Management of north carolina game lands and wildlife conservation areas is needed to provide a diversity of quality habitats for game and non-game wildlife resources

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 awarded $16 million to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) on July 1, 2025, under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) for a one-year performance period through June 30, 2026. This formula grant funds the management and stewardship of North Carolina's game lands and wildlife conservation areas to maintain diverse, quality habitats for game and non-game wildlife species consistent with the NC Wildlife Action Plan and identified species of greatest conservation need.

Under this award, NCWRC will deliver wildlife habitat management and maintenance across its game lands and wildlife conservation areas throughout the state, while continuing to provide public access for hunting and wildlife-associated recreational opportunities for North Carolina citizens. The funding supports ongoing operational and management activities aligned with the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act framework, which authorizes grants to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife restoration, conservation, management, and enhancement initiatives.

Game lands and wildlife conservation areas are managed in accordance with written prescriptions that take into account the NC wildlife action plan goals and species of greatest conservation need. These areas are also managed to provide public access for hunting, and other wildlife associated recreational opportunities for the citizens of north carolina.