This page left intentionally blank Division of Parks and Recreation NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Governor Roy Cooper Secretary Susi H. Hamilton To the Citizens of North Carolina: It is my pleasure to present the 2018 update for the North Carolina state parks system’s Systemwide Plan. This plan is a five-year guidance document that provides a record of recent activities and accomplishments and offers strategic direction for the future of North Carolina’s state parks. In 2016, North Carolina state parks celebrated its 100th anniversary with events at parks throughout the system. In addition, North Carolina voters overwhelmingly approved a $2 billion Connect NC Bond referendum on March 15, 2016 by a 2-to-1 margin. The bond package included $75 million for 45 state parks projects across the state. The parks system continues to grow and improve to provide North Carolina residents access to the natural beauties of this state. North Carolinians and visitors to our state have a deep commitment, passion and support for our park system as demonstrated by the record-breaking 19.4 million visitors in 2017. These visitors came to take in the natural beauty, participate in various outdoor recreational activities and learn more about the diversity of the state's abundant natural resources. Visitors participating in the programs offered at the parks leave with a better understanding of nature and its benefits on society. This document creates a vision and plan for meeting the needs of current visitors and those of the next generation of park users. The state parks system would not be what it is without the active participation, support, advocacy, and advice of park visitors, legislators, local governments, land trusts, friend’s groups, businesses, scientists, educators, environmentalists, and many other wonderful partners. Many improvements to the park system have been made, and they continue with new and improved camping facilities and visitor centers being built at many of our parks. North Carolinians and visitors to our park system look to us to set an example for natural resource protection, low-impact recreation and outdoor education. The dedicated state park staff are working to promote and integrate a “Park’s Educational Program for Elementary Students” so every upper elementary school student in North Carolina can have a meaningful experience in a state park. Naturalist David Polis is quoted “Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.” With children being raised in digital generation, creating and expanding opportunities for our children to experience the outdoors is vitally important. Through this experience, their interest in preserving the natural wonders of this state will become ingrained into their lives at an early age and remain as they mature into adulthood. An outdoor experience in one of North Carolinas state parks can be a life-changing experience, especially for our children. The Division of Parks and Recreation has the obligation and opportunity to create that experience. The agency continually strives to provide quality facilities, conserve our most special places and educate visitors about what makes this state great. We are committed to providing the best possible visitor experience and education to increase fiscal efficiency and to be a valuable partner in economic development efforts systemwide. We invite you to visit and enjoy your extraordinary state park system and experience the resources we are diligently working to preserve, protect and make available for the enjoyment of our visitors. Sincerely, Dwayne Patterson, Director NC Division of Parks and Recreation 1615 MSC - Raleigh, NC 27699-1615 919.707.9300 / ncparks.gov This page left intentionally blank TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... ES-1 CHAPTER ONE - ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2015- 2017 Establishing New Units ..................................................................................................................................... 1-1 Land Protection ................................................................................................................................................ 1-1 Attendance ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-5 Partnerships for Conservation Across North Carolina...................................................................................... 1-5 Capital Improvements ...................................................................................................................................... 1-6 Park Operation ................................................................................................................................................. 1-7 Concessions Growth ......................................................................................................................................... 1-8 Operating Contracts ......................................................................................................................................... 1-9 Natural and Cultural Resource Protection ..................................................................................................... 1-10 Interpretation and Education ......................................................................................................................... 1-13 Planning .......................................................................................................................................................... 1-15 State Trails Program ....................................................................................................................................... 1-15 Improving Customer Service, Communications, and Outreach ..................................................................... 1-18 State Park Online Retail Store ........................................................................................................................ 1-21 CHAPTER TWO - STATE OF THE SYSTEM System Units ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-1 Types of Units ................................................................................................................................................... 2-4 Visitation ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-5 Visitor Facilities ................................................................................................................................................. 2-7 Future Needs .................................................................................................................................................... 2-8 CHAPTER THREE - RESOURCE EVALUATION Evaluation ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-1 Archeological Theme Representation .............................................................................................................. 3-5 Geological Theme Representation ................................................................................................................... 3-8 Scenic Theme Representation ........................................................................................................................ 3-10 Biological Theme Representation................................................................................................................... 3-12 CHAPTER FOUR - TRENDS AFFECTING OUTDOOR RECREATION IN THE STATE PARKS SYSTEM Population Growth .......................................................................................................................................... 4-1 Longer, Healthier Lives .................................................................................................................................... 4-4 Preferences for Outdoor Recreation Activities ............................................................................................... 4-6 Implications of Demographic and Socioeconomic Trends ............................................................................ 4-13 i CHAPTER FIVE - STRATEGIC GOALS Our Mission ..................................................................................................................................................... 5-1 Long Term Vision .............................................................................................................................................. 5-1 Twenty-Five Years Ago ..................................................................................................................................... 5-2 Fifteen Years Ago .............................................................................................................................................. 5-2 Five Years Ago ..................................................................................................................................................