Natural Resource Planning Tools Project
In 2014, funding was secured from the USFS Redesign Program to develop tools that supported decision makers and the public with information on how to best identify, prioritize, and protect important natural resources. Our goal was to take the Chatham Conservation Plan amd other available resources, tailor them to Pittsboro's local conservation needs, and by doing so, create a model process that could be replicated by other small communities facing development pressures.
Appendices
BWHA Summary
Land Cover Change Analysis Summary
Green Infrastructure Strategies
Tree Protection Ordinance Summary
NRCO District Summary
Economic Co-Benefits Summary
Funding Opportunities
NC Guide to Developing a Tree Protection Ordinance
The Guide was written by Duke University, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions to assist municipalities by guiding them through ordinance development. The Guide presents the types of clauses necessary for a successful and functioning ordinance to achieve tree canopy protection. This allows local governments to evaluate the language and approaches for protecting tree canopy, in order to decide what best suites their community’s needs.
NC Guide to Developing Tree Protection Ordinance Final.pdf
For additional urban forestry tools visit the
N.C. Model Natural Resources Conservation Ordinance
Published by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the Duke University, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions. The model ordinance acts as an overlay district and is meant to conserve only the most sensitive natural resource areas and the most rare types of upland wildlife habitats.
A Model Natural Resources Conservation Ordinance for North Carolina Communities_v.7.14.14.pdf
Model Natural Resources Conservation Ordinance Fact Sheet:
Model ordinance fact sheet 12 2014.pdf
For more information about this model visit the