NORTH CAROLINA

OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN

2009 - 2013

December 2008

Division of Parks and Recreation

N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

INTRODUCTION

North Carolina has been blessed with a rich and varied tapestry of lands and waters. The landscape stretches from the Tidewater =s ocean beaches, sounds and marshes westward through flat Coastal Plain swamp forests to the rolling Piedmont and on to ancient and hauntingly beautiful mountains, well-known and loved not just by North Carolinians, but by millions of Americans nationwide. Traversing and connecting this landscape are beautiful rivers and streams. These lands and waters provide not only breathtaking scenery and magnificent settings for outdoor recreation, but also serve to support a rich diversity of plant and animal life. North Carolina is indeed ANaturally Wonderful @.

STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN LEGAL MANDATE

Since passage of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1965, preparation of a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) has been required in order for states to be eligible for LWCF acquisition and development assistance. Past SCORPs and this edition have provided a coordinated framework addressing the problems, needs, and opportunities related to the need for improved public outdoor recreation. The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, the state agency with authority to represent and act for the state for purposes of the LWCF Act, prepared this plan.

The plan contents and format are shaped by the planning guidelines of the LWCF Act. The major requirements are comprehensiveness; an evaluation of the demand for and supply of outdoor recreation resources and facilities in the state; a wetlands priority component; a program for implementation of the plan; ample public participation in the planning process; and a description of process and methodology. The plan has been prepared to both meet requirements for continuing LWCF eligibility and meet the need for meaningful evaluation of state and local government public outdoor recreation projects.

Chapter I presents the issues identified for 2008-2013. The issues were developed through the work of the Joint Legislative Commission on Land and Water Conservation. The commission met five times and held three public meetings across the state and submitted its report in January 2007. The results of the public meetings, attended by over 750 people including 189 people who spoke, are presented in Appendix C.

Chapter II contains an estimate of the demand for outdoor recreation using data about recreation participation in North Carolina based on survey responses from over 3,000 state residents. In 2007, the Division of Parks and Recreation contracted with the U.S. Forest Service Southeast Experiment Station to analyze the responses from North Carolinians to the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE). The NSRE is continues a series of national recreation participation surveys conducted about iii every five years since 1965. The current version was conducted from 2002-2007 via random-digit telephone dialing and includes over 90,000 responses across the United States.

Chapter III reports the results of an inventory of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities in North Carolina and makes comparisons county by county and statewide. Detailed county profiles are provided in Appendix A. LWCF assistance will be awarded to counties showing higher relative needs using the state's Open Project Selection Process.

Chapter IV identifies trends affecting outdoor recreation and the concomitant changes they will bring. Chapter V describes the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, local, private, and commercial outdoor recreation providers in the state.

Chapter VI includes actions the state will be undertaking over the next five years to address the issues and needs identified in this plan.

While the level of LWCF apportionments recently available to North Carolina has lessened the LWCF program's impact, LWCF funds still serve to address issues of statewide importance and to help improve outdoor recreation in North Carolina.

Ample public participation, described in the document, went into development of this plan. A final draft plan was also made available via the internet for public review and comment.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION ...... i

Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Legal Mandate ...... i

I. OUTDOOR RECREATION ISSUES ...... I-1

Introduction ………...... 1 Issue: Conserving Natural Resources ...... 1 Recent Success ...... 3 Future Challenges ...... 6 Issue: Improved Outdoor Recreation Resources ...... 7 Recent Successes ...... 7 Future Challenges ...... 9

II. DEMAND FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION ...... II-1

Introduction ...... II-1 Survey Results ...... II-1 Activity Groups and Activities for North Carolina Residents ...... II-2

III. SUPPLY OF OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ...... III-1

The Outdoor Recreation Spectrum ...... III-1 Comparing Counties Based on Recreational Resources & Population ...... III-6

IV. TRENDS AFFECTING PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS ...... IV-1

Introduction ...... IV-1 Population Growth ...... IV-1 Rapid Development of Land ...... IV-3 Longer, Healthier Lives ...... IV-6 Increased Participation ...... IV-7 Activity Trends ...... IV-8

V. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... V-1

State Programs ...... V-1 Federal Programs ...... V-14 Local Agencies and Programs ...... V-21 Private Agencies/Programs ...... V-22 Commercial Providers ...... V-24

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED

VI. 2003 – 2008 ACTION PLAN ...... VI-1

Introduction ...... VI-1 Conserving Natural Resources - Actions...... VI-1 Public Health and Fitness – Actions ...... VI-4 Quality of life and Economic Growth – Actions ...... VI-5

Appendix A – Reports for All North Carolina Counties...... A-1 Appendix B – Methodology...... B-1 Appendix C – Public Hearings Asheville ...... C-1 Greenville ...... C-3 Greensboro ...... C-5

I. OUTDOOR RECREATION ISSUES

INTRODUCTION

As North Carolina moves into the 21st century, its growing and changing population will be making increased demands for additional outdoor recreational services. The landscape will become more and more developed as urban areas expand to threaten or surround natural areas and open space.

The major park and recreation issues to be addressed over the next five years can be grouped into three categories:

1. Conservation of Natural Resources — The need to conserve and protect important natural resources and open spaces in a rapidly developing state.

2. Improved Outdoor Recreation Resources And Services – The need to foster public health and fitness through improved outdoor recreation resources and services.

3. Enhance Quality of Life and Economic Growth – The need to improve quality of life and economic growth through land and water conservation.

The issues were developed through the work of the Joint Legislative Commission on Land and Water Conservation. The commission conducted three public meetings across the state, attended by over 750 people. These findings were identified within the report of the commission.

Issue: Conserving Natural Resources

As the population of North Carolina increases, so does the need to identify and conserve the most important natural lands and clean waters. While these needs have been brought into sharp focus in the past decade, the issue has long been a priority in the state. For nearly 40 years, Article XIV, Section 5 of the North Carolina Constitution has established overall policy by broadly defining the conservation and protection of natural resources and the acquisition of such resources as a proper function of government. The amendment reads in part as follows:

It shall be the policy of this State to conserve and protect its lands and waters for the benefit of all its citizenry, and to this end it shall be a proper function of the State of North Carolina and its political subdivision to acquire and preserve park, recreation, and scenic areas……..

I-1 In addition, the State Parks Act sets forth natural resource conservation as central to the mission for the state parks system. It states that the system functions to preserve and manage representative examples of significant biologic, geologic, scenic, archaeologic, and recreational resources, and that park lands are to be used by the people of the state and their visitors and descendants in order to promote understanding of and pride in the state's natural heritage.

The urgency to address the effects of increased urbanization and conversion of natural lands into man-made development is felt by a large majority of North Carolinians. New residential and commercial construction has changed the character of the landscape from secluded mountain coves to coastal communities that have supported generations of fishermen. These changes are reflected in the attitudes of citizens who have experienced the changes in these rural areas during their lifetime.

Attitudes About Public Land Management For North Carolina and Surrounding States (Percent saying important or very important )

United Activity Region States Conserve and protect natural resources, especially water 91.0 91.5

Develop volunteer programs to improve natural resources 90.2 88.2

Inform public on environmental impacts of uses 85.6 79.4

Inform public about recreational concerns 85.2 85.5 81.3 Protect ecosystems & wildlife habitats 81.2

Source: National Survey on Recreation and the Environment

Beginning in 2005, The Nature Conservancy prepared a five-year plan for conserving land in North Carolina that assessed the need for increased action in the face of a rapidly changing landscape. The effort helped focus attention on the benefits of conservation as well as the increased urgency for protecting public and private undeveloped areas such as parks, forests, rivers, and farms. The plan also proposed significant new funding to help address these needs through increased funding for the state’s four conservation trust funds.

The recommendations were the result of a statewide effort to publicize and build support that included a series for statewide meetings and an outreach effort to identify communities, agencies and organizations that would support increased funding for land

I-2 conservation. Over 250 of these organizations signed on as supporters; a further testament to the high priority that North Carolinians place on this issue.

In 2006, the North Carolina General Assembly established the Joint Legislative Commission on Land and Water Conservation to evaluate and recommend funding sources for acquiring public land for conservation purposes. The commission reported it recommendations in 2007 including providing an additional $1 billion over five years for land and water conservation to be allocated through the existing conservation trust funds.

Recent Successes

Conservation Trust Funds

North Carolina has established three conservation trust funds to address the need to protect land and water resources in the state; the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), and Natural Heritage Trust Fund (NHTF). The three funds work cooperatively to identify and protect areas that contain significant natural communities and other high priority conservation needs.

Parks and Recreation Trust Fund - PARTF is the state’s principal funding source for state parks as well as local parks and recreation projects. Established in 1994, PARTF is supported primarily by the state’s tax on real estate transfers. The revenue is split between three purposes with 65 percent for state park land acquisition and capital improvements, 30 percent for matching grants to local governments, and 5 percent for beach access. In its 12-year history, PARTF has provided over $250 million for the state parks system, over $120 million for local park projects and over $20 million for beach access. Local governments have provided over $200 million in matching funds for the local projects.

Clean Water Management Trust Fund - CWMTF was created in 1996 to help local governments, state agencies, and non-profit organizations to protect and restore surface water quality. Over 1,100 grants totaling more than $832 million have been awarded. Those funds have been matched by $1.4 billion by the project sponsors. The majority of the funding has been used to conserve buffer zones to protect the state’s waterways.

Natural Heritage Trust Fund - NHTF, established in 1987, provides funding to four state agencies for the acquisition and protection of important natural areas, to preserve the state’s ecological diversity and cultural heritage, and to inventory the natural heritage of the state. Since its creation, the fund has contributed more than $265 million through 446 grants to support the conservation of over a quarter million acres.

I-3 A specific example of the coordination of North Carolina’s trust funds is the expansion of Lake James State Park. The Crescent Resources Corporation sold approximately 3,000 acres of property on Lake James in Burke County to the state of North Carolina for the expansion of Lake James State Park. Appraised at $30.6 million, a one-time gift from Crescent Resources valued at $12.25 million allowed the state to purchase the property for $18.36 million. Lake James, located in Burke and McDowell counties, is the first lake along the 300-mile Catawba River chain. The future park expansion site is located on the north side of the lake where the Linville River joins the Catawba River. With close to 24 miles of lake frontage, these sections provide scenic views of the Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain and other distinguishing peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Progress Toward Conserving Million Acres by 2010

In 2000, North Carolina’s governor and General Assembly set a goal to conserve one million acres in a decade. Through June 2008, nearly 600,000 acres have been acquired by public and private organizations. For example, the NC state parks system has closed on 178 tracts totaling 33,500.6 acres for over $205 million during the past five years. The Division of Parks and Recreation tapped a variety of funding sources to add these areas including: the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), the Natural Heritage Trust Fund (NHTF), Certificates of Deposit approved by the NC General Assembly, and the federal Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund.

North Carolina Million Acres Effort Status as of June 2008

Type of Agency Examples of Land Conserved Acres State parks, state forests, gamelands, State Agencies wetlands mitigation, coastal reserves, state 328,617 nature preserves, historic sites Parklands, greenways, watershed protection, Local Governments 27,474 etc. National wildlife refuges, National Forests, Federal Agencies 45,115 National Parks, Wetland Reserves Local Land Trusts Protected Lands 133,408 Other Conservation Nature preserves, waterfowl habitat, historic 50,070 Groups preservation Total 589,685

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New State Parks for a New Century

Through its New Parks for a New Century initiative, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation has identified sites in the state - among some of the most treasured and threatened of natural resources - as potential additions to the state parks system. This list of sites has been regularly updated through a formal planning process. Important examples of the state's natural diversity are examined using scientific criteria as well as by rating their suitability for recreation. Several new state parks and state natural areas have been added to the state parks system as a result. These include: Chimney Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Mayo River, and Haw River state parks and Bear Paw State Natural Area.

Chimney Rock State Park

Governor Mike Easley announced May 21, 2007 that the state of North Carolina closed on the $24 million purchase, adding the natural attraction in Rutherford County to the new state park under development in the Hickory Nut Gorge. The 2007 General Assembly authorized naming the new park Chimney Rock State Park. It is traditional for North Carolina state parks to be named after a dominant natural feature, and the acquisition made the name change practical.

“Chimney Rock is a cherished landmark in North Carolina, and this represents a landmark acquisition for the state parks system and the cause of conservation in our state,” Easley said. “The state is honored to accept the stewardship of this important natural resource.” The gorge has been considered a premier state park site in the system's New Parks for a New Century initiative, which examined areas throughout the state as potential state parks or state natural areas and found the gorge to be a significant center of biodiversity and natural heritage.

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Grandfather Mountain The state of North Carolina has agreed to purchase Grandfather Mountain, one of the state’s premier signature landmarks, in Avery County. The agreement includes the 2,601-acre undeveloped portion of the tourist destination as well as a conservation easement on the remaining 604 acres that will be managed through a nonprofit entity by the heirs of Hugh Morton. “Today Grandfather Mountain and all its scenic beauty becomes a state park, which is one more step in our efforts to be One North Carolina Naturally,” said Easley. “This is an extremely important habitat and we will take good care of it. The dreams of many North Carolinians and Hugh Morton will be met: North Carolina will protect and preserve Grandfather Mountain forever.”

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will manage the undeveloped portion of Grandfather Mountain, including its 11 trails, as a state park. Grandfather Mountain has been a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve for decades, boasting 16 distinct habitats and 73 rare species including the Carolina northern flying squirrel and the Blue Ridge goldenrod. The mountain contains the headwaters of both the Linville and Watauga Rivers and has been the only private park designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve.

Haw River State Park Haw River State Park grew to nearly 1,000 acres in 2008 when the state parks system completed the purchase of 692 acres that had earlier been slated to be a residential golf community planned by a Fortune 500 company. Lewis Ledford, director of the state parks system, said that community involvement and the General Assembly’s commitment to funding conservation made the agreement possible. Strong support for land deal came from a citizens group of about 250 people, the Greensboro Partnership business group, the City of Reidsville, scout councils and tourism development agencies.

The acquisition was financed through certificates of participation to be repaid with future revenues into the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The property was added to about 300 acres the state parks system acquired since 2004 to establish the park and which includes The Summit environmental education center. The Haw River headwaters area was one of only 12 sites in the state deemed suitable for a new state park in the system’s 2001 New Parks for a New Century initiative.

I-6 Future Challenges

Rapid Loss of Open Space

The Environment North Carolina Research and Policy Center estimates that in the past two decades, the state has lost 2.4 million acres of cropland and forest land; nearly 20 percent of its cropland and 7 percent of its forest land. The estimates are based on an analysis of reports by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. All told, in the last 20 years, development land area has increased by 1.86 million acres, an area greater than the size of the Triangle area (Orange, Durham, Wake, and Johnston counties). Although development has been greatest in the metropolitan areas of the state’s largest cities (1.27 million acres), rural counties experienced an increase of 588,000 acres.

Unmet Needs

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been tracking progress toward the state’s goal of conserving one million acres during the current decade 2001 – 2010. While significant progress has been made toward the goal, the current pace of conserving land is not adequate. As of June 2008, nearly 600,000 acres have been conserved and more than 400,000 acres will need to be conserved within the remaining two years.

In the state parks system alone, it will cost an estimated $176 million to purchase the 43,752 acres needed to complete all of the current state park units per the park master plans. Through its “New Parks for a New Century” initiative, the Division of Parks and Recreation has identified over 40 sites across the state that could be added as potential state park units. These areas are some of the most treasured and threatened natural resources in North Carolina and have been identified as high- priority acquisitions to the state parks system. Purchasing these new units would require an estimated $454 million to acquire 113,625 acres.

Reduced Federal Role

The federal role for land and water conservation in North Carolina is not as significant as it has been historically. While the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service manage some of the most outstanding natural resources in the state, only 40,000 acres acquired by federal agencies since 1999. By comparison, nearly 500,000 acres have been conserved by state, local, and private, non-profit conservation organizations. During the past decade, the Land and Water Conservation Fund as averaged about $1.5 million annually for state and local projects. If LWCF was fully funded, North Carolina would receive about $10 million per year.

I-7 Issue: Improved Outdoor Recreation Resources

Improved outdoor recreation resources and services provide many benefits to communities across North Carolina. Parks and community centers often serve as the focal points of events and activities that bring people together and create a sense of community. In addition, studies have shown that citizens who have access to parks and greenways are more likely to have an active lifestyle. While North Carolina’s system of public, private and non-profit parks have been nationally recognized, the rapidly increasing state population creates challenges to maintain services across the board. At the same time, research shows that people who lead an active lifestyle are healthier, exhibit increased productivity on the job, and reduce health care costs to government and industry alike. For these reasons, citizens and communities are seeking to improve the quantity and quality of recreation resources available to them. Local communities play the most important role in providing outdoor recreation facilities and services since most recreation occurs close to home.

Recent Successes

Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant Program for Local Governments

The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund has provided more than $121 million, through 586 grants to local governments for parks and recreation projects, including such amenities as community centers, athletic fields, greenways, playgrounds and green space totaling more than 4,300 acres. Local matching funds in the amount of $213 million have been leveraged by PARTF grants. PARTF grants have been awarded to 321 local governments in 99 of the state’s 100 counties, to urban areas, small towns and rural counties. Since the program began, local governments have requested more than $200 million. The maximum single grant amount is $500,000.

What have these grants purchased? The answer is as varied as the communities that have applied. One of the strengths of the PARTF grant program is that local governments decide how the funds can best be used at the grass roots level. PARTF’s evaluation process emphasizes local planning and public involvement to foster high quality projects that address local needs. As a result, PARTF has funded a wide array of projects, including open space acquisitions, ballfields, all types of trails, swimming pools, picnic areas and playgrounds. PARTF grants have enhanced public recreation in North Carolina by adding land and facilities including:

4,300 acres acquired 40 disc golf courses 136 soccer fields 36 amphitheaters 26 fitness trails 11 swimming pools 234 ball fields 85 multi-purpose fields 107 tennis courts 90 basketball courts 366 picnic shelters 277 trail projects 41 boat ramps/ docks 247 playgrounds 99 volleyball courts 60 community centers

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Bond Referendums Approved by Local Governments

Many local governments in North Carolina have provided additional recreational facilities and/ or park land by approving bond referendums. In most cases, strong support for using public funds for parks and open space has been evidenced by wide majorities of the voters approving the measures.

Table 1-1. Recent Bond Referendums Approved by Local Governments

Recent Park and Recreation Bonds Approved by Local Governments Funds Approved Year Local Government (Millions) City of Clayton 2008 $3,000,000 City of Greensboro 2008 $20,000,000 Guilford County 2008 $20,200,000 Mecklenburg County 2008 $250,000,000 Person County 2008 $6,000,000 City of Belmont 2007 $12,000,000 Town of Fuquay-Varina 2007 $2,000,000 Johnston County 2007 $3,700,000 Macon County 2007 $9,400,000 City of Raleigh 2007 $88,600,000 Wake County 2007 $50,000,000 City of Greensboro 2006 $5,000,000 New Hanover County 2006 $35,000,000 City of Durham 2005 $38,333,000 City of Lumberton 2005 $6,000,000 Town of Mooresville 2005 $25,000,000 Town of Wake Forest 2005 $7,000,000 Town of Apex 2004 $13,000,000 Guilford County 2004 $20,000,000 City of High Point 2004 $8,000,000 Mecklenburg County 2004 $69,000,000 Town of Morrisville 2004 $4,000,000 Wake County 2004 $26,000,000 $721,233,000

I-9 Regional Trail Efforts

Long distance trails provide opportunities for some of the most popular recreation activities in North Carolina as well as corridors for non-motorized transportation, wildlife, and interconnecting larger open areas. The City of Raleigh’s greenway system is a nationally-recognized effort that is branching out to surrounding cities and counties. The American Tobacco Trail connects the City of Durham with Jordan Lake through the cooperation of Durham, Chatham and Wake counties. The Carolina Tread Trail is a 15- county regional network of trails and greenways that is designed to link communities and attractions in North and South Carolina. The Mountains-To-Sea State Trail, an effort to link by trail Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the outer banks, is the flagship project of the NC State Trails System. Today, over 450 miles of the 1,000 mile route are open for use. Partners across North Carolina are planning and building the trail to link communities together and to serve as the backbone for a growing system of land and water trails.

Future Challenges

Increased Participation

The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment results for North Carolina indicate that participation in recreational activities is increasing rapidly. Not only has North Carolina population increase been among the largest in the nation, but participation rates have gone up as well. Trend information from the survey shows that number of participants in the following group of recreational activities has increased by nearly 50 percent, from 27.4 million of 40.5 million participants, in the past decade.

Table 1-2. North Carolina Resident Participation and Percent Change by Activity

Percent Percent Millions of Percent Millions of change in # participating participants participating participants participants Activity Type 1995 1995 2006 2006 1995-2006 Trail/street/road 66.1 3.713 85.7 5.812 56.5 activities Individual sports 20.2 1.137 28.2 1.913 68.2 Team sports 26.5 1.490 21.6 1.468 -1.5 Spectator activities 56.1 3.152 62.4 4.232 34.3 Viewing/learning 68.8 3.865 81.7 5.543 43.4 activities Snow/ice activities 11.8 0.662 17.9 1.212 83.1 Camping 21.8 1.226 28.7 1.949 59.0 Hunting 9.4 0.528 9.9 0.670 26.9

I-10 Percent Percent Millions of Percent Millions of change in # participating participants participating participants participants Activity Type 1995 1995 2006 2006 1995-2006 Fishing 26.7 1.500 36.7 2.493 66.2 Boating 28.7 1.612 31.0 2.105 30.6 Swimming (natural, 50.8 2.856 53.1 3.605 26.2 pool, snorkeling) Outdoor adventure 33.0 1.853 51.2 3.475 87.5 activities Social activities 67.8 3.811 88.2 5.986 57.1 Total 27.4 40.5

To help address the need for increasing participation, local governments are planning to increase the recreational facilities and parks available to their residents. The Municipal and County Park and Recreation Services Survey conducted by the Recreation Resource Service at N.C. State University has an estimate of future local needs. The 2006-07 report asked recreation departments to report their capital improvement needs for the next 10 years. The 105 departments responded that they have these plans and the capital improvement needs (land and capital) totaled more than $230 million, with land acquisition needs of more than 22,000 acres. The survey was sent to 219 local recreation departments, so the estimates are quite conservative; reflecting about half of the departments in the state.

The Division of Parks and Recreation continues to address a lengthy backlog of construction and renovation projects in the state parks system. Approximately $335 million is required to meet all of the needs for new construction and renovation for existing state parks. Not included in this estimate are the construction and renovation needs for newly established state park units, such as Chimney Rock, Haw River and Mayo River state parks.

Issue: Enhancing Quality of Life and Economic Growth

Land and water conservation play a key role in fostering economic growth and job creation in the State. Many of the State's largest economic sectors are dependent upon the maintenance of a sound and healthy environment. The agricultural and forestry industries are affected greatly by land conservation since their products are grown on that land. Tourism in the State is greatly dependent on the preservation of the State's outstanding natural and cultural resources. Military bases depend on having easy access to large parcels of open land. In addition, many economic sectors that are not dependent directly on the conservation of land for success still value a diverse and healthy environment because of the quality of life benefits it provides to employees.

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Recent Successes

Economic Impact of North Carolina State Parks

North Carolina’s state parks system provides important benefits to visitors to the state as well as local residents in the form of conservation, outdoor recreation activities and educational opportunities. In addition to those benefits, state parks and their facilities, services and amenities contribute economically to local communities and the state through tourism expenditures. In 2005 and 2006, N.C. State University interviewed park visitors to gather information about their expenditures while visiting the parks. Analysis of data collected in the study reveals that the state parks make a considerable economic contribution to North Carolina’s economy. Each park contributes a number of jobs and has considerable impact on the personal income of local residents. The principal results of the study are highlighted below.

• Each tourist (primary-purpose, non-local visitor) spent an average of $23.56 per day. The average group size was 3.14, and the average length of visit in the area was 1.73 days. Thus, average group spending per park visit was $127.98.

• The overall estimated annual economic impact of tourist expenditures for all 14 study parks, based on 2004 attendance, was:

$124 million in sales;
$46 million impact on residents’ income;
2,119.9 full-time equivalent jobs.

• The overall estimated annual impact of the annual operating budgets of the 14 parks was:

$15 million in sales;
$10 million impact on residents’ income;
256.9 full-time equivalent jobs.

• To estimate the potential annual economic impact of all tourist visiting the North Carolina State Parks System, the data from the 14 study units was applied to the entire system. It was assumed that the travel and spending patterns of the tourist to the remaining sites were comparable to the tourist visiting the study units.

