BURLINGTON —The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition has recognized Representative Steve Ross as a 2024 North Carolina Land and Water Champion.
“Thank you, Representative Ross, for your years of service protecting the natural beauty of North Carolina,” said Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding, who chairs the Land for Tomorrow Coalition.
Representative Ross was a critical leader in passing legislation NC Farm Act, SB 355, to reinstate NC’s conservation tax credit during the 2024 session of the NC General Assembly. The legislation passed unanimously 104-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. The conservation tax credit is a time-limited state tax credit on the value of real estate donated to a qualified nonprofit or government entity for farmland preservation, public trails, fish and wildlife, and other conservation-related purposes.
Representative Ross championed the designation of the Haw River Trail State Trail in 2023. The Trail winds through Alamance and Chatham Counties. Its over 60 miles of land and paddle trail allow the community to explore while helping to conserve and protect this vital resource.
“Rep. Ross’s tireless efforts support our farmers, enhance our natural resources, and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all North Carolinians,” said Redding. “The conservation tax credits are a powerful incentive for private landowners to conserve more farm and forest land and expand our state’s parks, trails, and wildlife areas. Investing in places like the Haw River State Trail ensures that residents can enjoy and explore all North Carolina offers.”
Representative Ross is one of three legislators to receive this year’s award. Other awards went to Senator Brent Jackson and Representative Michael Wray, who have been pivotal in creating more places for North Carolinians to recreate and enjoy our natural spaces.
Picture Caption: Land for Tomorrow Coalition representatives recognized Representative Steve Ross as a North Carolina Land and Water Champion. Representative Ross was a critical leader in reinstating NC’s conservation tax credit and creating a state trail designation for the Haw River Trail Trail that winds through Alamance and Chatham Counties. Pictured from left to right: The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Government Relations Will Robinson, Representative Steve Ross, and Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding.
ABOUT LAND FOR TOMORROW COALITION:
Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates with a common goal: increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina.