Page 13 - NCWRC_BiennialReport_2011-12_NoCS.indd

Wildlife conservation across North America is facing unprecedented challenges. North Carolina is no exception. The impacts of population growth and development on our natural areas and habitat are growing. -And with far-reaching consequences.

Fortunately, our Strategic Plan was designed to meet these challenges and we are actively aligning our work with that Strategic Vision.

Most North Carolinians now live in urban areas, well isolated from daily contact with wildlife and the outdoors. But popular NCWRC programs like hunting, fshing, wildlife viewing and recreational boating are motivating more and more of our newest residents to spend more time outside.

Fishermen, hunters and boaters from across the state are constantly amazed at the numbers of new, renovated or under construction boating access facilities they are seeing from one end of our state to the other. –The best we’ve ever seen, anywhere!”

—Fred Bonner, Contributing Writer – Garner (NC) News, 6/9/2011.

North Carol ina Wi ldl i fe Resources Commi ss ion • 1 1

Added Value Of Boating Projects

• 15+ new or renovated boating access areas annually

• 1400+ navigational aids provided by NCWRC

to N.C. communities

• Brings in small businesses like bait stores, food

and fuel providers and specialty shops.

• N.C. 4th in Nation in # of recreational boats,

trailers and accessories sold.

Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association 2010

• Total N.C. small boat manufacturers = 204

• Total employees, boating industry = 8,301

SOURCE: NC Dept. of Commerce (September 2012) Press Release VisitNC

• Properties with passive recreation like boat ramps, realize nearly a 20% boost in property value.

SOURCE: The Economics Associated with Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resources Conservation and Historic Preservation in the United States (Lutzenhiser and Netusil (2001) For: The National Fish and

Wildlife Foundation, By: Southwick Associates, (October 2011)