$289 million in sales;
$120 million on residents’ income;
4,924 full-time equivalent jobs.

I-12 Travel and Tourism’s Economic Impact

According to the N.C. Department of Commerce, tourism remains one of North Carolina’s most vital industries. The economic activity and employment generated by tourism spans various economic sectors. Annually, visitors to North Carolina spend over $16 billion, generating over 190,000 jobs for North Carolinians. State and local tax revenues, as a result of the visitor spending, total more than $1.3 billion. Research about tourism in the state indicates that outdoor recreational activities are among the popular for visitors.

Table 1-3. Popular Activities for Visitors to North Carolina Visitor Activities in North Carolina - 2007

Visiting relatives/Family 36.1% Historic sites/churches 6.5% Gardens 3.2% Reunion Shopping 19.2% Museums 5.0% Nature travel/ ecotouring 2.7% Visiting friends 19.2% Wildlife viewing 5.0% Art galleries 2.5% Fishing (fresh or Rural sightseeing 14.0% 4.7% Wine tasting/winery tour 2.5% saltwater) Beach 13.0% Nightclub/dancing 4.7% Casino/gaming 2.4% Fine dining 13.0% Old homes/mansions 3.9% Golf 2.4% Special State/National Park 8.7% 3.9% Camping 2.3% events/Festivals Youth/amateur/collegiate Urban sightseeing 6.9% Hiking/backpacking 3.5% 2.3% sporting events Source: NC Department of Commerce

Future Challenges

Regional Differences in the Need for Recreation Resources

Communities across North Carolina are experiencing very different challenges in the 21 st century. Metropolitan areas, particularly along the Piedmont crescent, are growing rapidly as more people move into the area, drawn by the good jobs, good schools and colleges, mild climate and an abundance of recreational opportunities. The increased growth is causing open space to disappear and prices for land to escalate. Conversely, many other regions in the state have suffered job losses as traditional industries move away. These areas face slowing economies, tighter local budgets, and generally fewer resources to meet the needs of their residents. Park and recreation resources can help attract tourists and replace lost jobs.

I-13 II. Demand for Outdoor Recreation

The 2002-2007 National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) is the eighth in a series of national surveys started in 1960 by the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission and now coordinated by the USDA Forest Service. The survey was accomplished by interviewing approximately 90,000 Americans aged 16 and over in random-digit-dialing telephone samplings. In 2007, the U.S. Forest Service prepared an analysis of responses to the NSRE for residents from North Carolina.

The NSRE has yielded just fewer than 3,000 total surveys for North Carolina during this period. The primary purpose of the NSRE and was to learn about approximately 85 specific outdoor recreation activities of people aged 16 and over in the United States. Questions from the NSRE broadly address areas such as outdoor recreation participation, demographics, household structure, lifestyles, environmental attitudes, natural resource values, constraints to participation, and attitudes toward management policies. The following information is a excerpted from the USFS report “National Survey of Recreation and the Environment: North Carolina and the North Carolina Market Area.”

Survey Results

The first section presents of the 10 most popular outdoor recreation activities by percent participating and number of participants. By far the most popular activity is walking for pleasure, with 82 percent of state residents participating. Roughly three-quarters of the population have outdoor family gatherings at least once last year, and almost two-thirds garden or landscape for pleasure. Driving for pleasure is done by 58.2 percent of the population, while 57 percent view/photograph natural scenery. Almost 53 percent of state residents visit nature centers and go sightseeing.

Half of the population goes on picnics, while less than half attend outdoor sports events. Rounding out the top ten, 44.2 percent of residents visit a beach at least once per year (Figure 2.1).

II-1

North Carolina's Top 10 Recreational Activities According to Percentage of Residents Participating

90 82 80 74.6

70 65.4

60 58.2 57 52.9 52.9 50 48.6 50 44.2 40

30

20

10

0

re re c. h ure u ing ng c su ki vents as cenery s, et lea s er pleas htsee icnic a bea r ple r g P orts e t or p p fo tural cent Si Visi ng f a e alk Family gatheringpi W atur oor s Driving fo td dsca t n d ou an Visi n hotograph n p or l Atte ing en View/ ard G Figure 2.1: The 10 most popular Outdoor Recreation Activities for North Carolina residents

Activity Groups and Activities for North Carolina Residents

One of the most important results of the NSRE is the division of the population into groups with similar recreation interests and setting types. Very often people that share an interest in one recreation activity or settings also share interests in others.

Nature Based Land Activities

Visiting wilderness areas is the most popular nature-based land activity (29.8 percent) in the state of North Carolina. Hiking is also a popular activity (29.7 percent), with almost a third of state residents indicating participation within the last year. Visiting a farm or agricultural setting continues to be a popular activity with just under a third of residents doing this within the last year. Just over 20 percent of state residents also indicate an interest in driving off-road and

II-2 developed camping. The somewhat specialized, technical outdoor pursuits usually requiring special gear like rock climbing and mountain climbing are among the least popular nature-based land activities with 5 percent or less participating.

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Nature-Based Activities 35 29.8 29.7 30 28.2 25 20.7 20.5 20 15.7 14.6 15 9.9 10 8.4 7.3 5 0

a g e) ils re ing p ik arm type) pin iking ping b ive a t a f am any ty on tra ay h cam ( g imit D Visi d (any ntain a ped u ive c Backpacking ridin a pr Mo mit nting elo u ck sit off-ro Pri H Vi e Dev rseba Driv o H

Figure 2.2: North Carolina resident participation in Nature-Based Land activities

II-3

Developed Setting Activities

Developed Setting outdoor recreation is by far the most popular form of recreation in North Carolina. More residents indicated participation in walking for pleasure (82 percent ) and outdoor family gatherings (74.6 percent) than in any other overall activity. Other activities, such as gardening or landscaping (65.4 percent) or driving for pleasure (58.2 percent) are also favorites with North Carolina residents.

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Developed-Setting Activities

90 82 80 74.6 70 65.4 58.2 60 50 50 38.5 40 31 30.6 30 20 7.8 10 0 e g g e g s g c. e) r in in r n e n t p su r p su ki o li , e ty a e a a c sh c s e th sc le ni e cy y y pl a d p c s i la an r g n r i r B p ( o ly la o P ho , g f i r f , ts in lk m o g g. er id a a g in . c r W F n iv e n k ni r s, o c e D e c a d or eb ar am o s G g td or d u H ar o Y nd tte A Figure 2.3: North Carolina resident participation in Developed-Setting Land activities

II-4 Water Based Activities

Figure 2.3 shows that the most popular water based activity in North Carolina is visiting a beach. Roughly 45 percent of state residents report visiting a beach at least once per year. Almost equal numbers of residents participate in swimming in an outdoor pool (39.9 percent) and swimming in lakes, streams, etc (39.7 percent), making these the second and third most popular activities. Boating of any type is another popular activity with 31 percent of state residents participating. Other types of boating include motorboating (22.5percent), rafting (9.3 percnt), canoeing (6.7 percent), sailing (3.7 percent), kayaking (3.1 percent), and rowing (2.5 percent). Fishing is a popular water based activity and is broken into several categories. State residents participate in freshwater fishing (30.9 percent), followed by warmwater fishing (25.9 percent), saltwater fishing (17 percent), and coldwater fishing (11.5 percent).

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Water-Based Activities

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

h) g ing ing ing n ing ing , etc. type) shing ac at sh s y fi fish fi fishi aft r be bo R am er e r er er e (an t to t t Canoe g a ides o a Visit a beach str wat M tw wa shw m al d es, r n an outdoork pool re (bes S Col i Boatin F Wa e in la ming g Use personal watercraft im n atersid w mi w S im w S Visit other

Figure 2.4: North Carolina resident participation in Water-Based activities

II-5 Team Sports Activities

The most popular team related outdoor sport for North Carolina residents is attending an outdoor sports event, with almost 50 percent of residents participating. Soccer, volleyball, and softball played outdoors is reported played by 9 percent of state residents. Just under 9 percent of residents play basketball outdoors. The two least popular outdoor sports are football (4.2 percent) and baseball (3.5 percent).

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Team Sports

60 48.6 50 40 30 20 9 9 8.9 8.5 10 4.2 3.5 0

l l rs l ll l nts o a a tb ba oftb e eve S as utdo Foo B rts r o l outdoors l outdoors o e l cc d sp n So ketba e s tt Volleybal A Ba

Figure 2.5: North Carolina resident participation in Team Sports activities

II-6 Viewing / Learning Activities

Table 3.5 presents resident participation in viewing and learning activities. The most popular viewing and learning activity is view/photograph natural scenery with 57 percent of North Carolina residents participating. The next two most popular activities are visiting nature centers and similar areas and sightseeing, each having 52.9 percent of residents participating. Visiting historic sites is another popular activity enjoyed by 43.1 percent of North Carolina residents, while only 18 percent of residents visit prehistoric/archeological sites. Many residents also enjoy viewing and photography a variety of objects including the following: other wildlife (43 percent); wildflowers, trees, etc. (41 percent); birds (34 percent); and fish (26.5 percent). Almost a quarter of North Carolina residents report gathering mushrooms and berries at least once a year. Less than 5 percent of residents go caving at least once a year, making it the least popular viewing/learning activity.

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Viewing / Learning Activities

57 60 52.9 52.9 50 43.1 43 41 40 34 26.5 30 26.3 21.7 18 20 10 4.2 0

y g s s s r tc. in e ds re ir ving e ildlife b sion ene see , t h r l site Ca sc rs, t w rs a te rap ral n we Sigh other g logic tu ce flo to r excu o a e o e r ho /photograph fish tu wild /p w ch a Visit historic Sites w hoto n n to t tours ar p o Vie / ph Vie w View/photo / Boa Visit Visit w Vie Vie Gather mushrooms, berries, etc.

Figure 2.6: North Carolina resident participation in Viewing/Learning activities

II-7

Individual Outdoor Sports Activities

Less than one-third of North Carolina residents reported running or jogging once within the last year, making it the most popular individual outdoor sport. Outdoors tennis participants constitute 14.8 percent of the population, while almost 14 percent of residents have golfed within the last year. Less than 10 percent participated in inline skating, and only 3.1 percent played handball or racquetball outdoors, making it the least popular sport (Figure 2.7).

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Individual Sports

30 28.3

25

20 14.8 15 13.9 9.5 10

5 3.1

0

g f ll n rs l ng a i o o ti tb gg o G a e jo td sk u r u cq o o ne a g is li r n n In r i n l o nn e l u T ba R d an H

Figure 2.7: North Carolina resident participation in Individual Outdoor Sports activities

II-8

Snow and Ice Based Activities

Figure 2.8 shows the that less than 20 percent of North Carolina residents participate in snow and ice based activities. Of those participating, the most popular snow and ice based activity in the state to be sledding (8 percent). Downhill skiing is the second most popular activity with 6.1 percent of state residents participating, followed by snowboarding with 3.1 percent participation. Ice skating outdoors is done by 2.1 percent of the population, while 1.5 percent of residents snowmobile.

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Snow / Ice-Based Activities

20 17.9 18 16 14 12 10 8 8 6.1 6 3.1 4 2.1 1.5 2 1 0

g g ng n ling di rdi bi kiing ed tdoors o s l u S try owboa owm n n un S S co Downhill skiin s skating o s e ro Ic C

Snow/ice activities (any type)

Figure 2.8: North Carolina resident participation in Snow and Ice-Based activities

The NSRE found that over 97 percent of Americans age 16 and over participated in at least one of the 80 recreation activities surveyed during the year prior to their interview. While reasons for participation are varied – for exercise and health, as part of a vacation, for team or individual competition, or just for fun – it is obvious that demand for outdoor recreation is high (Table 2.1).

II-9

Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Outdoor Recreation Activities

Rank Activity Percent Rank Activity Percent 1 Walk for pleasure 82 41 Coldwater fishing 11.5 2 Family gathering 74.6 42 Hunting (any type) 9.9 3 Gardening or landscaping 65.4 43 Inline skating 9.5 4 Driving for pleasure 58.2 44 Rafting 9.3 5 View/photo natural scenery 57 45 Soccer outdoors 9 6 Visit nature centers, etc. 52.9 46 Volleyball outdoors 9 7 Sightseeing 52.9 47 Softball 8.9 8 Picnicking 50 48 Basketball outdoors 8.5 9 Attend sports events 48.6 49 Backpacking 8.4 10 Visit a beach 44.2 50 Use personal watercraft 8 11 Visit historic Sites 43.1 51 Sledding 8 12 View/photo other wildlife 43 52 Horseback riding (any type) 7.8 13 View/photo wildflowers, trees 41 53 Horseback riding on trails 7.3 14 Swimming in an outdoor pool 39.9 54 Big game hunting 7.2 15 Swimming in lakes, streams, etc. 39.7 55 Canoeing 6.7 16 Yard games, e.g., horseshoes 38.5 56 Small Game hunting 6.4 17 View/photograph birds 34 57 Waterskiing 6.3 18 Bicycling 31 58 Downhill skiing 6.1 19 Boating (any type) 31 59 Mountain climbing 5.3 20 Freshwater fishing 30.9 60 Football 4.2 21 Attend outdoor concerts, plays, etc. 30.6 61 Caving 4.2 22 Visit a primitive area 29.8 62 Snorkeling 4.1 23 Day hiking 29.7 63 Sailing 3.7 24 Running or jogging 28.3 64 Baseball 3.5 25 Visit a farm 28.2 65 Anadromous fishing 3.1 26 View/photograph fish 26.5 66 Kayaking 3.1 27 Gather mushrooms, berries, etc. 26.3 67 Handball or racquetball 3.1 28 Warmwater fishing 25.9 68 Snowboarding 3.1 29 Visit other waterside (not a beach) 24.4 69 Orienteering 3 30 Motorboating 22.5 70 Rowing 2.5 31 Boat tours or excursions 21.7 71 Rock climbing 2.3 32 Drive off-road (any type) 20.7 72 Ice skating outdoors 2.1 33 Developed camping 20.5 73 Surfing 1.8 34 Visit archeological sites 18 74 Migratory bird hunting 1.7 35 Snow/ice activities (any type) 17.9 75 Snowmobiling 1.5 36 Saltwater fishing 17 76 Scuba diving 1 37 Mountain biking 15.7 77 Cross country skiing 1 38 Tennis outdoors 14.8 78 Windsurfing 0.5 39 Primitive camping 14.6 79 Snowshoeing 0.2 40 Golf 13.9 80 Ice fishing 0

Table 2.1: Percentage of NC Residents Participating in Outdoor Recreation Activities

II-10 III. SUPPLY OF OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Outdoor Recreation Spectrum

Outdoor recreation encompasses a great variety of outdoor recreational activities because people look for many different types of experiences. The desire for different experiences causes people to choose between solitude or crowds, natural surroundings or man-make facilities, and physically challenging or relaxing activities. Table 3.1 summarizes the outdoor recreational spectrum by presenting its opposite ends. Urban and modern settings, activities, and experiences are contrasted with the primitive and remote end of the spectrum. These distinctions are based on the Outdoor Recreation Opportunity Spectrum developed by the U.S. Forest Service as a framework for describing outdoor recreation in terms of experience, activities and settings.

The spectrum, or range of resources, corresponds roughly to providers. The federal government supplies a large amount of the undeveloped land and water used for outdoor recreation in North Carolina. At the other end of the spectrum, local governments and the private sector provide the bulk of highly developed recreation resources. In North Carolina, state-owned outdoor recreation lands are generally more resource based than most southeastern states.

Natural resources and man-made facilities provide the settings usually needed for outdoor recreation. As described in the outdoor recreation spectrum, natural resources vary from settings like ocean beaches and scenic mountain vistas to urban open space. A description of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) park and recreation area classes is presented in Table 3.2.

As much as any trait, North Carolina’s outdoor recreation resources can be characterized by their diversity. One common characteristic these recreation resources share is their dependence on land and water resources. Any land or water resource that is used to produce satisfying leisure experience is a recreation resource.

Outdoor recreation activities can be divided into those that depend primarily on a man-made facility and those that depend primarily on a natural resource (Table 3.3). The facility-dependent activities, such as tennis courts, can be placed at many locations and still provide a similar experience. Resource-dependent activities, such as sailboating, must be located where suitable natural resources are available. For each activity, the appropriate facility has been identified.

III-1 Table 3.1. The Spectrum of Outdoor Recreation Activities i

MODERN/URBAN PRIMITIVE/REMOTE

SETTINGS

PROXIMITY close to home far from home

SIZE less than 100 acres several thousand acres

FACILITIES extensive facilities limited or no facilities

NATURAL man-made environment dominates; natural environment dominant; RESOURCES natural resources secondary little/no development

ACTIVITIES: facility dependent natural resource dependent

EXPERIENCES:

LEISURE Participation in short time periods possible; Substantial blocks of time required for TIME participation

MANAGEMENT Regimentation and controls obvious On-site regimentation low, with CONTROLS and numerous controls primarily off-site

SOCIAL Large numbers of users on-site and Few people encountered per day INTERACTION In nearby areas

CHARACTER Opportunities for competitive and High probability of experiencing OF spectator sports and for passive uses isolation from sights and sounds of EXPERIENCE of highly developed parks are humans; independence; closeness to common; experiencing natural nature; tranquility and self-reliance environment-related challenges and through the application of primitive risks and using outdoor skills are outdoor skills in an environment that relatively unimportant; contact with offers challenge and risk. other people is prevalent, as is convenience of sites and opportunities.

1 Sources: R. O. S. Users Guide, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture

Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, National Recreation and Park Association

III-2 Table 3.2 SCORP Park and Recreation Area Class Names and Descriptions

Area Name Description

Area for intensive recreation such as field and court games, playground Neighborhood equipment, picnicking and wading pools. 6-8 acres is a typical size. Examples include mini-parks serving residential areas, playgrounds, Park sports field complexes and combination playgrounds/sports fields/passive natural areas. Area providing a wide array of active recreational opportunities including a recreation center building, fields, hard surface courts, and picnicking. Natural or landscaped areas are provided for passive Community Park recreation. May include a swimming pool or be in conjunction with a school. 10-20 acres is a typical size. Examples include large park/school complexes; recreation center/ pool/sports field and court complexes; and community center/park complexes. Area serving one or more suburban or rural communities. Similar to the District/Metro Community Park, these areas offer intensive recreation activities and natural environment areas. Typical size is 20-100 acres. Examples Area Park include intensively developed county parks, developed public recreation sites at large reservoirs, and state recreation areas. Combines Neighborhood, Community, and District/Metro Area parks Local Parks classes described above. Area of natural quality for natural resource-based outdoor recreation. Generally, 80 percent of the land is reserved for conservation and natural resource management with less than 20 percent developed for Regional/State recreation. Typical size is 3,000-5,000 acres. Examples include state Parks parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, educational state forests and large natural resource-based county parks. Activities include nature study, picnicking, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and various trail uses. Area for protection and management of the natural environment with recreation use as a secondary objective. Certain multiple use Dispersed Use/ management approaches produce natural resource outputs such as timber, agricultural produce and minerals. Examples include state Conservancy gamelands, multiple use areas of national and state forests, reservoir Area shoreline buffer lands, and Blue Ridge Parkway acreage. Typical size should be sufficient to protect and manage the primary resource while providing secondary recreational uses. Area characterized by unmodified natural environment of fairly large size. Low interaction between users, and evidence of others is minimal. Wilderness Area Motorized use is not permitted. Typical size is 5,000-15,000 acres. Examples are congressionally designated National Wilderness Areas.

III-3

Table 3.3. Outdoor Recreation Activities and Related Facilities

FACILITY-DEPENDENT ACTIVITIES NATURAL RESOURCE-DEPENDENT ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY FACILITY ACTIVITY FACILITY

Baseball Fields Bicycle Touring Rural Highways

Basketball Courts Camping, Tent Sites

Bicycling Urban Bikeways Camping, Trailer Sites

Football Fields Canoeing Stream Access

Golf Courses Hiking Trails

Playground Use Tot Lots Horseback Riding Trails

Soccer Fields Nature Study Interpretive Trails/ Natural Areas

Softball Fields Swimming, Non- Designated Beaches pool

Swimming, Pool Pools Mountain Biking Trails

Tennis Courts

Volleyball Courts

In-line Skating Paved trails/sidewalks

An inventory of public recreation sites has been performed to measure the supply of the recreational resources in each county. The inventory used the area and facility classifications discussed previously to count the parks and facilities at public recreation sites in North Carolina. For example, the supply of softball fields in a county is simply the total number of softball fields found in all public parks. Park acreages have been classified according to the type of park areas and totaled for each county. The statewide summary for the park acreage inventory is presented in Table 3.4, and the summary of recreational facilities is shown in Table 3.5. County totals for both park acreages and some facilities are included in Appendix A. Approximately 8.9 percent of the state is recreational acreage. Most of this acreage is composed of state gamelands and federally owned forests and parklands.

III-4 Table 3-4. Outdoor Recreation Acreage by Operator and Site Classification

SITE OPERATOR CLASSIFICATION Total CLASSIFICATION FEDERAL STATE MUNICIPAL COUNTY

Local 0 0 47,623 39,976 87,609

Dispersed Use 2,154,637 484,378 0 0 2,639,015

Totals: 2,154,637 484,378 47,623 39,976 2,726,624

Table 3-5. Statewide Totals for Outdoor Recreation Facilities by Operator Class

OPERATOR CLASS ACTIVITY FACILITY TOTAL FEDERAL STATE MUNICIPAL COUNTY Basketball Courts 3 0 764 282 1049

Football Fields 0 0 113 137 250

Soccer Fields 0 0 504 410 914

Softball Fields 0 1 495 381 876

Baseball Fields 0 0 740 507 1247 Multi- Team Purpose 0 0 383 259 642 Sports Fields Playground Playground 7 0 1259 381 1647 Use Swimming Pools 0 0 132 36 168

Tennis Courts 0 0 1,535 559 2094

Picnicking Shelter 7 94 1135 508 1744

Trails Miles 1,970.2 377.9 976.3 383.5 3,707.9 (All Types)

Volleyball Courts 0 0 202 124 326

III-5

An inventory of public recreation sites has been performed to measure the supply of the recreational resources in each county. The inventory used the area and facility classifications discussed previously to count the parks and facilities at public recreation sites in North Carolina. For example, the supply of tennis courts in a county is simply the total number of tennis courts found in all public parks. Park acreages have been classified according to the type of park areas and totaled for each county. The statewide summary for the park acreage inventory is presented in Table 3.4, and the summary of recreational facilities is shown in Table 3.5. County totals for both park acreages and some facilities are included in Appendix A. Approximately 8.5 percent of the state is recreational acreage. Most of this acreage is composed of state gamelands and federally owned forests and parklands.

COMPARING COUNTIES BASED ON RECREATION RESOURCES AND POPULATION

In SCORP documents developed prior to 1995, standards were used to describe adequate quantity of public recreational acreage and facilities based on population. Since 1995, the SCORP no longer recommends using standards based on population (such as one tennis court per 2,000 people) to express recreation needs in North Carolina, a position supported by the National Recreation and Park Association. These standards take a cookie-cutter approach that recommends the same services for all counties when in fact each county and community has unique characteristics and preferences. Some of these differences include population density and diversity, roads and transportation, geography, natural resources, state and federal land ownership, and amounts of tourism. No single standard can be accurately applied to all of North Carolina because the state includes areas as diverse as the Charlotte metropolitan area, remote areas of the Appalachian Mountains, large rural areas in the Coastal Plain, and wide beaches of the North Carolina coast. Recreation needs should be determined by the preferences of the people in the market area, the existing recreation resources, levels of tourism, and the characteristics that make the area unique.

Instead of prescribing an appropriate level of recreation services for each county by applying a standard, the SCORP provides information that allows North Carolina counties to be compared to each other according to current recreation resources and county population. The need for recreational facilities and acreage is based on population and thus, counties with the larger populations also need more park acreage and recreational facilities. But on a per capita basis, all counties can be compared.

Population density across the state is shown on the map in Figure 3.1. North Carolina's population is most concentrated in the central portion of the state,

III-6 which includes the Piedmont crescent containing Mecklenburg, Guilford, Wake, Forsyth, and Durham counties.

To compare counties according to recreation resources and population, each county population is divided by the park acreage and recreation facility totals for that county. The calculations indicate the number of number of county residents per park acre or recreation facility. After calculating these numbers for each North Carolina county, all 100 counties can be ranked according to residents per acre (or facility). Counties with high numbers of residents per park acre rank lower, in terms of sufficiency, than counties with fewer residents per park acre because more people have to compete to use existing park land.

