorial: Developers on Oak Island no longer will be allowed to massacre majestic http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/stand-up-and-save-trees Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/epa-gives-city-smart-growth-grant By: Taft Wireback GREENSBORO — The city of Greensboro is one of six communities http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/epa-gives-city-smart-growth-grant Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-protection-up-to-us By: George W. Breece North Carolina is facing a crisis in our ability to deal with http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-protection-up-to-us Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/voters-should-be-able-to-choose-how-to-pay-for-growth-conservation Editorials: In the waning days of this legislative session, one of the hottest http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/voters-should-be-able-to-choose-how-to-pay-for-growth-conservation Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/water-not-golf The http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/water-not-golf Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-should-do-all-it-can-to-buy-chimney-rock   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-should-do-all-it-can-to-buy-chimney-rock Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/our-view-legislators-should-let-voters-decide-on-funding-preservation-effort Back in May, the future looked sunny for a high-powered coalition called Land for Tomorrow. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/our-view-legislators-should-let-voters-decide-on-funding-preservation-effort Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wake-growth-spilling-into-creedmoor  By: Julia LewisCreedmoor — Johnston, http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wake-growth-spilling-into-creedmoor Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/review-board-makes-recommendations By: Cara McDonough PITTSBORO -- The recently formed Chatham County http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/review-board-makes-recommendations Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/granville-prepares-for-future-growth By: William F. WestOXFORD -- Could Interstate 85 someday be widened from four to six lanes in Granville County? http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/granville-prepares-for-future-growth Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/all-spruced-up-sheffield-park-awaits-people Dedicated in May, the facility serves as `back door' to nature preserveBy: Steve Lyttle  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/all-spruced-up-sheffield-park-awaits-people Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/tuckaseege-park-to-expand Project to quadruple size, add amenities such as boardwalk, dog parkBy: Jefferson George  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/tuckaseege-park-to-expand Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-land-for-tomorrow State lawmakers abandon conservation referendum http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/no-land-for-tomorrow Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/council-passes-slope-rules By: Joel Burgess ASHEVILLE — The City Council passed a set of mountainside building http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/council-passes-slope-rules Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/jackson-adds-finishing-touches-to-regulations  By: Becky JohnsonJackson County is in the final countdown to approving what appear http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/jackson-adds-finishing-touches-to-regulations Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/tougher-rules-on-landfills-sought The proposed legislation would restrict locations and toughen financial requirements for ownersBy: Wade RawlinsNorth Carolina residents and their communities would be better http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/tougher-rules-on-landfills-sought Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/plan-to-conserve-land-stuck-in-limbo Pair of bills would let voters decide whether to issue $1 billion in bonds for conservationBRUCE HENDERSONDespite support from more than half the state's legislators, measures http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/plan-to-conserve-land-stuck-in-limbo Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/cary-to-spend-6_9-million-on-farm From Staff Reports Cary will pay $6.9 million to purchase more than 45 acres of farmland http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/cary-to-spend-6_9-million-on-farm Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/macon-planning-efforts-gaining-momentum  By: Quintin Ellison Susan Ervin has served on Macon County’s Planning Board for http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/macon-planning-efforts-gaining-momentum Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/our-view-urbanization-of-farm-and-forest-wont-hold-off-for-better-times For North Carolina lawmakers, the days of expansive promises are http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/our-view-urbanization-of-farm-and-forest-wont-hold-off-for-better-times Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chatham-halts-residential-development By: Leah Friedman  PITTSBORO - The Chatham County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chatham-halts-residential-development Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/coastal-boom-moves-inland http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/coastal-boom-moves-inland Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-debt-may-delay-land-conservation-plans By John http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-debt-may-delay-land-conservation-plans Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/sale-saves-land-from-subdivisions By: Taft Wireback OAK RIDGE — Lacy Baynes has loved the heavily forested tract on Haw http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/sale-saves-land-from-subdivisions Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bald-eagles-losing-endangered-tag http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/bald-eagles-losing-endangered-tag Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/opposition-kills-steep-slope-rules Legislation on mountainside development sent for studyBy Jordan Schrader RALEIGH — Objections from mountain Republicans have derailed the proposed statewide regulation of mountainside development.Democratic http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/opposition-kills-steep-slope-rules Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/coalition-hopes-to-conserve-n_c_s-land-with-1-billion-bond by Kerra L. Bolton, kbolton@citizen-times.com http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/coalition-hopes-to-conserve-n_c_s-land-with-1-billion-bond Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/our-view-laws-confer-no-power-to-make-states-beg-for-conservation Congratulations are due Gov. Mike Easley for doing what had to be http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/our-view-laws-confer-no-power-to-make-states-beg-for-conservation Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/first-step-on-forests Editorial:  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/first-step-on-forests Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/oysters-get-second-life http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/oysters-get-second-life Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/river-development-in-doubt