Coastal Land Preservation

While planned development and habitat restoration are important tools, the active preservation of existing natural areas in a watershed is crucial. The N.C. Coastal Federation works to identify and preserve some of the pristine areas along our coast to protect water quality and essential habitat areas and to preserve coastal areas for public recreation and education. Preservation can protect areas from development and preserve traditional public use in some areas through conservation easements. Since 1996, we have preserved almost 100,000 of coastal land. [ map of projects ]

   Two legislative acts in particular have greatly increased opportunities for coastal land preservation in North Carolina:

• The Clean Water Management Trust Fund. It was established in 1996 by the N.C. General Assembly in response to public concerns about water quality problems across the state. The trust fund pays for projects that enhance or restore degraded waters, protect unpolluted waters and contribute to a network of buffers and greenways for environmental, recreational, and educational benefits.
• The Estuaries and Clean Water Act of 2000. Congress passed the bill to revitalize coastal communities and restore one million acres of essential coastal habitat. The act is a comprehensive approach to coastal habitat restoration and authorized $275 million over five years toward this purpose.

(L-R) Longleaf Pine forest is becoming increasingly rare in our state; The White Oak River is one of the last pristine jewels of the NC coast; The Hoop Pole Creek Trail winds through rare Maritime Forest.