A Message From the Executive Director
Dear Wildlife Stakeholders,
The year 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Since the General Assembly created the Commission in 1947, the agency, and its employees, Commissioners, volunteers, partners, and leaders, have made an incredible impact on wildlife conservation in North Carolina.
I recently had the opportunity to review a list of the Commission’s accomplishments over the past 75 years. Even as someone who has spent a lifetime in conservation, I found the list to be awe-inspiring and want to share the following success stories with you:
- North Carolina’s wild turkey population has been reestablished from near extinction in the mid to late 20th century to a current estimated statewide population of 270,000 birds.
- Since the 1970s, our state’s black bear population has been restored.
- A Wildlife Endowment Fund was created from the sale of lifetime licenses to fund programs and projects that benefit fish and wildlife.
- Over 2 million acres of Commission-managed game lands, 249 Boating Access Areas and 222 Public Fishing Areas are maintained by agency staff to offer outdoor enthusiasts greater accessibility to wildlife associated recreation.
- More than 3,000 miles of Public Mountain Trout Waters in western North Carolina have become a local treasure and a destination for fly-anglers all along the East Coast.
No matter your area of interest—whether it be hunting, fishing, boating, birdwatching, or another activity—there is something on this list that has enhanced your enjoyment of the outdoors in North Carolina. We are proud of our impact and look forward to continued success in the years to come.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without your direct support, entrusting us as stewards of North Carolina’s wildlife resources. Whether through your purchase of hunting, shooting, angling, or boating equipment; hunting or fishing licenses; or vessel registration, none of our management efforts would be possible without you.
Yours in conservation,
Cameron N. Ingram
Executive Director
