GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SOURCES: LAND USEE, PROTECTED AREAS, WETLANDS, AND WILDLIFE

NOTE: For information on coastal land use, see the Coastal Resources and Marine Fisheries chapter.

LOCAL:

Municipal and county planning departments: Contact municipal planning departments for information on development and land use within towns, villages, and cities and county planning departments for information on development and land use within counties. Almost all towns and all counties have planning departments, even though some consist of a sole staff person. Most information contained within planning departments is not compiled in publications.

Comprehensive land use plans sometimes exist for entire towns and counties and are good sources of information. Copies of land use plans can often be found in libraries; however, if you examine the plan at the originating department, staff may be available to offer explanations and answer questions. Planning ordinances can also be good sources of information. Municipal and county planning departments sometimes do environmental impact assessments for proposed projects. Other analyses are routinely done, such as traffic impact analyses.

County planning departments and county tax offices may have one or more of the following types of maps:

Cadastral maps: Indicate ownership of land with line drawings of properties. Available in county courthouses in approximately 90 counties.
Land use maps: Indicate land use categories such as forest, cleared, water, highway, residency, and business. Only some counties have produced this type of map.
Orthophotos: Processed, color-enhanced aerial photographs which indicate land features. Fifty to sixty counties presently have orthophotos, in paper and/or digital form.

STATE:

N.C. Department of Administration - State Property Office (1160 W. Jones St., Raleigh 27603-8003; 919/733-4346): Responsible for state government's acquisition and disposition of all property by purchase, sale, exercise of power of eminent domain, lease, or rental. Maintains an inventory of such properties with information on acreage, land use, etc.

N.C. Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry Division - Plant Conservation Program (PCP) (P.O. Box 27647, Raleigh 27611; 919/733-3930): Inventories rare plant species and maintains the list of endangered, threatened, special concern, and candidate plant species. Enforces regulations concerning state-listed plant species and monitors and manages their populations. The Natural Heritage Program (NHP) (see entry below), N.C. DEHNR, identifies rarer plants. Twice yearly the NHP and PCP jointly decide on listing changes, and the PCP then lists the relevant species as threatened or endangered. NHP houses a database of approximately 500 species, while the PCP database contains 125. Of those 125, 24 are federally listed as endangered. Works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, N.C. State Parks, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, N.C. Department of Transportation, N.C. Botanical Garden, and the N.C. Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Publications available.

N.C. Department of Commerce - Travel and Tourism Division (430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh 27611; 919/733-4171): Provides contact and general information on state and federal parks and national forests. Distributes a travel guide book and answers basic enquiries through a hotline (800/VISIT NC); the travel guide contains contact and general information on numerous natural areas.

N.C. Department of Cultural Resources - Archaeology and Historical Preservation Section (Administration: 507 N. Blount St., Raleigh 27604-1190; 919/733-4763. Western office: Asheville 28005-2107; 704/298-5024. Eastern office: Greenville 27858-1823; 919/752-7778): Surveys the historic, architectural, and archeological resources of the state. Some surveyed properties are nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, which now contains more than 600 N.C. entries.

N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR):

