NC Forever is a consensus-based organization whose mission is to advocate for state funds and related policies needed to conserve and protect North Carolina’s lands and waters for the purpose of making the State a better place to live, work, and do business for all.
About Us
What We Do
NC Forever seeks to help lawmakers and executive branch leaders understand the importance of protecting our natural resources. NC Forever partners work together to encourage specific, agreed-upon funding and related policy initiatives that protect and enhance North Carolina’s lands and waters. While advocacy is the central focus of the organization, NC Forever also seeks to educate both decision makers and the public on conservation needs and current funding levels in the state through studies like the one conducted by RTI in 2018. The organization also facilitates annual events, including a state budget briefing, and an event to honor an individual for special contributions to conservation and protection of North Carolina’s lands and waters.
Who We Are
In 2016, a small group of business leaders and conservation advocates saw a need in North Carolina. They believed that businesses and environmental groups were too often at odds. Disagreements overshadowed a common goal: the conservation and protection of North Carolina’s lands and waters – for generations to come. The result: The creation of NC Forever. During 2017, a broader group of business and environmental leaders came together as Founding Partners. Through the year, they ironed out organizational details.
Partner Organizations
Alcoa
American Rivers
Audubon North Carolina
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Civic Federal Credit Union
Dominion
Environmental Defense Fund
Friends of State Parks
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Martin Marietta
NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
North Carolina Coastal Federation
North Carolina Realtors
North Carolina Recreation and Park Association
North Carolina Farm Bureau
Nutrien
Partners for Parks
Site Collaborative
Smithfield Foods
Syngenta
Leadership
Co-ChairMichelle WellsNC Recreation & Park Association
Co-ChairMitch PeeleNC Farm Bureau
TreasurerGraham SmithSite Collaborative
SecretaryPeter Raabe American Rivers
Board MemberTony BurdSyngenta
Board MemberBryan EvansNC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Board MemberChris EvansBlue Cross Blue Shield of NC
Board MemberTommy GibsonAlcoa
Board MemberJoyce FitzpatrickFitzpatrick Communications
Board MemberDavid KellyEnvironmental Defense Fund
Board MemberStewart LeethSmithfield Foods
Board MemberMichelle LeonardFriends of State Parks
Board MemberRay McKeithanNutrien
Board MemberTodd MillerNorth Carolina Coastal Federation
Board MemberJason EricsonDominion
Board MemberJesse PopeGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Board MemberAshley RuffinCivic Federal Credit Union
Board MemberCurtis SmallingAudubon of North Carolina
Board MemberSteve WhittMartin Marietta
Board MemberAlvin WoodsPartners for Parks
Board MemberKatharine WendtNC Realtors Association
How to Join
NC Forever brings together unconventional allies for a common purpose. NC Forever is a unique opportunity for you and your organization to make a significant difference for the future of our state’s natural resources. Individuals, companies, and organizations interested in joining NC Forever click below to learn more.