Dr. Phil McKnelly keynote address

Thanks - I am honored to have this opportunity to visit with you tonight. I think this concept, this program is a marvelous thing. I particularly like the mix of state, federal and private organizations represented. There needs to be more interaction and communication among these agencies and organizations. This program speaks to a commitment to good stewardship and it speaks to an investment in the future of North Carolina. The founders of this program (Ag. Extension & NCSU) should be as proud as you are as members of the fifth graduating class. When I started thinking about this talk, I first thought I might address 3 points:Leadership/Integrity, Stewardship, and Good Fortune I quickly realize you are really here to receive your diplomas and, besides, after the program Steve and Mary Lou, and the board and faculty put together for you, me talking to you about Leadership would be like trying to give pointers to cows on grazing. I noticed that you spent some time on everything ranging from a ropes course and other problem solving activities to the political process. I would like to make one comment on the political process and that is that many of us, me included, like to make fun of Congress and the General Assembly. Folks like Will Rogers made a pretty good living at it with quips like: "I don’t make jokes, I just watch the government and report the facts." or "This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when a baby get hold of a hammer." or "Congress was opened with a prayer. If the Lord can see his way clear to bless them the way they’ve been carrying on, the rest of you ought to get it without even asking." Or Simon Cameron’s comment that, "An honest politician is one who, when he is bought will stay bought." The fact is that several years ago, folks would have never put topics like politics and collaborative problem solving in a curriculum like this. But you had better pay attention to both if you want to play a leadership role in your organization. It doesn’t matter if you represent a state or federal agency or private corporation, you better believe they all have internal politics and they all are affected by the state and federal decision making processes. Again, I commend the folks who put this curriculum together for making it a realistic experience. Stewardship: now, let’s talk about the stewardship of our natural resources. The fact that you are a member of this graduating class says a lot about you, the work you have invested in your career to this point, and the hopes and expectations your organizations hold for you. You have been recognized by your organization, your administrators, and - in some cases your peers - as leaders or potential leaders. While that recognition represents an honor, and rightfully a certain amount of pride, it also carries a significant responsibility. Organizations represented by the people in this room have been entrusted with some of the most outstanding natural resources in the country. And folks, we in NC are truly blessed in terms of the range and quantity of natural resources in our state. In the State Parks System we are responsible for the highest point east of the Mississippi to a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean - and there are rivers, swamps, bogs and mountains in between. I would match the scope, quality and quantity of our natural resources against any other state in the country - in fact I did recently at a national conference of state parks directors - "Florida, Colorado, and California comparisons." But there is no way out State Parks System could, or should, be responsible for all of the outstanding resources in the state. There is a need for forests that are managed for timber production and woodlands that provide a place for hunting, as well as areas that are held as biological preserves. When you look at basic statistics associated with the natural resources in North Carolina, they sound impressive. Numbers such as: over 1.2M acres in North Carolina’s U.S. Forests, over 400,000 acres of National Parks, over 300,000 acres of state owned game lands, over 150,000 acres of state parks, and almost 150,000 acres held by private land trusts. Combined there are almost 3 million acres currently protected throughout the State. Another 18.7 million acres is managed by private owners for long term timber production. The publicly held land and the commercial timber land make up over 20 million acres in NC or approximately 61% of the state’s land base. Agricultural lands make up another 9 million acres, bringing the total open space holdings in NC to over 85% of the total land base. Unfortunately, we also:have lost at least 50% of our wetlands to the point they can no longer perform their functions as stream buffers and wildlife habitat, the average annual conversion rate of rural lands has increased by over 67% since 1992, of 1,775 identified Significant Natural Heritage Areas, more then 900 remain unprotected. We are losing 425 acres a day of forest, farmland and openspace to development - a total or 156,000 acres a year, The Charlotte area alone will lose 41 acres of open space a day for the next 20 years if current development practices continue, urban land in the triangle has grown over 3.6 times faster than the population - and these statistics don’t even address issues like the burden expanding 5-10 acre estates put on woodland fire-fighting efforts or the fracturing of wildlife habitat, particularly for those animals that require larger territories. Fortunately, the tide is starting to turn and help is on the way In 1998, voters considered 240 state and local measures to protect open space. The approval rating of 72% suggests that the public is concerned. Since 1997, seven of nine bond referendums that have gone before North Carolina voters have passed. In Mecklenburg Co. voters approved a 1999 bond measure that provided $220 million largely for the purchase of open space. As stewards of these resources we have to earn and maintain the public trust and make sure these investments are used effectively and the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina is truly improved. I am truly Fortunate - and I think you are, too I/we have : Opportunity to work in such a meaningful field with people who are truly committed to what they are doing. "Find a way to make a contribution that you enjoy. You can’t be productive or fulfilled if you are unhappy." Or as Benjamin Franklin said: "The U.S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself." (I think most of the folks in this room are on the right track) Opportunity to experience natural resources first hand (although, I will warn you, the opportunities seem to diminish as you "advance" in your career). Chance to ensure that truly special resources and opportunities are available for our children and their children. There has never been a better time to be involved in the stewardship of our natural resources: Governor’s 1 Million Acre initiative: open space includes permanently protected agricultural and forest lands: passed - signed into law. In North Carolina we now have in place dedicated funds that make over $60 Million available for land acquisition and development of parks, game lands and open space. (It will still take 26 years to complete the system if nothing else breaks and no new parks are created). Even more help may be on the way - $1.2 Million in Farmland Trust National: CARA: Parks and Wildlife We’ve started programs to clean up our rivers and streams and we’re working on the quality of our air. I often talk to our staff about Moments. A moment isn’t measured in minutes or seconds, but it’s an experience or a window of opportunity. In terms of the protection of our natural resources, I’m not sure we have ever had a moment quite like we are experiencing right now. I hope you appreciate and can enjoy this moment. I hope you will join in the effort to extend and take advantage of this moment. And I wish you good luck as you return to your organization and pursue your career. Back to Leadership Development