Environmental Management Division - Water Quality Section (P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh 27626-0535; 919/733-7015): Maintains a database of information on permitted wetlands loss, including records of 401 Certifications issued by the Division for wetland loss and alterations for the 404 permitting program. Biennially publishes 305B Water Quality Progress in North Carolina Report which assesses waters in terms of biology and chemistry and covers surface water, groundwater, and water pollution control data. Includes some information on wetlands.
Forest Resources Division (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611-7687; 919/733-2162): Works to manage, protect, and develop N.C. forest resources. Programs include assistance to private landowners, reforestation, forest fire prevention and suppression, and forest insect and disease control. Responsible for long range forestry planning and technical development, water quality controls, urban forestry assistance, forestry education, and operation of tree seedling nurseries. Maintains databases of information on the forest development program and forest management practices on public and private lands (forest establishment, timber stand improvement, best management practices, wildlife habitat improvement, timber harvested, prescribed burning, etc.). Operates three regional offices.
Land Resources Division (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611-7687; 919/733-3833): Surveys, maps, studies, and protects the state's land, minerals, and related resources.
Geodetic Survey Section (919/733-3836): Extends the State Plane Coordinate System. Places permanent metal medallions called geodetic survey points at very specific locations across the state to mark positions which are not subject to or affected by normal earth phenomena. The points become part of the N.C. Coordinate System which is used in chart and map making, boundary surveys, land use planning, and other activities.
Geological Survey Section (919/733-2423): Examines, surveys, and maps the geology of the state. Administers the N.C. Oil and Gas Conservation Act of 1946. Maintains a database of information on mining operations under permit. Publishes reports and maps.
Land Quality Section (919/733-4574): Responsible for permits, plan approvals, and compliance inspection and enforcement in accordance with the N.C. Mining Act of 1971, the Sedimentation Control Act of 1973, and the Dam Safety Act of 1967. Provides technical support in complying with erosion and sedimentation control requirements. Houses the list of all mines and dams in N.C. Maintains mining statistics and sedimentation enforcement report records.
Parks and Recreation Division (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611-7687; 919/733-4181; Park Information 919/733-7275): Plans and manages a statewide system of parks and recreation resources which includes state parks, natural areas, recreation areas, trails, and lakes, and natural and scenic rivers. Publishes a general brochure on state parks, "Yours to Discover," and brochures for individual state parks and recreation areas. Maintains databases of information on lands which are part of the N.C. State Park System and on publicly operated recreation sites.
Natural Heritage Program (919/733-7701): Locates important natural areas and species, and rare and endangered species. Maintains information on their locations and status in the Natural Heritage Inventory, which is cross-referenced geographically and by species. Conducts environmental reviews for major construction projects including highway and bridge construction and wetlands filling. Houses a registry of exceptional natural areas, both state and privately owned, and makes management suggestions to parties in the registry program. Determines priorities for land acquisitions. Publications include: 1) a rare animals list and 2) a rare plants list which include information about species' state and federal status, habitat, and counties where they occur; and 3) a natural communities book which describes in detail the different types of natural communities found in N.C. Also publishes a quarterly newsletter, Natural Diversity.
Resource Management (919/733-7795): Contains the land acquisition program, park protection activities, and internal resource management for the State Parks System.
Operations (919/846-9991): Responsible for managing the operation of the State Parks System through four district offices, including education and natural resource management.
Planning and Development (919/846-9991): Prepares plans, division-wide policy, and legislative proposals for the management of the State Parks System.
Soil and Water Conservation Division (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611-7687; 919/733-2302): Works to conserve soil and water resources.
Programs Section: Coordinates the activities of the 94 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state, which with few exceptions follow the county line and county name. Serves as staff for the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Watershed Planning Section: Responsible for watershed planning, soil surveys, and the wetlands inventory. Supports the planning and implementation of Public Law 566 Small Watershed Projects (250,000 acres or less) under the Soil Conservation Service, U.S.D.A. These projects address community-wide natural resource problems such as flooding and erosion. Collects and classifies soils data and prepares county soil survey reports. Works closely with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service in this regard.
Wetlands Inventory Section: Checks and distributes wetlands maps produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wetlands east of Raleigh, in Orange and Mecklenburg counties, and on N.C.-Virginia and N.C.-Tennessee state lines (most of the wetlands) have been mapped. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to continue the process until all wetlands are mapped. Maintains a database of information on the wetlands (the National Wetlands Inventory).

Wildlife Resources Commission (512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh 27604-1188; 919/733-7133): Works to manage and protect N.C. wildlife. Conducts endangered species restoration programs. Restocks game fish in state waters and delineates access areas for boats on lakes and rivers. Conducts conservation education programs. Publishes the monthly magazine North Carolina Wildlife .

