Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
The US Department of Agriculture provides funding to the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the conservation and restoration of riparian buffers on farmland. More than $250 million will be awarded over five years.

Forest Legacy Program
This US Department of Agriculture provides funding to the NC Division of Forest Resources to acquire the property and development rights of working forests. North Carolina received $1,400,000 during fiscal year 1999, the first year the state was eligible for the program. And, North Carolina received $2.7 million for fiscal year 2000.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
After recent hurricanes and flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency invested significant funds through this program for land acquisition in North Carolina. After flooding damaged buildings, this program's funds were used to purchase the buildings and their surrounding property. The buildings on acquired property were demolished, and the property was preserved as open space. The NC Division of Emergency Management administers our state's hazard mitigation program.

NC Natural Heritage Trust Fund
This fund provides grants to specific state agencies for acquiring lands with outstanding natural and cultural resource values, conducting natural heritage inventories, and managing natural resources. Funds for the trust come from personalized license plate fees and the deed stamp tax. The fund grants an average of $10 million per year.