About Us

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.

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

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Alcoa

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American Rivers

Audubon

Audubon North Carolina

bcbs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

CFCU

Civic Federal Credit Union

Domion

Dominion

EDF

Environmental Defense Fund

FSP

Friends of State Parks

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Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

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Martin Marietta

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NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts

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North Carolina Coastal Federation

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North Carolina Realtors

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North Carolina Recreation and Park Association

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North Carolina Farm Bureau

Nutrien

Nutrien

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Partners for Parks

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Site Collaborative

smithfield

Smithfield Foods

Syngenta

Syngenta

Leadership

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Co-ChairMichelle WellsNC Recreation & Park Association

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Co-ChairMitch PeeleNC Farm Bureau

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TreasurerGraham SmithSite Collaborative

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SecretaryPeter Raabe American Rivers

Tony Burd

Board MemberTony BurdSyngenta

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Board MemberBryan EvansNC  Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts

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Board MemberChris EvansBlue Cross Blue Shield of NC

Gibson

Board MemberTommy GibsonAlcoa

Joyce Fitzpatrick

Board MemberJoyce FitzpatrickFitzpatrick Communications

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Board MemberDavid KellyEnvironmental Defense Fund

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Board MemberStewart LeethSmithfield Foods

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Board MemberMichelle LeonardFriends of State Parks

McKeithan

Board MemberRay McKeithanNutrien

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Board MemberTodd MillerNorth Carolina Coastal Federation

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Board MemberJason EricsonDominion

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Board MemberJesse PopeGrandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

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Board MemberAshley RuffinCivic Federal Credit Union

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Board MemberCurtis SmallingAudubon of North Carolina

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Board MemberSteve WhittMartin Marietta

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Board MemberAlvin WoodsPartners for Parks

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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.