Non-Game and Endangered Species Section (919/733-7291): Manages and protects non-game wildlife and endangered species in N.C. Houses the legal state list of endangered and threatened animal species in a computer database, cross-referenced by species and geographic location. Gives advice to residents whose property is being damaged by wildlife or who have other questions about managing wildlife. Occasionally works with the Forest Resources Division on wildlife and timber issues.
Wildlife Management Division (919/733-7291): Maintains databases of information on wildlife killings (deer, game, swans); hardwood trees producing edible mast for wildlife; biological, habitat, and county distribution on wild invertebrate species; and wildlife populations, locations, and mortality.

N.C. Zoological Park (Rt. 4, Box 73, Asheboro 27203-9412; 910/879-7000): Displays representative species of animal and plant life from around the world. Provides educational and research opportunities and conducts a program to conserve, preserve, and propagate endangered and threatened animal and plant species.

Environmental Management Commission (P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh 27626-0535; 919/733-7015): Forms policies and rules for the Divisions of Environmental Management, Water Resources, and Land Resources. Adopts rules for air quality standards, emission control standards, and classifications for air contaminant sources; for water quality standards and classifications; for the implementation of water and air quality reporting; and for governing underground tanks used for storing hazardous substances or oil. Grants and revokes permits in regard to dam construction and air and water pollution control; provides technical assistance; and declares pollution emergencies. Comprised of 17 members.

Forestry Council (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611; 919/733-2162): Advises the Secretary of DEHNR on matters concerning the conservation and development of both privately-owned and state-owned forests of N.C. Undertakes studies and reports to the Secretary as directed. Comprised of 11 members.

Mining Commission (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611; 919/733-4574): Oversees the State mining program and adopts related rules and policies. Acts as an advisory body to the Interstate Mining Compact. Implements the Mining Act of 1971. Hears appeals on penalty assessments and permit decisions. Comprised of nine members.

Parks and Recreation Council (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611; 919/733-4181): Advises the Secretary of DEHNR on the promotion, development, and administration of the State's recreation and park system; and recreation services provided by governmental units, private agencies, and commercial organizations. Educates citizens on the recreation and park system. Comprised of 16 members.

Sedimentation Control Commission (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611; 919/733-4574): Oversees and adopts rules, regulations, and policies for the State sedimentation and erosion control program. Implements the Pollution Control Act of 1973. Surveys lands for erosion and sedimentation control and conducts public hearings for plans that have been disapproved by the Section or local programs. Comprised of 12 members.

N.C. Office of State Planning:

Center for Geography and Information Analysis (512 N. Salisbury, Rm. 1125, Raleigh 27604; 919/733-2090): Converts environmental and land use data from other agencies into computerized Geographical Information Survey (GIS) format and maintains it in a single, comprehensive database. The data is cross-referenced by region and N.C. Data is available on cartridge, tape, disk, and paper. Fees are assessed for services. (For this reason individuals and community groups rarely work with the Center; clientele consists mostly of developers and government agencies.) A list of component databases is available.
State Data Center (116 W. Jones St., Raleigh 27603-8003; 919/733-4131): Published Statistical Abstract of North Carolina Counties (1991), a collection of tables and figures, many of which are broken down by county. The book includes an "Environment, Recreation, and Resources" section with information on land area and land use in regard to agriculture and environment, recreation, and resources. Available in many libraries.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM:

Western Carolina University Center for Improving Mountain Living (Bird Bldg., Cullowhee 28723; 704/227-7492): Provides research, technical assistance, and education to western N.C. on community development, natural resource management, wildlife, and other areas. Published the following reports: Planning Challenges Facing Western North Carolina and Western North Carolina Planning Policies: A Decade in Review.

Western Carolina University Highlands Biological Station (P.O. Box 580, Highlands 28741; 704/526-2602): An interinstitutional field station for biological research and education on the southern Appalachian Mountains. Research topics include biotic diversity, effects of timber harvest on forest community organization, long-term vegetation studies, declining amphibian populations, and others. Operates a Nature Center and a Botanical Garden. The Center houses exhibits and holds summer programs for children and adults. Provides information to the public.

