Overview
To conserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of North Carolina, the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources and related agencies protect restored or high-quality natural areas through easement purchases or fee simple acquisitions. These state-held conservation lands must be managed in perpetuity to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and open space.
The Stewardship Program has responsibility for long-term stewardship of lands with conservation easements held by the state of North Carolina. To protect the ecological integrity of these conservation properties, stewardship activities include:
- Monitoring
- Legal Protection and Enforcement
- Site-management activities