Figures 3.2 through 3.7 show all North Carolina counties shaded according to the residents per park acre for the local park acreage classes as well as the residents per facility for five recreational facilities (basketball courts, picnic shelters, playgrounds, trail miles, and softball fields). On each map, counties with darker, more solid shading have fewer residents per park acre or recreation facility and counties with lighter shading have more residents per resource.

In addition to the maps that compare all North Carolina counties according to residents per acre or facility, Appendix A contains 100 county profiles. Each profile presents the county population and the current supply of recreation facilities and park acreage. The profile also presents several calculations based on residents per acre or facility, the county's ranking in the state, and the state median.

Figure 3.1 Population Densities by County in 2010

III-7

Figure 3.2 County Residents per Local Park Acre

Figure 3.3 County Residents per Softball Field

III-8

III-9

III-10

IV. TRENDS AFFECTING PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS

Introduction

Accurate predictions of changes facing North Carolina and their impact on the state and its outdoor recreation needs are important if the state is to meet those needs. Much of what citizens can do today about the future quality of life is dependent upon anticipating future trends and planning accordingly. Major trends that will affect public outdoor recreation follow.

Population Growth

From 1990-2000, the state’s population grew 21.3 percent and totaled over 8 million people. The growth rate reflects the significant in-migration of people who are relocating to North Carolina. In fact, two-thirds of the growth rate is because of people moving to the state.

This trend has continued in the 21 st century, with growth rates of 18 percent and 15 percent projected for the first two decades, respectively. By 2020, the state’s population will have grown to nearly 11 million, up from 6.6 million in 1990. This increase of nearly 4.5 million people represents a total increase of 65 percent in 30 years. By contrast, it took 80 years, 1910 to 1990, to add 4.5 million people to the state’s population.

NC Population & Percentage Increase by Decade

12 11.0 11 15 % 10 9.5 increase

(Millions) 9 8.1 18% 8 increase 7 6.6 22% increase 6

Populaiton 1990 2000 2010 2020

IV-1

Higher population growth is occurring in the large metropolitan areas across the state. One third of the growth in North Carolina’s population this decade is the two largest counties, Mecklenburg and Wake counties. The growth in the top 10 counties, nearly 1 million people, has accounted for about two-thirds of the population increase in the state from 2000-2010.

Ten NC Counties with the Largest Increase in Population 2000-2010 2000 2010 Population Percent County Population Population Increase Increase Wake 627,846 920,298 292,452 46.6 % Mecklenburg 695,370 936,874 241,504 34.7 % Union 123,772 207,738 83,966 67.8 % Guilford 421,048 480,028 58,980 14.0 % Johnston 121,900 171,548 49,648 40.7 % Cabarrus 131,063 179,365 48,302 36.9 % Forsyth 306,063 352,810 46,747 15.3 % Durham 223,314 267,086 43,772 19.6 % New Hanover 160,327 202,411 42,084 26.2 % Iredell 122,660 162,353 39,693 32.4 % Totals 2,933,363 3,880,511 947,148 33.4 %

North Carolina’s population has been and will continue to be among the fastest growing in the United States. In the year 2000, North Carolina ranked 11 th in total population in the nation. By 2020, North Carolina is projected by the US Census Bureau to be the ninth most populous state in the nation, passing both Michigan and New Jersey.

IV-2

Most Populous States - 2000 and 2020

2000 2020

Rank State Rank State 1 1 .California .California 2 2 .Texas .Texas 3 3 .New York .Florida 4 4 .Florida .New York 5 5 .Illinois .Illinois 6 6 .Pennsylvania .Pennsylvania 7 7 .Ohio .Ohio 8 8 .Michigan .Georgia 9 9 .New Jersey .North Carolina 10 10 .Georgia .Michigan 11 11 .North Carolina .New Jersey

Rapid Development of Land

Increasing population causes the landscape to change from a more rural character and become more urban. Communities at the coast and in the mountains become larger towns as retirees move into these areas. The Piedmont crescent attracts and influx of job seekers. The result is more people seeking houses, roads, and services. The changes can be seen across North Carolina.

So in the years to come, not only will more citizens be demanding outdoor recreation areas and facilities, but land available for outdoor recreation will be shrinking as development takes place to accommodate the population growth. Without an increase in recreational areas and facilities, existing ones can be expected to become increasingly crowded and negatively impacted by use and surrounding development. New areas need to be identified and steps taken to acquire them prior to their being impacted by or lost to development.

IV-3

As North Carolina develops, the struggle to balance economic and population growth with the preservation of the state’s natural heritage increases.

North Carolina Single-Family Building Permits

Average Value per Dwelling Number of Dwelling Units Unit (Dollars) Percent Percent Units Value Year Change Change 1995 47,703 - 100,100 - 1996 51,796 9 104,600 4 1997 55,529 7 107,800 3 1998 62,389 12 115,800 7 1999 64,056 3 119,700 3 2000 59,061 -8 130,800 9 2001 62,679 6 132,200 1 2002 66,400 6 136,800 3 2003 66,883 1 142,300 4 2004 77,147 15 153,300 8 2005 84,765 10 163,00 6 2006 82,710 -2 177,700 9 2007 70,339 -15 184,200 4 Averages 65,497 4 136,031 5

Single-family building permits have increased an average of 4 percent each year since 1995 and the rate of growth has accelerated since 2000. The increased demand for housing as well as increased affluence of residents has also increased housing prices by an average of five percent annually.

Another measure of the changing landscape is population density, people per square mile, which is increasing across the state. In 2010, North Carolina will have about 195 people per square mile. During the next 20 years, the population density for the state will increase to 255 per square mile which is an increase of over 30 percent.

IV-4

Figure II-? Population Density by County 2010 - 2030

IV-5

Longer, Healthier Lives

The North Carolina population is aging as “Baby Boomers” retire, birth rates have slowed and average life expectancy increases. The median age in the state rose from 26.5 in 1970 to 36.2 in 2000. By the year 2010, the median age is projected to rise to 38.5.

People are living longer (Table ?-?). Improved living conditions, medical discoveries, advances in healthcare and knowledge about the effects of lifestyle have all contributed to the longer lives. Questions about how long life spans can be extended through discoveries of biological research are being debated, but the trend of increased life expectancy is projected to continue. Lifestyle choices, including participating in recreation and exercise, can affect an individual’s life span.

Life Expectancy at Birth, 1900-2005 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2005 Average 49.2 56.4 63.6 69.9 73.9 75.4 77.8 Men 47.9 49.9 57.7 65.5 70.1 71.8 75.2 Women 50.7 57.4 65.9 73.2 77.6 78.8 80.4

Source: National Vital Statistics System

Not only are lives getting longer, but they are likely to be healthier at all ages. Continued improved medical care, drug discoveries, biotechnology advances and technological innovations are expected. Even with millions more people reaching retirement age, the number of people in nursing homes declined nationwide during the 1990s, according to surveys by the Duke Center for Demographic Studies. The center also found that Medicare recipients are much less likely to be disabled than 20 years ago. Healthy people are more likely to participate in outdoor recreation. With longer and healthier lives, people are remaining active in their chosen activities longer in life, creating additional demand for outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

While the elderly participate in outdoor recreation less frequently than younger persons, they participate more frequently than in past years. An increasing interest in physical fitness and improved health has led to more participation. When higher participation rates are coupled with large increases in the over-65 age group, the elderly will demand services to a much greater degree than they do now.

Increased demand can therefore be expected for activities that have high participation by older Americans. These include walking, sightseeing, attending family gatherings, visiting a beach or waterside, picnicking, visiting a historic site or nature center, birdwatching and attending sporting events. Older Americans

IV-6

also participate in a wide variety of other outdoor recreation activities including wildlife viewing, attending concerts, nature study, fishing, swimming, motor boating, biking and golf. Participation in team sports and other physically demanding activities are, as one might expect, considerably higher for the young and middle-aged than for the elderly. (National Survey on Recreation and the Environment, 2000)

INCREASED PARTICIPATION

In addition to population growth, outdoor recreation demand has also been fueled by increased participation. The 2002-2007 National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) and earlier versions of the survey have documented this increase. The NSRE found that 89 percent of people age 16 and older participated in at least one activity in 1982/83; 94.5 percent in 1994/95; and 97.6 percent in 1999/2000. Some of this increase can be attributed to the longer list of activities used in the more recent surveys. Even so, it appears that participation overall is increasing. While there is little room for continued increases in the percentage of persons participating, the trend does not indicate any drop in the rate of participation. Additional recreational lands and facilities are needed to meet the additional demand created by increased participation. IV-3

North Carolina Resident Participation Number, Percent, and Percent Change by Activity Type Percent Percent Millions of Percent Millions of change in # participating participants participating participants participants Activity Type 1995 1995 2006 2006 1995-2006 Trail/street/road 66.1 3.713 85.7 5.812 56.5 activities Individual sports 20.2 1.137 28.2 1.913 68.2 Team sports 26.5 1.490 21.6 1.468 -1.5 Spectator activities 56.1 3.152 62.4 4.232 34.3 Viewing/learning 68.8 3.865 81.7 5.543 43.4 activities Snow/ice activities 11.8 0.662 17.9 1.212 83.1 Camping 21.8 1.226 28.7 1.949 59.0 Hunting 9.4 0.528 9.9 0.670 26.9 Fishing 26.7 1.500 36.7 2.493 66.2 Boating 28.7 1.612 31.0 2.105 30.6

IV-7

Percent Percent Millions of Percent Millions of change in # participating participants participating participants participants Activity Type 1995 1995 2006 2006 1995-2006 Swimming (natural, 50.8 2.856 53.1 3.605 26.2 pool, snorkeling) Outdoor adventure 33.0 1.853 51.2 3.475 87.5 activities Social activities 67.8 3.811 88.2 5.986 57.1

Between 1995 and 2006, every outdoor recreation activity increased except for team sports (-1.5 percent change, 21.6 percent participating). The highest percentage of participants increase occurred in outdoor adventure activities (87.5 percent change, 51.2 percent participating). Also increasing were snow/ice activities (83.1 percent change, 17.9 percent participating), and individual sports (68.2 percent change, 28.2 percent participating).

The most participated in outdoor activity is social activities with nearly 90 percent of residents participating (57.1 percent change). Roughly 2,500,000 North Carolina residents fish (66.2 percent change, 36.7 percent participating), 670,000 hunt (26.9 percent change, 9.9 percent participating), and 2,100,000 boat (30.6 percent change, 31.0 percent participating). There was more than a 25 percent increase in participation in swimming (natural, pool, snorkeling) and more than 50 percent participated in 2006.

Activities that occur on a trail, street or road had 85.7 percent of the population participating (56.5 percent change), and viewing and learning activities had 81.7 percent participating (43.4 percent change). Camping is an activity enjoyed by more than a quarter of residents (59 percent change), and spectator activities are enjoyed by roughly two-thirds of residents (34.3 percent change).

Activity Trends

In addition to population growth, outdoor recreation demand has also been fueled by increased participation. The 2005 National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) and earlier versions of the survey have documented this increase. Some of this increase can be attributed to the longer list of activities used in the more recent surveys. Even so, it appears that participation overall is increasing. While there is little room for continued increases in the percentage of persons participating, the trend does not indicate any drop in the rate of participation. Additional recreational lands and facilities are needed to meet the additional demand created by increased participation.

IV-8

Table 4.3 examine trends in North Carolina resident outdoor recreation participation by overall number participating, percent participating, and the percent change in number of participants. The 1995 data is from the 1995 NSRE survey, and the 2006 data is from the NSRE survey from 1999-2006.

Table 4.3: North Carolina Resident Participating and Percent Change by Outdoor Recreation Activity Percent Percent Millions of Percent Millions of change in # participating participants participating participants participants Activity 1995 1995 2006 2006 1995-2006 Snowboarding 1.0 0.055 3.1 0.211 283.6 Kayaking 1.0 0.058 3.1 0.209 260.3 Snowmobiling 0.6 0.031 1.5 0.105 238.7 View or 11.6 0.652 26.3 1.782 173.3 photograph fish Ice skating 1.2 0.066 2.1 0.139 110.6 outdoors Soccer outdoors 5.2 0.294 9.0 0.612 108.2 Jet skiing 4.9 0.273 8.0 0.545 99.6 View wildlife 25.6 1.438 42.0 2.848 98.1 (besides birds) Caving 2.6 0.144 4.2 0.283 96.5 Drive off-road 12.7 0.716 20.7 1.407 96.5 Sledding 5.3 0.295 8.0 0.544 84.4 Day hiking 20.3 1.139 29.7 2.012 76.6 Tennis outdoors 10.6 0.598 14.8 1.006 68.2 Coldwater fishing 8.3 0.468 11.5 0.781 66.9 Primitive camping 11.5 0.646 14.6 0.993 53.7 Walk for pleasure 65.4 3.673 82.0 5.564 51.5 Rafting 7.4 0.418 9.3 0.630 50.7 Warmwater fishing 20.8 1.170 25.9 1.756 50.1 View birds 27.0 1.517 33.5 2.269 49.6 Horseback riding 6.4 0.358 7.8 0.528 47.5 Bicycling 25.4 1.427 31.0 2.100 47.2

IV-9

Percent Percent Millions of Percent Millions of change in # participating participants participating participants participants Activity 1995 1995 2006 2006 1995-2006 Family gathering 61.2 3.438 74.6 5.062 47.2 outdoors Developed 17.2 0.969 20.5 1.392 43.7 camping Yard games, e.g., 32.5 1.827 38.5 2.610 42.9 croquet Picnicking 43.8 2.459 50.0 3.390 37.9 Saltwater fishing 15.0 0.842 17.0 1.156 37.3 Swimming in lakes, 36.1 2.031 39.7 2.695 32.7 streams, etc. Cross country 0.9 0.050 1.0 0.066 32.0 skiing Canoeing 6.2 0.347 6.7 0.455 31.1 Visit archeological 16.8 0.946 18.0 1.224 29.4 sites Attend outdoor 45.5 2.560 48.6 3.294 28.7 sports events Attend outdoor 29.5 1.658 30.6 2.074 25.1 concerts, etc. Visit nature 51.1 2.870 52.9 3.587 25.0 centers, etc Golfing 13.4 0.755 13.9 0.940 24.5 Mountain climbing 5.2 0.291 5.3 0.357 22.7 Running or jogging 28.7 1.612 28.3 1.923 19.3 Rowing 2.5 0.143 2.5 0.168 17.5 Motorboating 23.2 1.304 22.5 1.529 17.3 Sightseeing 54.7 3.074 52.9 3.591 16.8 Visit historic sites 44.9 2.521 43.1 2.927 16.1 Sailing 3.9 0.222 3.7 0.253 14.0 Big game hunting 7.7 0.433 7.2 0.489 12.9 Pool swimming 42.9 2.413 39.9 2.710 12.3

IV-10

Percent Percent Millions of Percent Millions of change in # participating participants participating participants participants Activity 1995 1995 2006 2006 1995-2006 Handball or 3.4 0.192 3.1 0.210 9.4 racquetball outdoors Rock climbing 2.6 0.145 2.3 0.158 9.0 Small game 7.1 0.398 6.4 0.433 8.8 hunting Orienteering 3.4 0.191 3.0 0.207 8.4 Backpacking 9.4 0.530 8.4 0.572 7.9 Anadromous 3.6 0.201 3.1 0.212 5.5 fishing Migratory bird 2.1 0.118 1.7 0.116 -1.7 hunting Downhill skiing 7.5 0.420 6.1 0.411 -2.1 Surfing 2.4 0.137 1.8 0.124 -9.5 Baseball 5.0 0.280 3.5 0.236 -15.7 Waterskiing 9.2 0.518 6.3 0.426 -17.8 Football 6.5 0.367 4.2 0.288 -21.5 Volleyball outdoors 14.9 0.835 9.0 0.614 -26.5 Snorkeling or 7.7 0.430 4.6 0.314 -27.0 scuba diving Windsurfing 0.9 0.050 0.5 0.034 -32.0 Softball 15.9 0.893 8.9 0.605 -32.3 Basketball 15.2 0.856 8.5 0.573 -33.1 outdoors Ice fishing 0.2 0.009 0.0 0.000 -100.0

IV-11

V. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This chapter identifies and describes state, federal and local government agencies and programs that provide and manage parks and open space. It also identifies and describes the primary non-profit and commercial groups involved in providing outdoor recreation to the state’s citizens.

STATE PROGRAMS N.C. State Parks System

The North Carolina State Parks System was created in 1916 when Mount Mitchell became the first state park. Since then, the system has grown through gifts from private sources, transfers of publicly owned lands, grant funds and legislative appropriations to buy land. It now encompasses approximately 197,347 acres of land and water organized into 34 park units that are staffed and open to the public and 25 other management areas (Table V-1 and Figure V-1).

The Division of Parks and Recreation, within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, manages the state parks system. Division responsibilities include:

• acquiring and managing park lands; • developing and implementing master plans for state park units; • developing and maintaining park facilities; and • operating the current state parks system.

The state parks system contains some of the nation’s outstanding natural features and provides family-oriented recreational opportunities, including:

• natural and scenic rivers, such as the New River in Ashe and Alleghany counties; • state lakes, such as Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County; • state natural areas, such as Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area in Carteret County; • state recreation areas, such as Kerr Lake in Vance and Warren counties; and • state trails, such as the Lumber River Trail.

These open spaces and natural settings continue to grow in importance as the state moves from a rural environment to an increasingly urban environment. Common recreational activities at the developed parks include hiking, tent and trailer camping, swimming, all types of boating, salt and fresh water fishing, and family and group picnicking.

The state parks system has adopted the following mission statement: The North Carolina state parks system exists for the enjoyment, education, health, and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features, and recreation resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreation opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural heritage.

V-1

Table V-1 Units of the State Park System by Management Category

September 2008

STATE PARKS STATE LAKES 1) Bay Tree Lake 1) Bay Tree Lake 2) Carolina Beach 2) Lake Phelps 3) Carvers Creek 3) Lake Waccamaw 4) Chimney Rock State Park 4) Jones Lake 5) Cliffs of the Neuse 5) Salters Lake 6) Crowders Mountain 6) Singletary Lake 7) Eno River 7) White Lake 8) Fort Macon 9) Goose Creek 10) Gorges 11) Hammocks Beach STATE RIVERS 12) Hanging Rock 1) Horsepasture River 13) Haw River 2) Linville River 14) Jockey’s Ridge 3) Lumber River 15) Jones Lake 4) New River 16) Lake James 17) Lake Norman 18) Lake Waccamaw STATE TRAILS 19) Lumber River 1) French Broad River Trail 20) Mayo River 2) Yadkin River Trail 21) Medoc Mountain 3) Mountains to Sea Trail 22) Merchants Millpond 4) Deep River State Trail 23) Morrow Mountain 24) Mount Mitchell STATE NATURAL AREAS 25) New River 1) Baldhead Island 26) Pettigrew 2) Beech Creek Bog 27) Pilot Mountain 3) Bullhead Mountain 28) Raven Rock 4) Bushy Lake 29) Singletary Lake Group Camp 5) Chowan Swamp 30) South Mountains 6) Dismal Swamp 31) Stone Mountain 7) Elk Knob 32) William B. Umstead 8) Hemlock Bluffs 9) Lea Island 10) Lower Haw River STATE RECREATIONAL AREAS 11) Masonboro Island 1) Falls Lake 12) Mitchells Mill 2) Fort Fisher 13) Mountain Bog 3) Jordan Lake 14) Mount Jefferson 4) Kerr Lake 15) Occoneechee Mountain 16) Run Hill 17) Sandy Run Savannah 18) Theodore Roosevelt 19) Weymouth Woods 20) Yellow Mountain 21) Bear Paw

V-2

Figure V-1

The N.C. Natural and Scenic Rivers System

The N.C. Natural and Scenic Rivers Act was passed by the 1971 General Assembly to preserve and protect outstanding free-flowing rivers, their water quality, and their adjacent lands for the benefit of present and future generations. The act seeks to protect rivers with outstanding natural, scenic, educational, geological, recreational, historic, fish and wildlife, scientific, and cultural values.

In passing the Act, the General Assembly recognized the " necessity for a rational balance between the conduct of man and the preservation of the natural beauty along the many rivers of the state."

Types of Rivers

The Natural and Scenic Rivers Act defines three types of rivers as being eligible for inclusion in the Natural and Scenic Rivers System: natural river areas, scenic river areas, and recreational river areas. They are defined as follows:

Natural river areas — Those free-flowing rivers or segments of rivers and adjacent lands existing in a natural condition. Those rivers or segments of rivers that are free of man-made impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with the lands within the boundaries essentially primitive and the waters essentially unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. Scenic river areas — Those rivers or segments of rivers that are largely free of impoundments, with the lands within the boundaries largely primitive and largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.

V-3 Recreational river areas — Those rivers or segments of rivers that offer outstanding recreation and scenic values and that are largely free of impoundments. They may have some development along their shorelines and have more extensive public access than natural or scenic river segments. Recreational river segments may also link two or more natural and/or scenic river segments to provide a contiguous designated river area.

Criteria for Designation

To be designated as either a natural river or a scenic river, the following criteria must be present:

1. River segment length must be no less than one mile. 2. Boundaries of the system shall be the visual horizon or such distance from each shoreline as may be determined to be necessary, but no less than 20 feet. 3. Water quality shall be at least class "C". 4. Water flow shall be continuous and not subjected to withdrawal or regulation to the extent of substantially altering the natural ecology of the stream. 5. Public access shall be limited.

Protection Provided by Designation

The Natural and Scenic Rivers Act offers protection for designated river segments in three ways:

1. Project works – such as dams, reservoirs, water conduits, transmission lines, and water resources projects that would have direct and adverse effects – are restricted (G.S.113A-44).

2. Acquisition of riparian lands in either fee simple or lesser interests, such as conservation easements, is permitted (G.S.113A-38).

3. Management activities may be instituted by the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources in performing its duties and responsibilities (G.S.113A-36).

Of three types of protection authorized by the Natural and Scenic Rivers Act, only the first automatically occurs upon designation. Riparian lands are not affected until acquisition of land or interest in land takes place by the state or local governments adopt protecting regulations. Since establishment of the Natural and Scenic Rivers System in 1971, legislative appropriations for acquisition, development, and operations of designated river corridors have been minimal. A report– An Assessment of the N.C. Natural and Scenic Rivers System – has been prepared. It offers a detailed critical review of the rivers system and makes recommendations for strengthening the system.

Components of the Natural and Scenic Rivers System

Since 1971, four rivers have become components of the Natural and Scenic Rivers System. These are the New River, the Linville River, the Horsepasture River, and the Lumber River.

V-4

North Carolina Trails System

In 1973, the North Carolina General Assembly ratified the North Carolina Trails System. (G.S. 113A, Article 6). The act introduced the following mandate and purpose:

...in order to provide for the ever increasing outdoor recreation needs of an expanded population and in order to promote public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoor, natural remote areas of the state, trails should be established in natural, scenic areas of the state, and in and near urban areas.

...the purpose of this article is to provide the means for attaining these objectives by instituting a state system of scenic and recreation trails, coordinated with and complemented by existing and future local trail segments or systems, and by prescribing the methods by which, and standards according to which, components may be added to the State Trails System.

The State Trails System is composed of the following types of trails:

• State Recreation Trails - Trails that provide for a variety of outdoor recreation uses in or near the urban areas of North Carolina. They may include trails for hiker travel, horseback riding, non-motorized bicycles, non-motorized watercraft, and two-wheel and four-wheel drive motorized vehicles (off-road vehicles)

• State Scenic Trails - Trails that are longer in distance and located to provide maximum potential for the appreciation of natural areas and for the appreciation and enjoyment of significant scenic, historic, ecological, geologic or cultural areas through which such trails may pass.

• Connecting/Side Trails - Trails that provide additional points of public access to State Recreation or State Scenic Trails or provide connections between these trails.

North Carolina Trails Committee

The act also established the seven-member North Carolina Trails Committee to advise the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on all trails related activities. The committee represents the different trail user groups and geographic regions of the state.

State Trails Program

The Division of Parks and Recreation’s State Trails Program promotes and coordinates statewide trail planning and development activities among federal, local and state government agencies; regional council of governments; non-profit organizations; and volunteer trail organizations.

