Plant Industry - Plant Protection Section

Establishing Plant Conservation Preserves

Plant Conservation Program (PCP) works with partners, especially the NC Natural Heritage Program (www.ncnhp.org), to identify the most important sites for protecting imperiled plant species. With the resulting acquisition plan in hand, PCP works with local land trusts and landowners in an attempt to permanently protect these sites. With landowner support and funding availability, PCP may purchase property at fair market value. The most significant funding source for these Preserves has been the Natural Heritage Trust Fund (www.ncnhtf.org). Once established, PCP works to preserve the integrity of the site for the benefit of the rare plant species present.