The three broad mechanisms for conserving land are:
- Stewardship – private landowners implement conservation best management practices
- Acquisition – government agencies purchase lands for public purposes
- Conservation Easements – legal restriction of development rights on a parcel of land
Each of these mechanisms meets different needs of the landowner and the steward that will manage the conserved land. One North Carolina Naturally focuses on voluntary participation as well as on creating and providing incentives for stewardship.
In order to coordinate long-term conservation of public and private lands through North Carolina, this comprehensive statewide conservation plan involves government agencies, private organizations, landowners and the public. There are a number of federal and state programs that provide financial resources or technical assistance to landowners who want to practice stewardship on their own land.