V-5

In promoting and coordinating the development of trails for foot travel, horseback, bicycles, non-motorized water vehicles, two-wheel drive motorized vehicles and multiple use trails, the State Trails Program works primarily with five trail movements in North Carolina: State Trails; Greenways/Open Space Preservation; Rails-to-Trails; River Trails; and State Park System Trails. To assist in administering, promoting and coordinating the trail movements among agencies and organizations, the State Trails Program provides professional comprehensive statewide trail planning and consultation on trail development and management. It also administers the state funded Adopt-A-Trail Grant Program and the federally funded Recreational Trails Program for building, maintaining and managing trails.

Interstate, State, Regional and Local Trail Initiatives

The State Trails Program staff are providing consultation, technical assistance and grant opportunities to interstate trail efforts that traverse or are planned to traverse South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. These trail efforts include the popular Appalachian Trail, the Overmountain Victory Trail, the East Coast Greenway and the Inside Passage Trail.

The Appalachian Trail is a very popular and recognized interstate trail that traverses South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail commemorates the route taken by men from North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia as they joined in the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina. The East Coast Greenway is a planned 2,600 mile traffic-free path. It is to link East Coast cities from Maine to Florida. The Inside Passage Trail is a proposed kayak trail along the Western side of the Outer Banks of North Carolina from Virginia to South Carolina.

The Mountains to Sea Trail will traverse North Carolina and connect Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. Approximately 400 miles of the proposed 800 miles have been completed.

Regional and local trail efforts include the Roanoke River Partners and the American Tobacco Trail. The Roanoke River Partners is a partnership between Halifax, Northampton, Bertie, Martin and Washington counties with the goals of promoting natural and cultural resource-based tourism and development and the encouragement of sustainable development - including canoeing, bicycling, history and agricultural tours. The American Tobacco Trail is a planned 20 mile long rail to trail conversion which will connect the city of Durham with Chatham and Wake counties.

By creating a network of trails for all users – hikers, bikers, equestrians, canoeists and off- road vehicle enthusiasts – citizens and visitors to North Carolina can experience and enjoy the state’s natural, cultural and recreational resources.

North Carolina Natural Heritage Program

The goal of the Natural Heritage Program is the preservation of the natural diversity of North Carolina. The Natural Heritage Program is the first comprehensive attempt to determine, through an intensive state-wide inventory, the state’s most significant natural areas. Through

V-6 the inventory, areas of prime ecological significance can be identified and recommendations for protection of these areas can be made.

Using the information from the heritage inventory, the state can identify areas that best represent its natural heritage and determine if these areas are being adequately safeguarded. A state register recognizes important natural areas, public and private, in conservation management. Long-term results of the program can mean that the state’s resources will remain for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

The Natural Heritage Program was established in 1976 with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of ecologically significant land. It has assisted the state in the acquisition of many outstanding natural areas.

The program’s statement of goals and objectives is as follows:

Goal : Preserve the natural diversity of North Carolina.

Objectives :

1. Identify through a systematic inventory and assessment the special natural resources and natural areas that best exemplify North Carolina’s natural heritage.

2. Provide inventory information for use in resource management and development decisions.

3. Establish a statewide system of protected natural areas in public and private ownership.

4. Provide management advice to owners of natural area and assist in the protection of those areas.

5. Involve citizens and landowners in preserving North Carolina’s natural heritage.

6. Increase public awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.

7. Coordinate with other public agencies, scientists and citizen organizations to protect our natural environment.

8. Promote establishment of local land conservancies and provide technical assistance to them for acquisition, management and inventory.

The Natural Heritage Inventory

The inventory focuses on the elements, or components, of natural diversity including those that are exemplary or rare on a statewide or national basis. A classification of element types

V-7 has been developed so researchers can catalog the state’s vulnerable plant and animal species, natural communities and significant natural areas. Information on the existence, number, condition, status and location of all significant examples is collected. Detailed information on all these resources is invaluable in setting protection priorities.

The heritage inventory is a cumulative process. As information is updated and refined, the ability of experts to identify, evaluate and protect the natural areas within the state improves.

Many valuable natural areas have been destroyed from a lack of awareness and understanding of their biological significance. Planners, developers and government officials use Heritage inventory information to avoid the inadvertent destruction of significant natural areas and prevent unnecessary conflicts.

Protection of Natural Lands

The Registry of Natural Heritage Areas encourages conservation of outstanding natural areas. The registry honors the owners and administrators of recognized natural areas committed to the protection of the natural qualities of the land. This non-binding, non- regulatory program recognizes landowners for being good conservationists. An eligible natural area is entered on the registry only after the owner voluntarily agrees to its designation.

Land acquisition may be advisable to ensure protection of highly critical areas and may be achieved by several means. Many valuable natural areas can be preserved through donations of land by private individuals or corporations. Gifts of land to public agencies or non-profit preservation organizations are tax-deductible. In some cases, landowners who donate their land for preservation purposes can obtain significant financial advantages while also having the satisfaction of knowing the land will be preserved according to their wishes.

If a private landowner wishes to retain ownership and still ensure that the land will remain in a natural condition, conservation easements may be considered. Easements can protect the land from being used for purposes that would destroy its natural quality. The value of the easement can be considered a charitable contribution for tax purposes.

Natural areas already in public ownership can be protected from misuse or damaging changes by dedicating them as part of the nature preserves system. Dedication gives an area permanent protection and recognition. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources can facilitate protection of natural areas.

Recreation Resources Service

Recreation Resources Service (RRS), operated for the School of Forest Resources at N.C. State University, began operations in July of 1987 as a clearinghouse and resource center. RRS provides technical materials, information, networking, continuing education and research to park and recreation providers in North Carolina, both public and private. Its

V-8 services are available free of charge to municipal, county, state and federal governments and public and private agencies or individuals engaged in or contemplating activity in parks and recreation-oriented programs in North Carolina. A high percentage of its requests for service have come from county and municipal governments. Recreation Resources Service, funded through a contract with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, fulfills legislative responsibilities of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Recreation Resources Service has produced many publications, such as The Annual Municipal and County Park and Recreation Services Study , Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Baseball and Softball Facilities , Fitness Standards , Directory of Resident Camps in North Carolina and Revenue Pricing and Policy Manual . It has also awarded grants to municipalities and universities for a variety of purposes, such as computer application in parks and recreation, an aging management institute, greenways and open space and economic impacts of parks and recreation. Numerous conferences and workshops have also been sponsored or conducted by RRS. RRS also plays a major role in assisting local governments with grants for Land and Water Conservation Fund and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund assistance.

Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program

In 1974, the General Assembly passed the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) to protect and manage coastal resources. This legislation promotes the wise use of coastal resources through the Division of Coastal Management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program, created in 1981 by the N.C. General Assembly, makes about $1 million annually in matching grants to local governments to improve pedestrian access to the state’s beaches and waterways. The program originally focused on beach access but was expanded in 1983 to include North Carolina’s vast network of estuarine shorelines, coastal rivers and urban waterfronts.

More than 260 access sites have been constructed since the program began. Local governments are responsible for construction, operation and long-term maintenance of their sites. These sites, plus other public beach access sites, are marked with easily identified blue and orange CAMA signs. The access sites range from large regional facilities with parking, restrooms, showers, dune crossovers, water fountains and life guards to small local facilities providing dune crossovers.

North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve

The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve is a natural outdoor laboratory where scientists, students and the public can study estuarine dynamics and learn about coastal natural areas. Established in 1982, the reserve is a collection of four representative estuarine ecosystems along North Carolina’s coast. The sites contain 9,788 acres of barrier

V-9 islands, salt marshes and tidal waters, habitat for hundreds of species of fish, bird and other wildlife.

The reserve is a part of the National Estuarine Reserve Research System that was created by Congress in the 1970' s as rapid development along the nation’s coasts was reducing the number of undisturbed estuaries. The national program provides states with matching funds to set up reserves that will ensure that natural estuarine areas are available for scientific research and public education.

The specific goals of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve are:

1. To preserve estuarine areas characteristic of North Carolina’s coast and make them available for study of the processes, functions and influences that shape and sustain estuaries.

2. To provide new information on estuarine ecosystem processes and influences to decisionmakers as a basis for the sound management of coastal resources.

3. To increase public awareness and understanding of estuarine ecosystems by providing areas where people can directly observe the importance of estuaries to the state and county and how they are affected by human activities.

4. To provide for traditional uses of estuarine areas, such as hunting and fishing, which will not disturb the reserve environment and are compatible with the research and educational activities taking place there.

Reserve Sites

North Carolina’s estuarine system – the third largest in the nation and the fourth most productive –is exceptionally diverse. It lies within two biogeographic regions, the Virginian and the Carolinian, and has many different salinity regimes, basin types and tidal patterns.

The multiple-site reserve reflects North Carolina’s estuarine complexity. Each of the sites within the reserve is described below.

Currituck Banks in northeastern North Carolina is an excellent example of an undisturbed barrier island/low salinity estuarine complex of the Virginian Biogeographic Region. It lies within the transition zone between northern and southern species associations where the climate is created by the mixing of the Gulf Stream and cooler northern currents. As a result, plant communities at the site are a combination of those found in the North and the South. Rachel Carson, located at the confluence of the Newport and North Rivers, represents a sheltered coast/tidal river estuarine system within the Carolinian Biogeographic Region, North Carolinas Subregion. This estuarine system is generally shallow, well mixed and strongly influenced by the river and inlet processes and tides. As a result of its proximity to Beaufort Inlet, the western section of the complex – Carrot Island, Bird Shoal and Town Marsh –

V-10 maintains salinity close to that of the Atlantic Ocean. Middle Marsh, located to the east of Carrot Island, at the mouth of the North River, has less predictable salinity patterns.

Masonboro Island near Wilmington is an entire undisturbed barrier island complex on a pristine, nondrowned river mouth estuary. It is within the Carolinian Biogeographic Region, North Carolinas Subregion. Due to the influence of Masonboro and Carolina Beach inlets, the salinity varies but is generally high to moderate.

Zeke’s Island South of Wilmington is typical of a barbound lagoonal estuarine system within the Carolinian Biogeographic Region, North Carolinas Subregion. The site’s physical environment is dominated by ocean and inlet processes. Its salinity is high because a rock jetty built around the West side of the site prevents the Cape Fear River from flushing through New Inlet.

Detailed information on the reserve’s habitats and species lists, as well as site maps and access information, is available from the Division of Coastal Management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Educational State Forests

Forestry and forest products are among North Carolina’s leading industries. In 2007, $3.5 billion in wages were paid to workers in forestry related industries (including furniture manufacturing), second only to the computer and electronics manufacturing sector with $3.8 billion. Nearly 97,000 North Carolinians were employed in forest products manufacturing and furniture manufacturing in 2007, first among the state’s manufacturing sectors. Forestry, logging, and wood products manufacturing contribute $6.0 billion annually to the State’s economy.

The total economic importance of North Carolina’s forest as estimated by the US Forest Service is $30 billion. North Carolina's forests cover 18.6 million acres, more than 59 percent of the State's land area. Nearly 97 percent of forestland is classified as timberland - available and capable of timber utilization. About 86.5 percent of North Carolina's timberlands are owned by private landowners; private individuals, families, and forest industry. The remaining 13.5 percent are owned by public agencies.

The NC Division of Forest Resources operates two state forests that are managed as working forests to demonstrate and research sustainable forest management, promote public education, provide recreational opportunities, and conserve natural resources. The two State Forests are: The Dupont State Forest at 10,400 acres is located in the southern mountains of Transylvania and Henderson Counties: The Bladen Lakes State Forest at 32,700 acres is located in the lower coastal plain of Bladen County.

Educational State Forests vary from 142 to 890 acres. These unique forest environments are located from the far West to the lower coastal plain. The widely varied terrain offers a rich

V-11 mixture of pine and hardwood forests. Features are made accessible by a series of well- marked trails accented by exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of a managed forest.

Each forest features self-guided trails that include exhibits, tree identification signs, a forest education center and a talking tree trail. Picnic facilities further enhance the forests. Specially trained rangers are available to conduct classes for school and other youth groups. Teachers or group leaders choose from a selection of 30-minute programs that cover all aspects of the forest environment – from soil, water and wildlife to timber and forest management.

Every summer, the division offers an environmental education workshop at each forest for teachers and other leaders of youth groups. The “Investigating you Environment” workshops focus on methods of teaching outdoors. This 30-hour workshop offers teacher renewal credit.

The six Educational State Forests are: Clemmons, in Johnston and Wake counties; Holmes, in Henderson County; Jordan Lake, in Chatham County; Rendezvous Mountain, in Wilkes County; Turnbull Creek, in Bladen County; and Tuttle, in Caldwell County. A seventh ESF, Mountain Island, is planned to open in the future near Mount Holly, N.C.

N.C. Conservation Income Tax Credit Program

This effective land and water conservation program provides tax incentives for landowners to donate land for conservation purposes. Approximately 68,500 acres of land and conservation easements have been donated so far. The donated land is worth an estimated $121.2 million and has cost the state only approximately $16.7 million, equating to $7.25 of direct conservation investment for every dollar invested by the state. The program is administered by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

N.C. Department of Transportation Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

The Bicycle Program was established in December 1973 and was formally mandated by the Bicycle and Bikeway Act of 1974 with the following duties:

1. assisting local governments with the development of bicycle programs and the construction of bicycle facilities;

2. developing policies, procedures and standards for planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, marking and operating bicycle facilities and providing for the safety of bicyclists and motorists;

3. developing demonstration projects and safety training programs; and

4. developing and constructing a state bikeway system.

V-12 Working within these parameters, the Bicycle Program has developed a comprehensive approach to improving the bicycling environment in North Carolina. Efforts that have begun to make an impact are as follows:

1. Bicycle Transportation Improvement Program — Starting in 1987, Federal Highway Administration funds were made available for a variety of state and local bicycle projects. These range from greenway bicycle paths and on-road bicycle improvements to mapping and III-13 signing projects and safety education programs. 2. Development of Standards, Guidelines, and Procedures — The Bicycle Program is actively involved in developing and testing standards for planning and construction of bicycle facilities.

3. Technical Assistance to Local Governments — Since its inception, the Bicycle Program has worked closely with communities throughout the state to help them develop and refine their local bicycle programs. Planning assistance, technical expertise and program materials for all phases of local bicycle programming, from construction projects enforcement and educational programs, are provided.

4. Bicycling Highways System — Initiated in 1975, this project entails the designation, mapping and signing of bicycle touring routes, which direct bicyclists away from more heavily traveled roads to safer alternate routes. To date, nine routes covering 3,000 miles of roads have been developed. Approximately 10,000 maps are distributed each year.

In April 1992, responsibility for pedestrian transportation was added to the Bicycle Program and the name changed to the Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation.

N.C. Historic Sites

North Carolina Historic Sites allow visitors to see the state as it was. Twenty-three sites scattered across the state open doors of the past by preserving and interpreting the history of people that have lived in North Carolina, from Native American cultures to colonial communities to early agriculture and industry. Visitor centers with exhibits filled with artifacts and multimedia presentations are located at most sites, as are picnic facilities.

The historic sites seek to preserve significant properties and artifacts related to events, people and themes important to the state’s past. These sites provide a valuable resource for teaching and learning about the past.

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

North Carolina state law established the Wildlife Resources Commission to manage and regulate the state’s wildlife resources and to enforce those regulations. The agency is responsible for enforcing boating laws on inland waters. It sells hunting, fishing and trapping

V-13 licenses and registers over 3,000 boats owned by North Carolina residents. The agency also provides wildlife-related outdoor recreational opportunities.

The commission manages approximately two million acres of state-owned, federally owned and privately owned gamelands on which the public may fish and hunt with a special permit. These areas are scattered across the state. The commission also maintains boating access areas that provide free 24-hour access to 80 different bodies of water in North Carolina. The commission manages and regulates fishing in the inland waters of North Carolina. Emphasis is placed on the conservation of wild, naturally reproducing fish populations and communities. The Commission operates five fish hatcheries to produce and rear fish, which are stocked into public waters where habitat limits natural reproduction.

Through the N.C. WILD and N.C. CATCH environmental education programs, the commission provides workshops to approximately 4,000 adult educators annually. These educators then use program materials to supplement school youth organization curricula and also teach ecological concepts and outdoor skills.

N.C. Zoological Park

The N.C. Zoological Park, located on 1,448 acres six miles southeast of Asheboro, is among the world’s largest land area zoos and was the first one planned from its inception around the natural habitat concept of zoological exhibits. The purposes of the zoo are education, entertainment, recreation, research and the conservation, preservation and propagation of plant and animal life.

The zoo receives approximately 800,000 visitors a year. The indoor exhibits include the Forest Aviary, the African Pavilion and the Sonora Desert. Outdoors, the zoo offers a 300- acre African World, which exhibits African animals in a variety of natural habitats, and the North American region. Six other regions representing Asia, Europe, South American, Australia, and the World of Seas are in the planning stages.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Federal roles in outdoor recreation include the management of federally owned properties such as parks, forests, wildlife preserves and reservoir areas, and the administration of financial and technical assistance programs to aid state and local governments and private citizens. In North Carolina, the federal agencies that primarily provide outdoor recreational opportunities are the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense.

U.S. Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior was created by Congress in 1849. The Department’s recreational responsibilities include administering the nation’s scenic and historic areas;

V-14 conserving, developing and utilizing fish and wildlife resources; and coordinating federal and state recreational programs. Within the department, two agencies provide outdoor recreation resources and programs in North Carolina: The National Park Service and The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS), created by Congress in 1916, is charged with conserving scenery, wildlife and natural and historical objects, and administering the nation’s parks, recreational areas and historical areas. Acquisition and development of these resources for such purposes as providing camping, boating, swimming, hiking and historical interpretation are governed by NPS’s determination of public need and demand for such facilities.

Besides being directly responsible for providing outdoor recreation resources, NPS took on a number of other recreational responsibilities upon its consolidation with the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service in 1981. These include planning, coordinating and developing national recreation policy; conducting surveys of recreational resources and needs in the United States; and developing a plan to meet these needs. The NPS also provides financial and technical assistance for state recreational planning and land acquisition and development.

In North Carolina, the NPS administers 10 areas that are set aside for their natural, recreational and historical interest. These include the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Moores Creek National Battleground, the Wright Brothers Memorial, the Carl Sandburg Home, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. These areas offer a wide range of public outdoor recreational activities such as camping, swimming, boating, fishing, nature study, hiking and picnicking.

The National Park Service also administers the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). An annual apportionment from LWCF is made available to the state for distribution to state agencies and local government entities for approved, high-quality outdoor recreational projects meeting needs identified in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. These funds are administered at the state level by the Division of Parks and Recreation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s goals for public use of its areas and facilities are to expand man’s understanding of his environment and his appreciation of fish and wildlife ecology. The service provides visitors to its sites with high quality, safe and enjoyable recreational experiences oriented towards wildlife and wildlife habitat appreciation. The Service manages 11 national wildlife refuges in North Carolina comprising approximately

V-15 416,000 acres. They are Alligator River, Cedar Island,Currituck, Dismal Swamp, Mackay Island, Mattamuskeet Lake, Pea Island, Pee Dee, Pocosin Lakes, Roanoke River and Swanquarter. Most of these are limited-purpose outdoor recreation areas that provide primarily for wildlife habitat, but they also provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and photography.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture has three agencies that administer programs affecting the supply of outdoor recreational resources in North Carolina: the U.S. Forest Service; the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and the Farmers Home Administration.

U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service (and the national forest system) was created by Congress in 1905. The responsibility of the Forest Service in the field of outdoor recreation is to develop the recreational potential of national forests in conjunction with other multiple uses. The Forest Service also cooperates with other federal, state and local agencies in planning and developing recreational resources on other federal, state, local and private lands.

In North Carolina, the Forest Service administers four areas: the Croatan National Forest (159,866 acres); Nantahala National Forest (530,899 acres); Pisgah National Forest (505,296 acres); and the Uwharrie National Forest (50,183 acres). The areas, which comprise over 1.24 million acres, are a significant component of North Carolina’s recreational resources (Figure III-2). They contain some of the state’s most pristine lands, including extensive woodlands, springs, streams and mountains. Within these four national forests, the Forest Service manages many developed public recreation sites.

Figure V-2. National Forests in North Carolina

V-16

Natural Resources Conservation Service

The Natural Resources Conservation Service has responsibility within the U.S. Department of Agriculture for providing leadership in the planning of income-producing recreational enterprises on private land and for liaison with other federal, state and local agencies, assisting them with recreational development. Technical assistance is provided through local soil and water conservation districts. The Natural Resources Conservation Service has traditionally provided financial and technical assistance for recreation projects through the Small Watershed Program and the Resource Conservation and Development projects. The primary emphasis in these programs is on erosion control and water conservation, therefore, limited technical and financial resources are available for recreation-related projects.

Farmers Home Administration

The Farmers Home Administration assists farm and ranch owners by providing recreation loans for the development of income-producing outdoor recreation enterprises. The facilities provided by farmers and ranchers may include freshwater ponds and facilities for horseback riding and camping. Loans can also be obtained for improving recreation enterprises. Under rules developed by the agency to implement the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), beginning in 1987 farmers and ranchers were permitted to retire part of their government- insured debt by donating 50-year conservation easements on portions of their lands. Agreements must be developed with public land management agencies or private organizations to manage the easements for public benefit for fish and wildlife, conservation or recreation. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is responsible for selecting a land manager for each particular donation and for developing the management agreements.

U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture

In addition to their responsibilities noted above, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture are co-authorized to execute other outdoor recreational and natural resource preservation programs. In North Carolina, two such programs have been implemented by these agencies, primarily through independent action.

National Wilderness Preservation System

The Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 United States Code 1131) established a National Wilderness Preservation System. Management of areas in the system is the responsibility of the agency (or agencies) having jurisdiction over the areas prior to their inclusion in the system.

There are currently 12 designated wilderness areas in North Carolina, consisting of 111,342 acres. Eleven of these are administered by the U.S. Forest Service. They are: Ellicott Rock, Joyce Kilmer- Slickrock, and Southern Nantahala, located in the Nantahala National Forest; Linville Gorge, Middle Prong, and Shining Rock, located in the Pisgah National Forest; Birkhead Mountains, located in the Uwharrie National Forest; and Catfish Lake South,

V-17 Pocosin, Pond Pine and Sheep Ridge, located in the Croatan National Forest. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers the remaining wilderness area, Swanquarter. The U.S. Forest Service is studying other areas for possible wilderness designation.

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 United States Code 1271) states that Wild or Scenic rivers must "possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, cultural, or other similar values." Further, the Act requires that they "shall be preserved in a free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."

Five rivers in North Carolina have been designated into the national system: the New River (26.5 miles), the Horsepasture River (4.5 miles), the Lumber River (81 miles), all of the Chattooga River and Wilson Creek (23.3 miles). The New, Horsepasture and Lumber rivers are also N.C. Natural and Scenic Rivers and are administered by the state.

National Trails System

The National Trails System Act of 1968 (16 United States Code 1241) provides the framework for establishing a nationwide system of scenic, recreational and historical trails. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture are both authorized to administer trails in the System under the Act.

National recreational trails also play an important role in the National Trails System. As declared in the act, national recreational trails are intended to be established near urban areas and in established scenic areas to serve the constantly increasing outdoor recreational needs of an expanding population and to promote close-to-home recreational opportunities. Administrative responsibility for designating and managing recreational trails was assigned to both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.

U.S. Department of Defense

The Department of Defense, established in 1949, includes the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force. Each of these military services is involved in providing outdoor recreational opportunities in North Carolina.

U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers

Along with its primary responsibility for navigation, flood control, beach erosion control and river basin studies, the Corps of Engineers has devoted considerable attention to the establishment of recreational faculties. It is the policy of the Corps to plan for and provide outdoor recreational resources and facilities at all of its water resources projects. The Corps’ general authority for recreational development stems from the Flood Control Act of 1944, which was later expanded by the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965 (16 United

V-18 States Code 460). The latter act directs that full consideration be given in each project to opportunities for outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement, and it established outdoor recreation and preservation of wildlife and fish as a full project purpose. In North Carolina, the corps has developed four water resource projects that have recreational facilities: John H. Kerr Reservoir; B. Everett Jordan Reservoir; Falls Lake; and W. Kerr Scott Reservoir.

Resources and facilities are available at these areas for a wide variety of activities, including freshwater swimming, boating, fishing, camping, field sports, picnicking, hiking and hunting. The corps leases many of these areas and facilities to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and the Wildlife Resources Commission for management. The corps also operates recreational facilities – boat launching and picnicking – at the three locks and dams on the Cape Fear River.