Newland Communities having hard time pushing for Dave Lyle Boulevard extensionBy: Taylor BrightThe push to extend Dave Lyle Boulevard east of Rock Hill looks to be on http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/river-development-in-doubt Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/is-tree-canopy-disappearing By: Jason HardinAn acorn falls into the dirt. A shoot comes out. The seedling reaches http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/is-tree-canopy-disappearing Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/north-carolina-hopes-birding-trail-leads-to-tourism-revenue SWANSBORO, N.C. — Dozens of sites http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/north-carolina-hopes-birding-trail-leads-to-tourism-revenue Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/charlotte-texas-capital-compare-notes Officials in both cities hope to share ideas, learn from each otherBy: Victoria Cherrie If developed properly, Little http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/charlotte-texas-capital-compare-notes Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-for-tomorrow   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-for-tomorrow Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/proposed-land-laws-strict-on-developers http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/proposed-land-laws-strict-on-developers Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--precious-land-ho The story's told by many a http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--precious-land-ho Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/battle-over-boating-in-chattooga-continues By: Lindsay NashHIGHLANDS — In this war raging like rushing water, battle lines have clearly been drawn.And none of the stakeholders in the debate to open the Upper Chattooga River to nonmotorized boating is ready to meet in the middle.More than 50 people met Tuesday night for the second public meeting on the debate after a report was released last week on the potential impacts of boating on the 21-mile stretch of river.The river, designated a Wild and Scenic Corridor, is one of the few rivers in the country with such a designation to ban boating.“For the last 30 years, the U.S. Forest Service and fishermen have basically used the equivalent of a Jim Crow law to ban boaters on the Upper Chattooga,” said Mark Hoffman, a Raleigh-based boater.The opposition says boaters would have too many negative impacts.“The trash is my big concern with boaters,” said Lee Hodges, a Highlands resident who often hikes in area.Cynthia Strain, chairman of the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, agrees. “We feel that some places are special and should be sacrosanct from all the uses that other areas are subjected to,” said Strain, a bird-watcher and photographer.But boaters say they have been misjudged. “It’s a bunch of people to me that are coming up with a lot of reasons why they shouldn’t have to share it,” said Tom Hession, a Macon County paddler. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/battle-over-boating-in-chattooga-continues Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-seeks-new-river-volunteers By: Hope Hodge, Daily News StaffJim Simpson ruefully remembers the poor condition the New River was in when he first moved to Jacksonville in 1989. "You couldn't catch fish, and it smelled pretty bad," Simpson said. "Nobody was doing a lot for it." A lot has changed in 18 years. Though he joined the board of directors for Onslow County's New River Foundation only two months ago, Simpson has been donating his time for several years to help clean up New River and to increase awareness of the effects of pollution. His efforts and the work of the New River Foundation have begun to produce results. "There is definitely a dramatic improvement in awareness," Simpson said. "People see things (the foundation is) doing on the river and want to be involved." Volunteers will join him Saturday at the Marina Caf to make New River one of hundreds of river sites that are benefiting from a day of civic responsibility blended with a sense of community and fun. The event is a part of National River Clean-Up week, an annual drive to depollute and protect America's rivers through citizen efforts. National River Clean-Up Week was started by America Outdoors in 1991 and has become a success through the work of local coordinators like Simpson, who register to organize a clean-up and gather volunteer workers. With gear, canoes, water and lunch sponsored by the New River Foundation, this year's cleanup team will work with the New Riverkeeper, Stewards of the White Oak River and Boy Scout troops Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until the group breaks for lunch at 2 p.m. Tasks will include paddling along the New River and removing any trash they find in the water or along the banks. This year, there are 29 registered clean-up efforts in North Carolina alone. Still, Simpson emphasizes the importance of locals getting involved in the New River project. "This river starts and ends in our county. If there's anything wrong with it, we're doing it," he said. He hopes, through participation in projects like Clean-Up Week, to continue to raise citizen awareness of pollution and encourage people to dispose of trash responsibly, so the state of the river can continue to improve. Thirty to 45 volunteers are expected for Saturday's cleanup, and Simpson says he still has space for more. He asks that anyone interested contact him by Thursday evening so he can reserve canoes and equipment for all. Today, when Simpson looks at the New River, he sees a different scene than the one that greeted him when he moved to Onslow County. "Now you see birds, and there are fish in the water," he said. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-seeks-new-river-volunteers Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/preservation-n_c_-names-regional-boss Triangle Briefs:HILLSBOROUGH - Cathleen Turner, executive director of The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, has been named director of the Central Piedmont office of Preservation North Carolina. She will have primary responsibility in the region for buying, selling and generating donations of historic properties, promoting historic preservation and PNC, and managing the administrative aspects of the Central Piedmont Office. Turner served the alliance for 13 years, since she was hired in 1994 as the first executive director. Elizabeth Read, program coordinator for the alliance, will be interim director. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/preservation-n_c_-names-regional-boss Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/donors-honored-for-conservation-easements The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust honored those that donated land http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/donors-honored-for-conservation-easements Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/gauging-the-fallout--opinions-vary-on-effect-of-jacksons-proposed-development-rules By: http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/gauging-the-fallout--opinions-vary-on-effect-of-jacksons-proposed-development-rules Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chatham-officials-want-slow-green-development By: Cara McDonough http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chatham-officials-want-slow-green-development Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/residents-turn-out-to-decry-cary-development-plan Reporter: Eric ColemanPhotographer: Mark SimpsonWeb Editor: Ron GallagherCary — Growing http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/residents-turn-out-to-decry-cary-development-plan Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-gets-special-designation As nature preserve sites, 144 acres to be protected from developmentBy: Karen Cimino  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-gets-special-designation Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/13-million-in-park-grants-awarded From Staff Reports Park grants totaling $13 million have been awarded to 39 local governments.In Apex, a greenway trail and boardwalk at the Beaver Creek Parkway received $277,865.Morrisville's http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/13-million-in-park-grants-awarded Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-trust-to-buy-102-acres-for-park By: Nomee Landis The Sandhills Area Land Trust plans to buy 102 acres along the http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-trust-to-buy-102-acres-for-park Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/a-warning-signal-suburban-sprawl-climate-change-are-among-reasons-for-drop-in-20-species The populations of http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/a-warning-signal-suburban-sprawl-climate-change-are-among-reasons-for-drop-in-20-species Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/family-forestry By: Tanya MohnThere is a crisis brewing in America’s vast forest lands, but it has http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/family-forestry Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/groups-seek-conservation-bond-issue Cost of land for open space reported up 300% in decadeBy: Wade Rawlins The cost of buying land to create parks, protect drinking water and preserve http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/groups-seek-conservation-bond-issue Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/breathing-room-for-the-state Jim Hunt  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/breathing-room-for-the-state Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/friends-of-forests-speak-out   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/friends-of-forests-speak-out Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/students-are-concerned-by-u_s_-plan-to-sell-their-trees  By FELICITY BARRINGER http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/students-are-concerned-by-u_s_-plan-to-sell-their-trees Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/parks-bond-won-in-all-46-precincts http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/parks-bond-won-in-all-46-precincts Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-urges-focus-on-n_c_39s-growth Better planning, more spending vital to state's future, coalition saysBy: Matthew EisleyNorth Carolina's rapid growth won't be healthy unless the state and its cities do more -- and spend more -- to accommodate expansion wisely, a new coalition of local governments and private groups says. The Partnership for North Carolina's Future is calling on the General Assembly to approve more bonds and new or higher taxes to pay for improvements in five key areas: schools, roads, affordable housing, water and sewer service, and parks and open space."North Carolina is falling behind in areas critical to our quality of life and economy," the group said on its launch. "If this downward spiral is allowed to continue, it will cost our state jobs, damage our economy and adversely affect the livelihoods of families."The group hasn't endorsed specific taxes, but highlights such possibilities as a "transfer tax" on the sale of homes and businesses, "impact fees" on new homes, sales tax hikes, higher fuel taxes, and state bonds for public schools, clean water, affordable housing and land conservation."Every fair and reasonable revenue source ought to be on the table for discussion," said Ellis Hankins, the group's president and executive director of the N.C. League of Municipalities. "Nothing should be off limits. Our needs are real and growing."The group confronts conservative lawmakers opposed to tax hikes and an alliance of real estate agents and home builders who are working to block legislative proposals for transfer taxes and impact fees. Instead, those groups favor bond issues backed by broad-based sales taxes and property taxes.Rep. Bill Owens, an Elizabeth City Democrat and businessman who participated in the new group's news conference Wednesday, said the legislature must face the demands of the state's growth."The General Assembly's got a tough job ahead of us to figure out a way to get the resources to make this happen," he said. "Everywhere you look, no matter what resource you look at, it's unpopular with one group or another."Among the new coalition's members are the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, the N.C. Housing Coalition, several developers and public schools officials.They cite estimates that North Carolina's population in 2030 will be about 4 million more than it was in 2000.And they warn that North Carolina faces "a population tsunami" for which it is ill-prepared."Today we stand together to say to the public, `Your future is at risk,' " said coalition member Tom Lambeth, chairman of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center. "Meeting the needs of another 4 million people cannot be done by trying to hold this state together with baling wire, belt-tightening and Band-Aids." http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-urges-focus-on-n_c_39s-growth Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--tomorrows-land Article XIV, Section V, of the North Carolina Constitution, approved by http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--tomorrows-land Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/new-chapter-begins-for-chimney-rock By: Bruce Henderson Chimney Rock Park became public property Monday as the state closed on its http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/new-chapter-begins-for-chimney-rock Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--land-sakes All one has to do is live in the Triangle to know that those who point http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--land-sakes Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/got-farmland By: Kent Priestley Last August, Xpress reported on the opportunities and difficulties http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/got-farmland Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--land-for-tomorrow Rapid development underscores need for preservation http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--land-for-tomorrow Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/growth-gobbles-fields-woods Bond issue sought to preserve land Wade Rawlins, Staff Writer http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/growth-gobbles-fields-woods Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/forests-farmland-continue-to-shrink by http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/forests-farmland-continue-to-shrink Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/groups-warn-state-about-loss-of-land Development http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/groups-warn-state-about-loss-of-land Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/road-to-nowhere-plan-gets-70000-comments  by The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — The period of public comment on the much-debated “Road http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/road-to-nowhere-plan-gets-70000-comments Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-files-petition-on-n_c_-forest-lands RALEIGH, N.C. -- Gov. Mike Easley has moved to http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-files-petition-on-n_c_-forest-lands Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/residents-weigh-in-on-how-to-handle-buncombe-growth by Julie Ball, STAFF WRITERASHEVILLE — Iris Sluder doesn’t think zoning will take care of what she calls Buncombe County’s “wild” growth.The Swannanoa resident is not sure what can.