The mission of the Department of Cultural Resources is to enrich the cultural, educational, and economic well-being of North Carolina's citizens and visitors through preserving, developing, promoting, and disseminating the state's artistic, historical, and informational resources. The Department of Cultural Resources is partnered with other agencies across the state to participate in N. C. Project Green. Secretary Betty Ray McCain and her employees are "committed to a policy and ethic of environmental sustainability," as reflected in the accomplishments for 1999 and the goals for 2000.

Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
Department of Cultural Resources

1999 Accomplishments

• Developed the department's environmental sustainability goals and plans
• Reviewed and facilitated the plans developed throughout the agency
• Implemented and refined initiatives

2000 Goals

• Educate all departmental staff members and raise their awareness about environmental sustainability issues
• Publicize activities within the agency and to our constituents
• Recognize individuals and work units who have made significant contributions in achieving state and agency goals

DCR's Project Green Task Force has worked and is continuing to make DCR an environmentally sustainable place to work. Secretary McCain has given this project her "enthusiastic support" and has encouraged her staff to participate in this team effort.

Environmental Sustainability Plan for the
Department of Cultural Resources

The Environmental Sustainability Plan for the Department of Cultural Resources identifies environmentally sustainable activities already being practiced and looks at new ideas for reducing harmful environmental impacts. Headed by David Brook, the DCR Sustainability Officer, the department's Project Green Task Force (representatives throughout the department who serve as liaisons within their divisions or sections) formulated this plan. It includes three long-term goals and four projects (two ongoing and two time-limited).

LONG-TERM GOALS

• Analyzing recycling activities throughout the department
• Encouraging the use of electronic communication to convey information within the department and to its clients
• Developing a department-wide environmentally-based landscape management policy and plan

ONGOING PROJECTS

• Tax credit programs for the rehabilitation and reuse of historic structures
• Electronic scheduling of tours at buildings and sites within the state governmental complex in Raleigh

TIME-LIMITED PROJECTS

• A wetland restoration and stormwater management project at Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens
• A wetland enhancement and restoration demonstration project at the North Carolina Maritime Museum