In addition to its public works development programs, the corps participates with the state and other public bodies in making recreational opportunities available adjacent to corps projects. This participation takes the form of cost-sharing, assistance in planning and design, and the direct development of facilities.

Military Installations

The Department of Defense provides land at North Carolina military installations for recreational purposes. Although public outdoor recreation is not a major function of the Department of Defense, its contributions in this regard are, nevertheless, important to North Carolina’s overall outdoor recreation program. Generally, all military installations offer some degree of outdoor recreation programs for military personnel, their dependents and their guests. Access to their resources for recreational use by the general public, however, is usually limited. But departmental policy provides that when a military installation’s mission does allow public access, formal agreements may be reached with appropriate state or local agencies to provide opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers two programs that, in the past, have had an impact upon outdoor recreation in urban areas. Since 1981, however, funding for these programs has been reduced substantially.

Community Development Block Grants Program

HUD provides Community Development Block Grant funds to local governments through its Entitled Grant Program and Small Cities Program. These programs were established as a result of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended through the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 (42 United States Code 5301). The Entitled Grants Program serves entitlement communities (municipalities of 50,000 or more, urban counties of 200,000 or more and central cities under 50,000 located in

V-19 Metropolitan Statistical Areas). The Small Cities Program serves non-entitlement municipalities and counties. Both programs authorize a 100 percent level of funding to public agencies for the preservation or provision of urban open space lands that have park, recreational or historical value. In addition, the programs provide for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction or installation of parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities where assistance for such facilities is unavailable from other federal programs.

U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation, established in 1968, includes the Federal Highway Administration. This agency administers the Federal Aid Highway Program, which provides grants to states and local governments for use in developing bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Federal Aid Highway Program

This program was established by Title 23 United States Code, as revised by the Surface Transportation Assistance Acts and various other amendments. The program provides annual discretionary grants to qualifying governments for use in the acquisition of rights-of- way and the planning, construction, improvement and rehabilitation of interstate, primary, secondary and urban roads and highways. Funds may be used for capital improvements such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities within highway rights-of-way.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration supports public and private program affecting outdoor recreation in North Carolina’s coastal areas. The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management is responsible for providing federal leadership in the management of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. This is accomplished by providing management, research and technical assistance to federal, state and local governments and the private sector through the agency’s Coastal Zone Management Program and National Marine Sanctuaries and Estuarine Research Reserves Program.

Coastal Zone Management Program

The Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 United States Code 1451), as amended, provides for grants-in-aid to coastal states with federally approved coastal zone management programs.

National Marine Sanctuaries and Estuarine Research Reserves Program

This program provides financial assistance to eligible public and private entities for the acquisition, development and administration of land and water resources within areas designated by the secretary of Commerce as marine sanctuaries or estuarine research reserves. These areas are set aside as laboratories for educational, recreational and research purposes. The program also makes financial assistance available to universities and private organizations for independent research projects, such as the study of water

V-20 quality, water current modeling and the impacts of mosquito spraying and similar activities on aquatic life in sanctuaries and reserves. In North Carolina there are four such reserves that protect habitat for hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife and provide environmental education opportunities. The reserves are administered by the Division of Coastal Management, N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

LOCAL AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS

County Roles and Responsibilities

North Carolina has 100 counties, varying in character from the densely populated metropolitan counties such as Mecklenburg and Wake, to sparsely populated rural counties such as Jones and Gates. The counties have varying outdoor recreational needs that have prompted the establishment of different recreational programs.

Twenty-five of North Carolina’s counties do not have officially established outdoor recreational programs. For these jurisdictions, provision of resource-based activities is often limited to maintenance of picnic areas or boat ramps. User-oriented facilities are normally available only at public schools, municipal parks, state parks and federal areas. Seven counties have no county or municipal recreation department: Alleghany, Bertie, Camden, Hyde, Jones, Montgomery and Tyrrell.

Seventy-five of North Carolina’s counties do have established recreational programs with parks, facilities and program activities. The larger land area of counties, as compared to municipalities, provides for a wider range of resources and makes available a greater variety of outdoor recreation possibilities. As a result, a county outdoor recreational program may offer a combination of resource-based and user-oriented activities to the public. Beaches, swimming sites, boat access sites, picnic areas, scenic areas and occasionally campgrounds are among the types of resource-based areas and facilities provided through county programs. Counties often provide facilities such as playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts and other active outdoor recreation facilities as well.

Counties generally provide the resource-based and locally oriented outdoor recreational areas that are not large enough to be managed feasibly at the state or federal levels, or which do not have resources of statewide or national significance. Such areas constitute an invaluable part of the overall outdoor recreational effort in North Carolina and are indispensable to well-balanced statewide outdoor recreation.

Municipal Roles and Responsibilities

One hundred and forty-six municipalities have recreational programs and facilities of some type, with trained staff involved in the administration of parks, facilities and activities. These programs and facilities vary greatly, depending mainly on the population of the municipality. Generally, the smaller the town, the more limited the facilities. Smaller towns are more likely

V-21 to rely on counties, local school systems or private organizations and groups to administer recreational activities.

Because of population densities and the lack of large open-space areas, most municipal recreation systems tend to concentrate their efforts on providing services involving more intensive user-oriented facilities that require relatively little space in proportion to the use accommodated. Typical municipal outdoor recreational facilities include playgrounds, swimming pools, ball fields, tennis courts and picnic areas. A few municipalities even provide golf courses.

Because municipal programs typically provide recreational facilities and programs in urban areas, they have only a limited bearing on statewide natural resource-based outdoor recreation. There are some exceptions, however, especially in the cases of parks located on bodies of water or coastal municipalities that provide public beach access.

Although most municipal programs do not typically provide resource-based outdoor recreational facilities, municipalities do play a vital role in providing facility-dependent recreational opportunities in North Carolina. The role of municipal programs will likely grow in importance as increased public emphasis is placed on recreation closer to home. Since municipal recreation agencies are closest to the populace, they are usually the first to feel the pressures to establish programs that meet the demands of residents. Consequently, municipalities are taking a lead role in educating citizens about active lifestyles as well as providing services that promote healthful living. As statistics about increasing obesity become available, these services are becoming more important.

A more recent trend is a greater emphasis on planning for and providing open space opportunities. This is particularly true for North Carolina’s larger cities that are experiencing rapid population growth. Providing open space corridors affords a wide range of benefits including trail-related recreation, alternative transportation, improved water and air quality, and wildlife habitat. As more people become interested in the environment and in outdoor recreation in natural settings, municipal departments are providing opportunities to learn the skills to maximize outdoor experiences.

PRIVATE AGENCIES / PROGRAMS

In addition to publicly provided outdoor recreation, a wide array of recreational opportunities are offered by the private sector. Many private agencies whose primary mission is not land management use recreation to achieve their objectives or create recreational opportunities as a consequence of their activities. In addition, many other recreational opportunities are provided by diverse sources such as churches, businesses and private swimming, tennis, fitness and country clubs.

V-22 Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)

The YMCA, founded in 1944, has as its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy body, mind and spirit for all. Although each YMCA is associated with the national organization, programs, staffing and style of operation are set locally, run by volunteer boards. YMCA services are tailored to the community in this way. For example, the YMCA has a campus operation at Guilford College in Greensboro. Programs vary from those for older adults to pre-school ages. Sixty-three YMCAs in North Carolina serve over 325,000 members and regular participants.

Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)

The YWCA has eight clubs in North Carolina. The organization’s focus in the community is to provide programs and services to women, girls and their families by offering a wide range of services and programs that enrich and transform lives. YWCAs assist with programs and information that deal with a variety of critical issues including child and youth development, and health and fitness.

Boys Clubs and Boys and Girls Clubs

The 38 North Carolina Boys Clubs and Boys and Girls Clubs are nonprofit corporations that serve youngsters, age 6 to 18, with after-school, weekend and evening activities and programs. Nationwide, over half the young people in these clubs are from minority families, families with low annual incomes and families with four or more children; 49 percent are from households headed by single parents. Volunteers, career professionals and staff attempt to build the self-esteem and motivation of participating youngsters through club health programs, physical education and environmental education programs, all of which incorporate outdoor recreational activities.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts each have seven councils in North Carolina. Camping, environmental education, swimming and canoeing are emphasized by both scout groups. Most of these activities are centered in primitive to semi-developed camps either leased or owned by the councils. Outdoor activities are offered throughout the year.

4-H Clubs

4-H, a program of the NC Cooperative Extension Service, is jointly funded by the federal, state and county governments. Its mission is to provide youth and adults with opportunities to develop decision-making, problem-solving and leadership skills through experience. In all 100 counties, each 4-H program is determined by a local advisory board.

North Carolina 4-H clubs have over 200,000 members 6 to 19 years old. Twenty-six thousand volunteers, supervised by professional staff, operate the 4-H program as group leaders, instructors, donors and advisory board members. Although it was once considered a program

V-23 for agricultural communities, urban counties such as Wake and Guilford have strong 4-H programs.

Outdoor education emphasizes natural resource conservation. Youngsters participate in outdoor recreational activities in the community, including camping. The North Carolina organization operates five camps with approximately 1,400 acres. All of these are operated on the traditional summer camp model except for one camp, Betsy Jeff Penn, which functions as an outdoor education center during the school year. Children in the third through eight grades have the option of staying onsite two or four nights. The environmental education program includes studies on weather, ecology, wildlife and outdoor activities such as orienteering.

COMMERCIAL PROVIDERS

Commercial providers of outdoor recreation satisfy significant public needs in North Carolina. Commercial firms can finance projects requiring large capital investments and react more quickly to changes in public demands. Specialized needs of relatively small groups of participants can also be addressed by commercial recreation providers. Although commercial providers are distributed across North Carolina, they are concentrated around vacation destinations.

Whitewater rafting outfitters in Western North Carolina serve thousands of floaters each year. On the Nantahala River alone, approximately 263,269 people floated down the river in 1996. Approximately 80 percent of these floaters were taken by one of the 15 commercial outfitters on the river. Outfitters also operate on several other popular whitewater rivers such as the Nolichucky, French Broad and Tuskasegee rivers.

Another major recreation industry in Western North Carolina is snow skiing. Nine major ski areas are located in the Western part of the state. The average North Carolina skier is college age, has completed some college and traveled 156 miles to the slope, according to ski industry statistics. While total annual participation varies considerably depending on snowfall, between 450,000 and 735,000 skiers participate annually.

Golf is another activity that is provided primarily by the commercial sector. In North Carolina, there were 573 golf courses in June, 1999 compared to 369 in 1980. Many are private and daily fee courses. More courses are in the planning or construction stage. The official 2000 Golf Guide lists 340 courses available for public play. Golf is a popular pastime of both North Carolinians and out-of state visitors. A 1999 study by NC State indicates that nearly 15 million rounds of golf are played across North Carolina annually, with direct spending attributed to golfers amounting to $1.3.billion.

Most of North Carolina’s campgrounds are privately owned. More than 300 are dispersed throughout the state, offering over 15,000 campsites. This represents the vast majority of the 19,000 or so public and private campsites in North Carolina.

V-24 Private, for-profit recreational enterprises offer a variety of other outdoor opportunities in North Carolina. Such enterprises include driving ranges and mini-golf, water parks, amusement parks, batting cages, paint ball facilities, summer camps, private zoos, gem mining, scenic railroads, cruises, deep sea fishing, bus tours, professional baseball and nature tours. Because of its size, complexity and changing nature, however, private outdoor recreation is extremely difficult to inventory in a comprehensive manner.

V-25 VI. 2009 - 2013 ACTION PLAN

INTRODUCTION

The Action Plan identifies specific actions the state will take during 2009-2013 to improve the state's outdoor recreational resources. The primary state agencies involved will include the Division of Coastal Management, Division of Water Quality, Division of Parks and Recreation, Division of Forest Resources, and the Wildlife Resources Commission.

CONSERVING NATURAL RESOURCES

Goal: Preserve, maintain, and promote the wise use of North Carolina' s unique natural and scientific environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

Actions - Department of Environment and Natural Resources • The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will develop a statewide conservation plan, One North Carolina Naturally. • The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will seek continued funding of the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Natural Heritage Trust Fund to promote a stable funding source for outdoor recreation acquisition and development and conservation purposes.

Actions – Division of Water Quality

• The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) will revise its basin-wide management plans in order to communicate to policy makers, the regulated community, and the general public the state' s rationale, approaches, and long-term strategies for its river basins. • The Division of Water Quality will continue to administer the Water Supply Watershed Protection Program so as to prevent pollutants from entering drinking water supplies. • The N.C. Division of Water Resources will continue the Stream Watch Program, including publication of a quarterly newsletter, to promote protection and enhancement of water quality and streamside habitat.

Actions – Conservation Trust Funds

• The Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) will continue making grants to protect and conserve the state’s waters by planning for and acquiring riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational and recreation benefits. • The Natural Heritage Trust Fund (NHTF) will continue to fund grants to purchase natural areas and wildlife habitats. • The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) will continue to make grants to state agencies and local governments to acquire outdoor recreation lands.

VI-1

Actions – Natural Heritage Program

• The Natural Heritage Program (NHP) will continue to collect information about the occurrences and distribution of the rarest plants and animals and the highest quality natural communities of the state. • The NHP will continue to provide landowners, agencies, corporations, scientists and others with information needed for effective planning, research, and protection efforts. • The NHP will continue to seek grants and contracts to undertake field studies, particularly for ongoing county inventories. The NHP will compile information collected in the Biological and Conservation Database and continue to update existing information. • The NHP will review plans for roads and bridges, airports, wastewater treatment plants, sewer lines, timber sales, dredging, and many other public and private construction and development projects to identify rare species and priority natural areas that might be affected by proposed projects so negative effects can be reduced or eliminated. • The NHP will continue to assist landowners with appropriate protection measures through informing the landowners of the high ecological value of the site, providing useful information on protection and management needs, and discussing protection options. • The NHP will continue to encourage landowners to dedicate property as a state nature preserve so as to preserve its natural values permanently. • The NHP will continue to provide landowners with management advice and assistance to ensure that natural areas are successfully managed. • The NHP will prepare a Biennial Protection Plan to inform the governor, the General Assembly, and the public of program activities planned. • The Natural Heritage Program will cooperate with academicians and private and agency biologists in the collection and sharing of information. • The NHP will continue to cooperate with the Wildlife Resources Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Agriculture, and other agencies to assist in the protection of endangered species. • The NHP will continue to maintain the N.C. Registry of Natural Heritage Areas to encourage landowners to make voluntary, non-binding commitments to preserve their ecologically significant sites.

Actions – Division of Parks and Recreation

• The Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will set priorities for funding acquisition and development of LWCF outdoor recreation projects based on how projects address issues and needs identified in the SCORP. • The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will seek to expand the State Parks System according to priorities identified in the Division’s expansion plan and Systemwide Plan. • The DPR will use the Open Project Selection Process as a formal and objective method of selecting acquisition and development projects to be funded by LWCF.

VI -2 • The DPR will complete natural resources management plans for state park units as resources allow. • The DPR will continue to work with other governmental agencies and non-profit organizations to protect more of the state’s natural heritage. • The Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife Resources Commission, and Division of Forest Resources will continue training in prescribed burning methods for fire-dependent ecosystems. • Make significant progress towards the completion of up-to-date park-specific inventories to determine the presence and condition of plants and animal species, soils, water and air quality and natural community types. • Develop vegetation maps for the ten highest priority parks in a GIS format. • Develop and fund long-term cooperative research agreements with research institutions for high priority research needs. • Implement park-specific long-term biological monitoring programs to assess changes in the condition of natural resources at the highest priority parks. • Continue to develop cooperative relationships with local agencies and communities so that park protection is considered and addressed in local development plans. • Develop landscape-level plans to address the highest priority water quality problems at individual parks and begin implementation. • Incorporate landscape-level considerations in park acquisition planning, including linkage to other public and privately protected areas and trails, and the provision of wildlife corridors. • Review park construction projects and recommend changes if needed to ensure minimal environmental impact and compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Actions – Wildlife Resources Commission • The Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) will train educators annually through NC WILD and NC CATCH environmental education workshops. • The WRC will continue to produce Wildlife in North Carolina , an educational magazine that promotes boating and hunting safety and the conservation of wildlife resources. • The WRC will continue to incorporate agency environmental education programs into existing youth programs of other organizations. • The WRC will continue to incorporate its NC CATCH and NC WILD programs into the school system and youth group curricula. • The WRC ill develop cooperative relationships with local agencies and communities so that wildlife habitat protection and management is considered and addressed in local land use and park planning.

Actions – Division of Coastal Management

• The Division of Coastal Management will continue to manage estuarine research reserve sites for preservation, research, education, and recreation.

VI -3 Actions – Division of Forest Resources

• The Division of Forest Resources will manage its educational state forests to promote a better understanding of the value of forests.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND FITNESS

Goal: Foster public health and fitness through improved outdoor recreation resources and services.

Actions – Department of Environment and Natural Resources

• The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will seek continued funding of the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Natural Heritage Trust Fund to promote a stable funding source for outdoor recreation acquisition and development and conservation purposes.

Actions – Division of Parks and Recreation

• The Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will set priorities for funding acquisition and development of LWCF outdoor recreation projects based on how projects address issues and needs identified in the SCORP. • The DPR will continue to offer interpretation and education programs at staffed state parks and recreation areas. • The DPR will provide technical assistance to agencies and organizations in the areas of trail corridor planning, design, construction, maintenance, management, and funding. • The DPR will conduct educational workshops on trails. • The DPR will use the Open Project Selection Process as a formal and objective method of selecting acquisition and development projects to be funded by LWCF. • The DPR will maintain a website that provides outdoor recreation information about the state parks system. Other state agencies will also maintain such websites. • The DPR will continue to promote and hold special events in state parks such as Civilian Conservation Corps Day at Hanging Rock, Civil War re-enactments at Fort Macon and Indian Heritage Week at Pettigrew. • The DPR will continue to administer grants, encourage individuals and groups to volunteer, and recognize volunteers for their contributions. • The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) will continue to make grants to state agencies and local governments to provide new capital improvements, repairs and renovation of areas and facilities.

VI -4 Actions – Division of Travel and Tourism

• The N.C. Division of Travel and Tourism will continue to promote special events held by local governments such as Riverfest in Wilmington, Lazy Daze in Cary, and Artsplosure in Raleigh. • The N.C. Division of Travel and Tourism will continue to answer inquiries and provide information regarding the state’s outdoor recreation areas and services.

Actions – Wildlife Resources Commission • The Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) will construct new boating and fishing access areas and renovate older ramps as resources allow. • The WRC will conduct Caring for Aquatics Through Conservation Habits (CATCH) clinics annually throughout the state. • The WRC will hold environmental education programs at its Pisgah Environmental Education Center near Brevard. • The WRC will hold annual youth hunts.

Actions – Division of Transportation • The N.C. DOT's Bicycle Program will undertake state bikeway system improvement projects such as signs, maps, and road improvements.

Actions – Recreation Resources Services • The Recreation Resources Services (RRS) will publish an annual study of municipal and county park and recreation services and other studies as resources allow. • Consulting services will be offered to the public and private sectors through Recreation Resources Services, contingent upon renewal of the contract and availability of funds. • RRS and the N.C. Recreation and Park Society will share information and provide training through workshops dealing with topics such as low maintenance and vandal- resistant facility design, swimming pool maintenance, and grant applications.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Goal: Improve quality of life and economic growth through land and water conservation.

Actions – Department of Environment and Natural Resources • The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will cooperate with seven states, several federal agencies, industry, environmental organizations, academia, and other interested parties in the Southern Appalachian Mountains Initiative. The SAMI will deal with regional issues of air quality and its effects on resources in the Southern Appalachians. • The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will continue efforts to expand Commission- managed acreage through cooperative efforts with Ducks Unlimited, the Natural Heritage Trust Fund, the Nature Conservancy, and other private and government agencies.

VI -5 • The DENR will organize and promote Big Sweep annually, a day in which volunteers are mobilized to collect refuse at state parks, lakes, and trails. • The DENR will cooperate with the Corps of Engineers during the revising of the reservoir master plans. • The Division of Parks and Recreation will encourage state and federal agencies to consider SCORP-identified needs when planning for additional recreational facilities and areas. • The DPR will continue to inspect LWCF projects to ensure local government compliance with federal regulations. • The DPR, through Recreation Resources Service, will provide LWCF workshops for local governments interested in seeking funding assistance. • The DPR will continue to cooperate with and support efforts of numerous federal, state, and local governments and volunteer trail organizations as they develop trails. • The Division of Water Resources will work with TVA and the USFS concerning lake level management and in stream flows needed to enhance recreational opportunities. • The Division of Coastal Management will continue to encourage and assist local governments in the establishment of public accesses to beaches, sounds, and tidal creeks. • The DOT Bicycle Program will assist local governments with the development of bicycle programs and the construction of bicycle facilities. • The Recreation Resources Service will continue to conduct statewide training sessions via the University of North Carolina’s teleconference system. • Seek to expand the State Parks System using a ranked master list of potential state parks, state natural areas, state recreation areas and state rivers. • Expand handicap accessibility to state park facilities. All new projects will provide accessibility in accordance with the standards of the American Disabilities Act. Pursue multiple funding opportunities for modifications to existing facilities.

