Three Rivers Land Trust says a recent $15,000 gift from F&M Bank will go toward the Save the Yadkin campaign.

The grant will help provide for the conservation of 4,700 acres and 76 miles of shoreline along the Yadkin River known as the Alcoa Lands.

Land Trust, in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, continues to garner funds for conservation of the property. The public has accessed it through the Game Lands program for more than 30 years. Once conserved, the Wildlife Resources Commission will own the land and public access will be maintained in perpetuity.

According to the Alcoa relicensing settlement agreement, Land Trust and the Wildlife Resources Commission must acquire the 2,300 acres along High Rock Lake by September to move forward with fundraising for the remaining 2,400 acres along Tuckertown Reservoir. F&M Bank’s gift puts the amount needed to complete the acquisition of the High Rock Lake section to under $2 million.

“We are extremely grateful for F&M Bank’s partnership on this monumental campaign and their continued support of Three Rivers Land Trust,” says Executive Director Travis Morehead. “As a local business, they serve as a leader in their commitment to the community and the region.”

“Banking and conservation have a great deal in common,” says F&M CEO Steve Fisher. “Just like saving for retirement or college, we want to see our important resources be there when we need them most. The Save the Yadkin project certainly fits that description.”

To contribute to the conservation project and ensure we “keep it wild, keep it public,” call Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or donate online at www.threeriverslandtrust.org/alcoa-lands-conservation/.

For more information about the project or to learn how to support Three Rivers Land Trust in its mission to conserve other land in the central Piedmont, visit www.threeriverslandtrust.org or contact Crystal Cockman at crystal@threeriverslandtrust.org or 704-647-0302.