“It (growth) is so out of control. I wouldn’t know where to begin,” Sluder said Thursday. “I don’t know what the answer is.”Sluder http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/residents-weigh-in-on-how-to-handle-buncombe-growth Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/how-much-is-a-farm-worth UNCA study looks at scenic values, not just price per acre http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/how-much-is-a-farm-worth Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/huge-land-deal-will-preserve-river-forests International Paper's $300 million sale to conserve land will include 116,000 acres in eastern Carolinas http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/huge-land-deal-will-preserve-river-forests Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/deal-to-help-save-n_c_-trees International Paper selling vast tracts of Southern forest http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/deal-to-help-save-n_c_-trees Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/shuler-wants-to-end-road-to-nowhere U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and members of both states' congressional delegations will call for the federal government to issue a cash settlement to Swain County and end the controversial "Road to Nowhere" in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat, and Republican Alexander will hold a press conference today to release a joint letter to Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne calling for a cash settlement to Swain County. Shuler, a Swain County native, has said he will push for a plan to pay the county $52 million to buy out a 1943 agreement to build the road. The National Park Service continues to study building 38 miles of road at an estimated cost of $590 million. In 1943, the federal government promised to build a road to follow the north shore of Fontana Lake to replace a road inundated by the lake. The road would provide families access to former home sites and graveyards in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Park Service built seven of the road's 42 miles, but stopped construction in 1972 because of high costs and damage to the environment. National and regional environmental groups have continued to fight efforts to complete the road, saying it would damage the one of the largest roadless areas in the East. The Park Service has been studying the road for years since former U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor, a Brevard Republican, secured a $16 million appropriation for the project, triggering an environmental impact study. The Swain County Board of Commissioners and North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley are among those favoring a cash settlement. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/shuler-wants-to-end-road-to-nowhere Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easleys-tree-stand Governor Easley has eloquently spoken on behalf of both North http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easleys-tree-stand Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/former-forest-service-chiefs-opposition-adds-further-weight-against-sale-of-public-lands The proposal by the Bush administration to permanently sell off http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/former-forest-service-chiefs-opposition-adds-further-weight-against-sale-of-public-lands Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/saving-precious-land Governor Easley is being emphatic in opposing a Bush administration http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/saving-precious-land Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-lobbies-to-save-forestland-in-n_c http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-lobbies-to-save-forestland-in-n_c Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-seeks-shield-for-roadless-areas Governor calls for feds to block new logging roads in 174,000 acres http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-seeks-shield-for-roadless-areas Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-makes-plea-for-trees Roads, logging put forests at risk Barbara Barrett, Washington Correspondent http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/easley-makes-plea-for-trees Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/gov-easley-opposes-forest-land-sale Barbara Barrett3/1/06 WASHINGTON - Gov. Mike Easley said Tuesday that he does not want the federal government to sell nearly 10,000 acres of national forest in North Carolina, even if the money raised would go to education. "We don't like it," Easley said Tuesday in a brief moment with reporters at the National Governors Association meeting in Washington. "We're hoping to acquire more [land] at every opportunity." Although the governor has used conservation money in the past to plug holes in the state budget, he has pushed recently for increased conservation efforts. On Tuesday, the Bush administration released details of its proposal to sell about 300,000 acres of federal land across the country. In North Carolina, the proposal includes 9,828 acres scattered across the state's four national forests -- Nantahala and Pisgah in the mountains, Uwharrie in the central part of the state and Croatan on the coast. The release Tuesday launches a 30-day public comment period on the proposal. The $800 million raised nationally through the sales would fund the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The six-year-old act was created to help rural counties make up for the decline in revenue from timber harvests. The money would pay for the program for another five years, and then it would be phased out. Weighing pros, cons Rural school leaders are torn about the proposal. "On a personal level, I get a little wary of us selling off federal land to private individuals," said Dave Ackerman, chairman of the Cherokee County school board. Ackerman, a veterinarian, said he was drawn to the mountains 15 years ago for their natural beauty. But, he said, the district could use all the funding it can get. The district has about 3,700 students. Ackerman wasn't sure how much money is at stake for Cherokee, but even $75,000 would pay for a couple of teachers for a year -- or buy a lot of computers, books or other school supplies, he said. Mark Rey, U.S. undersecretary of natural resources and environment, told a Senate committee Tuesday that the chosen parcels would not hurt the National Forest System's health if sold. Many of the lands are isolated, making them difficult and expensive to manage, Rey said. And once the lands become private property, they will be added to county tax rolls, he said. U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican from Winston-Salem, sits on the committee but did not attend the hearing. His spokesman said Burr is reviewing the proposal. Approval for the forest land sale must go through Congress. In Tennessee, nearly 3,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest on the border with North Carolina are potentially on the block. