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Save Our Million AcresWhat's New
State lawmakers have approved $50 million for the state's Clean Water Management Trust Fund and $2 million for the state's Farmland Preservation Trust Fund in their budget. Adequate funding for the state's land conservation programs is critical, since a $100 million recession from these programs in February left 156 previously approved projects--including additions to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Chimney Rock State Park--in limbo. How You Can HelpBrief SummaryFrom the Smokies to the foothills to the Outer Banks, North Carolina has more than its share of natural beauty. But every day, we lose another 300 acres of our cherished open space—an area the size of 20 Wal-Marts—to development. Rapid, unplanned growth contaminates our rivers and streams and destroys fish and wildlife habitat. What’s more, it threatens the future of some of the state’s best-loved green spaces. In 2000, state leaders proposed the protection of an
additional 1 million acres of special natural areas. With an infusion of extra
land conservation funding, we can reach the million acre goal, and protect Hanging
Rock, the Uwharries, the Cypress Swamps,
Joe Mountain,
and hundreds of other natural areas like them across the state. LinksLand for Tomorrow The statewide partnership of environmental organizations, local governments, businesses, and citizens, including Environment North Carolina, who support an additional $1 billion for the preservation of the open space throughout the state. Land and Water Conservation Bonds are fiscally responsible. Learn about North Carolina's existing programs to conserve natural areas: Clean Water Management Trust Fund Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund View Environment North Carolina's online photo album of the state's spectacular natural areas.
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