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New Study: N.C. Loses Open Space At Twice The Rate Of Population Growth	9/25/2003
North Carolina’s forests, farmlands, and open spaces are disappearing at a rapid pace, even in some rural areas of the state, according to a new analysis by the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group (NCPIRG).
Key National Forest Protections Reinstated	9/20/2006
Raleigh--Judge Elizabeth Laporte of the Northern District of California today overturned the Bush administration’s repeal of protections for nearly 60 million acres of pristine national forest lands, including 170,000 acres North Carolina.
Lawmakers Increase Funding for Protection of Forests, Farmland	7/30/2007
Raleigh—Lawmakers approved a $128 million increase in funding for the preservation of farmland, parks, and natural areas in the final budget sent today to Gov. Easley’s desk. Environment North Carolina applauded House and Senate lawmakers for the move, a critical first step towards the $200 million needed yearly for land and water conservation across the state.
Our Favorite Local Lake Showing Signs of Pollution	7/12/2005
North Carolina Public Interest Research Group (NCPIRG) has released a new report, "Our Lakes at Risk: The Impact of Growth on North Carolina's Water Quality."
Even in Tight Budget Times, Majority of NC Voters Favor Open Space Protection	6/2/2004
Even in tight budget times, 59 percent of North Carolina voters support funding protections of forests, farmlands, and other open spaces, according to a newly released poll.
Over 67,000 Acres, 65 Open Space Projects At Risk	6/19/2002
According to a new report, 65 priority protection areas, including more than 67,000 acres of open space, are at risk to development after severe cuts in the state's natural resource conservation programs.
Over 30,000 Acres, 57 Open Space Projects At Risk	6/18/2003
According to a new report, 57 priority protection areas, including more than 30,000 acres of open space, are at risk to development due to grim prospects for full funding of the state’s natural resource conservation programs.
Report: Another two million acres of NC open spaces gone by 2027	4/25/2007
Raleigh—If current development rates continue, North Carolina will lose at least two million acres more of forests and farmlands over the next twenty years, according to a new Environment North Carolina report. Environment North Carolina, lawmakers, and Land for Tomorrow urged the General Assembly Wednesday to approve bills H 990 and S 1522 to help stem the projected loss of open spaces in the state.
Durham, Orange, Chatham Get High Marks for Recycling	4/17/2002
Four Triangle counties received either A+'s or B+'s for their efforts at waste reduction last year, according to Recycling Solutions, a rating of all North Carolina county recycling programs released today by the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group (NCPIRG).
N.C. House Cuts Open Space Protection Funds	4/16/2003
Environmental groups and land trusts criticized House budget-writers Wednesday for reducing open space preservation funding by 75 percent from what the law requires.
Gov. Easley Applauded for Acting to Protect North Carolina’s Wild Forests	3/9/2006
Environment North Carolina applauded Gov. Easley for filing a petition today with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, seeking immediate, full and lasting protection for more than 170,000 acres of unspoiled forest land in the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Croatan National Forests.
Gov. Easley Proposes Increased Funding for Saving Farmland, Parks	2/23/2007
Gov. Easley has proposed a $106 million increase in funding for the preservation of farmland, parks, and natural areas, according to his 2008 budget recommendations released yesterday. Environment North Carolina applauded the move, a critical step toward the $200 million needed yearly for land and water conservation across the state.
House Moves to Open America’s Shores to Drilling	12/8/2006
The U.S. House voted today to expand offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, setting a dangerous precedent for North Carolina's shores and the rest of the East Coast.
Court Gives ExxonMobil Early Christmas Gift	12/22/2006
ExxonMobil received an early Christmas present Friday when a federal appeals court reduced a $5 billion fine for punitive damages relating to the company’s role in the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Environment North Carolina applauds leaders for protecting Chimney Rock	1/30/2007
Environment North Carolina applauded Gov. Easley, Sen. Walter Dalton, and other state leaders for their recent agreement to purchase and permanently protect Chimney Rock Park, the 1000-acre centerpiece of Hickory Nut Gorge in Rutherford County.
Drilling off our coast won’t lower gas prices and would harm NC’s beaches	06/18/2008
President Bush and others are calling on Congress to open up our shores to drilling for oil and natural gas. But opening up North Carolina’s coast to drilling will do nothing to lower gas prices, and will only damage our Outer Banks and our other beaches.

Preservation News

For more information on preservation issues, contact:

State Director Elizabeth Ouzts