Bob Orr: Conservation funds increased

Land and water conservation is vital to our state’s economy. Tourism, agriculture, hunting and fishing all benefit from conservation. Increasingly, businesses are coming to North Carolina because of the opportunities afforded by conservation – trails, greenways and places to recreate.

Conservation is both an economic and quality of life issue. This has never been more important as our state continues to grow at a rapid pace.

The North Carolina House recognized that fact when it passed its proposed budget. The House budget doubles funding for the Clean Water Management and Parks and Recreation trust funds and significantly increases the Agricultural and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. These three trust funds are used to conserve property including parks, game lands, family farms and hiking trails. They also serve as critical sources for protecting our water resources.

House Senior Appropriations Committee Chairman Nelson Dollar, working with other appropriations committee chairs, has played an important role in supporting increased funding for the state conservation trust funds. He understands that land and water conservation isn’t just about pretty places; it also provides a big boost to North Carolina’s economy by enhancing the quality of life.

The conservation community recognizes there are many competing funding priorities that legislative leaders must address in any budget cycle. We sincerely thank Dollar and his colleagues for their support.

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Bob Orr: Conservation funds increased."