Amy Sawyer

North Carolina's state parks system is dedicated to the conservation of natural resources, to outdoor recreation and environmental education. Managed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, it encompasses 41 state parks and state recreation areas, as well as 33 undeveloped conservation areas, ranging from mountains to piedmont to coast. The system maintains careful stewardship of North Carolina's diverse natural resources with a corps of dedicated, professional rangers trained in law enforcement, environmental education, natural resource protection, search-and-rescue techniques, wildfire suppression and medical first response. Their efforts are supported by maintenance mechanics, park office personnel and an administrative team that includes natural resource, planning, trails, exhibits, construction and land protection specialists.