North Carolina’s New Budget Delivers Historic Wins for Conservation

For the past two years, North Carolina stood alone as the only state in the nation operating without a comprehensive state budget. That uncertainty made long-term planning difficult across government, including for conservation. Today, with a new budget finally in place, North Carolina has an opportunity to move forward – and for wildlife and natural resources, the results are significant.

This budget represents one of the most consequential conservation budgets in recent state history. It reflects years of relationship-building, sound policy development, and strategic input by North Carolina Wildlife Federation and partners. The results demonstrate what sustained engagement in the policy arena can achieve for wildlife.

Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings

The state budget includes a historic $10.2 million in recurring funding for the NC Department of Transportation’s Wildlife Highway Crossing and Mitigation Strategies program. This appropriation of recurring funds exclusively allocated for wildlife crossings is a first in North Carolina’s history and will be an ongoing investment with immediate and lasting returns.

As North Carolina continues to develop as one of the most rapidly growing states in the country, crossings are critical for wildlife to safely navigate around and under roads, decreasing wildlife-vehicle collisions to safeguard motorists, minimize wildlife losses, and reconnect habitat essential for wildlife survival.

Simply put, this budget begins the process of normalizing wildlife crossings within the state’s infrastructure planning. $5.1 million will be dedicated each year to designing and constructing wildlife crossings – more than double the previous one-time $2 million investment.

With a possible 9-to-1 federal match available for eligible projects tied to federal highways, these state dollars could leverage significantly greater investments and have an even greater impact for wildlife and people alike.

NCWF, as chair of the Safe Passage Coalition, has worked alongside partners for years to secure dedicated wildlife crossing funding. What makes this achievement especially significant is that these are recurring dollars, not simply a one-time appropriation. That long-term commitment provides certainty and allows wildlife crossings to become a permanent part of North Carolina’s transportation future.

This investment is also historic beyond North Carolina. It is currently the most significant state-level investment of its kind in the country. While other states have invested millions in wildlife crossings, few have established dedicated recurring funding sources – and even fewer have done so without relying on new fees or taxes. North Carolina now has the opportunity to lead the nation in protecting both motorists and wildlife.

Farmland Preservation Gets a Strong Boost

North Carolina ranks among the top states for annual loss of working farmland. In fact, it is second in the nation for farmland loss. Recognizing that approximately 85% of North Carolina’s land is privately owned, NCWF made private lands conservation a major strategic focus in our Impact Plan.

The state legislature is curbing development pressure and accelerating the protection of working lands through conservation easements with $46.9 million in nonrecurring funds to the Farmland Preservation and Development Trust Fund – more than nine times the previous $5 million allocation – while also increasing recurring funding for farmland preservation.

In a fast-growing state like North Carolina, this investment is about far more than preserving farmland. Protecting working lands also conserves wildlife habitat, improves water quality, strengthens rural communities, and supports the farm economy.

Conservation Tax Credit Extended Through 2031

As North Carolina continues to grow, conserving the state’s farms, forests, wetlands, and other natural landscapes is becoming increasingly important. One of the key tools supporting that effort is the Conservation Tax Credit, which was extended through 2031 as part of this year’s State Farm Act.

The tax credit makes voluntary conservation agreements more financially feasible for private landowners who choose to permanently protect their property through conservation easements. Easements preserve working farms and forests while safeguarding wildlife habitat, improving water quality, and conserving the natural landscapes that define communities across North Carolina.

Expanding this tax credit has long been a priority for NCWF and our conservation partners, including Land for Tomorrow, where NCWF serves on the Executive Committee. By extending the credit through 2031, the legislature provides landowners with long-term certainty and strengthens one of North Carolina’s most effective tools for conserving private lands before they are lost to development.

The extension recognizes that conserving private land is essential to maintaining healthy wildlife populations, supporting agriculture and forestry, protecting clean water, and preserving outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations.

New Statewide Feral Swine Working Group Created

The State Farm Act also establishes a new statewide Feral Swine Working Group to coordinate efforts in addressing the growing impacts of feral swine across North Carolina.

Housed within the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and co-chaired by the Executive Director of the Commission and the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Working Group brings together state and federal agencies, agricultural organizations, forestry interests, and conservation leaders to develop a coordinated statewide strategy.

Notably, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit wildlife conservation organization appointed to the Working Group, ensuring native wildlife have a voice and a seat at the table.

The group will develop a statewide plan focused on reducing feral swine damage on public and private lands through improved coordination, landowner assistance, data sharing, education, and on-the-ground control efforts. As feral swine continue to expand their range across North Carolina, sustained funding, strong landowner participation, and coordinated action will be essential to protecting the state’s farms, forests, wildlife, and water resources.

New Hanover Shellfish Lease Moratorium Extended

The state budget also extends the moratorium on new shellfish cultivation and water-column leases in New Hanover County through 2028.

The extension pauses the expansion of this aquaculture method while policymakers continue to evaluate its impacts on public trust waters, navigation, and coastal resources. It reflects another example of the state’s effort to balance economic activity with responsible stewardship of North Carolina’s natural resources.

First Bull Elk Hunting Permits in North Carolina

As a result of decades of commitment from numerous conservation partners that include NC Wildlife Federation, science-based decisions by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and extensive research, the NCGA passed legislation to allow residents to harvest the first bull elk in NC. These elk permits will be offered specifically to NC residents and issued by raffle and auction. The proceeds from the issuance of the permits will be used to further conserve and manage elk populations in western NC. This legislation provides for harvest in the 2026 season and includes language that allows the Commission to evaluate its elk management goals for future harvest opportunities.