(RALEIGH) -- As budget decisions are made in the General Assembly, conservationists are begging lawmakers not to cut any more of the money that maintains natural areas in the state. Reid Wilson heads the state Conservation Trust. He said North Carolina needs those funds to remain in place.

"The state's four Conservation Trust funds are critical to the state's health, quality of life and long-term economic strength.  The funds that are used to protect land and water across the state help provide cleaner drinking water, clean air, flood control," said Wilson.

Wilson cited a recent report by the Trust for Public Land that says every dollar invested in conservation trusts in the state returns $4 in benefits. He said now is not the time to cut those dollars.