Category: Press Releases

2026 Budget Priorities

North Carolina’s natural places and working farms are an important part of our state’s infrastructure and way of life.

These natural places provide clean water, protect wildlife habitat, support agriculture, and power outdoor recreation economies across our communities. Across the state, investments from the N.C. Land and Water Fund, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund help protect the lands and waters that support local economies and quality of life.

  • Outdoor recreation generates $16.2 billion in economic value in North Carolina and supports more than 145,000 jobs statewide, representing 2.1% of the state’s GDP. The outdoor recreation economy in North Carolina has grown 9.6% since 2022. (NC Outdoor Economy Office).
  • More than 20 million people visit North Carolina State Parks each year, supporting local economies and small businesses in communities across the state (North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation).
  • Agriculture and agribusiness remain North Carolina’s top industry, contributing more than $103 billion annually to the state’s economy (NC State Extension).

Conserving land is not just about protecting nature. It is about protecting critical infrastructure, supporting rural economies, and preserving North Carolina’s way of life.

Land for Tomorrow and its members are working to ensure these conservation trust funds remain strong so they can continue delivering benefits to communities across the state.

Strengthening Conservation Trust Funds:

  • $2M recurring increase for NCLWF. Currently funded at $28M recurring, a $2M increase would bring total funding to $30M.
  • $2M recurring increase for PARTF. Currently funded at $28M recurring, a $2M increase would bring total funding to $30M.
  • $20M recurring increase for ADFPTF. Currently funded at $5M recurring, a $20M increase would bring total funding to $25M

Strengthening Conservation Through Policy:

  • Extend the Conservation Tax Credit. Reinstated in 2024, the tax credit is currently set to expire at the end of 2026.
  • Pass House Bill 647 – Agriculture PUV Conservation

Meet our Land for Tomorrow’s Members who are on the ground protecting our land and water.

Download our 2026 Budget Priorities document

 

CONTACT US

Kevin Redding
Land for Tomorrow Chair
Executive Director, Piedmont Land Conservancy
Office: (336) 691-0088
kredding@piedmontland.org

Protect Investments, Support Rural Economies, and Preserve North Carolina’s Way of Life

North Carolina’s natural places and working farms are an important part of our way of life. They provide us with clean water and habitat for fish and wildlife. They are also economic engines that drive job creation, tourism, and local business growth.

Over 20 million people enjoy our NC State Parks annually. In Western North Carolina alone, the Made X Mountains Partnership reported that outdoor recreation generated $4.9 billion in economic impact, supported 48,000 full-time jobs, and contributed $197.5 million in local tax revenue across 25 counties prior to Hurricane Helene.

Conserving our land is not just about preserving nature for future generations—it’s about protecting investments, supporting rural economies, and preserving North Carolina’s way of life. Land for Tomorrow recommends strategic investments to safeguard our working farms, natural areas, and outdoor spaces—ensuring we’re ready to meet the current and future needs of our growing population.

Strengthening Conservation Trust Funds:

  • Additional $2 million (recurring) for NC Land and Water Fund (NCLWF)
  • Additional $2 million (recurring) for Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)
  • Additional $10 million (recurring) for Farmland Preservation (ADFPTF)

Long-Term Recovery and Resilience:

  • $25 million (non-recurring) for local parks and greenway restoration and rebuilding (PARTF)
  • $25 million (non-recurring) for flood resilience grants (NCLWF)
  • $12.5 million (non-recurring) for farmland and working forest easements (ADFPTF)

Strengthening Conservation Through Policy:

  • Enhancing the Conservation Tax Credit
  • Supporting Farmland Preservation through Present-Use Value (PUV)

DOWNLOAD OUR 2025 BUDGET PRIORITIES HANDOUT

To learn more about the impact of the conservation trust funds and see your tax dollars in action, follow Land for Tomorrow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/L4TNC – and Twitter – https://twitter.com/land4tomorrow – as well as LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/land-for-tomorrow.

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.

Meet The Members Working to Support the Conservation Trust Funds

Representative Wray Receives Award as a Land and Water Champion

ROANOKE RAPIDS —The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition has recognized Representative Michael Wray as a 2024 North Carolina Land and Water Champion.

“Thank you, Representative Wray, for your leadership on conservation issues in our state,” said Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding, who chairs the Land for Tomorrow Coalition. Representative Wray played a critical role in the passage of legislation this summer to reinstate NC’s conservation tax credit. 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 Wray also championed the Roanoke River State Trail designation in 2021. This paddle trail extends from Weldon to Albemarle Sound. As it meanders through North Carolina, the trail offers a unique wilderness experience plus opportunities to protect a vital water source for the coastal plain.

“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,” said Redding. “Investing in places like the Roanoke River State Trail ensures that residents can enjoy and explore all North Carolina offers.”

