Stewardship - Monitoring Partner Resources
Each year, NCLWF partners with local conservation partners to monitor conservation easements and carry out management activities on behalf of the State of North Carolina. Much of this work is facilitated by annual monitoring contracts and is funded through the North Carolina Conservation Easement Endowment Fund.
Resources for contracted monitors can be found below:
Remote Monitoring
NCLWF considers in-person monitoring to be the most reliable method for monitoring changes to conservation easements. However, we do recognize that some circumstances warrant the use of remote technology to conduct annual monitoring. Please refer to the guidelines below when considering remote monitoring for NCLWF conservation easements.
Remote monitoring is permitted for annual monitoring when no recent violations have been documented.
In-person monitoring must be conducted at least once every three years.
High resolution aerial imagery (0.5m or better) must be used. The most recent imagery available should be used. All images must be no more than 6 months old at the time of inspection and captured no less than 6 months after the prior inspection.
All invoices for remote monitoring must reflect the efficiencies realized as compared to in-person monitoring.
Boundary Marking and Signs
Boundary marking and installation of signage must be completed at the time of closing with funding provided by NCLWF’s Acquisition Program. Maintenance and re-marking should be done annually as needed as part of regular monitoring duties. NCWLF expects easement boundaries to be marked generally as follows:
Paint blazes must be frequent enough to see from one mark to the next on the ground. Color is at the discretion of the monitoring partner or the landowner so long as it is easily visible and distinguishable from adjoining properties and easements.
NCLWF boundary signs must be installed using nails made from aluminum (or other non-toxic materials) at every major corner and approximately every 100 feet between corners. Nails should not be hammered flush with trees to allow room for growth.
Use of flagging tape is encouraged in addition to blazes and signage. NCLWF has no color preference but recommends using consistent flagging throughout an easement.
Where easement boundaries cross a field or other area without mature trees permanent markers such as t-posts with boundary signs or carsonite markers should be used.
NEED BOUNDARY SIGNS?
NCLWF orders in bulk and will supply boundary signs to conservation partners as needed. If your organization prefers to order signs directly from a vendor, our approved design can be provided. Please contact Justin Mercer at justin.mercer@dncr.nc.gov or Nicolle Montero at Nicolle.montero@dncr.nc.gov for boundary sign needs.