VI -6

APPENDIX A

Reports for All North Carolina Counties

• Population Growth and Density • Park Acreage • Recreational Facilities • County Residents per Park Acre • County Residents per Facility • State Rankings according to County Residents per Park Acre • State Rankings according to County Residents per Recreational Facility

Alamance County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 130,800 148,192 167,362 19,170 12.94 341 18 12

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 39 3,800 7 89

Local park Acres 2,193 68 276 4

Baseball Fields 25 5,928 7,764 38

Softball Fields 21 7,057 10,870 22

Football Fields 7 21,170 54,349 23

Soccer Fields 18 8,233 13,587 34

Multi-Purpose Fields 7 21,170 27,174 45

Basketball Courts 19 7,800 9,058 32

Tennis Courts 30 4,940 5,435 47

Volleyball Courts 10 14,819 36,232 21

Picnic Shelters 48 3,087 5,435 17

Playgrounds 32 4,631 6,794 25

Swimming Pools 2 74,096 54,349 51

Trails Miles (all types) 38 3,900 3,045 41

Alexander County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 33,603 37,619 40,633 3,014 08.01 143 65 38

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres N/A 7 91

Local park Acres 76 495 276 77

Baseball Fields N/A 7,764 92

Softball Fields 8 4,702 10,870 10

Football Fields 2 18,810 54,349 20

Soccer Fields 3 12,540 13,587 52

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts N/A 9,058 97

Tennis Courts 1 37,619 5,435 97

Volleyball Courts 1 37,619 36,232 44

Picnic Shelters N/A 5,435 98

Playgrounds 8 4,702 6,794 27

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 1 75,238 3,045 95

A-2

Alleghany County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 10,680 11,300 11,747 447 03.96 48 94 83

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 11,896 1 7 23

Local park Acres 74 153 276 22

Baseball Fields N/A 7,764 92

Softball Fields 1 11,300 10,870 44

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 5 2,260 9,058 3

Tennis Courts 4 2,825 5,435 16

Volleyball Courts 1 11,300 36,232 12

Picnic Shelters 4 2,825 5,435 15

Playgrounds 2 5,650 6,794 41

Swimming Pools 1 11,300 54,349 5

Trails Miles (all types) 47 239 3,045 6

A-3

Anson County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 25,275 24,918 23,841 -1,077 -04.32 46 75 84

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 7,636 3 7 37

Local park Acres 163 153 276 22

Baseball Fields 11 2,265 7,764 7

Softball Fields 1 24,918 10,870 73

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 4 6,230 13,587 22

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 2 12,459 9,058 71

Tennis Courts 2 12,459 5,435 90

Volleyball Courts 1 24,918 36,232 35

Picnic Shelters 5 4,984 5,435 38

Playgrounds 4 6,230 6,794 47

Swimming Pools 1 24,918 54,349 28

Trails Miles (all types) 3 8,038 3,045 64

A-4

Ashe County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 24,384 26,729 28,556 1,827 06.84 63 73 71

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 9,051 3 7 36

Local park Acres 108 247 276 48

Baseball Fields 3 8,910 7,764 57

Softball Fields 1 26,729 10,870 75

Football Fields 1 26,729 54,349 27

Soccer Fields 1 26,729 13,587 72

Multi-Purpose Fields 5 5,346 27,174 12

Basketball Courts 3 8,910 9,058 47

Tennis Courts 6 4,455 5,435 39

Volleyball Courts 2 13,365 36,232 18

Picnic Shelters 6 4,455 5,435 29

Playgrounds 3 8,910 6,794 68

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 5 5,043 3,045 49

A-5

Avery County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 17,167 18,455 18,912 457 02.48 75 86 63

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 32,317 1 7 16

Local park Acres 60 308 276 58

Baseball Fields 6 3,076 7,764 13

Softball Fields 3 6,152 10,870 15

Football Fields 3 6,152 54,349 2

Soccer Fields 5 3,691 13,587 7

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 18,455 27,174 41

Basketball Courts 2 9,228 9,058 49

Tennis Courts 3 6,152 5,435 63

Volleyball Courts 1 18,455 36,232 24

Picnic Shelters 2 9,228 5,435 75

Playgrounds 2 9,228 6,794 70

Swimming Pools 1 18,455 54,349 14

Trails Miles (all types) 66 281 3,045 8

A-6

Beaufort County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 44,958 46,547 47,544 997 02.14 49 56 81

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 7,565 6 7 42

Local park Acres 144 323 276 59

Baseball Fields 3 15,516 7,764 77

Softball Fields 2 23,274 10,870 70

Football Fields 3 15,516 54,349 17

Soccer Fields 11 4,232 13,587 8

Multi-Purpose Fields 3 15,516 27,174 31

Basketball Courts 5 9,309 9,058 51

Tennis Courts 10 4,655 5,435 42

Volleyball Courts 1 46,547 36,232 56

Picnic Shelters 10 4,655 5,435 32

Playgrounds 6 7,758 6,794 58

Swimming Pools 4 11,637 54,349 6

Trails Miles (all types) 9 5,005 3,045 47

A-7

Bertie County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 19,757 19,678 18,843 - 835 -04.24 27 83 95

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 22,169 1 7 22

Local park Acres 19 1,036 276 85

Baseball Fields 8 2,460 7,764 8

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields 1 19,678 54,349 21

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields #DIV/0! 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 2 9,839 9,058 56

Tennis Courts 2 9,839 5,435 82

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 1 19,678 5,435 94

Playgrounds 1 19,678 6,794 94

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) N/A 3,045 97

A-8

Bladen County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 32,278 32,556 32,583 27 00.08 37 69 89

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 51,646 1 7 18

Local park Acres 97 336 276 62

Baseball Fields 2 16,278 7,764 78

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields 1 32,556 54,349 32

Soccer Fields 4 8,139 13,587 32

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 32,556 27,174 54

Basketball Courts 2 16,278 9,058 80

Tennis Courts 4 8,139 5,435 77

Volleyball Courts 1 32,556 36,232 42

Picnic Shelters 12 2,713 5,435 13

Playgrounds 6 5,426 6,794 35

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 5 6,783 3,045 56

A-9

Brunswick County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 73,141 111,155 146,227 35,072 31.55 106 25 50

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 9,995 11 7 48

Local park Acres 314 354 276 65

Baseball Fields 6 18,526 7,764 81

Softball Fields 3 37,052 10,870 81

Football Fields 6 18,526 54,349 19

Soccer Fields 12 9,263 13,587 38

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 111,155 27,174 68

Basketball Courts 12 9,263 9,058 50

Tennis Courts 21 5,293 5,435 51

Volleyball Courts 3 37,052 36,232 43

Picnic Shelters 20 5,558 5,435 46

Playgrounds 10 11,116 6,794 81

Swimming Pools 1 111,155 54,349 58

Trails Miles (all types) 9 12,351 3,045 78

A-10

Buncombe County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 206,310 234,800 263,660 28,860 12.29 356 7 11

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 38,069 6 7 43

Local park Acres 1,911 123 276 13

Baseball Fields 6 39,133 7,764 90

Softball Fields 2 117,400 10,870 86

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 10 23,480 13,587 68

Multi-Purpose Fields 36 6,522 27,174 17

Basketball Courts 27 8,696 9,058 44

Tennis Courts 36 6,522 5,435 66

Volleyball Courts 8 29,350 36,232 40

Picnic Shelters 34 6,906 5,435 58

Playgrounds 28 8,386 6,794 65

Swimming Pools 10 23,480 54,349 27

Trails Miles (all types) 115 2,035 3,045 30

A-11

Burke County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 89,145 88,413 87,793 - 620 -00.70 172 31 30

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 87,707 1 7 25

Local park Acres 834 106 276 10

Baseball Fields 20 4,421 7,764 25

Softball Fields 19 4,653 10,870 9

Football Fields 6 14,736 54,349 15

Soccer Fields 8 11,052 13,587 47

Multi-Purpose Fields 9 9,824 27,174 23

Basketball Courts 10 8,841 9,058 46

Tennis Courts 23 3,844 5,435 25

Volleyball Courts 4 22,103 36,232 30

Picnic Shelters 36 2,456 5,435 8

Playgrounds 19 4,653 6,794 26

Swimming Pools 4 22,103 54,349 22

Trails Miles (all types) 158 559 3,045 15

A-12

Cabarrus County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 131,063 179,365 231,218 51,853 28.91 491 11 8

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 838 214 7 82

Local park Acres 694 258 276 50

Baseball Fields 24 7,474 7,764 49

Softball Fields 10 17,937 10,870 62

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 17 10,551 13,587 43

Multi-Purpose Fields 7 25,624 27,174 50

Basketball Courts 10 17,937 9,058 81

Tennis Courts 31 5,786 5,435 58

Volleyball Courts 12 14,947 36,232 22

Picnic Shelters 45 3,986 5,435 25

Playgrounds 28 6,406 6,794 50

Swimming Pools 1 179,365 54,349 64

Trails Miles (all types) 8 22,421 3,045 86

A-13

Caldwell County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 77,708 80,227 81,880 1,653 02.06 169 33 31

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 53,028 2 7 29

Local park Acres 302 266 276 51

Baseball Fields 4 20,057 7,764 83

Softball Fields 5 16,045 10,870 60

Football Fields 1 80,227 54,349 57

Soccer Fields 24 3,343 13,587 5

Multi-Purpose Fields 5 16,045 27,174 33

Basketball Courts 10 8,023 9,058 37

Tennis Courts 19 4,222 5,435 33

Volleyball Courts 2 40,114 36,232 47

Picnic Shelters 10 8,023 5,435 70

Playgrounds 14 5,731 6,794 43

Swimming Pools 4 20,057 54,349 21

Trails Miles (all types) 53 1,508 3,045 27

A-14

Camden County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 6,885 10,519 14,269 3,750 35.65 34 96 91

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 32,763 7 9

Local park Acres 7 1,503 276 92

Baseball Fields 3 3,506 7,764 17

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 10,519 9,058 61

Tennis Courts 1 10,519 5,435 83

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters N/A 5,435 98

Playgrounds 1 10,519 6,794 76

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 35,063 3,045 93

A-15

Carteret County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 59,383 64,826 69,157 4,331 06.68 48 39 82

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 112,745 1 7 17

Local park Acres 329 197 276 35

Baseball Fields 21 3,087 7,764 14

Softball Fields 9 7,203 10,870 23

Football Fields 5 12,965 54,349 12

Soccer Fields 29 2,235 13,587 3

Multi-Purpose Fields 23 2,819 27,174 4

Basketball Courts 11 5,893 9,058 16

Tennis Courts 16 4,052 5,435 31

Volleyball Courts 7 9,261 36,232 7

Picnic Shelters 25 2,593 5,435 12

Playgrounds 16 4,052 6,794 20

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 86 758 3,045 20

A-16

Caswell County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 23,501 23,453 23,416 - 37 -00.16 55 77 77

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 16,189 1 7 28

Local park Acres 16 1,466 276 90

Baseball Fields 1 23,453 7,764 85

Softball Fields 1 23,453 10,870 71

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 23,453 9,058 91

Tennis Courts 2 11,727 5,435 86

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 1 23,453 5,435 95

Playgrounds 1 23,453 6,794 97

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) N/A 3,045 97

A-17

Catawba County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 141,686 158,429 175,175 16,746 10.57 383 17 10

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 6 26,405 7 90

Local park Acres 1,227 129 276 17

Baseball Fields 25 6,337 7,764 41

Softball Fields 13 12,187 10,870 49

Football Fields 2 79,215 54,349 55

Soccer Fields 14 11,316 13,587 48

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 79,215 27,174 64

Basketball Courts 29 5,463 9,058 13

Tennis Courts 37 4,282 5,435 35

Volleyball Courts 4 39,607 36,232 46

Picnic Shelters 31 5,111 5,435 41

Playgrounds 53 2,989 6,794 10

Swimming Pools 5 31,686 54,349 34

Trails Miles (all types) 30 5,229 3,045 50

A-18

Chatham County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 49,326 62,887 77,008 14,121 22.45 89 40 58

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,955 32 7 58

Local park Acres 292 215 276 41

Baseball Fields N/A 7,764 92

Softball Fields 1 62,887 10,870 85

Football Fields 1 62,887 54,349 51

Soccer Fields 4 15,722 13,587 61

Multi-Purpose Fields 11 5,717 27,174 15

Basketball Courts 8 7,861 9,058 33

Tennis Courts 7 8,984 5,435 80

Volleyball Courts 2 31,444 36,232 41

Picnic Shelters 15 4,193 5,435 27

Playgrounds 8 7,861 6,794 60

Swimming Pools 2 31,444 54,349 33

Trails Miles (all types) 21 3,053 3,045 37

A-19

Cherokee County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 24,298 28,246 31,500 3,254 11.52 57 71 75

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 93,983 7 8

Local park Acres 80 353 276 64

Baseball Fields 7 4,035 7,764 22

Softball Fields 2 14,123 10,870 57

Football Fields #DIV/0! 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 28,246 27,174 52

Basketball Courts 3 9,415 9,058 53

Tennis Courts 6 4,708 5,435 43

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 4 7,062 5,435 60

Playgrounds 1 28,246 6,794 98

Swimming Pools 2 14,123 54,349 9

Trails Miles (all types) 68 415 3,045 12

A-20

Chowan County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 14,150 14,910 15,531 621 04.16 64 88 70

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 107 139 7 79

Local park Acres 50 298 276 57

Baseball Fields 4 3,728 7,764 21

Softball Fields 4 3,728 10,870 6

Football Fields 1 14,910 54,349 16

Soccer Fields 2 7,455 13,587 30

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 14,910 27,174 30

Basketball Courts 6 2,485 9,058 4

Tennis Courts 9 1,657 5,435 2

Volleyball Courts 4 3,728 36,232 1

Picnic Shelters 2 7,455 5,435 63

Playgrounds 6 2,485 6,794 4

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 20 746 3,045 18

A-21

Clay County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 8,775 10,961 12,827 1,866 17.02 50 95 79

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 73,391 7 4

Local park Acres 22 498 276 78

Baseball Fields 2 5,481 7,764 35

Softball Fields 2 5,481 10,870 13

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 1 10,961 13,587 44

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 10,961 27,174 26

Basketball Courts 1 10,961 9,058 64

Tennis Courts 1 10,961 5,435 85

Volleyball Courts 1 10,961 36,232 10

Picnic Shelters 1 10,961 5,435 85

Playgrounds 1 10,961 6,794 80

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 86 127 3,045 2

A-22

Cleveland County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 96,258 97,190 98,384 1,194 01.23 207 28 25

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 4,349 22 7 54

Local park Acres 1,970 49 276 2

Baseball Fields 10 9,719 7,764 63

Softball Fields 13 7,476 10,870 27

Football Fields 4 24,298 54,349 24

Soccer Fields 3 32,397 13,587 76

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 97,190 27,174 66

Basketball Courts 15 6,479 9,058 21

Tennis Courts 19 5,115 5,435 49

Volleyball Courts 1 97,190 36,232 70

Picnic Shelters 12 8,099 5,435 71

Playgrounds 11 8,835 6,794 67

Swimming Pools 2 48,595 54,349 42

Trails Miles (all types) 37 2,641 3,045 33

A-23

Columbus County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 54,749 54,225 53,370 - 855 -01.58 57 51 74

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 21,603 3 7 35

Local park Acres 296 183 276 29

Baseball Fields 36 1,506 7,764 1

Softball Fields 6 9,038 10,870 36

Football Fields 1 54,225 54,349 46

Soccer Fields 10 5,423 13,587 17

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 18 3,013 9,058 6

Tennis Courts 10 5,423 5,435 52

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 5 10,845 5,435 82

Playgrounds 5 10,845 6,794 79

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 11 4,930 3,045 46

A-24

Craven County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 91,523 98,781 105,798 7,017 07.10 128 27 42

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 78,312 1 7 26

Local park Acres 602 164 276 26

Baseball Fields 19 5,199 7,764 32

Softball Fields 13 7,599 10,870 28

Football Fields 4 24,695 54,349 25

Soccer Fields 8 12,348 13,587 50

Multi-Purpose Fields 9 10,976 27,174 27

Basketball Courts 12 8,232 9,058 39

Tennis Courts 19 5,199 5,435 50

Volleyball Courts 4 24,695 36,232 34

Picnic Shelters 17 5,811 5,435 48

Playgrounds 21 4,704 6,794 28

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 26 3,799 3,045 40

A-25

Cumberland County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 302,960 317,094 333,174 16,080 05.07 482 5 9

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 8,349 38 7 60

Local park Acres 1,355 234 276 45

Baseball Fields 36 8,808 7,764 55

Softball Fields 71 4,466 10,870 7

Football Fields 3 105,698 54,349 62

Soccer Fields 2 158,547 13,587 83

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 16 19,818 9,058 86

Tennis Courts 79 4,014 5,435 30

Volleyball Courts 5 63,419 36,232 68

Picnic Shelters 35 9,060 5,435 74

Playgrounds 51 6,218 6,794 46

Swimming Pools 2 158,547 54,349 62

Trails Miles (all types) 28 11,531 3,045 75

A-26

Currituck County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 18,190 25,733 33,607 7,874 30.60 49 74 80

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 26,641 1 7 24

Local park Acres 105 245 276 47

Baseball Fields 4 6,433 7,764 45

Softball Fields 2 12,867 10,870 53

Football Fields 2 12,867 54,349 11

Soccer Fields 5 5,147 13,587 14

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts N/A 9,058 97

Tennis Courts 6 4,289 5,435 36

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 10 2,573 5,435 11

Playgrounds 4 6,433 6,794 51

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 8 3,217 3,045 39

A-27

Dare County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 29,967 35,263 41,103 5,840 16.56 23 67 97

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 153,509 7 6

Local park Acres 158 223 276 42

Baseball Fields 12 2,939 7,764 10

Softball Fields 3 11,754 10,870 47

Football Fields 2 17,632 54,349 18

Soccer Fields 4 8,816 13,587 35

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 17,632 27,174 37

Basketball Courts 6 5,877 9,058 15

Tennis Courts 14 2,519 5,435 12

Volleyball Courts 3 11,754 36,232 13

Picnic Shelters 14 2,519 5,435 9

Playgrounds 18 1,959 6,794 1

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 30 1,164 3,045 22

A-28

Davidson County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 147,250 159,805 172,372 12,567 07.86 282 16 16

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,226 130 7 78

Local park Acres 481 332 276 61

Baseball Fields 18 8,878 7,764 56

Softball Fields 8 19,976 10,870 66

Football Fields 2 79,903 54,349 56

Soccer Fields 1 159,805 13,587 84

Multi-Purpose Fields 7 22,829 27,174 47

Basketball Courts 20 7,990 9,058 35

Tennis Courts 28 5,707 5,435 57

Volleyball Courts 3 53,268 36,232 61

Picnic Shelters 21 7,610 5,435 65

Playgrounds 21 7,610 6,794 57

Swimming Pools 3 53,268 54,349 43

Trails Miles (all types) 5 32,613 3,045 92

A-29

Davie County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 34,835 42,757 50,614 7,857 18.38 160 61 33

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,067 40 7 63

Local park Acres 115 372 276 67

Baseball Fields 5 8,551 7,764 54

Softball Fields 1 42,757 10,870 82

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 3 14,252 13,587 55

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 2 21,379 9,058 89

Tennis Courts 6 7,126 5,435 74

Volleyball Courts 1 42,757 36,232 50

Picnic Shelters 4 10,689 5,435 80

Playgrounds 2 21,379 6,794 96

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) N/A 3,045 97

A-30

Duplin County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 49,063 54,788 61,111 6,323 11.54 67 48 68

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 6,921 8 7 45

Local park Acres 385 142 276 20

Baseball Fields 25 2,192 7,764 6

Softball Fields 12 4,566 10,870 8

Football Fields 6 9,131 54,349 7

Soccer Fields 9 6,088 13,587 20

Multi-Purpose Fields 3 18,263 27,174 40

Basketball Courts 3 18,263 9,058 82

Tennis Courts 25 2,192 5,435 5

Volleyball Courts 1 54,788 36,232 63

Picnic Shelters 5 10,958 5,435 84

Playgrounds 8 6,849 6,794 53

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 4 13,045 3,045 83

A-31

Durham County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 223,314 267,086 309,651 42,565 15.94 896 6 3

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 906 295 7 84

Local park Acres 1,182 226 276 44

Baseball Fields 29 9,210 7,764 58

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields 2 133,543 54,349 64

Soccer Fields 15 17,806 13,587 62

Multi-Purpose Fields 15 17,806 27,174 39

Basketball Courts 45 5,935 9,058 17

Tennis Courts 72 3,710 5,435 23

Volleyball Courts 3 89,029 36,232 69

Picnic Shelters 45 5,935 5,435 51

Playgrounds 55 4,856 6,794 30

Swimming Pools 5 53,417 54,349 44

Trails Miles (all types) 21 12,718 3,045 80

A-32

Edgecombe County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 55,606 50,344 45,309 -5,035 -10.00 99 52 54

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 123 409 7 86

Local park Acres 181 278 276 55

Baseball Fields 4 12,586 7,764 71

Softball Fields 6 8,391 10,870 35

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 2 25,172 13,587 71

Multi-Purpose Fields 9 5,594 27,174 14

Basketball Courts 6 8,391 9,058 42

Tennis Courts 9 5,594 5,435 55

Volleyball Courts 1 50,344 36,232 59

Picnic Shelters 8 6,293 5,435 53

Playgrounds 4 12,586 6,794 89

Swimming Pools 2 25,172 54,349 29

Trails Miles (all types) 10 5,034 3,045 48

A-33

Forsyth County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 306,063 352,810 401,019 48,209 13.66 854 4 4

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 2,157 164 7 81

Local park Acres 4,108 86 276 7

Baseball Fields 5 70,562 7,764 91

Softball Fields 53 6,657 10,870 19

Football Fields 1 352,810 54,349 69

Soccer Fields 52 6,785 13,587 27

Multi-Purpose Fields 3 117,603 27,174 69

Basketball Courts 41 8,605 9,058 43

Tennis Courts 142 2,485 5,435 10

Volleyball Courts 16 22,051 36,232 29

Picnic Shelters 69 5,113 5,435 42

Playgrounds 66 5,346 6,794 33

Swimming Pools 9 39,201 54,349 36

Trails Miles (all types) 50 7,128 3,045 57

A-34

Franklin County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 47,260 59,794 73,103 13,309 22.26 121 42 44

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,263 47 7 64

Local park Acres 122 490 276 76

Baseball Fields 7 8,542 7,764 53

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields 1 59,794 54,349 50

Soccer Fields 1 59,794 13,587 80

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 59,794 27,174 63

Basketball Courts 1 59,794 9,058 95

Tennis Courts 13 4,600 5,435 41

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 4 14,949 5,435 93

Playgrounds 3 19,931 6,794 95

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 5 12,999 3,045 82

A-35

Gaston County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 190,336 207,696 222,485 14,789 07.12 571 9 7

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 3,502 59 7 67

Local park Acres 1,327 157 276 24

Baseball Fields 57 3,644 7,764 20

Softball Fields 34 6,109 10,870 14

Football Fields 3 69,232 54,349 53

Soccer Fields 23 9,030 13,587 36

Multi-Purpose Fields 38 5,466 27,174 13

Basketball Courts 25 8,308 9,058 40

Tennis Courts 84 2,473 5,435 7

Volleyball Courts 5 41,539 36,232 48

Picnic Shelters 45 4,616 5,435 30

Playgrounds 37 5,613 6,794 40

Swimming Pools 5 41,539 54,349 37

Trails Miles (all types) 24 8,801 3,045 68

A-36

Gates County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 10,516 12,491 14,368 1,877 15.03 36 93 90

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 36,919 7 11

Local park Acres 7 1,784 276 94

Baseball Fields 2 6,246 7,764 40

Softball Fields 1 12,491 10,870 51

Football Fields 1 12,491 54,349 9

Soccer Fields 1 12,491 13,587 51

Multi-Purpose Fields 4 3,123 27,174 5

Basketball Courts 2 6,246 9,058 19

Tennis Courts 5 2,498 5,435 11

Volleyball Courts 2 6,246 36,232 2

Picnic Shelters 1 12,491 5,435 88

Playgrounds 1 12,491 6,794 87

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 10 1,249 3,045 25

A-37

Graham County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 7,993 8,222 8,357 135 01.64 27 98 93

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 127,883 7 3

Local park Acres 5 1,644 276 93

Baseball Fields 2 4,111 7,764 23

Softball Fields 1 8,222 10,870 33

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 1 8,222 13,587 33

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 2 4,111 9,058 7

Tennis Courts 3 2,741 5,435 15

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 3 2,741 5,435 14

Playgrounds 6,794 100

Swimming Pools 1 8,222 54,349 3

Trails Miles (all types) 206 40 3,045 1

A-38

Granville County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 48,498 57,728 65,943 8,215 14.23 108 46 49

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres N/A 7 91

Local park Acres 154 375 276 69

Baseball Fields 9 6,414 7,764 44

Softball Fields 2 28,864 10,870 77

Football Fields 2 28,864 54,349 29

Soccer Fields 4 14,432 13,587 57

Multi-Purpose Fields 3 19,243 27,174 43

Basketball Courts 4 14,432 9,058 77

Tennis Courts 2 28,864 5,435 96

Volleyball Courts 2 28,864 36,232 39

Picnic Shelters 5 11,546 5,435 86

Playgrounds 5 11,546 6,794 82

Swimming Pools 2 28,864 54,349 31

Trails Miles (all types) 8 7,401 3,045 60

A-39

Greene County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 18,974 21,493 23,384 1,891 08.80 81 79 60

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres N/A 7 91

Local park Acres 30 716 276 82

Baseball Fields 2 10,747 7,764 67

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields 5 4,299 27,174 8

Basketball Courts 2 10,747 9,058 63

Tennis Courts 1 21,493 5,435 93

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 2 10,747 5,435 81

Playgrounds 2 10,747 6,794 78

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 2 10,747 3,045 74

A-40

Guilford County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 421,048 480,028 539,335 59,307 12.35 730 3 5

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 316 1,519 7 88

Local park Acres 10,085 48 276 1

Baseball Fields 14 34,288 7,764 88

Softball Fields 14 34,288 10,870 79

Football Fields 7 68,575 54,349 52

Soccer Fields 53 9,057 13,587 37

Multi-Purpose Fields 73 6,576 27,174 18

Basketball Courts 42 11,429 9,058 66

Tennis Courts 156 3,077 5,435 19

Volleyball Courts 23 20,871 36,232 26

Picnic Shelters 102 4,706 5,435 33

Playgrounds 142 3,380 6,794 13

Swimming Pools 7 68,575 54,349 48

Trails Miles (all types) 115 4,174 3,045 44

A-41

Halifax County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 57,370 54,472 51,890 -2,582 -04.74 75 50 64

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 11,652 5 7 41

Local park Acres 200 272 276 54

Baseball Fields 4 13,618 7,764 75

Softball Fields 7 7,782 10,870 31

Football Fields 2 27,236 54,349 28

Soccer Fields 2 27,236 13,587 74

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 4 13,618 9,058 76

Tennis Courts 14 3,891 5,435 26

Volleyball Courts 5 10,894 36,232 9

Picnic Shelters 13 4,190 5,435 26

Playgrounds 11 4,952 6,794 31

Swimming Pools 3 18,157 54,349 13

Trails Miles (all types) 20 2,793 3,045 34

A-42

Harnett County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 91,085 112,513 135,239 22,726 20.20 187 24 27

