The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is hosting a series of public forums on its proposal to allow people who do not have state-issued hunting, fishing or trapping licenses access to state game lands, shooting ranges and boating access areas.
The proposed Conservation Access Pass would grant non-license holders access to and use of more than 2 million acres of state game lands, five state wildlife-owned and managed shooting ranges, and more than 250 boating access areas to more than 100 bodies of water for non-registered vessel owners.
Supporter Spotlight
The pass would allow those who do not have a state Wildlife Resources Commission-issued license to carry out a variety of activities on state-owned and -managed game lands, including hiking, birdwatching, biking, camping, dog walking, geocaching, and foraging, according to the commission’s website.
Pass holders would also be allowed to paddle non-motorized vessels from boat accesses and target shoot at state-managed shooting ranges.
Commission representatives will explain what is under consideration, answer questions, and gather feedback from attendees on the proposed pass program at these regional forums.
The forum in eastern North Carolina is set for 7-9 p.m. Feb. 25 at Pitt Community College, 169 Bulldog Run, Winterville.
A virtual forum will be hosted 6-8 p.m. March 4. Registration is available online.
Supporter Spotlight
Virtual forums will be recorded and posted to the commission’s YouTube channel. Comments and questions may be submitted online.
