Natural Resource Conservation

Aquatic Nuisance Species Management

DEQ, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are working together in a combined effort to control the spread of aquatic nuisance species in North Carolina’s inland and coastal waters. The goal is to provide officials with long-term tools that will improve their ability to monitor and control these species in North Carolina waterways while raising public awareness of how we can prevent the spread of these organisms. Read the Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan.

Coastal Resources

Coastal Reserve Program

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program protects natural areas for education, research and compatible recreation. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 42,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites along the coast. 

Coastal Habitat Protection Plan

The Coastal Habitat Protection Plan is a guidance document that addresses habitat and water quality efforts needed to protect, enhance and restore fish habitat in North Carolina. 

Albemarle Pamlico National Estuary Partnership

The Albemarle-Pamilco National Estuary Partnership Identifies, protects and restores the significant resources of the Albemarle-Pamilco national estuarine system.

Clean Marina/Clean Boater Programs

The Clean Marina and Clean Boater programs are designed to show that marina operators and recreational boaters can help safeguard the environment by using management and operations techniques that go above and beyond regulatory requirements.

Water Conservation

Save Water NC

Save Water NC helps North Carolinians learn to use water more efficiently at work, at home, at school and in their communities. 

Water Conservation Information

Learn how conserving water protects natural resources, saves money, and ensures the reliability of our drinking water supply.

Water Efficiency for Businesses and Institutions 

Information about water efficiency strategies in industrial, commercial and public facilities.

Stream, Wetland and Buffer Mitigation

The Division of Mitigation Services restores and protects wetlands and waterways for future generations while offsetting unavoidable environmental damage from economic development.

Land Conservation 

Stewardship Program

The Stewardship Program provides monitoring and management of conservation easements and lands held by the Department of Environmental Quality for stream and wetland mitigation.