Legislative Archives - Land for Tomorrow

Representative Wray Receives Award as a Land and Water Champion

ROANOKE RAPIDS —The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition has recognized Representative Michael Wray as a 2024 North Carolina Land and Water Champion.

“Thank you, Representative Wray, for your leadership on conservation issues in our state,” said Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding, who chairs the Land for Tomorrow Coalition. Representative Wray played a critical role in the passage of legislation this summer to reinstate NC’s conservation tax credit. The legislation passed unanimously 104-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. The conservation tax credit is a time-limited state tax credit on the value of real estate donated to a qualified nonprofit or government entity for farmland preservation, public trails, fish and wildlife, and other conservation-related purposes.

Representative Wray also championed the Roanoke River State Trail designation in 2021. This paddle trail extends from Weldon to Albemarle Sound. As it meanders through North Carolina, the trail offers a unique wilderness experience plus opportunities to protect a vital water source for the coastal plain.

“The conservation tax credits are a powerful incentive for private landowners to conserve more farm and forest land and expand our state’s parks, trails, and wildlife areas,” said Redding. “Investing in places like the Roanoke River State Trail ensures that residents can enjoy and explore all North Carolina offers.”

Representative Wray is one of three state legislators to receive this year’s award. Other awards went to Senator Brent Jackson and Representative Steve Ross, who have been pivotal in creating more places for North Carolinians to recreate and enjoy our natural spaces.

Picture Caption: Land for Tomorrow Coalition representatives recognized Representative Michael Wray as a North Carolina Land and Water Champion at River Falls Park Trailhead in Weldon, along the Roanoke River. Representative Wray championed the designation of the Roanoke River State Trail, which offers recreation plus an opportunity to protect land to ensure clean water for all North Carolinians. Pictured from left to right: Will Robinson, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Government Relations; Representative Michael Wray; Deans Eatman, Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs at NC Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources.

ABOUT LAND FOR TOMORROW COALITION:
Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates with a common goal: increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina.

Representative Ross Receives Award as a Land and Water Champion

BURLINGTON —The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition has recognized Representative Steve Ross as a 2024 North Carolina Land and Water Champion.

“Thank you, Representative Ross, for your years of service protecting the natural beauty of North Carolina,” said Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding, who chairs the Land for Tomorrow Coalition.

Representative Ross was a critical leader in passing legislation NC Farm Act, SB 355, to reinstate NC’s conservation tax credit during the 2024 session of the NC General Assembly. The legislation passed unanimously 104-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. The conservation tax credit is a time-limited state tax credit on the value of real estate donated to a qualified nonprofit or government entity for farmland preservation, public trails, fish and wildlife, and other conservation-related purposes.

Representative Ross championed the designation of the Haw River Trail State Trail in 2023. The Trail winds through Alamance and Chatham Counties. Its over 60 miles of land and paddle trail allow the community to explore while helping to conserve and protect this vital resource.

“Rep. Ross’s tireless efforts support our farmers, enhance our natural resources, and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all North Carolinians,” said Redding. “The conservation tax credits are a powerful incentive for private landowners to conserve more farm and forest land and expand our state’s parks, trails, and wildlife areas. Investing in places like the Haw River State Trail ensures that residents can enjoy and explore all North Carolina offers.”

Representative Ross is one of three legislators to receive this year’s award. Other awards went to Senator Brent Jackson and Representative Michael Wray, who have been pivotal in creating more places for North Carolinians to recreate and enjoy our natural spaces.

Picture Caption: Land for Tomorrow Coalition representatives recognized Representative Steve Ross as a North Carolina Land and Water Champion. Representative Ross was a critical leader in reinstating NC’s conservation tax credit and creating a state trail designation for the Haw River Trail Trail that winds through Alamance and Chatham Counties. Pictured from left to right: The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Government Relations Will Robinson, Representative Steve Ross, and Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding.

ABOUT LAND FOR TOMORROW COALITION:
Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates with a common goal: increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina.

Senator Jackson Receives Award as a Land and Water Champion

RALEIGH—The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition has recognized Senator Brent Jackson as a 2024 North Carolina Land and Water Champion.

“Thank you, Senator Brent Jackson, for your unwavering dedication to protecting North Carolina’s working farms and forests,” said Piedmont Land Conservancy Executive Director Kevin Redding, who chairs the Land for Tomorrow Coalition. ”Your work is crucial in ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for our state.”