Representative Wray is one of three state legislators to receive this year’s award. Other awards went to Senator Brent Jackson and Representative Steve Ross, 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 Michael Wray as a North Carolina Land and Water Champion at River Falls Park Trailhead in Weldon, along the Roanoke River. Representative Wray championed the designation of the Roanoke River State Trail, which offers recreation plus an opportunity to protect land to ensure clean water for all North Carolinians. Pictured from left to right: Will Robinson, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Government Relations; Representative Michael Wray; Deans Eatman, Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs at NC Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources.

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.

Representative Ross Receives Award as a Land and Water Champion

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.

Senator Jackson Receives Award as a Land and Water Champion

RALEIGH—The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition has recognized Senator Brent Jackson as a 2024 North Carolina Land and Water Champion.

“Thank you, Senator Brent Jackson, for your unwavering dedication to protecting North Carolina’s working farms and forests,” said Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding, who chairs the Land for Tomorrow Coalition. ”Your work is crucial in ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for our state.”

Senator Jackson was a critical leader in passing the NC Farm Act, SB 355, which passed unanimously 104-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. The Farm Act included the return of the conservation tax credit, which 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.

“This legislation supports our farmers, enhances our natural resources, and ensures 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.”

Senator Jackson is one of three state legislators to receive this year’s award. Other awards went to Representative Steve Ross 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 Senator Brent Jackson as a North Carolina Land and Water Champion at Big Yellow Mountain Preserve. Senator Jackson was a critical leader in passing the NC Farm Act, SB 355, which includes the return of the conservation tax credit. Pictured from left to right: Sen. Jackson, Will Morgan, and Will Robinson.

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.

Unanimous Support for the NC Farm Act Benefits Working Farms, Forests, and Trails

Land for Tomorrow praises the North Carolina’s General Assembly and Governor for passing the NC Farm Act, SB 355, which includes the return of a pivotal tax credit for land conservation.

The Farm Act passed unanimously 104-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. Senator Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) was a critical leader in the success of this bill. He issued the following statement:

“I am honored to work on this legislation on behalf of North Carolina farmers. Agriculture is North Carolina’s No.1 industry, and it is critical that we do all we can to support all the families who depend on agriculture to support their livelihood. We are all touched by agriculture daily, and this legislation shows the General Assembly’s commitment to protecting agriculture in North Carolina today and for generations to come.”

Governor Roy Cooper issued the following statement on signing the bill on July 3, 2024:

“The conservation tax credit I proposed in my budget and passed into law with this bill will help us reach the goal I set of permanently conserving one million new acres of natural lands by 2040. Protecting forests, wetlands, and farmlands makes us more resilient to climate hazards, reduces carbon in our atmosphere, promotes military readiness, and supports local economies.”

The conservation tax credit included in the Farm Act is a time-limited NC tax policy that allows for a 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. The property must be donated within two years, between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026. There are other limitations on the tax credit. Landowners should consult with tax professionals if they’re interested in taking advantage of the tax credit opportunity.

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. Neighboring states, including Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia, also provide this incentive to conserve land.

North Carolina previously had this incentive, and in the ten years of the program, it helped encourage landowners to conserve 238,000 acres across the state. When the program ended on December 31, 2013, our state saw a steep decline in the number of projects conserved and acres protected.

Providing incentives like the Conservation Income Tax Credit to private landowners will increase the number of conservation projects and reduce acquisition costs for state, local, and private agencies.

“Preserving North Carolina’s working farms, forests, and trails is more important than ever as our state continues to grow. Putting a conservation tax credit in place couldn’t come at a better time,” said Kevin Redding, director of Piedmont Land Conservancy and chair of the Coalition. “Thanks to Sen. Brent Jackson, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Rep. Steve Ross, Rep. Michael Wray, and Agriculture Commissioner Troxler for their leadership on this effort.”

“Passing this bill puts us in line with South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, which all have similar state tax credit policies,” said Tim Gestwicki, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Hunting and fishing are a way of life in North Carolina. The conservation tax credit helps us in our work to secure our fish and wildlife for future generations by providing landowners with an incentive to protect their property permanently.”

Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates who share the goal of increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina.

General Assembly Action on Tax Credit Good News for Land and Water Conservation

The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition is praising the General Assembly for approving a tax credit for land conservation. Last week, the General Assembly unanimously passed the NC Farm Act, which includes a tax credit for landowners who donate property interests for various qualifying uses, including farmland preservation, buffers around military bases, and fish and wildlife conservation.

“Preserving North Carolina’s working farms, forests, and trails is more important than ever as our state continues to grow. Putting a conservation tax credit in place couldn’t come at a better time,” said Kevin Redding, director of Piedmont Land Conservancy and chair of the Coalition. “Thanks to Sen. Brent Jackson, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Rep. Steve Ross, Rep. Michael Wray, and Agriculture Commissioner Troxler for their leadership on this effort.”

“Passing this bill puts us in line with South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia which all have similar state tax credit policies,” said Tim Gestwicki, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Hunting and fishing are a way of life in North Carolina. The conservation tax credit helps us in our work to secure our fish and wildlife for future generations by providing landowners with an incentive to protect their property permanently.”

Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates who share the goal of increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina. Visit https://www.land4tomorrow.org to learn more.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Proposal Moves the Mark on Land and Water Conservation

Land for Tomorrow Coalition Commends Recommendations to Increase Funding for Conservation

The Land for Tomorrow Coalition commends Governor Cooper’s 2024 budget proposal for its commitment to protecting North Carolina’s state and local parks, farms, forests, and natural resources. If funded, this proposal is a significant step towards safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Governor Cooper recommends increasing allocations to the state’s conservation trust funds, including the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Land and Water Fund, and the Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Fund. His proposal also recommends restoring the state’s conservation tax credit.

Bill Holman, chair of the Land for Tomorrow Coalition and senior advisor to the Conservation Fund, said, “The conservation community commends Governor Cooper for recommending that the General Assembly continue to invest in land and water conservation and resiliency. These investments will protect North Carolina’s natural treasures, conserve farms and forests, grow our outdoor recreation economy, help sustain our travel and tourism industry, and maintain military readiness.”

Governor Cooper’s budget proposal underscores a shared commitment to protecting North Carolina’s farms, forests, parks, and natural areas. These allocations emphasize the importance of environmental conservation in fostering a vibrant and resilient state. Highlights include:

READ THE FULL RECOMMENDATION HERE:
https://www.osbm.nc.gov/budget/governors-budget-recommendations

###

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.

 

Funding is Needed to Meet Public Demand

The public demand for outdoor recreation opportunities continues to grow in North Carolina.

Over 20,100,000 people visited NC State Parks in 2023 – a 4% increase over 2022. The statewide 2023 Year of the Trail successfully promoted our network of hiking, paddling, biking, and equestrian trails.

The Made X Mountains Partnership recently released the results of the Western North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, which found that outdoor recreation generated $4,900,000,000 in economic input, 48,000 full-time jobs, and $197,500,000 in local tax revenues just in 25 western North Carolina counties.

Conserving our land means success for our state.

Land for Tomorrow recommends the following and looks forward to working with the General Assembly to bolster the conservation of North Carolina’s natural places and working farms.

  • NC Land & Water Fund
    Increase funds to:

    • $30,000,000 recurring
    • $10,000,000 in non-recurring funds for FY 24-25
  • Parks & Recreation Trust Fund
    Increase funds to:

    • $30,000,000 recurring
    • $10,000,000 in non-recurring funds for FY 24-25
  • Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Fund
    We appreciate Commissioner Troxler’s strong support for farm and forestland conservation, and we support his requests.
    Increase funds to:

    • $10,000,000 recurring
  • Conservation Income Tax Credit
    Land for Tomorrow strongly supports H290, Protecting NC’s Military and Working Lands. H290 provides a powerful incentive for private landowners to conserve their land and to sell or donate land or easements at a discount.
  • Requests for Additional Staff
    Land for Tomorrow supports requests by the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, Wildlife Resources Commission, and Department of Agriculture for additional staff to manage new and expanded state parks, state trails, historic sites, wildlife management areas, and state forests.

Click here to download a PDF of our priorities for 2024.

To learn more about the impact of the conservation trust funds and see your tax dollars in action, follow Land for Tomorrow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/L4TNC – and Twitter – https://twitter.com/land4tomorrow – as well as LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/land-for-tomorrow.

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.

Conservation Wins Big in 2023 Budget

The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition is praising the 2023 state budget, which will pump more than $100 million per year into land and water conservation.

“Protecting land and water is vital to many of the state’s most important industries, including agriculture, tourism, forestry, and the military,” said Bill Holman, NC State Director for The Conservation Fund and chair of the Coalition. “Increasing access to parks, trails, and greenways will help keep North Carolina a great place to live, work, and play. We all owe the General Assembly, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, and Governor Cooper a big thank you.”

“North Carolina is growing fast, and this funding is absolutely essential to protect land and water for future generations,” said Tim Gestwicki, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “In particular, this budget will help keep many acres of working lands in production by offering additional funding for our state’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and others who are stewarding their lands for the good of us all.”

The state’s three conservation trust funds, the North Carolina Land and Water Trust Fund (NCLWF), the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), and the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF) are essential tools that allow state agencies and nonprofit partners to protect North Carolina’s valuable natural resources.

Conservation funding in the budget includes:

  • Increases recurring funding for the NC Land and Water Fund by $3.8 million, and provides an additional $2 million in nonrecurring funds, bringing the total funding to $30 million.
  • Increases recurring funding for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund by $3.8 million, and provides an additional $2 million in nonrecurring funds, bringing the total funding to $30 million.
  • Increases funding for the Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund by $10 million, bringing the total funding to $20 million.
  • Provides $42 million over the biennium for trails, including $25 million for the Great Trails Program, $5 million for the Complete the Trails fund, and $12 million for the Saluda Grade Trail.
  • Provides $12.5 million for the development of local parks that provide access for people with disabilities.

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.