stream and rocks

Million Acre Initiative header

Other Conservation Lands

Not all land conservation efforts are counted toward the goal of protecting 1 million acres. Land protection efforts that are not counted as part of the initiative:

  • Nonpermanent land protection strategies, including long-term leases and management agreements, are also important for realizing North Carolina's broader natural-area and water-quality protection goals.
  • Lands protected permanently but not owned and managed by a conservation-oriented organization can also play an important role in developing a network of open spaces.

While these protected lands do not count toward the Million Acre Initiative, they do play an important role in developing our state's network of open spaces:

  • Lands managed by a homeowners' association - As part of rezoning applications or subdivision approval procedures, developers will choose to leave part of the land undeveloped and dedicate its use to serve as a water-quality buffer or public open space for recreational purposes. These properties are often managed by the local homeowners' association and therefore do not count toward the initiative. Still, these lands are part of the network of open spaces that are important to maintaining the quality of life that North Carolina residents enjoy.
  • Regulatory water quality buffers - The state Division of Water Quality works with landowners and local governments to enforce its water protection requirements and regulations. Often, part of the land from a larger development project is set aside to ensure that the impacts of development on the nearby waterways are minimized. Lands that are required to be protected under a rule or regulation do not count toward the Million Acre Initiative. However, these permanently protected lands make a significant contribution toward meeting North Carolina's land and water protection goals.
  • Temporary Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program easements The N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation houses the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This program is designed to protect water quality by acquiring conservation easements on agricultural buffer areas around stream corridors. Landowners may choose a 10-year lease, 30-year lease or permanent protection. Land that is permanently protected counts toward the million acre goal, but land that is protected through temporary easements does not count. The temporary protection of this land is an important step in protecting the state's water quality. The CREP program offers landowners an opportunity to protect their land and water resources in the short term without restricting the use of their land permanently.