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42 <br /> Conclusion <br /> Collaborations and partnerships have been a part of Lit- <br /> tle River Park since its very beginning.The community, ` <br /> h <_ <br /> the two counties, land conservation agencies and local <br /> trail groups have all contributed to the protection of <br /> this large tract of land along the North Fork Little River. <br /> As one of sources of water for Durham,it would make ' <br /> sense to protect this stretch of river. It supports spe- <br /> cies of fish which are indicators of high water quality. ' <br /> a, s <br /> Other species of wildlife that are listed as threatened,of <br /> special concern or regionally rare including freshwater . <br /> mussels,black vultures and striped skunk have been <br /> documented within the park.The land mass which <br /> formed under this area tells the story of 650 million <br /> years of volcanic activity,tectonic upheaval and ero- <br /> sion.At least 12 areas of cultural importance have been <br /> documented within the park that can trace its land use <br /> records back to the 1790s.After nearly 15 years of oper- <br /> ation, Little River Park continues to grow into a unique <br /> place for nature recreation. } <br /> Public input indicates thepublic's desire to preserve <br /> the park's natural resources as well a need for growth. <br /> Improvement or expansion of the trail network and the <br /> addition of programs or facilities that promote physical <br /> fitness also ranked as top priorities.There is also strong <br /> support for fee increases to support the expansion of <br /> park programs. Park statistics reflect the support of the <br /> community:annual attendance and program participa- <br /> tion has more than doubled in the park's first ten years. <br /> Accomplishing the goals of the master plan will require <br /> the support of both counties governing bodies. For the <br /> park to grow and thrive and continue to offer a unique <br /> natural and recreational opportunity for the region will <br /> require a combination of increased budget,funding for <br /> CIP projects,and outside revenue through grants and <br /> donations. <br /> The future Little River Park lies in finding the balance <br /> between the desire for growth and expansion of <br /> recreational opportunities weighed against the inten- <br /> tions with which this partnership began:to preserve <br /> and protect a large wilderness area along an import- <br /> ant source of clean water.The projects and objectives <br /> outlined in this master plan can serve to strengthen the r <br /> partnerships already in place and to also to explore new <br /> partnerships. <br /> s.p <br /> 30 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan <br />