Senator Jackson was a critical leader in passing the NC Farm Act, SB 355, which passed unanimously 104-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. The Farm Act included the return of the conservation tax credit, which is a time-limited state tax credit on the value of real estate donated to a qualified nonprofit or government entity for farmland preservation, public trails, fish and wildlife, and other conservation-related purposes.

“This legislation supports our farmers, enhances our natural resources, and ensures a healthier, more sustainable future for all North Carolinians,” said Redding. “The conservation tax credits are a powerful incentive for private landowners to conserve more farm and forest land and expand our state’s parks, trails, and wildlife areas.”

Senator Jackson is one of three state legislators to receive this year’s award. Other awards went to Representative Steve Ross and Representative Michael Wray, who have been pivotal in creating more places for North Carolinians to recreate and enjoy our natural spaces.

Picture Caption: Land for Tomorrow Coalition representatives recognized Senator Brent Jackson as a North Carolina Land and Water Champion at Big Yellow Mountain Preserve. Senator Jackson was a critical leader in passing the NC Farm Act, SB 355, which includes the return of the conservation tax credit. Pictured from left to right: Sen. Jackson, Will Morgan, and Will Robinson.

Unanimous Support for the NC Farm Act Benefits Working Farms, Forests, and Trails

Land for Tomorrow praises the North Carolina’s General Assembly and Governor for passing the NC Farm Act, SB 355, which includes the return of a pivotal tax credit for land conservation.

The Farm Act passed unanimously 104-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. Senator Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) was a critical leader in the success of this bill. He issued the following statement:

“I am honored to work on this legislation on behalf of North Carolina farmers. Agriculture is North Carolina’s No.1 industry, and it is critical that we do all we can to support all the families who depend on agriculture to support their livelihood. We are all touched by agriculture daily, and this legislation shows the General Assembly’s commitment to protecting agriculture in North Carolina today and for generations to come.”

Governor Roy Cooper issued the following statement on signing the bill on July 3, 2024:

“The conservation tax credit I proposed in my budget and passed into law with this bill will help us reach the goal I set of permanently conserving one million new acres of natural lands by 2040. Protecting forests, wetlands, and farmlands makes us more resilient to climate hazards, reduces carbon in our atmosphere, promotes military readiness, and supports local economies.”

The conservation tax credit included in the Farm Act is a time-limited NC tax policy that allows for a state tax credit on the value of real estate donated to a qualified nonprofit or government entity for farmland preservation, public trails, fish and wildlife, and other conservation-related purposes. The property must be donated within two years, between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026. There are other limitations on the tax credit. Landowners should consult with tax professionals if they’re interested in taking advantage of the tax credit opportunity.

The conservation tax credits are a powerful incentive for private landowners to conserve more farm and forest land and expand our state’s parks, trails, and wildlife areas. Neighboring states, including Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia, also provide this incentive to conserve land.

North Carolina previously had this incentive, and in the ten years of the program, it helped encourage landowners to conserve 238,000 acres across the state. When the program ended on December 31, 2013, our state saw a steep decline in the number of projects conserved and acres protected.

Providing incentives like the Conservation Income Tax Credit to private landowners will increase the number of conservation projects and reduce acquisition costs for state, local, and private agencies.

“Preserving North Carolina’s working farms, forests, and trails is more important than ever as our state continues to grow. Putting a conservation tax credit in place couldn’t come at a better time,” said Kevin Redding, director of Piedmont Land Conservancy and chair of the Coalition. “Thanks to Sen. Brent Jackson, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Rep. Steve Ross, Rep. Michael Wray, and Agriculture Commissioner Troxler for their leadership on this effort.”

“Passing this bill puts us in line with South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, which all have similar state tax credit policies,” said Tim Gestwicki, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Hunting and fishing are a way of life in North Carolina. The conservation tax credit helps us in our work to secure our fish and wildlife for future generations by providing landowners with an incentive to protect their property permanently.”

Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates who share the goal of increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina.

Funding is Needed to Meet Public Demand

The public demand for outdoor recreation opportunities continues to grow in North Carolina.

Over 20,100,000 people visited NC State Parks in 2023 – a 4% increase over 2022. The statewide 2023 Year of the Trail successfully promoted our network of hiking, paddling, biking, and equestrian trails.

The Made X Mountains Partnership recently released the results of the Western North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, which found that outdoor recreation generated $4,900,000,000 in economic input, 48,000 full-time jobs, and $197,500,000 in local tax revenues just in 25 western North Carolina counties.

