RESOLUTION
ESTABLISH
A WILDLIFE ACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN
WHEREAS, North Carolina is among the most rapidly growing states in the country with a projected population increase of 50% by 2030¹; which has contributed to the loss of 2.37 million acres of North Carolina forestland and cropland during the past 20 years; and the state is estimated to lose an additional 2 million acres of these lands in the next 30 years²; and,
WHEREAS, it is well documented that habitat loss, including fragmentation and degradation, is the leading threat to all flora and fauna, especially endangered and threatened species and species of concern; and,
WHEREAS, given that future development of habitat is imminent, smart growth, as a practical aspect of the conservation puzzle, is needed in order to minimize negative impacts on all wildlife; and,
WHEREAS, in some cases, regulatory measures have not fully realized optimum conservation results, and a market driven initiative may complement current or future regulatory measures; especially given the positive signs that the market demands sustainable building efforts as evidenced by the proliferation of green-building materials and practices, and by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification gaining popularity; and,
WHEREAS, by working together at the early, pre-grading stages of the planning process, developers and planners can minimize the effects of development on wildlife; and with technical guidance, could avoid inappropriate land disturbance and management while at the same time protecting wildlife or restoring degraded habitats; and,
WHEREAS, having criteria for achieving a terrestrial-based certification, similar to LEED criteria for sustainable building, would guide developers to implement best management practices for wildlife in order to achieve the desirable similar certification status; and,
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has created a comprehensive strategy- the Wildlife Action Plan- for conserving wildlife and habitat which, in conjunction with other science-based resource management principles, would provide the cornerstone criteria for a wildlife accreditation initiative; and,
WHEREAS, additional benefits from such an initiative would include: utilization of native vegetation within the footprint, direct hands on conservation via walking/nature trails, wildlife observation sites, nesting box/feeder programs and a general heightened awareness and appreciation for wildlife; and,
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation currently has established habitat programs for workplaces, homeowners, places of worship, islands and educational facilities that recognize property owner’s efforts to restore, create and enhance acreage for wildlife.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, gathered at the Annual Meeting in Research Triangle Park, NC on February 23, 2008, will work in partnership with the NCWRC and other appropriate entities to establish and launch a wildlife accreditation program for developments to be recognized as wildlife-friendly upon achieving specific best management practices.
¹From
Rural to Suburban in Less Than a Century, Conservation Trust for
²Losing
our Natural Heritage: Development and Open Space Loss in