Strategizing Bay Conservation

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Recognizing that current conservation efforts were not sufficient meet the protection and management needs for Carolina Bays, a group of state, federal, Tribal, and nonprofit organizations in NC and SC came together in 2025 to form the Carolina Bays Conservation Collaborative.  This group is a forum to share information, best practices, and lessons learned, and is attempting to focus attention and resources on the greatest conservation needs for Carolina Bays.  They created the Carolina Bays Conservation Plan in 2026 which highlights priorities and needs around land protection, habitat management, landowner outreach, public education, policy, and research and monitoring.

Individuals and organizations who wish to be part of the Carolina Bays Conservation Collaborative or receive periodic information about Carolina Bays can contact Lydie Costes, lydie.costes@TNC.ORG.

The Carolina Bays Conservation Collaborative also created a 5 year (2026-2030) implementation plan with more detailed action items.  Partners who would like to receive this document can contact lydie.costes@TNC.ORG.