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The State’s Division of Parks and Recreation has released its annual report. The report highlights the accomplishments of the department over the last year. Download report

The state has reached an agreement with Bluegreen Properties to drop their development plans and allow the state to purchase the property for the Haw River State Park.   DEPR press release

"WOW!! What a beginning for 2008. While Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock were amazing additions to our "Best In The Nation" State Parks the Haw River State Park will prove to be an awesome recreational and educational experience for the Piedmont area of NC.

Friends of State Parks, was in the forefront of this effort to preserve these vital lands for protection of the natural history and heritage that contained artifacts of our culture dating back some 10,000 years. In addition the vision contained in the New Parks for a New Century outlined how important and urgent it was to protect the Haw River headwaters as an environmental "must"; and also provide recreational and educational opportunities for this growing yet under served area of the state. FSP is excited that thousands of supporters rallied to this successful effort and feels that our citizenry united in just causes will be heard and will prevail."   Excerpt from a letter by  FSP  president John Graham ( full text )

John Graham, president of FSP, presides over the presentation of a $5000 grant from REI to purchase canoes for the new Haw River State Park. John led the grant application effort working closely with the Haw River park personnel. Lewis Ledford, Director of North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation looks on.
Haw River Canoes

One of FSP founding members and former president Bob Conner was instrumental in the beginning of many important environmental groups. This picture of Bob and Lib Conner was from the presentation of an award from FSP for over 30 years of  dedicated service to the state parks
       


Scientists may have discovered the worlds oldest long leaf pine in Weymouth woods. A core sample indicates the tree is 459 years old. They hope to uncover information about the state's drought history by studying its rings. More information in this News and Record article.
Potential locations for Outlying Landing Field include five North Carolina State Parks, Dismal Swamp, Merchants Millpond, Pettigrew, Jockey’s Ridge and Goose Creek.  (Map with OLF sites) Parks are, of course, areas for relaxation and recreation. Tranquility is a primary need in these refuges yet the Draft Supplemental Environmental Statement of February 2007 appears to have no mention of the effect on these parks.

The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural heritage.

But in addition, there are significant economic factors that must be weighed. These five parks had, in 2006, more than 2 million visitors, many of them out-of-state tourists.

Friends of State Parks believes that these irreplaceable resources, the common heritage of all North Carolina’s citizens must be protected and that the final Environmental Study must address the impact of the landing field on State Parks. Please contact your representatives with your opinion.

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