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North Carolina Conservation Projects

	CONSERVATION EDUCATION HITS THE TRAIL A prominent mountain near Morganton, North Carolina has become a more popular hiking destination thanks to Wildlife Forever. Located on the east rim of the scenic Linville Gorge, Table Rock rises 2,000 feet above the river gorge and is visible from many areas in the state’s mountainous western region. Table Rock provides ample hunting, hiking, and rock climbing opportunities. More than 12,000 people visit annually. The heavy traffic was destroying rare plants. Now, six interpretive trail signs in the area call attention to the rare plants and the area’s ecosystem. Destruction of the rare plants has been reduced, and interviews of visitors to the area show the signs are indeed helping and adding to the enjoyment of the area.
	ROAD IMPROVEMENTS BENEFIT WILD TURKEYS Deer, turkey, and grouse habitat on public land in North Carolina are being better managed thanks to a cooperative effort between Wildlife Forever and the U.S. Forest Service. The groups joined forces to share the cost of improving roads into the Gentry Branch of the Pisgah National Forest. Higher quality roads will make it possible to better manage wildlife habitat. The project focused on four miles of roads in a 1,325-acre area that was rich in game, especially deer and turkey, but needed improvements to increase its ruffed grouse potential. The new roads allow for timber to be harvested and regenerated on an 8 to 12 year cycle, which benefits ruffed grouse.
	MORE HABITAT FOR QUAIL NEAR COLUMBIA Thanks in part to your support, quail and other upland birds are benefiting from improved habitat in North Carolina’s Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1990, the Refuge consists of over 113,000 acres in the northeastern part of the state. Many of the game species native to eastern North Carolina make their home on the Refuge. Using heavy equipment, upland habitat was improved by adding food plots and planting cover grasses in established fire breaks. All of the work was done approximately one-quarter mile from access roads. Located just six miles south of Columbia off Highway 94, the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge provides public hunting for deer and small game plus fishing and wildlife watching opportunities. Next time you are in the Columbia area, take a “time out for wildlife” and see your support at work.