North Carolina Land and Water Fund

Since its creation in 1996 by the General Assembly, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), formerly known as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, has conserved well over one-half million acres and protected or restored 3,000 miles of streams and rivers.

“For 25 years, the Land and Water Fund has played a vital role in protecting North Carolina’s water quality, open spaces, and treasured cultural resources,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “These grants have been used in all 100 N.C. counties to help ensure clean drinking water, protect natural habitat and preserve our unique natural and cultural resources for future generations.”

“Access to trails, greenways and open space is so important to our health and well-being,” said John Wilson, chair of the NCLWF board. “This critical need has been especially apparent recently as North Carolinians are seeking fresh air, exercise and recreation in record numbers. Public access will continue to be a priority for the Fund.”

The North Carolina Land and Water Fund has protected the state's natural and cultural resources for 25 years under its old name and will continue to do so long into the future under the new name.

Protecting Our Land Resources

We protect our natural, cultural and historic resources and military buffers through grants to fund voluntary land conservation.

Learn more about the types of land we protect

Restoring Degraded Streams

We improve water quality and sustain water resources by funding projects to restore the habitat of fish, wildlife and other species, enhance the filtering of runoff and prevent pollutants from entering water supplies.

Learn more about how we restore streams

Innovate Stormwater Solutions

We help protect downstream communities from the effects of urban runoff by funding the development of better stormwater treatment technologies.

Learn more about innovative stormwater projects

Project Highlights

Waccamaw River

NCLWF provided $440,287 to North Carolina Coastal Land Trust (NCCLT) to acquire approximately 600 acres along Waccamaw River, just downstream from the Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County. This award was matched with a $459,500 acquisition of almost 700 acres, funded by Department of Justice settlement funds, creating a total protect area of almost 1,300 acres.

Orchard at Altapass

In 2014, NCLWF provided a portion of the funding that permanently protected The Orchard at Altapass. This is the oldest orchard along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a popular attraction, hosting approximately 50,000 visitors a year.

New River Water Quality Projects

Two projects funded in 2017 in the New River Watershed will employ quite different techniques but complement each other’s work to restore water quality in the New River and its tributaries. Click through to read more about these projects from the New River Conservancy and Greater Lansing Area Development.

NC Arboretum Innovations for Stormwater Management

Willow Pond, a stormwater basin on the grounds of the North Carolina Arboretum in Buncombe County, will be converted into a constructed wetland that will address on-site stormwater challenges while enhancing habitat of the rare mole salamander. Educational activities at this facility will also serve to educate landscape professionals, adult students and youth.

TEAM - Web-based Conservation Mapping Tool

TEAM (Tool for Environmental, Agricultural and Military Reporting) is a web-based conservation mapping tool to help landowners and conservation partners identify opportunities and match them with potential funding sources.

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