N.C. Gen. Stat. § 106-874

Where no suitable tax-delinquent lands are available and, in the judgment of the Department, the establishment of a demonstration forest is advisable, the Department may purchase sufficient land for the establishment of such a demonstration forest at a fair and agreed-upon price, the deed for such land to be subject to approval of the Attorney General, but nothing in G.S. 106-870 to G.S. 106-875 shall allow the Department to acquire land under the right of eminent domain.