Skip to main content
NHP logo NHP

Topical Navigation

  • Home
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Data
    Data
    • Data Explorer
    • Species/Community Search
    • Free GIS Data
    • Request for Quote - Biological Surveys
    • Request for Quote - Environmental Review
    • Purchase GIS Data
  • Share Data
    Share Data
    • Contribute Your Data
    • Conduct Research
  • Publications
    Publications
    • NHP Publications
    • Field Biology References
    • Status Codes and Terms
  • Conservation
    Conservation
    • North Carolina Conservation Planning Tool
    • Dedicated Nature Preserves
    • Natural Heritage Element Occurrences
    • Freshwater Ecosystems
    • Managed Areas
    • Registered Heritage Areas
    • Natural Areas
  • Activities
    Activities
    • Inventories
    • Volunteer Application
    • Success Stories
    • Advisory Committee
    • Natural and Working Lands
  • Events
  • NC.gov
  • Agencies
  • Jobs
  • Services
NHP »   Activities »   Inventories »   County Natural Areas Inventory Program

County Natural Areas Inventory Program

What is a county natural areas inventory?

An inventory of a county's natural areas is a systematic search for the best examples of natural habitats and to produce reports and maps that identify and describe the most important natural areas.

Why are inventories of natural areas needed?

Natural areas are resources that make North Carolina and its counties attractive to live in and visit. Natural areas are critical to the environmental health and quality of our state. Natural areas are reservoirs of biological diversity and homes for native plants and animals.

Who uses a natural areas inventory?

Landowners, project planners, conservation groups, and government agencies use natural areas inventories to help plan for the best use of natural areas. Inventories tell us what kinds of natural habitats exist in North Carolina, where the best examples are found, and what areas are already protected. This information can prevent conflicts over land use. Inventories can guide economic development in balance with preservation of environmental resources. Inventories help by identifying natural resources important for plant and animal diversity and quality of life.

An example of the value of county inventories for planning purposes is in Durham County. This county received an award from the National Association of Counties for supporting its natural inventory.

View County Inventory Documents

Where have county natural areas inventories been done?

The Natural Heritage Program has done surveys in 97 North Carolina counties. We thank our partner agencies for supporting these conservation efforts. Local governments, local land trusts, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and many other local sources have provided funding.

View the County Inventory Status Map

When are regional inventories conducted?

Sometimes a conservation partner contracts with us for a specific regional ecological project that crosses county boundaries. A Natural Heritage Inventory of the Roanoke River Floodplain, North Carolina is an example. Collaborative inventory projects in the Amphibolite Mountains and the Eno-New Hope Landscape (Triangle area) are currently being discussed.

Who does the work?

We hire field-based biologists who specialize in county inventories. The survey takes about two years. Our inventory biologists understand the natural resources of their area and often are local residents. Natural Heritage Program central staff biologists can assist as needed with the field work. They also review the final reports. We add discoveries from the inventory to the Natural Heritage Program database. Sometimes, we supervise work done by contractors for specialized surveys.

How does the inventory affect landowners?

The purpose of the inventory is to collect ecological information. Inventory biologists must get permission before surveying private property. They provide results to landowners, who can use this information to plan the best use of the land. Biologists use their findings to understand the natural biodiversity of North Carolina. The Natural Heritage Program is not regulatory and does not administer endangered species laws. We provide information to local stakeholders and other partner agencies upon request.

For More Information, Contact Us

Inventories

  • County Natural Areas Inventory Program
  • County Inventory Status Map
  • Rare Species Inventories
  • Landscape Habitat Guilds

Share this page:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Back to top

Contact Information

North Carolina Natural Heritage Program

Nature Research Center - 121 W. Jones Street
1651 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1651

(919) 707-8107

Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

A DNCR Program

The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program is a program of the Division of Land and Water Stewardship within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

NatureServe Network

The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program is a NatureServe Network Program.

 

 

 

Key Resources

Conservation Planning Tool

Natural Heritage Data Explorer

Species/Community Search

 

  • Employee Directory
  • Translation Disclaimer
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Open Budget
https://www.ncnhp.org/activities/inventories/county-natural-areas-inventory-program