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has said that he strongly opposes any sale and would lobby Congress against it. Easley sat next to Bredesen during some sessions of the four-day National Governors Association winter meeting this week. But Easley said the two had not discussed the issue. Easley said his office is working on a plan to oppose the sale, though he did not give details. Environmental groups are working against the proposal. David W. Carr Jr., a senior attorney and forestry project leader for the Southern Environmental Law Center, said he worries about any land being sold. But he said some of the North Carolina tracts are especially worrisome. More than 100 acres, for example, lie along the Tuskegee River west of Bryson City in Swain County. Any land on a river ought to be preserved because of its delicate ecosystem, Carr said. Other land in Madison County falls in the sight lines of Bald Mountain, meaning tourists on the mountain would have views interrupted by any development, Carr said. He said his group usually would push for a land swap rather than a sale. Carr also criticized the payout of rural schools money. North Carolina is budgeted to receive only about $1 million in the current fiscal year, he said, even though the state is being asked to sell nearly as many acres as, say, Oregon, which receives $162.8 million. (Michael Doyle of The News & Observer's Washington bureau contributed to this report.) http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/gov-easley-opposes-forest-land-sale Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/incendiary-growth-for-leland Growth tends to out pace the services needed to accommodate it. That’s http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/incendiary-growth-for-leland Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/forests-on-the-block Perhaps the best thing that can be said about the Bush administration's proposal to sell off portions of national forests is that it evidently is going nowhere -- again.That sounds about right. The public seemed to have little tolerance for the president's original recommendation to peddle up to 300,000 acres of forests, including 5,685 acres of North Carolina's national forest land, to offset a decline in revenue from timber sales that now goes to rural schools. Congress shared the public hostility toward the idea.Last year's plan was to sell up to 10,000 acres from the four national forests in North Carolina. This year's proposal is smaller, but the idea isn't any better. The president proposed selling about 239 acres of the Croatan National Forest in Eastern North Carolina, about 800 acres of the Uwharrie National Forest in the Piedmont and about 4,800 acres of the Pisgah National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina.The sales were proposed in the annual federal budget as part of a plan to raise $800 million for the schools and for land acquisition programs in the states.The Bush administration's tinkering with its earlier proposal did eliminate some unpalatable aspects. For example, 600 acres in the Croatan National Forest were removed because they are the home of the red-cockaded woodpecker. Six acres in the Pisgah National Forest were dropped because they are close to scenic areas.The trouble is that tinkering with the bad idea didn't make it a good idea. North Carolina doesn't need to have part of its federal forests sold off so that it can use part of the proceeds to buy more land or fund schools. Schools need long-term continuous funding. The sale of land would provide one-time revenue, and the public benefits that the land provides would be lost forever.U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, a Democrat from Waynesville, opposes the sale, saying rural schools do need the money but selling national forest land is the wrong way to provide it. A spokesman said Rep. Shuler's position is that "when things get tight around the house, you don't sell off the front yard." He's right.The good news is that the proposal is, according to members of both political parties in Congress, dead on arrival. Congress sent the president that message last year, too. It's time he listened. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/forests-on-the-block Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-conservancy-buys-small-tract-to-add-to-hanging-rock-state-park Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County will soon be a bit bigger, about four-tenths of an acre to be exact. The Piedmont Land Conservancy, a nonprofit organization based in Greensboro, bought the small tract last month from Stokes County, with plans to turn it over to the state, conservancy officials said. The conservancy bought the land for about $5,300. It was sold at auction because the owners owed the county taxes on it. Kevin Redding, the land conservancy’s executive director, said that even though the parcel is small, the purchase helps protect the park. “It is significant in that it was a part of the park where some minor development could take away from what the park offers, so we’re happy to help them out,” Redding said. “Being a nonprofit, we’re in a unique position where we can act quickly on these things,” he said. “We work with the state a lot around state parks to facilitate these things. We will hold it until the state park takes it over.” The state plans to take over the land within a few months, Redding said. The Piedmont Land Conservancy is dedicated to preserving natural and scenic land, farms and open spaces in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. The organization often buys small pieces of land and turns them over to the state for preservation, officials said. The conservancy has protected more than 13,200 acres, according to its Web site. Thousands of people visit Hanging Rock each year for such activities as boating, fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking and swimming. Jimmy Walker, the vice chairman of the Stokes County Board of Commissioners, said that land preservation is important for the county. “I think it’s good to preserve green areas, particularly as a part of parks,” Walker said. “One of the best assets our good Lord has blessed Stokes County with is Hanging Rock State Park. “Anything that can improve it, adding land, even a small parcel like this one, is good,” he said. “We want to find ways to even build on what we already have with all these folks coming to our county. “We’d like to find them more things to do and more reasons to stay longer with us when they do visit.” http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-conservancy-buys-small-tract-to-add-to-hanging-rock-state-park Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:04:04 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/million-acre-plan-well-short-of-goal By Jason HardinStaff WriterIt was an audacious plan.Preserve 1 million acres — an area roughly the size of Alamance, Guilford an Rockingham counties combined — by the end of 2009.The thinking was that as the state’s population booms, the time to keep land undeveloped is now, not later.But so far, the state is lagging behind the goal set by legislators in 2000.At the end of 2005, the most recent total available, a little more than 400,000 acres had been preserved."That is a concern," said Janine Nicholson, who is involved with outreach and education for the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources. "2009 isn’t going to be an easy target."The problem with the pace is