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 5,056 22 7 53

Local park Acres 1,333 84 276 6

Baseball Fields 11 10,228 7,764 64

Softball Fields 5 22,503 10,870 69

Football Fields 2 56,257 54,349 47

Soccer Fields 6 18,752 13,587 63

Multi-Purpose Fields 13 8,655 27,174 19

Basketball Courts 5 22,503 9,058 90

Tennis Courts 23 4,892 5,435 46

Volleyball Courts 2 56,257 36,232 64

Picnic Shelters 8 14,064 5,435 91

Playgrounds 9 12,501 6,794 88

Swimming Pools 1 112,513 54,349 59

Trails Miles (all types) 21 5,358 3,045 51

A-43

Haywood County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 54,033 57,974 61,874 3,900 06.73 104 45 51

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 164,213 7 12

Local park Acres 80 725 276 83

Baseball Fields N/A 7,764 92

Softball Fields 6 9,662 10,870 41

Football Fields 1 57,974 54,349 48

Soccer Fields 9 6,442 13,587 23

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 28,987 27,174 53

Basketball Courts 5 11,595 9,058 67

Tennis Courts 10 5,797 5,435 59

Volleyball Courts 4 14,494 36,232 19

Picnic Shelters 9 6,442 5,435 54

Playgrounds 8 7,247 6,794 54

Swimming Pools 3 19,325 54,349 17

Trails Miles (all types) 114 509 3,045 14

A-44

Henderson County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 89,193 107,582 125,966 18,384 17.09 287 26 15

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 27,028 4 7 40

Local park Acres 516 208 276 40

Baseball Fields 14 7,684 7,764 51

Softball Fields 5 21,516 10,870 68

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 4 26,896 13,587 73

Multi-Purpose Fields 3 35,861 27,174 58

Basketball Courts 8 13,448 9,058 75

Tennis Courts 16 6,724 5,435 71

Volleyball Courts 1 107,582 36,232 71

Picnic Shelters 14 7,684 5,435 66

Playgrounds 11 9,780 6,794 73

Swimming Pools 1 107,582 54,349 57

Trails Miles (all types) 75 1,440 3,045 26

A-45

Hertford County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 22,977 23,730 23,237 - 493 -02.08 66 76 69

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 284 84 7 69

Local park Acres 88 270 276 53

Baseball Fields 2 11,865 7,764 69

Softball Fields 1 23,730 10,870 72

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 11,865 27,174 28

Basketball Courts 3 7,910 9,058 34

Tennis Courts 2 11,865 5,435 88

Volleyball Courts 2 11,865 36,232 14

Picnic Shelters 3 7,910 5,435 69

Playgrounds 5 4,746 6,794 29

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 4 5,519 3,045 53

A-46

Hoke County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 33,650 47,096 61,890 14,794 31.41 120 53 45

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,188 40 7 62

Local park Acres 110 428 276 73

Baseball Fields 16 2,944 7,764 11

Softball Fields 20 2,355 10,870 2

Football Fields 6 7,849 54,349 5

Soccer Fields 8 5,887 13,587 19

Multi-Purpose Fields 9 5,233 27,174 10

Basketball Courts 2 23,548 9,058 92

Tennis Courts 4 11,774 5,435 87

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 6 7,849 5,435 67

Playgrounds 4 11,774 6,794 85

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 4 11,774 3,045 77

A-47

Hyde County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 5,826 5,281 4,795 - 486 -09.20 4 99 100

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 173,217 7 1

Local park Acres 11 480 276 74

Baseball Fields 1 5,281 7,764 33

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 5,281 9,058 12

Tennis Courts 5,435 99

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 1 5,281 5,435 44

Playgrounds 2 2,641 6,794 7

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 3 1,886 3,045 28

A-48

Iredell County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 122,660 162,353 203,702 41,349 25.47 272 14 17

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,657 98 7 73

Local park Acres 800 203 276 36

Baseball Fields 45 3,608 7,764 19

Softball Fields 26 6,244 10,870 16

Football Fields 3 54,118 54,349 45

Soccer Fields 44 3,690 13,587 6

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 162,353 27,174 70

Basketball Courts 23 7,059 9,058 26

Tennis Courts 19 8,545 5,435 79

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 31 5,237 5,435 43

Playgrounds 30 5,412 6,794 34

Swimming Pools 2 81,177 54,349 54

Trails Miles (all types) 19 8,776 3,045 67

A-49

Jackson County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 33,121 38,055 41,422 3,367 08.85 77 64 62

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 82,375 7 13

Local park Acres 207 184 276 30

Baseball Fields 4 9,514 7,764 62

Softball Fields 5 7,611 10,870 29

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 8 4,757 13,587 11

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 38,055 27,174 60

Basketball Courts 5 7,611 9,058 31

Tennis Courts 6 6,343 5,435 65

Volleyball Courts 3 12,685 36,232 16

Picnic Shelters 16 2,378 5,435 5

Playgrounds 9 4,228 6,794 21

Swimming Pools 3 12,685 54,349 7

Trails Miles (all types) 98 387 3,045 10

A-50

Johnston County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 121,900 171,548 225,194 53,646 31.27 216 13 22

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,217 141 7 80

Local park Acres 342 502 276 79

Baseball Fields 16 10,722 7,764 66

Softball Fields 6 28,591 10,870 76

Football Fields 2 85,774 54,349 58

Soccer Fields 7 24,507 13,587 70

Multi-Purpose Fields 10 17,155 27,174 36

Basketball Courts 9 19,061 9,058 84

Tennis Courts 21 8,169 5,435 78

Volleyball Courts 6 28,591 36,232 38

Picnic Shelters 23 7,459 5,435 64

Playgrounds 21 8,169 6,794 62

Swimming Pools 1 171,548 54,349 63

Trails Miles (all types) 24 7,208 3,045 58

A-51

Jones County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 10,398 10,405 10,362 - 43 -00.41 22 97 98

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 48,551 7 5

Local park Acres 7 1,486 276 91

Baseball Fields N/A 7,764 92

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 10,405 27,174 25

Basketball Courts 1 10,405 9,058 60

Tennis Courts 5,435 99

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 1 10,405 5,435 77

Playgrounds 1 10,405 6,794 75

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 1 10,405 3,045 73

A-52

Lee County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 49,170 59,358 70,107 10,749 18.11 229 44 21

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 544 109 7 75

Local park Acres 314 189 276 33

Baseball Fields 12 4,947 7,764 30

Softball Fields 8 7,420 10,870 26

Football Fields 2 29,679 54,349 30

Soccer Fields 2 29,679 13,587 75

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 59,358 27,174 62

Basketball Courts 6 9,893 9,058 57

Tennis Courts 10 5,936 5,435 62

Volleyball Courts 1 59,358 36,232 66

Picnic Shelters 6 9,893 5,435 76

Playgrounds 8 7,420 6,794 55

Swimming Pools 3 19,786 54,349 18

Trails Miles (all types) 11 5,396 3,045 52

A-53

Lenoir County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 59,619 57,071 54,424 -2,647 -04.64 142 47 39

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 632 90 7 71

Local park Acres 308 185 276 31

Baseball Fields 17 3,357 7,764 16

Softball Fields 9 6,341 10,870 18

Football Fields 4 14,268 54,349 14

Soccer Fields 6 9,512 13,587 39

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 8 7,134 9,058 27

Tennis Courts 23 2,481 5,435 8

Volleyball Courts 1 57,071 36,232 65

Picnic Shelters 7 8,153 5,435 72

Playgrounds 9 6,341 6,794 49

Swimming Pools 3 19,024 54,349 16

Trails Miles (all types) 2 25,941 3,045 88

A-54

Lincoln County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 63,780 76,737 89,609 12,872 16.77 250 35 19

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres N/A 7 91

Local park Acres 194 396 276 71

Baseball Fields 2 38,369 7,764 89

Softball Fields 3 25,579 10,870 74

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 2 38,369 13,587 78

Multi-Purpose Fields 4 19,184 27,174 42

Basketball Courts 1 76,737 9,058 96

Tennis Courts 2 38,369 5,435 98

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 2 38,369 5,435 97

Playgrounds 4 19,184 6,794 93

Swimming Pools 1 76,737 54,349 52

Trails Miles (all types) 3 28,421 3,045 89

A-55

Macon County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 42,151 44,911 47,390 2,479 05.52 101 58 53

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 159,558 7 7

Local park Acres 169 266 276 52

Baseball Fields 6 7,485 7,764 50

Softball Fields 1 44,911 10,870 84

Football Fields 1 44,911 54,349 41

Soccer Fields 9 4,990 13,587 13

Multi-Purpose Fields 17 2,642 27,174 3

Basketball Courts 6 7,485 9,058 29

Tennis Courts 10 4,491 5,435 40

Volleyball Courts 4 11,228 36,232 11

Picnic Shelters 8 5,614 5,435 47

Playgrounds 5 8,982 6,794 69

Swimming Pools 2 22,456 54,349 23

Trails Miles (all types) 236 190 3,045 4

A-56

Madison County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 29,806 35,208 40,521 5,313 15.09 68 68 67

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 55,539 1 7 19

Local park Acres 26 1,354 276 89

Baseball Fields 2 17,604 7,764 79

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 35,208 27,174 57

Basketball Courts 3 11,736 9,058 69

Tennis Courts 7 5,030 5,435 48

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 3 11,736 5,435 87

Playgrounds 2 17,604 6,794 91

Swimming Pools 2 17,604 54,349 12

Trails Miles (all types) 126 279 3,045 7

A-57

Martin County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 19,635 20,868 21,949 1,081 05.18 46 81 85

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 10,510 2 7 32

Local park Acres 84 248 276 49

Baseball Fields 10 2,087 7,764 4

Softball Fields 6 3,478 10,870 3

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 4 5,217 13,587 15

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 3 6,956 9,058 24

Tennis Courts 15 1,391 5,435 1

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 2 10,434 5,435 78

Playgrounds 8 2,609 6,794 5

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 1 20,868 3,045 85

A-58

McDowell County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 25,546 23,347 21,306 -2,041 -08.74 51 78 78

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 71,126 7 10

Local park Acres 114 205 276 37

Baseball Fields 12 1,946 7,764 2

Softball Fields 3 7,782 10,870 32

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 8 2,918 13,587 4

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 2 11,674 9,058 68

Tennis Courts 7 3,335 5,435 21

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 4 5,837 5,435 49

Playgrounds 2 11,674 6,794 83

Swimming Pools 3 7,782 54,349 2

Trails Miles (all types) 58 404 3,045 11

A-59

Mecklenburg County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 695,370 936,874 1,189,273 252,399 26.94 716 1 1

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 10,824 87 7 70

Local park Acres 19,089 49 276 2

Baseball Fields 69 13,578 7,764 74

Softball Fields 97 9,659 10,870 40

Football Fields 6 156,146 54,349 67

Soccer Fields 71 13,195 13,587 53

Multi-Purpose Fields 34 27,555 27,174 51

Basketball Courts 117 8,008 9,058 36

Tennis Courts 150 6,246 5,435 64

Volleyball Courts 40 23,422 36,232 33

Picnic Shelters 139 6,740 5,435 57

Playgrounds 125 7,495 6,794 56

Swimming Pools 3 312,291 54,349 65

Trails Miles (all types) 117 8,021 3,045 63

A-60

Mitchell County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 15,687 15,975 16,250 275 01.72 72 87 65

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 19,658 1 7 21

Local park Acres 33 484 276 75

Baseball Fields 6 2,663 7,764 9

Softball Fields 1 15,975 10,870 59

Football Fields 2 7,988 54,349 6

Soccer Fields 3 5,325 13,587 16

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 9 1,775 9,058 2

Tennis Courts 2 7,988 5,435 76

Volleyball Courts 1 15,975 36,232 23

Picnic Shelters 9 1,775 5,435 3

Playgrounds 4 3,994 6,794 19

Swimming Pools 1 15,975 54,349 11

Trails Miles (all types) 52 307 3,045 9

A-61

Montgomery County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 26,827 27,941 29,189 1,248 04.47 56 72 76

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 40,282 1 7 20

Local park Acres 82 341 276 63

Baseball Fields 3 9,314 7,764 59

Softball Fields 2 13,971 10,870 56

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 4 6,985 9,058 25

Tennis Courts 9 3,105 5,435 20

Volleyball Courts 3 9,314 36,232 8

Picnic Shelters 4 6,985 5,435 59

Playgrounds 5 5,588 6,794 39

Swimming Pools 2 13,971 54,349 8

Trails Miles (all types) 62 454 3,045 13

A-62

Moore County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 74,768 87,915 100,874 12,959 14.74 125 32 43

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 6,472 14 7 51

Local park Acres 779 113 276 12

Baseball Fields 6 14,653 7,764 76

Softball Fields 2 43,958 10,870 83

Football Fields 1 87,915 54,349 59

Soccer Fields 6 14,653 13,587 59

Multi-Purpose Fields 4 21,979 27,174 46

Basketball Courts 13 6,763 9,058 23

Tennis Courts 12 7,326 5,435 75

Volleyball Courts 4 21,979 36,232 28

Picnic Shelters 15 5,861 5,435 50

Playgrounds 19 4,627 6,794 24

Swimming Pools 1 87,915 54,349 55

Trails Miles (all types) 29 2,990 3,045 36

A-63

Nash County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 87,385 95,306 103,123 7,817 08.20 176 29 29

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres N/A 7 91

Local park Acres 518 184 276 30

Baseball Fields 17 5,606 7,764 36

Softball Fields 13 7,331 10,870 25

Football Fields 1 95,306 54,349 60

Soccer Fields 4 23,827 13,587 69

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 20 4,765 9,058 9

Tennis Courts 44 2,166 5,435 4

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 27 3,530 5,435 22

Playgrounds 35 2,723 6,794 8

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 3 31,769 3,045 90

A-64

New Hanover County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 160,327 202,411 242,460 40,049 19.79 617 10 6

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 7,705 26 7 56

Local park Acres 1,642 123 276 14

Baseball Fields 42 4,819 7,764 29

Softball Fields 16 12,651 10,870 52

Football Fields 6 33,735 54,349 33

Soccer Fields 36 5,623 13,587 18

Multi-Purpose Fields 12 16,868 27,174 34

Basketball Courts 19 10,653 9,058 62

Tennis Courts 68 2,977 5,435 18

Volleyball Courts 4 50,603 36,232 60

Picnic Shelters 41 4,937 5,435 37

Playgrounds 37 5,471 6,794 37

Swimming Pools 3 67,470 54,349 47

Trails Miles (all types) 165 1,230 3,045 24

A-65

Northampton County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 22,086 21,045 20,198 - 847 -04.02 38 80 88

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 597 35 7 59

Local park Acres 20 1,052 276 86

Baseball Fields 1 21,045 7,764 84

Softball Fields 2 10,523 10,870 43

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 1 21,045 13,587 65

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 21,045 9,058 88

Tennis Courts 1 21,045 5,435 92

Volleyball Courts 1 21,045 36,232 27

Picnic Shelters 2 10,523 5,435 79

Playgrounds 2 10,523 6,794 77

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 105,225 3,045 96

A-66

Onslow County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 150,355 174,731 183,501 8,770 05.02 192 12 26

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 5,864 30 7 57

Local park Acres 1,279 137 276 19

Baseball Fields 30 5,824 7,764 37

Softball Fields 18 9,707 10,870 42

Football Fields 3 58,244 54,349 49

Soccer Fields 17 10,278 13,587 42

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 87,366 27,174 65

Basketball Courts 20 8,737 9,058 45

Tennis Courts 25 6,989 5,435 73

Volleyball Courts 12 14,561 36,232 20

Picnic Shelters 26 6,720 5,435 56

Playgrounds 21 8,321 6,794 64

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 31 5,600 3,045 54

A-67

Orange County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 115,531 131,797 145,119 13,322 10.11 329 22 13

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 3,465 38 7 61

Local park Acres 1,046 126 276 15

Baseball Fields 11 11,982 7,764 70

Softball Fields 11 11,982 10,870 48

Football Fields 1 131,797 54,349 63

Soccer Fields 12 10,983 13,587 45

Multi-Purpose Fields 4 32,949 27,174 55

Basketball Courts 13 10,138 9,058 59

Tennis Courts 31 4,252 5,435 34

Volleyball Courts 3 43,932 36,232 52

Picnic Shelters 18 7,322 5,435 62

Playgrounds 22 5,991 6,794 45

Swimming Pools 3 43,932 54,349 40

Trails Miles (all types) 46 2,884 3,045 35

A-68

Pamlico County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 12,934 12,964 12,933 - 31 -00.24 23 92 96

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 5,381 2 7 34

Local park Acres 105 123 276 14

Baseball Fields 2 6,482 7,764 46

Softball Fields 1 12,964 10,870 54

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 2 6,482 13,587 24

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 6,482 27,174 16

Basketball Courts 1 12,964 9,058 72

Tennis Courts 3 4,321 5,435 37

Volleyball Courts 2 6,482 36,232 3

Picnic Shelters 6 2,161 5,435 4

Playgrounds 4 3,241 6,794 12

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 1 12,964 3,045 81

A-69

Pasquotank County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 34,897 43,317 50,895 7,578 17.49 150 60 35

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 4,391 10 7 47

Local park Acres 338 128 276 16

Baseball Fields 8 5,415 7,764 34

Softball Fields 6 7,220 10,870 24

Football Fields 1 43,317 54,349 39

Soccer Fields 7 6,188 13,587 21

Multi-Purpose Fields 5 8,663 27,174 20

Basketball Courts 6 7,220 9,058 28

Tennis Courts 18 2,407 5,435 6

Volleyball Courts 6 7,220 36,232 5

Picnic Shelters 7 6,188 5,435 52

Playgrounds 10 4,332 6,794 22

Swimming Pools 1 43,317 54,349 38

Trails Miles (all types) 22 2,005 3,045 29

A-70

Pender County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 41,082 54,764 67,889 13,125 23.97 59 49 73

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 98,389 1 7 15

Local park Acres 131 418 276 72

Baseball Fields 3 18,255 7,764 80

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts N/A 9,058 97

Tennis Courts 2 27,382 5,435 95

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 2 27,382 5,435 96

Playgrounds 1 54,764 6,794 99

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 2 23,810 3,045 87

A-71

Perquimans County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 11,368 13,445 15,253 1,808 13.45 41 90 87

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 51 264 7 83

Local park Acres 19 708 276 81

Baseball Fields 1 13,445 7,764 73

Softball Fields 2 6,723 10,870 20

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 1 13,445 13,587 54

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 13,445 9,058 74

Tennis Courts 2 6,723 5,435 70

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 1 13,445 5,435 90

Playgrounds 2 6,723 6,794 52

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) N/A 3,045 97

A-72

Person County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 35,623 38,357 41,191 2,834 07.39 95 63 56

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres N/A 7 91

Local park Acres 185 207 276 39

Baseball Fields 6 6,393 7,764 43

Softball Fields 8 4,795 10,870 11

Football Fields 3 12,786 54,349 10

Soccer Fields 1 38,357 13,587 77

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 38,357 27,174 61

Basketball Courts 1 38,357 9,058 93

Tennis Courts 8 4,795 5,435 45

Volleyball Courts 3 12,786 36,232 17

Picnic Shelters 13 2,951 5,435 16

Playgrounds 11 3,487 6,794 14

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 6 6,393 3,045 55

A-73

Pitt County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 133,719 160,133 186,271 26,138 16.32 244 15 20

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres N/A 7 91

Local park Acres 1,221 131 276 18

Baseball Fields 17 9,420 7,764 60

Softball Fields 13 12,318 10,870 50

Football Fields 1 160,133 54,349 68

Soccer Fields 7 22,876 13,587 67

Multi-Purpose Fields 9 17,793 27,174 38

Basketball Courts 12 13,344 9,058 73

Tennis Courts 41 3,906 5,435 27

Volleyball Courts 3 53,378 36,232 62

Picnic Shelters 32 5,004 5,435 39

Playgrounds 27 5,931 6,794 44

Swimming Pools 2 80,067 54,349 53

Trails Miles (all types) 13 12,609 3,045 79

A-74

Polk County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 18,324 19,169 20,273 1,104 05.76 80 84 61

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 11,886 2 7 31

Local park Acres 50 383 276 70

Baseball Fields 3 6,390 7,764 42

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 2 9,585 13,587 40

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 9,585 27,174 22

Basketball Courts 1 19,169 9,058 85

Tennis Courts 4 4,792 5,435 44

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 5 3,834 5,435 24

Playgrounds 1 19,169 6,794 92

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 2 9,585 3,045 71

A-75

Randolph County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 130,471 142,620 155,057 12,437 08.72 181 19 28

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 16,094 9 7 46

Local park Acres 1,952 73 276 5

Baseball Fields 15 9,508 7,764 61

Softball Fields 4 35,655 10,870 80

Football Fields 2 71,310 54,349 54

Soccer Fields 1 142,620 13,587 82

Multi-Purpose Fields 9 15,847 27,174 32

Basketball Courts 12 11,885 9,058 70

Tennis Courts 25 5,705 5,435 56

Volleyball Courts 3 47,540 36,232 58

Picnic Shelters 28 5,094 5,435 40

Playgrounds 18 7,923 6,794 61

Swimming Pools 2 71,310 54,349 50

Trails Miles (all types) 18 8,103 3,045 65

A-76

Richmond County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 46,557 46,928 46,776 - 152 -00.32 98 54 55

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 34,942 1 7 27

Local park Acres 52 902 276 84

Baseball Fields 6 7,821 7,764 52

Softball Fields 3 15,643 10,870 58

Football Fields 1 46,928 54,349 44

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 5 9,386 9,058 52

Tennis Courts 8 5,866 5,435 61

Volleyball Courts 1 46,928 36,232 57

Picnic Shelters 15 3,129 5,435 18

Playgrounds 6 7,821 6,794 59

Swimming Pools 2 23,464 54,349 26

Trails Miles (all types) 23 2,086 3,045 31

A-77

Robeson County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 123,241 131,953 139,245 7,292 05.53 139 21 40

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 5,884 22 7 55

Local park Acres 708 186 276 32

Baseball Fields 29 4,550 7,764 27

Softball Fields 16 8,247 10,870 34

Football Fields 17 7,762 54,349 4

Soccer Fields 12 10,996 13,587 46

Multi-Purpose Fields 26 5,075 27,174 9

Basketball Courts 21 6,284 9,058 20

Tennis Courts 19 6,945 5,435 72

Volleyball Courts 5 26,391 36,232 37

Picnic Shelters 28 4,713 5,435 34

Playgrounds 35 3,770 6,794 17

Swimming Pools 1 131,953 54,349 61

Trails Miles (all types) 13 9,921 3,045 72

A-78

Rockingham County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 91,928 91,485 90,830 - 655 -00.72 160 30 34

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,885 49 7 65

Local park Acres 1,016 90 276 8

Baseball Fields 15 6,099 7,764 39

Softball Fields 10 9,149 10,870 37

Football Fields 2 45,743 54,349 42

Soccer Fields 4 22,871 13,587 66

Multi-Purpose Fields 4 22,871 27,174 48

Basketball Courts 18 5,083 9,058 10

Tennis Courts 23 3,978 5,435 28

Volleyball Courts 2 45,743 36,232 54

Picnic Shelters 25 3,659 5,435 23

Playgrounds 23 3,978 6,794 18

Swimming Pools 1 91,485 54,349 56

Trails Miles (all types) 11 8,317 3,045 66

A-79

Rowan County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 130,340 139,176 149,285 10,109 07.26 266 20 18

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,140 122 7 76

Local park Acres 1,415 98 276 9

Baseball Fields 8 17,397 7,764 78

Softball Fields 7 19,882 10,870 65

Football Fields 1 139,176 54,349 65

Soccer Fields 7 19,882 13,587 64

Multi-Purpose Fields 15 9,278 27,174 21

Basketball Courts 17 8,187 9,058 38

Tennis Courts 21 6,627 5,435 69

Volleyball Courts 3 46,392 36,232 55

Picnic Shelters 41 3,395 5,435 20

Playgrounds 25 5,567 6,794 38

Swimming Pools 3 46,392 54,349 41

Trails Miles (all types) 18 7,953 3,045 62

A-80

Rutherford County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 62,901 62,843 62,696 - 147 -00.23 111 41 48

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 18,225 3 7 38

Local park Acres 326 193 276 34

Baseball Fields 14 4,489 7,764 26

Softball Fields 9 6,983 10,870 21

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 1 62,843 13,587 81

Multi-Purpose Fields 12 5,237 27,174 11

Basketball Courts 7 8,978 9,058 48

Tennis Courts 22 2,857 5,435 17

Volleyball Courts 1 62,843 36,232 67

Picnic Shelters 18 3,491 5,435 21

Playgrounds 11 5,713 6,794 42

Swimming Pools 2 31,422 54,349 32

Trails Miles (all types) 1 48,341 3,045 94

A-81

Sampson County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 60,161 66,320 73,080 6,760 10.19 70 38 66