FEDERAL:

National Marine Fisheries Service - Habitat Conservation Division (Pivers Island, Beaufort 28516; 919/728-5090): Reviews permit applications for the alteration of wetlands and makes recommendations regarding marine fisheries habitats to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Wilmington District: Reviews permit applications for the alteration of wetlands and issues permits after considering recommendations made by state and federal agencies.

Regulatory Branch: P.O. Box 1890, Wilmington 28402-1890; 910/251-4511

Regulatory Field Offices:

*6512 Falls of Neuse Rd., Ste. 105, Raleigh 27615; 919/876-8441

*Grove Arcade Bldg., Rm. 75, 37 Battery Park Ave., Asheville 28801-2714; 704/271-4855

*P.O. Box 1000, Washington 27889-1000; 919/975-3123

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service- N.C. (Forest Supervisor, Pisgah Nantahala National Forests, P.O. Box 2750, Asheville 28802; 704/257-4210): The Forest Service in N.C. is responsible for the Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests. Within the four National Forests, 10 Ranger Districts administer National Forest lands and two Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers. Addresses for the District Rangers are as follows:

Cheaoah District, Nantahala National Forest, Robbinsville 28771
Highlands District, Nantahala National Forest, Highlands 28741
Tusquite District, Nantahala National Forest, Murphy 28734
Wayah District, Nantahala National Forest, Franklin 28734
French Broad District, Pisgah National Forest, Hot Springs 28743
Grandfather District, Pisgah National Forest, Marion 28752
Pisgah District, Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Forest 28768
Toecane District, Pisgah National Forest, Burnsville 28712

U.S. Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Southeast Regional Office (75 Spring St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303; 404/331-4998): Provides general information on national parks and recreation areas and handles enquiries and concerns from the public regarding National Park Service policies and practices. Houses information on parks nationwide, with an emphasis on parks in the Southeast. Publishes a booklet called Planning Your Visit to National Park System Areas in North Carolina which contains general information on the parks' histories, facilities, size, etc. Distributes other publications (list available).

Blue Ridge Parkway (200 BB&T Building, Asheville 28801; 704/271-4779)
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial (Rt. 1 Box 675, Manteo 27954; 919/473-2111)
Cape Lookout National Seashore (3601 Bridges St., Ste. F, Morehead City 28557; 919/240-1409)
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (1928 Little River Rd., Flat Rock 28731; 704/693-4178)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (107 Park Headquarters Rd., Gatlinburg, TN; 615/436-1200)
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (P.O. Box 9806, Greensboro 27429; 910/288-1776)
Moores Creek National Battlefield (P.O. Box 69, Currie 28435; 910/283-5591)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Wetland Protection Hotline (Geo/Resource Consultants, Inc., 1555 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 500, Arlington, VA 22209; 800/832-7828): Provides information on the values and functions of wetlands and options for their protection. Acts as a central point of contact for the Wetlands Division of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds to provide a wide range of information on wetlands protection efforts involving EPA and other organizations. Makes referrals for additional sources of information. Provides information on the availability of wetlands related documents. Distributes publications.
Region IV Wetlands Offices (for N.C., Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee) (345 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30365):
- Wetlands Planning Section (404/347-2126): Identifies wetlands of highest and lowest quality.
- Wetlands Regulatory Section (404/347-4015): Reviews applications for permits to alter wetlands and makes recommendations (environmental impact statement reviews) to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Enforces regulations regarding wetlands by conducting investigations, litigation, and assessing fines. Restores wetlands.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Division of Ecological Services (P.O. Box 33726, Raleigh 27636; 919/856-4520 and 330 Ridgefield Ct., Asheville 28806; 704/665-1195): Houses the federal endangered species list, cross-referenced by species and geographic location. Manages federally-listed endangered or threatened species in N.C. on both federal and private lands, as well as some non-listed species. Manages 10 wildlife refuges and two fish hatcheries. Reviews development plans for impact on fish and wildlife and issues permits which either involve federal funds or affect migratory birds and fish. The Asheville office works mostly with federal species listing and recovery plans, although it handles some permitting for western N.C.

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