I was reminded recently of the importance to so many of us of North Carolina’s abundant natural resources upon learning that a leader in my agency was named by the Raleigh News and Observer as its “Tar Heel of the Week.” Lewis Ledford, director of the state parks system, was honored in this manner in part because of his efforts through partnerships to preserve and protect several of North Carolina’s unique and outstanding natural resources, including Chimney Rock and Grandfather Mountain.
Bills to formally authorize Grandfather Mountain State Park, setting the stage for creation of North Carolina’s newest state park alongside the famous attraction, have been introduced in both houses of the N.C. General Assembly. An agreement for the state to purchase the undeveloped, backcountry portion of Grandfather Mountain was announced last fall.
Conservation and protection of natural resources such as these are always critical to maintain the quality of our air and water, sustaining our quality of life. However, especially in these times of economic uncertainty, we must also remember that our state's economy depends greatly on our natural resources.
For example, I’ve learned that North Carolina’s state parks potentially contribute $289 million to local economies annually as well as $120 million to local residents’ income, according to an intensive study researchers at N.C. State University conducted for the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
Fourteen state parks examined in the yearlong study contributed at least $139 million annually when spending by tourists was combined with direct spending in the local communities by the parks. In addition, the parks’ impact on local residents’ income was estimated to be $56 million annually.
Outdoor and wildlife-related recreation, such as hunting, fishing and kayaking, brings an estimated annual economic benefit of $4.3 billion, while North Carolina’s agriculture and forestry resources have an estimated $70.8 billion economic impact.
Parks, greenways and trails, and other open space such as our working farms and forests, all contribute to a clean and healthy environment, which attracts business and industry to our state for relocation or expansion. And this “green infrastructure” provides us all a source of quality, inexpensive, close-to-home recreation and reconnects us with nature.
North Carolina is indeed fortunate for the work of the private and public entities who work together to ensure that open space – for work and play – will be around for this and future generations to enjoy. I encourage you to get out and enjoy our state parks – find the one nearest you at http://www.ncparks.gov.