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 Lisbeth C. Evans and her employees are committed to a policy and ethic of environmental sustainability, particularly as it makes use of new technologies.

Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary Department of Cultural Resources

“I am proud of our Department of Cultural Resources Environmental Sustainability Plan. All of our divisions within the Department of Cultural Resources are strongly committed to an ethic of sustainability. Archives and History staff members are working to recycle hundreds of historic buildings, reclaim coastal wetlands, and digitize archival records for on-line use by the public. The Museum of History is saving money and resources by recycling exhibit materials. At the same time, our Museum of Art is initiating steps to ecologically restore 100 acres of forests, fields, and streams for the benefit of art patrons and the public alike. Finally, by recycling paper products and maximizing the use of electronic communications, all of our agencies, including the State Library, Arts Council, Symphony, and DCR Administrative Services, are reducing the need to draw upon the precious raw materials of nature’s storehouse. The wise stewardship of both our cultural and natural resources will add immeasurably to the prosperity and happiness of all North Carolinians, present and future.”

Accomplishments 

• Developed the department’s environmental sustainability goals and plans
• Reviewed and facilitated the plans developed throughout the agency
• Implemented and refined initiatives
• Publicized activities within the agency and to DCR constituents

Goals 

• Educate all departmental staff members and raise their awareness about environmental sustainability issues
• 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 Evans 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

EMERGING PROJECTS 

• An environmentally sustainable trail system at the North Carolina Museum of Art

• Recycling exhibit materials at the North Carolina Museum of History