Secretary Freeman is a native of Lenoir and has managed four North Carolina cities during his career, including Brevard and Shelby. He was the executive director of the Triangle J Council of Governments in Research Triangle Park since 2000, where he concentrated on issues of water resources, sustainable energy and environment and mobility. Secretary Freeman has been particularly interested in sustainable energy and enhancing environmental stewardship, and laying the foundation for new economic initiatives for a “New Green Economy” in North Carolina.
Secretary Freeman has an MPA from Appalachian State University, a B.S. from N.C. State University, and he holds a Municipal Administration Certificate from the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill. He is a “Credentialed Manager” as designated by the International City & County Management Association. Secretary Freeman is married to Emily Reynolds Freeman and they have three children and two grandchildren. Secretary and Mrs. Freeman reside in Raleigh.
State Natural Areas A state natural area differs from a state park, in that while both protect important natural resources; a state natural area’s focus is on conservation of sites of special scientific and ecological value. State natural areas often do not have public facilities, but sometimes support limited recreation activities such as hiking and educational programs.
Gopher Frogs In North Carolina, these rare frogs occur at scattered localities in the Sandhills and southeastern Coastal Plain. Little is known about their natural history outside the breeding season. Adults are secretive, spending most of their lives underground. Gopher frogs derive their common name from the fact that adults commonly use the burrows of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) as hiding places in the Deep South. But in North Carolina where these tortoises do not live, gopher frogs hide in stump holes, root tunnels and mammal and crayfish burrows. Gopher frogs depend on fishless ponds for breeding.
Registered Natural Heritage Areas The N.C. Natural Heritage Program encourages conservation and stewardship of identified Significant Natural Heritage Areas through two programs: Dedicated Nature Preserves and Registered Natural Heritage Areas. Dedicated Nature Preserves, owned by state agencies, local governments or nonprofit conservation groups, are permanently protected through a legally binding agreement with DENR to manage the land for conservation of its natural heritage values. The Registry program is different, in that owners of Registered Natural Heritage Areas instead sign a voluntary, non-binding, agreement with DENR demonstrating their commitment to protect the natural heritage values of their property. These landowners may also receive management recommendations to help ensure survival of the rare species or natural communities on their property.
Land for Tomorrow is a growing coalition of 240 conservation, business and agriculture groups and local governments committed to preserving and protecting North Carolina's land, water and historic places. Its goal is to increase public awareness about the need to protect additional lands that are critical to the economic well-being and quality of life in North Carolina. Land for Tomorrow seeks to help the state reach its declared goal of conserving one million acres, and ensure that critical land will be available to provide clean air and drinking water, strengthen our communities, promote job growth and enhance the quality of life for generations to come.