Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds
Registry of Natural Heritage Areas
Category: Wetlands and
Uplands
Cost: Information not provided.
Description: As Natural Heritage Program program staff works with landowners
to find the best ways to protect natural areas on public and private property,
an often used tool is the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas (Nature Preserves
Act, Article 9A, Section 113). Landowners who place their land in the Registry
are making a voluntary, nonbinding commitment with the state through the North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program to preserve the natural area.
For each registered area, an agreement is written that describes the ways the
landowner and the Natural Heritage Program will work together to protect the
biological diversity of the natural area. The agreement can be canceled at any
time, although the Natural Heritage Program appreciates 30 days written notice.
Landowners of important natural areas who wish to secure more permanent protection
may choose to dedicate their property. Dedication permanently limits uses of
the property so as to preserve its natural value. The terms of the dedication
are negotiated between the landowner and the state, and the resulting document
(similar to a conservation easement) is registered in the same manner as a deed.
State agencies may also dedicate portions of the lands they manage to ensure
long-term protection from other possible land uses.
Outcome: More than 350 natural areas across the state are currently registered
with the Natural Heritage Program. Federal agencies, especially the National
Forest Service and the National Park Service, are strong supporters and active
participants of the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas.
Contact: Sandra Cavalieri, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division
of Parks and Recreation, 1615 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1615, Phone:
(919) 715-8697, Fax:(919) 715-3085, sandra.cavalieri@ncmail.net
Citation: http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/nhp/program.htm
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