Conserving our land means success for our state.

Land for Tomorrow recommends the following and looks forward to working with the General Assembly to bolster the conservation of North Carolina’s natural places and working farms.

NC Land & Water Fund
Increase funds to:
- $30,000,000 recurring
- $10,000,000 in non-recurring funds for FY 24-25
Parks & Recreation Trust Fund
Increase funds to:
- $30,000,000 recurring
- $10,000,000 in non-recurring funds for FY 24-25
Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Fund
We appreciate Commissioner Troxler’s strong support for farm and forestland conservation, and we support his requests.
Increase funds to:
- $10,000,000 recurring

Conservation Income Tax Credit
Land for Tomorrow strongly supports H290, Protecting NC’s Military and Working Lands. H290 provides a powerful incentive for private landowners to conserve their land and to sell or donate land or easements at a discount.
Requests for Additional Staff
Land for Tomorrow supports requests by the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, Wildlife Resources Commission, and Department of Agriculture for additional staff to manage new and expanded state parks, state trails, historic sites, wildlife management areas, and state forests.

Click here to download a PDF of our priorities for 2024.

To learn more about the impact of the conservation trust funds and see your tax dollars in action, follow Land for Tomorrow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/L4TNC – and Twitter – https://twitter.com/land4tomorrow – as well as LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/land-for-tomorrow.

Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation, and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates with a common goal: increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina.

Johnston County’s Farmland is Threatened, But There is Hope

More state funding could help turn the tide of farmland loss

According to the American Farmland Trust, Johnston County is in the top 20 counties in the nation under the greatest threat of farmland loss by 2040. Development threatens our state’s best agricultural land. The study projects that 71% of Johnston County’s farmland could be lost to conversion in less than two decades.

Farmland loss impacts the state and local economy and has a host of far-reaching implications, including clean air and water, controlling flooding, food and cover for wildlife, and communities’ access to fresh foods. Development choices have a significant effect on the future of farmland and forestland. Safeguarding local farms bolsters the global food system and improves people’s daily lives.

Agriculture is the number one industry in Johnston County. There are more farmers in this area than in any other state. Representative Larry Strickland has seen the impact of farmland loss firsthand. He grew up on a family farm between Pine Level and the Brogdon area and currently co-owns the Strickland Brothers Farm, LLC, with his two brothers.

“I get calls once a week trying to parcel off my land,” Strickland said. “As the 4th generation of my family to work and maintain my family’s farm, it’s more than just dirt to me. It is family. It’s my Father and Mother, Granddaddy and Grandmother.”

Thanks in large part to Rep. Strickland’s efforts, the recently passed state budget increases funding for the NC Department of Agriculture’s farmland preservation fund fourfold, from $5M to $20M in 2024 and adds another $5M the next year, bringing the total funding to $25M in 2025. The new funding could help stem the tide that puts North Carolina second in the nation for potential farmland lost over the next 20 years. Land trusts like Triangle Land Conservancy, using those funds, can partner with landowners to preserve working farms as they’ve done in Johnston County, where they have protected over 5,000 acres of farms.

“Protecting farmland in Johnston County is critical to protecting not only agricultural businesses in the Triangle, but also the natural resources of our entire region,” said Sandy Sweitzer, Executive Director of the Triangle Land Conservancy. “Conservation easements allow for farmers to protect acreage from development and still reap the rewards of their working land.”

The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF) was established in 2005 to support the state’s agricultural economy. The agricultural industry is the number one industry in North Carolina, bringing in more than $91 billion in state revenue. Working family farms are protected from corporate and industrial agricultural development projects through conservation easements and other programs. Since its establishment, over 22,400 acres of working farmland have been protected across North Carolina.

Conservation Wins Big in 2023 Budget

The North Carolina Land for Tomorrow Coalition is praising the 2023 state budget, which will pump more than $100 million per year into land and water conservation.

“Protecting land and water is vital to many of the state’s most important industries, including agriculture, tourism, forestry, and the military,” said Bill Holman, NC State Director for The Conservation Fund and chair of the Coalition. “Increasing access to parks, trails, and greenways will help keep North Carolina a great place to live, work, and play. We all owe the General Assembly, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, and Governor Cooper a big thank you.”

“North Carolina is growing fast, and this funding is absolutely essential to protect land and water for future generations,” said Tim Gestwicki, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “In particular, this budget will help keep many acres of working lands in production by offering additional funding for our state’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and others who are stewarding their lands for the good of us all.”

