WHAT'S NEW?

Reorganization Enhances Natural Resources Conservation

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources made some
organizational and program adjustments that directly impact the
One NC Naturally initiative.

As the Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources, Richard Rogers works directly with the divisions of Soil and Water Conservation, Forest Resources, Marine Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, and the Ecosystem Enhancement Program. Other programs include the Office of Conservation and Community Affairs and the Natural Resources Planning and Conservation Group, which is comprised of the Natural Heritage Program, the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, and the Stewardship Monitoring Program. This reorganization enhances the collaboration and integration of all natural resource conservation programs, focusing on reaching the goals of the One NC Naturally initiative.

As part of these changes, the department is developing a state level strategic planning document to guide the conservation of critical natural resources. To reach the goals of the One NC Naturally initiative, the Natural Resource divisions are collaborating to develop a more comprehensive approach to the management and planning for statewide natural resource conservation. This tool will assist the state and other conservation entities to make strategic resource decisions and identify mutually supportive partnerships.

One NC Naturally Progress Reports

Check out the One NC Naturally progress updates. Annual reports were recently released for:

the Million Acres Initiative,
the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan and
the Conservation Tax Credit Program.

Outreach and Education

Extensive outreach and education efforts supporting the conservation of natural resources have been initiated in recent months.

Educational Materials
In September, a One NC Naturally instructional booklet was distributed through the “Newpapers in Education” program. More than 27,000 elementary, middle and high school pupils studied “ North Carolina’s Natural Network: How Do We Keep It Together?” in their classrooms. In addition, at least 150,000 subscribers to the News and Observer in the Raleigh area received the supplement in their newspaper. A printable version is available online at www.oneNCnaturally.org/pages/naturalnetwork. Additional copies of this 12-page instructional booklet are available by request. To receive individual copies or class sets, contact Janine Nicholson at (919) 715-2700 or Janine.nicholson@ncmail.net.

North Carolina State Fair
In October, DENR’s One NC Naturally program was featured as part of the “Our Land, Our Legacy” exhibit at the N.C. State Fair. During the fair’s 10-day run, approximately 100,000 people saw this interactive display and learned the importance of protecting our state’s working lands and natural areas. Expect to see an updated One NC Naturally message when the “Our Land, Our Legacy” exhibit returns to the 2007 State Fair.

Making Connections with Dr. David Jones
In November, UNC-TV stations throughout the state broadcast an hour-long documentary with N.C. Zoo Director David Jones, who guides viewers on a journey that explores why our natural resources and landscapes are so unique and valuable, and what's at stake if we don't find a way to protect what makes North Carolina so special. The idea behind this documentary is to help people make the connection between the environment and their personal lives and financial well-being.

Extensive resources are available online, including the complete documentary and selected features, which may be viewed as video podcasts or streams. Go to http://www.unctv.org/makingconnections/index.html

Land and Water Conservation in N.C. on OPEN /net TV
On Nov. 21, the Agency for Public Telecommunications broadcast a panel discussion on OPEN/netwith a variety of state leaders regarding the challenges of land and water conservation in our state. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources was represented by Assistant Secretary Richard Rogers and Dr. David Jones of the N.C. Zoo. They were joined by Assistant Secretary Chris Beacham from the Dept. of Commerce and Assistant Commissioner Dr. Richard Reich from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The panelists discussed how their departments are working together to plan for sustainable growth in North Carolina in the face of increasing population pressure.

Love-A-Tree Kits Feature One NC Naturally
The 2006-2007 Love-A-Tree resource packet is based on the One North Carolina Naturally program, focusing on ecosystem services and the link with our health and quality of life. “One State, Many Habitats” provides hands-on inquiry based resources that support the 5 th grade NC Standard Course of Study objectives on ecosystems and natural habitats. These free educational materials are produced annually by the NC Office of Environmental Education and are made possible by the generosity of the International Paper Foundation through funds provided to the Environmental Education Fund. Educators may request their copy using the online order form at http://www.eenorthcarolina.org/edresources/loveatreeform.htm.