Tomorrow's land

Article XIV, Section V, of the North Carolina Constitution, approved by voters in 1971, begins with these words: "It shall be the policy of this State to conserve and protect its lands and waters for the benefit of all its citizenry...".

To that end, former Gov. Jim Hunt, near the finish of his fourth term in office in 2000, pledged that the state would buy and preserve a million acres of land.

It was a worthwhile goal, but so far it remains just that, a good idea whose time has not yet come. Financial realities often stand in the way of the best of intentions, and the Easley administration was faced with tough financial sledding for several years.

But those days are behind us, at least for now. So a coalition calling itself Land for Tomorrow has a timely proposal: spend $200 million a year for the next five years to make the dream of a million acres come true.

The organization has brought together such well-regarded groups as the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, the state chapter of the Nature Conservancy and Preservation North Carolina. Their goal is for the state to make the kind of investment in our natural heritage that can draw the line against development pressure.

Money from conservation bonds or legislative appropriations would go to protect 60,000 miles of stream banks and flood plains, 50,000 acres of productive farmland, 25,000 acres of working forests, 35,000 acres of local parks and trails, 60,000 acres of state parks and trails, 150,000 acres of game lands, 350 historic landmarks, 3,000 acres with archeological interest, and 50,000 acres of land visible from scenic highways as well as trees in many urban areas.

Ambitious? Certainly, but a plan that is specific and doable. There is something for every segment of society: farmers, tourists, hunters, historians or anyone who simply enjoys life in this state.

The constitutional foundation is in place. Land for Tomorrow has set inspiring yet realistic goals. What the effort needs now is public support to convince legislators that such investments in safeguarding our environment will pay off handsomely in years to come.

North Carolina voters knew that in 1971 when the state constitution was amended. And they still know it today.