The state’s three conservation trust funds, the North Carolina Land and Water Trust Fund (NCLWF), the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), and the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF) are essential tools that allow state agencies and nonprofit partners to protect North Carolina’s valuable natural resources.

Conservation funding in the budget includes:

Increases recurring funding for the NC Land and Water Fund by $3.8 million, and provides an additional $2 million in nonrecurring funds, bringing the total funding to $30 million.
Increases recurring funding for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund by $3.8 million, and provides an additional $2 million in nonrecurring funds, bringing the total funding to $30 million.
Increases funding for the Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund by $10 million, bringing the total funding to $20 million.
Provides $42 million over the biennium for trails, including $25 million for the Great Trails Program, $5 million for the Complete the Trails fund, and $12 million for the Saluda Grade Trail.
Provides $12.5 million for the development of local parks that provide access for people with disabilities.

Conservation Funding is a Necessity

The NC Senate proposed budget shows that conservation funding is a necessity for the state of North Carolina. Investing in our land and water creates a healthier North Carolina for all.

Click here to read the full report or click here to read the special provisions report.

Highlights of this year’s proposed funding:

Increases recurring funds for the Land and Water Fund by $3.8 million, bringing it to a total recurring $28 million
Increases recurring funds for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund by $3.8 million, bringing it to a total recurring $28 million
Provides $15 million in nonrecurring funds in both years of the biennium for farmland preservation
Allocates $5 million in nonrecurring funds for the Great Trails program
Provides $10 million nonrecurring in the first year of the biennium in accessible parks grants for parks for people with disabilities

Learn more about our 2023 Legislative Agenda.

2023 House’s Budget Shows Conservation is Vital

The recently released proposed budget from the NC House shows that conservation is a priority for the state of North Carolina. Thank you to all of the House members for your strong support in protecting and stewarding our land through conservation trust funds and more.

A few highlights:

Increases recurring funding for NCLWF from $24.2 million up to $30 million per year. Also includes an additional $20 million in nonrecurring funds for NCLWF in FY23-24.
Increases recurring funding for PARTF from $24.2 million up to $30 million per year. Also includes an additional $20 million in nonrecurring funds for PARTF in FY23-24.
Provides an additional $15 million in nonrecurring funds in both years of the biennium for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This is in addition to the base amount of $5 million recurring per year.
Includes a provision to reinstate the conservation tax credit.
$25 million in nonrecurring funds in FY23-24 for Great Trails Program.
$8 million in nonrecurring funds in FY23-24 for the Complete the Trails Program.
$15 million for Parks for People with Disabilities.
$17 million in nonrecurring funds for the Saluda Grade Trail.
Provides $3.8 million in new recurring funds that goes up to $5.1 in new recurring funds for 37 new FTEs for State Parks, as well as an additional $3.6 million in nonrecurring funds for parks operating reserves.
$158,000 recurring for two new FTEs for the Natural Heritage Program.

Learn more about our 2023 legislative agenda and our response to the Governor’s budget.

Prioritizing land and water conservation

Thank you to North Carolina’s governor and legislators for passing a budget that prioritizes land and water conservation. Funding of $48.4 million to the state’s conservation trust funds will benefit people and nature for generations.

Our state’s conservation needs are not one-and-done. The Land for Tomorrow coalition thanks our state leadership for building on the foundation of conservation funding established in 2021. By securing reoccurring funding, every generation now has a chance to have clean air and water as well as beautiful places to play.

Land and water are North Carolina’s most important economic assets. The four engines of North Carolina’s economy – agriculture, tourism, forestry and the military – depend on land and water conservation. Therefore, protecting these vital natural resources is essential to North Carolina’s bottom line – boosting spending and providing jobs.

Our state’s conservation trust funds ensure that the North Carolina Land and Water Trust Fund (NCLWF), Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), and the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF) are fully funded to be the safeguards for our state. In addition, these funds enable conservation groups to continue working with state agencies to protect North Carolina’s valuable natural resources, ensuring that both current and future generations will continue to benefit from all our state has to offer.

Thank you to the governor and our legislators for conservation funding of the following:

Increases recurring funding for the North Carolina Land and Water Fund by $11 million, taking the total recurring funding from $13.2 million to $24.2 million.
Increases recurring funding for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund by $8 million, taking the total recurring funding from $16.2 million to $24.2 million.