We are conserving fully functioning forest systems, so all of the elements that maintain the integrity of a forest over time are protected, including the rivers. There are over 300 miles of rivers in the forests that we're securing here in North Carolina, and rivers are really the life blood of any forest.

The forests of the South are among the richest in terms of total number of species of any habitats in the world.

Granted, it's a good facility, and they do a good job. But we just can't afford to be paying $50,000 more a season than our counterparts.

Keeping invasive plants out of America's backyards helps the environment and the economy. Taking the time to remove invasive plants and replace them with non-invasive varieties is a great example of bringing new energy to the old adage: think globally, act locally.