twofold, she said.The first part of the problem: Development is taking place so rapidly that much of the land that might be preserved is becoming homes and schools and businesses.Margaret Hartzell, who works with Environmental North Carolina, a private advocacy group, said an average of nearly 400 acres is developed in the state each day.North Carolina is on its way to catching big states such as Ohio and Michigan in population in the next few decades, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and all those people take up space."It’s just an astounding number," Hartzell said. "We just continue to build strip malls and parking lots."In fact, each person moving to the state takes up an estimated 2 acres by the time all is said and done, Nicholson said. That means less land is available to preserve."We can’t afford to wait," she said. "It won’t be there for the taking. "The second part of the problem: the price of land.Money is an issue, she said. The more time that goes by, the more it costs to buy each acre."We really need it to be done sooner rather than later," Nicholson said. "Later would be too late. "The preservation effort also is a way for people to have a greater voice in development, she said. Often, residents watch as land is developed and assume they have no say in how their community will look in thefuture, she said, but with mechanisms available to preserve land, that’s not the case.A state commission has been studying the issue and has written a report calling for an additional $1 billion to be spent on protecting land over the next five years.To raise extra funds, the report suggests a number of potential tax increases. The options range from raising the income tax and sales tax to creating new fees for building permits and landfill use.The report notes that there is a particular urgency now. Large landowners in big traditional industries — timber, tobacco and power — are selling off land in large chunks.Many of the state’s waterways don’t have good water quality, the report notes, and preserving land along rivers and lakes would help improve or stabilize the situation.Advocates also note other reasons for preserving the land.The state is known for its natural beauty, Hartzell said. No one wants to see that disappear, she said.Preserving land will make a tangible difference in residents’ lives, she said."It’s something the people of North Carolina want to see happen," Hartzell said. "You will see a difference."A tax increase to pay for the program might generate a fight, however.Dallas Woodhouse, a spokesman for Americans for Prosperity of North Carolina, a group that favors limited government and cutting taxes, said legislators are considering tax increases for other purposes already."There are already a lot of signals ... that there are a lot of tax increases on the table," he said.Woodhouse said there is no shortage of open land in North Carolina.If the land preservation program is important enough to do, he said, do it but without a tax increase."The taxpayers of North Carolina have been loaded up on in the last couple years," he said.The commission is scheduled to present its report to the General Assembly early next year.Contact Jason Hardin at 373-7021 or jhardin@news-record.com http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/million-acre-plan-well-short-of-goal Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chimney-rock-park-expands-with-help-from-grant The recently created Chimney Rock State http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chimney-rock-park-expands-with-help-from-grant Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:10:30 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chimney-rock-park-will-grow-again CHIMNEY ROCK-The Nature Conservancy announced Wednesday the acquisition of land on Rumbling Bald Mountain that will provide public access to a popular winter climbing area. The conservation group plans to sell the land to the state for inclusion in the new Chimney Rock State Park.“I think this acquisition illustrates what is occurring in Hickory Nut Gorge,” said Mike Horak, associate director of philanthropy at the Nature Conservancy’s Asheville office. “Conservation groups are now acquiring smaller tracts and linking together larger tracts. The ultimate outcome will be one of the most significant state parks in the whole state of North Carolina at our collective back door.”The Nature Conservancy bought the current tract of land from John Haywood Moore for $1.3 million. Horak said the inclusion of the 46-acre tract will help to protect rare plant species and increase outdoor recreation. The land will create a public access point to the mountain’s Cereal Wall, which can be reached now only through private land, said Sean Cobourn, past president of the Carolina Climbers Coalition. “It’s the premier winter climbing in the state,” he said of the south-facing cliff, which typically draws between 20 and 100 climbers every weekend. “It’s a key piece of the puzzle.”North Carolina is developing Chimney Rock State Park, formerly known as Hickory Nut Gorge State Park, in Rutherford County. The state park includes the 996-acre Chimney Rock Park, which the state bought from the Morse family for $24 million. The state is working with conservation organizations to purchase land in the area to add to the new state park. Chimney Rock could grow by another 1,000 to 1,500 acres, said Charlie Peek, a spokesman for the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/chimney-rock-park-will-grow-again Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/study--raleigh-running-out-of-room-for-development RALEIGH, N.C. -- There are just 20,000 acres of http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/study--raleigh-running-out-of-room-for-development Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--tourism-at-risk Carolinas governors agree on offshore drilling ban http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/editorial--tourism-at-risk Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/conservancy-buys-roan-land The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has purchased a pristine 430-acre tract in the Highlands of Roan. The Avery County land is near the Appalachian Trail and Pisgah National Forest, and includes a high-altitude ridge more than 5,000 feet in elevation. Landowners had been approached by several developers, conservancy administrators said.The conservancy closed the deal on the property, known as the Powdermill tract after the creek that runs through it, last week. The Highlands of Roan are a key wildlife corridor for game and nongame species, including black bear, grouse, turkey and neo-tropical songbirds, and is prime habitat for native speckled trout. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/conservancy-buys-roan-land Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/action-needed-now-to-preserve-our-land-water  OPINION Lou Bisette and Sue McClinton  When the legislature adjourned this year, time officially ran out http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/action-needed-now-to-preserve-our-land-water Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/open-spaces/open-spaces/land-preservation-effort-under-way By JERRY STENSLAND Daily Courier Staff Writer http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/open-spaces/open-spaces/land-preservation-effort-under-way Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/study-says-land-water-need-to-be-protected By Ginger Livingston Rapid and often http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/study-says-land-water-need-to-be-protected Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/budget-gives-money-for-smokies The federal budget includes a $1.5 million boost to Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s $17.2 million annual budget. The http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/budget-gives-money-for-smokies Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:09:13 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/preservations-future-begins-here-tonight Anyone who has walked the North Flatwood Loop Trail in DuPont State http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/preservations-future-begins-here-tonight Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/room-to-grow-naturally Rolling hills, verdant meadows and sweeping forests that cling to misty http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/room-to-grow-naturally Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-tries-to-avoid-repeat-of-paving-parking-park-furor Before they pave another road to paradise, they'll try to put up a parking lot. The http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/state-tries-to-avoid-repeat-of-paving-parking-park-furor Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:17:18 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wildlife-habitat-exemption-aims-to-provide-tax-breaks-promote-preservation Some residents of Western North Carolina http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wildlife-habitat-exemption-aims-to-provide-tax-breaks-promote-preservation Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:35:53 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/legislature-boosts-conservation-plan http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/legislature-boosts-conservation-plan Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:37:51 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/dont-poke-holes-in-seawall-ban http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/dont-poke-holes-in-seawall-ban Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:17:07 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/keeping-land-as-nature-intended STELLA - A vast stretch of the http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/keeping-land-as-nature-intended Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:21:30 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/saving-land-50-million-appropriation-is-a-good-start-on-a-huge-project One of the best things to happen in the just-concluded short session http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/saving-land-50-million-appropriation-is-a-good-start-on-a-huge-project Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:21:13 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/woods-and-wildlife The pattern has been familiar, understandable -- and regrettable. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/woods-and-wildlife Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:25:54 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-left-wild-to-get-tax-break Landowners who manage their land for wildlife and conservation will get http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-left-wild-to-get-tax-break Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:26:30 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/figure-eights-groin-plan-kicked-to-side-by-house-committee http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/figure-eights-groin-plan-kicked-to-side-by-house-committee Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:35:25 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/new-state-water-powers-win-vote New state water powers win vote http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/new-state-water-powers-win-vote Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:54:58 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/conservancy-adds-land-for-chimney-rock-state-park LAKE LURE – The Nature http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/conservancy-adds-land-for-chimney-rock-state-park Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:20:15 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/high-country-conservancy--new-tract-for-old-growth The High Country Conservancy has donated property that both expands the http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/high-country-conservancy--new-tract-for-old-growth Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:23:56 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wnc-remains-in-throes-of-drought WNC remains in throes of drought http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/wnc-remains-in-throes-of-drought Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:46:00 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/drought-response-bill-gets-a-rewrite Gov. Mike Easley's drought response proposal has been edited to satisfy concerns of local governments and farmers, but it's unclear how many of his suggestions will get passed before the Legislature adjourns for the year. Progress was made Monday as Easley administration officials met with interest groups again to try to reach a compromise that will pass the General Assembly. Lawmakers wants to leave town next month, but the bill has passed neither the House nor the Senate. Ninety-seven of the state's 100 counties are back in some level of drought as a rainy early spring gave way to 100-degree days earlier this month, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. That means North Carolina must be prepared for another arid summer and fall, a top state environmental regulator said. "I would hate to see the clock run down on this," said Robin Smith, assistant secretary in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. "We need to get everybody in a stronger position to get through this year than we were in last year." Easley asked lawmakers in March to give him more authority prepare for and fight future droughts. But the state's towns and cities were unhappy with some components that they argue would erode their controls to conserve water and allow unprepared areas to siphon away their water more easily. The environment department rolled out an updated proposal Monday that would require a water system to reduce water use by 10 percent when a drought in its area reaches the level of "extreme" drought, the second-worst category. A 20 percent reduction would be required in the worst level, an "exceptional" drought. Water systems that have implemented year-round mandatory water restrictions for 12 months would be exempt from the 10 percent requirement, the new draft proposal said. The change satisfies municipalities' concerns about Easley's original plan, which would have required a community to meet minimum water conservation standards if its area was in the three worst categories of drought. Local governments said they are best able to set their own conservation methods. "It certainly gives a lot more control over the issue ... and where we can believe we can meet that reduction," said Anita Watkins, a legislative lobbyist for the North Carolina League of Municipalities. But how the reduction would be calculated hasn't been settled. The department's proposal would perform a previous-month comparison, but that doesn't take into account changing use patterns depending on the seasons. And comparison should take into account a community's population growth, Watkins said. Amy Pickle, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center in Chapel Hill, said lawmakers should give state