Natural Resources
Park and Recreation's Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources is a regional environmental leader organizations on preservation, conservation and educational endeavors.
The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources is a regional environmental leader and willingly partners with other public agencies and non-profit organizations on preservation, conservation and educational endeavors.
Deer Management
The deer population in Mecklenburg County has grown to over 45 animals per square mile (2015, NCWRC). Such a high density causes problems, and not just when deer dart into traffic. Diseases and parasites are more prevalent for animals in dense populations. Because of these known issues, the department carefully manages permit-based hunts each year at select nature preserves.
Prescribed Burns
Natural Resources staff use controlled burns (also known as prescribed fire) to mimic the natural disturbance caused by the natural fires of years ago. These fires are carefully planned and conducted under specific weather conditions to achieve specific goals. In this way fire can safely be used as a management tool.