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 178 373 7 85

Local park Acres 178 373 276 68

Baseball Fields 34 1,951 7,764 3

Softball Fields 18 3,684 10,870 4

Football Fields 61 1,087 54,349 1

Soccer Fields 9 7,369 13,587 28

Multi-Purpose Fields 18 3,684 27,174 7

Basketball Courts 7 9,474 9,058 54

Tennis Courts 12 5,527 5,435 54

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 14 4,737 5,435 35

Playgrounds 13 5,102 6,794 32

Swimming Pools 1 66,320 54,349 46

Trails Miles (all types) 4 16,580 3,045 84

A-82

Scotland County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 35,998 37,045 36,917 - 128 -00.35 115 66 46

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 24,150 2 7 30

Local park Acres 155 239 276 46

Baseball Fields 17 2,179 7,764 5

Softball Fields 10 3,705 10,870 5

Football Fields 1 37,045 54,349 36

Soccer Fields 5 7,409 13,587 29

Multi-Purpose Fields 19 1,950 27,174 2

Basketball Courts 6 6,174 9,058 18

Tennis Courts 14 2,646 5,435 13

Volleyball Courts 2 18,523 36,232 25

Picnic Shelters 11 3,368 5,435 19

Playgrounds 10 3,705 6,794 16

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 4 9,261 3,045 70

A-83

Stanly County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 58,100 59,569 61,079 1,510 02.53 147 43 36

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 4,467 13 7 50

Local park Acres 375 159 276 25

Baseball Fields 2 29,785 7,764 87

Softball Fields 2 29,785 10,870 78

Football Fields 8 7,446 54,349 3

Soccer Fields 13 4,582 13,587 10

Multi-Purpose Fields 3 19,856 27,174 44

Basketball Courts 3 19,856 9,058 87

Tennis Courts 24 2,482 5,435 9

Volleyball Courts 7 8,510 36,232 6

Picnic Shelters 7 8,510 5,435 73

Playgrounds 30 1,986 6,794 2

Swimming Pools 3 19,856 54,349 20

Trails Miles (all types) 20 3,055 3,045 38

A-84

Stokes County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 44,711 46,759 48,538 1,779 03.80 103 55 52

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 6,355 7 7 44

Local park Acres 208 225 276 43

Baseball Fields 7 6,680 7,764 47

Softball Fields 5 9,352 10,870 39

Football Fields 1 46,759 54,349 43

Soccer Fields 4 11,690 13,587 49

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 23,380 27,174 49

Basketball Courts N/A 9,058 97

Tennis Courts 2 23,380 5,435 94

Volleyball Courts 2 23,380 36,232 32

Picnic Shelters 11 4,251 5,435 28

Playgrounds 4 11,690 6,794 84

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 18 2,583 3,045 32

A-85

Surry County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 71,209 74,086 76,747 2,661 03.59 138 36 41

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 6,336 12 7 49

Local park Acres 430 172 276 27

Baseball Fields 25 2,963 7,764 12

Softball Fields 8 9,261 10,870 38

Football Fields 2 37,043 54,349 35

Soccer Fields 11 6,735 13,587 26

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 37,043 27,174 59

Basketball Courts 13 5,699 9,058 14

Tennis Courts 8 9,261 5,435 81

Volleyball Courts 6 12,348 36,232 15

Picnic Shelters 16 4,630 5,435 31

Playgrounds 6 12,348 6,794 86

Swimming Pools 4 18,522 54,349 15

Trails Miles (all types) 18 4,116 3,045 42

A-86

Swain County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 12,973 14,387 15,932 1,545 10.74 27 89 94

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 245,152 7 3

Local park Acres 92 156 276 23

Baseball Fields 3 4,796 7,764 28

Softball Fields 3 4,796 10,870 12

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields 1 14,387 13,587 56

Multi-Purpose Fields 1 14,387 27,174 29

Basketball Courts 5 2,877 9,058 5

Tennis Courts 4 3,597 5,435 22

Volleyball Courts 2 7,194 36,232 4

Picnic Shelters 6 2,398 5,435 6

Playgrounds 4 3,597 6,794 15

Swimming Pools 2 7,194 54,349 1

Trails Miles (all types) 20 719 3,045 17

A-87

Transylvania County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 29,334 31,572 33,130 1,558 04.93 83 70 59

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 105,816 7 8

Local park Acres 85 371 276 66

Baseball Fields 3 10,524 7,764 65

Softball Fields 5 6,314 10,870 17

Football Fields 1 31,572 54,349 31

Soccer Fields 7 4,510 13,587 9

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 6 5,262 9,058 11

Tennis Courts 3 10,524 5,435 84

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 4 7,893 5,435 68

Playgrounds 5 6,314 6,794 48

Swimming Pools 2 15,786 54,349 10

Trails Miles (all types) 234 135 3,045 3

A-88

Tyrrell County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 4,149 4,326 4,292 - 34 -00.79 7 100 99

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 86,735 7 2

Local park Acres 2 2,163 276 95

Baseball Fields N/A 7,764 92

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 4,326 9,058 8

Tennis Courts 2 2,163 5,435 3

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters N/A 5,435 98

Playgrounds 2 2,163 6,794 3

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 6 746 3,045 19

A-89

Union County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 123,772 207,738 295,192 87,454 42.10 325 8 14

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 152 1,367 7 87

Local park Acres 1,869 111 276 11

Baseball Fields 8 25,967 7,764 86

Softball Fields 10 20,774 10,870 67

Football Fields 2 103,869 54,349 61

Soccer Fields 14 14,838 13,587 60

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 103,869 27,174 67

Basketball Courts 13 15,980 9,058 79

Tennis Courts 17 12,220 5,435 89

Volleyball Courts 5 41,548 36,232 49

Picnic Shelters 19 10,934 5,435 83

Playgrounds 16 12,984 6,794 90

Swimming Pools 3 69,246 54,349 49

Trails Miles (all types) 18 11,737 3,045 76

A-90

Vance County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 42,954 43,706 44,659 953 02.18 162 59 32

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 3,071 14 7 52

Local park Acres 212 206 276 38

Baseball Fields N/A 7,764 92

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields 1 43,706 54,349 40

Soccer Fields 3 14,569 13,587 58

Multi-Purpose Fields 12 3,642 27,174 6

Basketball Courts 3 14,569 9,058 78

Tennis Courts 10 4,371 5,435 38

Volleyball Courts 1 43,706 36,232 51

Picnic Shelters 3 14,569 5,435 92

Playgrounds 5 8,741 6,794 66

Swimming Pools 1 43,706 54,349 39

Trails Miles (all types) 6 7,284 3,045 59

A-91

Wake County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 627,846 920,298 1,230,382 310,084 33.69 074 2 2

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 9,471 97 7 72

Local park Acres 13,665 67 276 3

Baseball Fields 129 7,134 7,764 48

Softball Fields 81 11,362 10,870 45

Football Fields 6 153,383 54,349 66

Soccer Fields 91 10,113 13,587 41

Multi-Purpose Fields 54 17,043 27,174 35

Basketball Courts 95 9,687 9,058 55

Tennis Courts 219 4,202 5,435 32

Volleyball Courts 35 26,294 36,232 36

Picnic Shelters 174 5,289 5,435 45

Playgrounds 169 5,446 6,794 36

Swimming Pools 7 131,471 54,349 60

Trails Miles (all types) 223 4,125 3,045 43

A-92

Warren County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 19,972 19,832 19,751 - 81 -00.41 45 82 86

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 369 54 7 66

Local park Acres 31 640 276 80

Baseball Fields 4 4,958 7,764 31

Softball Fields N/A 10,870 87

Football Fields 1 19,832 54,349 22

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 2 9,916 9,058 58

Tennis Courts 3 6,611 5,435 68

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 12 1,653 5,435 2

Playgrounds 2 9,916 6,794 74

Swimming Pools 1 19,832 54,349 19

Trails Miles (all types) 2 9,015 3,045 69

A-93

Washington County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 13,723 13,055 12,306 - 749 -05.74 31 91 92

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 39,070 7 10

Local park Acres 12 1,088 276 87

Baseball Fields 4 3,264 7,764 15

Softball Fields 6 2,176 10,870 1

Football Fields 1 13,055 54,349 13

Soccer Fields 9 1,451 13,587 2

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 10 1,306 9,058 1

Tennis Courts 2 6,528 5,435 67

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 8 1,632 5,435 1

Playgrounds 5 2,611 6,794 6

Swimming Pools N/A 54,349 66

Trails Miles (all types) 12 1,116 3,045 21

A-94

Watauga County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 42,693 45,686 47,796 2,110 04.62 146 57 37

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 12,246 4 7 39

Local park Acres 139 329 276 60

Baseball Fields 11 4,153 7,764 24

Softball Fields 6 7,614 10,870 30

Football Fields 4 11,422 54,349 8

Soccer Fields 36 1,269 13,587 1

Multi-Purpose Fields 26 1,757 27,174 1

Basketball Courts 4 11,422 9,058 65

Tennis Courts 17 2,687 5,435 14

Volleyball Courts 1 45,686 36,232 53

Picnic Shelters 18 2,538 5,435 10

Playgrounds 15 3,046 6,794 11

Swimming Pools 2 22,843 54,349 25

Trails Miles (all types) 75 611 3,045 16

A-95

Wayne County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 113,329 116,386 120,056 3,670 03.15 209 23 24

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 934 125 7 77

Local park Acres 414 281 276 56

Baseball Fields 7 16,627 7,764 79

Softball Fields 7 16,627 10,870 61

Football Fields 3 38,795 54,349 38

Soccer Fields 2 58,193 13,587 79

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 14 8,313 9,058 41

Tennis Courts 20 5,819 5,435 60

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 16 7,274 5,435 61

Playgrounds 14 8,313 6,794 63

Swimming Pools 2 58,193 54,349 45

Trails Miles (all types) 4 32,329 3,045 91

A-96

Wilkes County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 65,636 67,670 69,152 1,482 02.19 89 37 57

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 30,803 2 7 33

Local park Acres 371 182 276 28

Baseball Fields 19 3,562 7,764 18

Softball Fields 5 13,534 10,870 55

Football Fields 2 33,835 54,349 34

Soccer Fields 14 4,834 13,587 12

Multi-Purpose Fields 2 33,835 27,174 56

Basketball Courts 9 7,519 9,058 30

Tennis Courts 18 3,759 5,435 24

Volleyball Courts 3 22,557 36,232 31

Picnic Shelters 28 2,417 5,435 7

Playgrounds 15 4,511 6,794 23

Swimming Pools 3 22,557 54,349 24

Trails Miles (all types) 56 1,206 3,045 23

A-97

Wilson County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 73,811 79,717 85,443 5,726 07.18 213 34 23

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 1,076 74 7 68

Local park Acres 553 144 276 21

Baseball Fields 7 11,388 7,764 68

Softball Fields 7 11,388 10,870 46

Football Fields 3 26,572 54,349 26

Soccer Fields 12 6,643 13,587 25

Multi-Purpose Fields 8 9,965 27,174 24

Basketball Courts 12 6,643 9,058 22

Tennis Courts 20 3,986 5,435 29

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 12 6,643 5,435 55

Playgrounds 27 2,952 6,794 9

Swimming Pools 3 26,572 54,349 30

Trails Miles (all types) 18 4,429 3,045 45

A-98

Yadkin County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 36,351 38,576 40,929 2,353 06.10 114 62 47

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 393 98 7 74

Local park Acres 212 182 276 28

Baseball Fields 3 12,859 7,764 72

Softball Fields 2 19,288 10,870 64

Football Fields 1 38,576 54,349 37

Soccer Fields 5 7,715 13,587 31

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 38,576 9,058 94

Tennis Courts 7 5,511 5,435 53

Volleyball Courts 1 38,576 36,232 45

Picnic Shelters 3 12,859 5,435 89

Playgrounds 4 9,644 6,794 72

Swimming Pools 1 38,576 54,349 35

Trails Miles (all types) 5 7,715 3,045 61

A-99

Yancey County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density 17,774 19,005 19,948 943 04.96 61 85 72

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres 40,799 7 14

Local park Acres 17 1,118 276 88

Baseball Fields 1 19,005 7,764 82

Softball Fields 1 19,005 10,870 63

Football Fields N/A 54,349 70

Soccer Fields N/A 13,587 85

Multi-Purpose Fields N/A 27,174 71

Basketball Courts 1 19,005 9,058 83

Tennis Courts 1 19,005 5,435 91

Volleyball Courts N/A 36,232 72

Picnic Shelters 4 4,751 5,435 36

Playgrounds 2 9,503 6,794 71

Swimming Pools 2 9,503 54,349 4

Trails Miles (all types) 88 217 3,045 5

A-100

County

Population Growth and Density Population Population Population Growth Density State Ranking 2000 2010 2020 2010-2020 2010 pop. / 2010 2010 Actual Estimate Estimate Number Percent square mile Population Density

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory

County Residents per Unit in 2010 Type of Park Acreage or Outdoor Total State State Recreational Facility Number County Median Rank State & Federal Park Acres

Local park Acres

Baseball Fields

Softball Fields

Football Fields

Soccer Fields

Multi-Purpose Fields

Basketball Courts

Tennis Courts

Volleyball Courts

Picnic Shelters

Playgrounds

Swimming Pools

Trails Miles (all types)

A-101

APPENDIX B: METHODOLOGY

Participation in Outdoor Recreational Activities – In 2007, the Division of Parks and Recreation contracted with the US Forest Service Southeast Experiment Station to analyze the responses from North Carolinians to the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE). The NSRE is continues a series of national recreation participation surveys conducted about every five years since 1965. The current version was conducted from 2002-2007 via random-digit telephone dialing and includes over 90,000 responses across the United States. The report about recreation participation in North Carolina contains the results of over 3,000 responses from state residents. The data and analysis by research staff of the USFS Southeast Experiment Station represents the most statistically accurate information about recreation participation in North Carolina reported in a statewide recreation plan.

Population Growth and Density – The information about county population counts and estimates is taken from the North Carolina State Data Center’s web page. The county population figures for 2000, 2010, 2020 and 2010 are for April of those years. The population densities and growth are also from the State Data Center web pages. The state rankings are calculated using the information provided.

Public Recreational Acreage and Facility Inventory –The data collection process for local governments began with the results of the inventory of local governments conducted for the 2003-2008 SCORP. The Division of Parks and Recreation returned the results of that inventory to each of over 300 county and municipal governments via email in the Spring 2008 along with two follow-up requests to non-respondents. Each local government was asked to update inventory records to reflect the current recreational acreage and facilities that they managed for public recreation.

For state and federal agencies, the Division of Parks and Recreation used the data layers containing property boundaries supplied by each agency to the state’s geographic information system (GIS). The property information was compared to the county-boundary data layer to calculate the acreage by county for each agency.

Issues Related to Land and Water Conservation –The 2006 General Assembly established a Joint Legislative Commission on Land and Water Conservation to: • collect information about techniques and management tools to protect land and water resources, • recommend ways to address the funding needs, • and hold three public meetings across the state. The commission met five times and held three public meetings across the state and submitted its report in January 2007. The issues identified the commission are contained in Chapter 1 of this document. The results of the public meetings, attended by over 750 people including 189 people who spoke, are included in the commission’s report and are also presented in Appendix C.

B-1

Acknowledgements

Division of Parks and Recreation Lewis Ledford, Director Don Reuter, Assistant Director of Planning and Administration Carol Tingley, Chief, Regional Planning and Natural Resources Section Bayard Alcorn, Head, Grants and Special Studies Program / SCORP Project Manager Kim Huband, Park Planner John Poole, Grants Manager John Amoroso, GIS Consultant Marcia Lieber, Grants Analyst Ruth Sappie, Office Assistant Jane Strickland, Office Assistant John Amoroso, GIS Consultant

B-2

APPENDIX C

PUBLIC HEARINGS: • Asheville, NC • Greenville, NC • Greensboro, NC

The 2006 General Assembly established a Joint Legislative Commission on Land and Water Conservation to: • collect information about techniques and management tools to protect land and water resources, • recommend ways to address the funding needs, • and hold three public meetings across the state. • The commission met five times and held three public meetings across the state and submitted its report in January 2007. The results of the public meetings, attended by over 750 people including 189 people who spoke, were included in the report and are also presented in this appendix.

JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON

LAND & WATER

PUBLIC HEARING – ASHEVILLE

The Joint Legislative Study Commission on Land & Water Conservation met on Thursday, January 04, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at A. B. Tech. Community College in Asheville, NC. Members present were: Rep. Lucy Allen, Co-chair, Ms. Katherine Skinner, Mr. Richard Rogers, Senator Snow, Rep. Phil Haire, Mr. George Howard, Mr. Leonard, and newly elected Representative Charles Thomas of Buncombe County.

I. CALL TO ORDER :

Chairman Lucy Allen called the meeting to order and introduced Commission members. Rep. Haire and Sen. Snow (Western Delegation legislators) welcomed everyone and thanked them for the large turnout from the public and their interest in conservation. New representative Charlie Thomas, Buncombe County, introduced himself and made opening comments.

II. OVERVIEW OF THE REPORT

Ms. Cindy Avrette, staff counsel gave an overview of the Commission's meetings held in Raleigh and the report that was generated from these meetings

C-1 III. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Sixty-five people spoke. Approximately 280 people attended. Former Mayor of Asheville, Mr. Lou Bissor began the discussions and urged strong consideration of land preservation. Ms. Bellamy, Asheville's Mayor, spoke in support of the goals of the Commission. Speakers voiced the following thoughts and concerns:

• Population growth and private development pressures make the issue of land and water conservation very timely. • Adequately funded trust funds are important to land conservation. • Funding options should be broad-based because conservation benefits everyone. Funding options mentioned included extension of the graduated income tax, bonds, hotel tax, meals tax, impact taxes, tax on development, and a tax on second homes/luxury homes. • Preservation of working farms should be an important piece of land and water conservation. Farmland benefits not only conservation but also clean air and clean water. Several speakers supported conservation easements. Speakers who farmed voiced concern about the continuing profitability of farming and opposed any tax on water usage. • Land and water conservation are important for tourism and agribusiness. It is also important for quality of life in the mountains. • Realtors realize that preservation is necessary but spoke against an increase in the real estate excise tax or a statewide building permit fee. The speakers believe such taxes would increase the cost of homes and be an unreliable funding source. • Some speakers felt that one billon dollars is a 'good start' for land and water conservation. "Can’t fund conservation with a bake sale." The funding needs are urgent. • Revenue source should be permanent and on-going. • The farm community spoke against any changes to the present use value program. • Local participation is a must for a successful conservation program. Some speakers urged the Commission to realize that not all counties have the resources for conservation. • Several speakers commended the conservation trusts. The trusts provide consistency; enable greenways and establish partnerships for towns. • Farm land preservation is a must. The State must become creative. • Strong feelings expressed about preserving land for the next generation. • Water sheds need protection. • Forestry needs protection.

Commission members were pleased and overwhelmed at the support and attendance at this public hearing.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

C-2

JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON

LAND & WATER

PUBLIC HEARING – GREENVILLE, NC

The Joint Legislative Study Commission on Land & Water Conservation met on Monday January 08, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Pitt Community College in Greenville, NC. Legislative members present were: Senator Charlie Albertson, Rep. Lucy Allen, Co-chair, Rep. Wainwright, Ms. Katherine Skinner, Mr. George Howard, Mr. Larry Tombaugh. Reps. McLawhorn and Warren who represent this district were also present.

I. CALL TO ORDER :

Chairman Lucy Allen called the meeting to order and asked for a moment of silence in memory of Sen. Robert Holloman and Rep. Howard Hunter who passed away over the weekend. She welcomed everyone and thanked them for the large turnout from the public and their interest in conservation.

II. OVERVIEW OF THE REPORT

Ms. Cindy Avrette, staff counsel, gave an overview of the Commission's meetings held in Raleigh and the report that was generated from these meetings.

III. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There was an over whelming response and interest. Approximately 175 to 200 people attended and 45 people spoke. Speakers voiced the following thoughts and concerns: • Land and water conservation is an important investment in our State and its future. The State's conservation needs should be recognized, examined, and addressed. • Conservation necessary for recreational needs. Examples of conservation and recreation include the 'rail trails.' • State parks have been successful in conserving our State's natural beauty. • A key component of conservation programs must be the maintaining of open farm land. • Conservation of working lands is important because they continue to be part of the State's tax base and income growth.

C-3 • Conservation funding options must be friendly to farmers since farmland and farming is a key element to land and water conservation. The farming community supports term-limited conservation easements. • Farming community opposes any taxation of water usage. • Historic buildings need to be preserved. • Some speakers expressed concern over the counties' tax base. Encouraged working conservation lands. • Supportive of conservation programs and funding of the mountain to sea trail that DENR has put together. • Realtors opposed any increase in the deed stamp transfer tax; the higher the cost of new homes the less attractive they become • Support good development initiatives. Urban sprawl and development should be planned. • Recognition that waterfront development has economic repercussions and hampers public access to the waters. • Farmland preservation needs more resources. Farmland includes aquaculture fish farms. • Military bases need to be protected because of development around them. • Local government support necessary, but many local communities do not have the luxury of large tax bases. • Concern expressed over the loss of wetlands if a plan is not in place. • Everyone agrees that preservation is important but funding is the major issue; impact fees and landfill tipping fees are passed on to the consumers and the people at the bottom will be paying for this for about 30 years. • The farming community expressed concern that it was not adequately represented on the Commission. • Several speakers supported increased funding for the preservation of coastal habitats. • The State should put more of its conservation emphasis on farmland protection. • There should be a steady stream of funding for preservation in NC. • The benefits of conservation are shared and the financial burden should be shared as well. • Black Family Land Trust works with black family land owners. This effort should be continued and funded. • Term easements should be considered. • Funding now will save land for the future. • A stable funding source for agricultural use is necessary.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

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JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON

LAND & WATER

PUBLIC HEARING – GREENSBORO, NC

The Joint Legislative Study Commission on Land & Water Conservation met on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Greensboro, NC. Legislative members present were: Senator Charlie Albertson, Mr. Richard Rogers, Senator Snow, Mr. George Howard, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Larry Tombaugh, Mr. David Womack, Ms. Lisa Schneider, and Sec. Bill Ross. Rep. Laura Wiley and Sen. Kay Hagan, who represent this district, joined us.

I. CALL TO ORDER :

Chairman Albertson called the meeting to order. She welcomed everyone and thanked them for the large turnout from the public and their interest in conservation.

II. OVERVIEW OF THE REPORT

Mr. Canaan Huie, staff counsel gave an overview of the Commissions meetings held in Raleigh and the report that was generated from these meetings.

III. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There was an over whelming response and interest. More than 290 people attended the hearing and 79 people spoke. Speakers voiced the following thoughts and concerns: • Historic communities need to be preserved for generations to come. • Trust funds work well. • Land and water conservation is an important part of the public heath debate. Open lands provide more opportunities for recreational activity. Protecting our natural resources protects our human resources as well. • Need a funding proposal that is balanced and fair to the taxpayers. • Support for conserving land by encouraging people to continue farming the land. Support for the purchasing of development rights. • Realtors did not support an increase in the deed stamp tax. • The farming community opposed water usage fees and taxes. • Urge state agencies to cooperate to find ways to share costs. • Support for bond issues. Let the public decide. • Local and state governments need to partner.

C-5 • Support expressed for farmland mitigation. Encourage developers, farmers, and environmentalist to work together. • Support for direct funding for forestry. Attention should be given to working forests. • Support long term permanent sources of funds. Support occupancy tax, bond initiatives, transfer tax; landfill tipping fees. • Allow voters to make decision on how to get funds. • Trust funds do many good things. The trust funds need more resources. • Farmland preservation is a must. Support voluntary agricultural districts the purchase of farm land rights, and term easements. • Farmland Protection Fund should be funded with a stable and adequate source of revenue. • An increase in taxes that impact development are discriminatory towards homeowners and effect affordable housing. • Conservation needs are great; one billion dollars will not be enough. • Add one dollar to car licenses to go towards conservation needs. • Funding between trust funds should be equitable. • Be cautious on the amount of land purchased by the State as conservation land; finance efforts to support working lands. • Opposition expressed to extending the present use value rollback period. • Support occupancy taxes. • Consider expansion of income tax credit for land donations. • State needs to conserve lands now. The State will pay less to conserve lands now than if it waits. • Do not increase taxes on homes. • Impose tax on development.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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