Tag: Member Profile

North Carolina’s conservation success depends on strong partnerships, and that is exactly what the Land for Tomorrow coalition makes possible.

Blue Ridge Conservancy is helping protect some of northwest North Carolina’s most important lands, from prime farmland and scenic Blue Ridge Parkway views to rare wildlife habitats and expanding trail systems like the Middle Fork Greenway and Northern Peaks State Trail. These efforts are made possible through support from North Carolina’s conservation trust funds and the power of statewide collaboration.

One major example is the Three Top Connector project in Ashe County, where a $1 million grant from the N.C. Land and Water Fund helped Blue Ridge Conservancy protect 335 acres and connect previously separated game lands across Three Top Mountain. Today, the project provides 6.5 miles of continuous protected game lands while safeguarding critical headwater streams and wildlife habitat.

But conservation is about more than individual projects. It is about building a stronger statewide network.

“Being a member of Land For Tomorrow helps us connect to other organizations working on the same types of projects in different areas of North Carolina that we might not otherwise interface with,” said David Ray, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Conservancy.

“Being located in the northwest part of the state, without LFT we would not have nearly as much representation and voice at the state level.”

Land for Tomorrow brings together organizations from across North Carolina to ensure rural communities, working lands, outdoor recreation, and natural resources all have a voice in Raleigh. That coalition work helps secure the investments that keep North Carolina strong, connected, and prepared for future growth.

North Carolina is growing fast. Since 2020, more than 709,000 people have moved to North Carolina, making our state one of the top destinations for new residents. As growth continues, continued investment in the conservation trust funds helps ensure that the lands and waters that define North Carolina are not lost to development.

Piedmont Land Conservancy is a powerful example of how these investments deliver results. One recent success is the 311-acre Mitchell River Preserve in Surry County. Supported by a $976,000 grant from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, this project protects pristine river frontage, wildlife habitat, and water quality in one of North Carolina’s most significant watersheds. When completed, it will also provide new opportunities for public access and outdoor recreation.

To date, conservation trust fund investments have helped Piedmont Land Conservancy:

• Permanently protect 5,100 acres of critical natural lands with $14.7 million from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund.
• Protect 24 family farms and 3,051 acres of working farmland with $4.7 million from the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.

“Being part of Land for Tomorrow has truly amplified what Piedmont Land Conservancy can accomplish,” said Kevin Redding, Executive Director.

“Pulling together with more than 20 conservation organizations in the coalition, we’ve been able to advocate more effectively for the trust funds that fuel our work with a unified statewide voice. That collective power translates directly into results that are shaping the future of conservation funding across North Carolina.”

This is the power of partnership. By working together through Land for Tomorrow, conservation organizations across North Carolina are helping secure the funding needed to protect clean water, support agriculture, expand outdoor recreation, and preserve the landscapes that strengthen our economy and quality of life.

North Carolina’s conservation trust funds are doing more than protecting land, they’re delivering real results for our communities, economy, and way of life. We’re grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly for its continued investment in these proven programs.

“Grant funding from the conservation trust funds has enabled us to protect hundreds of acres that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to conserve,” says Bart Landess, Executive Director of Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail. “Land in the Southern Piedmont around Charlotte is increasingly expensive, and it’s only through partnerships and support from the trust funds that we have been able to exceed 18,000 acres conserved.”

That impact is showing up across the state. In Catawba County, what was once a complex land transaction is now Mountain Creek Park, a growing community asset with trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Projects like this strengthen local economies, expand outdoor recreation, and improve quality of life.

As North Carolina continues to grow, the need to protect working lands and natural resources is only increasing.

“North Carolina is a state with incredible natural resources and a rich agricultural legacy,” Landess adds. “As rapid growth and development take place, it’s important to preserve our unique landscapes and agricultural lands before they disappear. The trust funds are a critical tool to ensure these places continue to exist.”

Behind this success is strong leadership and coordination.

“Land for Tomorrow provides critical leadership on state policy relating to land protection,” Landess says. “Without that leadership pushing for funding, we wouldn’t have seen the same level of success in conservation and agricultural projects.”

As budget discussions move forward, it’s critical to protect funding for the state’s conservation trust funds so they can continue delivering results for communities across North Carolina. Supporting the conservation trust funds is a smart, practical investment in our state’s future.

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