regulators for now the discretion to set the percentage of water use reduction required. She pointed out that Easley asked citizens to reduce water use by 30 percent last fall. "There may be circumstance that 10 or 20 percent may not be fully protective of the resources," Pickle said at the informal meeting. Private well users also could be subject to a local government's conservation measures under the plan. The updated proposal also requires the state environmental secretary to consult with a water system and explain in writing before declaring a water shortage emergency. The emergency powers would allow the governor to order a local government to give up some of its water to another water system when a problem arises. The new draft also included an agreement already reached by the Easley administration and farmers in which they would provide more information about ground and surface water they use. The state would receive information from farmers who use more than 10,000 gallons a day, compared to the current requirement of 1 million gallons. The N.C. Farm Bureau says the method to collect the data under the lower threshold wouldn't burden their members. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/drought-response-bill-gets-a-rewrite Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:40:59 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/10-parks-identified-as-at-risk-from-coal-plants http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/10-parks-identified-as-at-risk-from-coal-plants Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:01:47 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-purchase-protects-410-acres One of the unnamed waterfalls along White Oak Creek in Avery County that will be protected from development after a recent land purchase by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. The area includes streams that feed into Roaring Creek and the North Toe River. A recent 410-acre purchase in Avery County will protect scenic views http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/land-purchase-protects-410-acres Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:09:41 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/n_c_-senate-should-invest-in-preserving-green-space As land across state is rapidly developed, Land for Tomorrow project takes on new urgency http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/n_c_-senate-should-invest-in-preserving-green-space Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:12:51 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/vanishing-act-open-space-is-disappearing-fast_-senate-needs-to-act-now The countdown clock is ticking in Raleigh. The Senate is chewing http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/vanishing-act-open-space-is-disappearing-fast_-senate-needs-to-act-now Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:20:27 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/myrick-urges-oil-drilling-off-n_c_-coast She says gas prices show need for U.S. to use its own resources. Critics see hazards.By Jim Morrilljmorrill@charlotteobserver.com http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/myrick-urges-oil-drilling-off-n_c_-coast Fri, 30 May 2008 09:44:11 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/admirable-gains-but-___n_c_-falling-further-behind-on-protecting-land-and-water http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/admirable-gains-but-___n_c_-falling-further-behind-on-protecting-land-and-water Tue, 27 May 2008 16:00:11 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/southwest-n_c_-losing-open-space A new study suggests that southwest North Carolina has lost more than 100 acres daily for the past 30 years to urban development. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte used satellite imaging to study 24 counties between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Rockingham. They found that between 1976 and 2006, development increased by 850 percent. And it isn't slowing down. The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday that Mecklenburg County is on pace to see all of its available land developed within 25 years. The study was funded by the Open Space Protection Collaborative, a group of six regional land-preservation organizations. Group officials are using the study to raise awareness in areas where their efforts to save open space could have the largest effect. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/southwest-n_c_-losing-open-space Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:55:03 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-urges-focus-on-n_c_s-growth Better planning, more spending vital to state's future, coalition saysBy: Matthew EisleyNorth Carolina's rapid growth won't be healthy unless the state and its cities do more -- and spend more -- to accommodate expansion wisely, a new coalition of local governments and private groups says.  The Partnership for North Carolina's Future is calling on the General Assembly to approve more bonds and new or higher taxes to pay for improvements in five key areas: schools, roads, affordable housing, water and sewer service, and parks and open space."North Carolina is falling behind in areas critical to our quality of life and economy," the group said on its launch. "If this downward spiral is allowed to continue, it will cost our state jobs, damage our economy and adversely affect the livelihoods of families."The group hasn't endorsed specific taxes, but highlights such possibilities as a "transfer tax" on the sale of homes and businesses, "impact fees" on new homes, sales tax hikes, higher fuel taxes, and state bonds for public schools, clean water, affordable housing and land conservation."Every fair and reasonable revenue source ought to be on the table for discussion," said Ellis Hankins, the group's president and executive director of the N.C. League of Municipalities. "Nothing should be off limits. Our needs are real and growing."The group confronts conservative lawmakers opposed to tax hikes and an alliance of real estate agents and home builders who are working to block legislative proposals for transfer taxes and impact fees. Instead, those groups favor bond issues backed by broad-based sales taxes and property taxes.Rep. Bill Owens, an Elizabeth City Democrat and businessman who participated in the new group's news conference Wednesday, said the legislature must face the demands of the state's growth."The General Assembly's got a tough job ahead of us to figure out a way to get the resources to make this happen," he said. "Everywhere you look, no matter what resource you look at, it's unpopular with one group or another."Among the new coalition's members are the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, the N.C. Housing Coalition, several developers and public schools officials.They cite estimates that North Carolina's population in 2030 will be about 4 million more than it was in 2000.And they warn that North Carolina faces "a population tsunami" for which it is ill-prepared."Today we stand together to say to the public, `Your future is at risk,' " said coalition member Tom Lambeth, chairman of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center. "Meeting the needs of another 4 million people cannot be done by trying to hold this state together with baling wire, belt-tightening and Band-Aids." http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/in-the-news/preservation/preservation/group-urges-focus-on-n_c_s-growth Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600