NEHIPS

The Working Lands Conservation Plan includes suggested actions by the N.C. Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, the N.C. Division of Soil & Water Conservation, partnership agencies and the General Assembly to place greater emphasis on working lands conservation programs and services. By building partnerships and developing tools to support the growth of overall conservation funding, this plan will do much to advance the footprint of working lands conservation in North Carolina.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the state's 96 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts work in partnership to provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners and farmers for the protection and enhancement of their natural resources. Program objectives include improving soil and water quality, preservation of working farmland, restoration of wetlands, wildlife habitat enhancement and grassland improvements.

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is working to educate people about proper forest management and striving to increase funding available to private landowners for programs such as conservation easements, tree establishment and other cost-share incentives. The division's goal is to encourage private landowners to continue managing forests in order to enhance water quality, provide for wildlife, promote the state's cultural heritage and improve forestry.