15A NCAC 12H .0402. MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

The following management principles shall apply for all dedicated preserves, unless exceptions are expressly provided in the articles of dedication.

(1)           The essential natural character of the property shall be maintained.

(2)           Improvements ‑‑ including building of all types, trails, parking areas, vehicular roadways, signs, fences, steps and bridges ‑‑ shall only be constructed when necessary for the security, safety, information, or access of the public and those improvements necessary for maintenance and management of the preserve.

(3)           Destruction of flora and fauna shall not be permitted except for purpose of preserving or regenerating species and natural communities of concern, or for purpose of establishing and maintaining public access facilities.  In case of either exception, manipulation of the flora and fauna shall be consistent and compatible with the natural character of the area and shall not be seriously damaging or detrimental to the natural quality of the preserve.

(4)           No motorized vehicles shall be permitted on the dedicated property other than those utilized by the owner or the owner's agents in management and protection of the property, or used by the general public for ingress and egress to the property in compliance with the management plan for the preserve.

(5)           No signs, billboards or other advertising of any kind shall be erected, with exception for informational and directional signs related to the designation of the area as a preserve and related to the public access to the preserve.

(6)           No change shall be made in the general topography of the preserve except for those minimal alterations which may be necessary to provide on‑foot access to the public for visitation or observation; this shall be done only where wholly compatible and consistent with the character of the property and where no detrimental effect shall result.

(7)           No activity shall be allowed which might pollute any stream or body of water in the preserve.

(8)           No stream in the preserve shall be dammed, impounded, or have its course altered.

(9)           Visitor activities shall be controlled to prevent significant disturbance and environmental degradation to the preserve.

(10)         Prescribed fire and necessary firelines may be used as management tools in such areas or situations where needed to maintain or protect the natural community type.

(11)         The cutting or removal of trees, dead or alive, is prohibited, except that which is expressly permitted by an approved management plan or is necessary for public safety.

(12)         Persons wishing to engage in scientific research or collection of natural materials within a preserve shall first secure written permission from the owner and/or the management agency.

(13)         When necessary and feasible, boundaries of a preserve shall be made clearly evident by placing markers or boundary signs at corners and/or other strategic locations.

(14)         Control of exotic (non‑native) species may be undertaken where eradication can be accomplished without undue disturbance of natural conditions or without requiring relatively long periods of time for natural restoration.

(15)         No other acts or uses which are detrimental to the maintenance of the property in its natural condition shall be allowed including, but not limited to, disturbance of the soil, mining, commercial or industrial uses, timber harvesting, ditching and draining, or depositing waste materials.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113A‑164; 113A‑164.4; 113A‑164.7;

Eff. January 1, 1986.