CFE 050800 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

➢ Environmental Loss , 34 percent of North Carolina ' s coastal wetlands have been altered in some way and no longer ~falfill their natural function to protect water quality. Loss of open space around water supplies can put drinking water at risk . More pavement and impervious surfaces increases run- off water pollution. More than 50 percent of the Significant Natural Heritage Areas in North Carolina remain unprotected. Scen vi ic stas, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and greenspace in urban areas are all being lost to development. ➢ Economic Loss . North Carolina ' s agriculture industry, including food, fiber, and forestry, is dependent on open spaces , and it contributes more than $ 46 billion dollars to the state ' s economy and employs 22 percent of the state ' s workforce . Additionally, the 100-year flood plains of North Carolina ' s rivers are better left undeveloped as illustrated by Hurricane Floyd 5 flooding which caused billions of dollars in damage to lives and property. Over- development ' of open space and cultural sites also harms the 10-billion dollar tourist industry in North Carolina, Defining the Initiative This initiative will focus on lands permanently protected through voluntary acquisition of fee title interest or conservation easements by federal, state, local, or private non-profit land managing organizations , Objectives ides an alternative to unfettered conversion of farmland and The Million Acre Initiative prov forests to sprawl and development to meet the environmental, economic, and quality of life objectives listed below, • Protect the quality of streams } ,y Tx `t77Ift c''t'a ! `� r . 3 C16k oftI j + + rivers, lakes , estuaries , sounds , : } � �� , z E� f 1 ASS e� i ty � —r .. 3 y hz3x h N.} al eyiK and coastal waters . • ificant or sensitive Protect sign . 34 „ .a „� F natural areas , rare species, and .. 3 wildlife habitat • 44 Protect wetlands and riparian �� s-��.4 pit 0 buffers . Protect drinking • g water supplies . • Reduce risks ' to people and businesses from floo ding. '_ +' ; :et. :tk • Protect forestland from conversion to non-forest uses , • Protect farmland, especially small family farms, from conversion to non- farn ing uses , • Provide public access to outdoor recreation including public waters , • Protect scenic beauty, • Protect significant archaeological, cultural, and historic sites , • Protect urban greenspaces , - 3