Date: June 19, 1997                         Contact: Mary Noel
For Immediate Release                       Recreation Staff Officer
                                            National Forests in NC
                                            704-257-4259

                 FOUNDATION AWARDS NC NATIONAL FORESTS S86,900

    The National Forest Foundation announced it will award the National Forests

in North Carolina S86,900 to expand interpretive programs, trail opportunities

and campground facilities on the national forests.

    On the Appalachian Ranger District, S35,000 will help pay for a new well

and water distribution system at the Carolina Hemlocks Campground near

Burnsville.  An award of S20,000 will go to expand interpretive programs at the

Cradle of Forestry's Discovery Center on the Pisgah Ranger District.

    On the Croatan National Forest in eastern North Carolina near New Bern,

S31,900 will be used to improve signing, develop a canoe trail, and create

camping opportunities on Brices Creek.

    The funds awarded will be matched by agency and non-federal partners' 

donations of cash and other goods and services.

    The National Forest Foundation is a national nonprofit group created by

Congress.  NFF supports national forest programs, including recreation,

recreation, wildlife and firefighting. More information on NFF and its programs

can be obtained at (202) 501-2473.