Stewardship Program Overview

To conserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of North Carolina, the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources and related agencies protect restored or high-quality natural areas through easement purchases or fee simple acquisitions. These state-held conservation lands must be managed in perpetuity to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and open space.

The Stewardship Program has responsibility for long-term stewardship of lands with conservation easements held by the state of North Carolina. To protect the ecological integrity of these conservation properties, stewardship activities include:

• Monitoring
• Legal Protection and Enforcement
• Site-management activities

Enabling Legislation for the Stewardship Program

Annual Reports on Stewardship Program

Click below to download each report in pdf format:

• 2009 Annual Report
• 2008 Annual Report
• 2007 Annual Report