MOORE COUNTY — Wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of any watershed. The combination of shallow water and high levels of nutrients is ideal for the development of microscopic organisms that form the base of the food web and feed a variety species of insects, amphibians and fish. Many species of birds and mammals rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter, especially during migration and breeding.

Because of the significance of wetlands, Three Rivers Land Trust is proud to announce the permanent protection of 172 acres in Moore County that possesses over 78 acres of designated wetlands along McLendons Creek in northern Moore County. The wetlands on this tract are so significant, that TRLT secured a very competitive national grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grant, to place a permanent conservation easement on this property. 

“One of our three core tenants at TRLT is to protect local waters. By conserving this large wetland we are providing an invaluable home to native wildlife all while helping to protect the water quality of our region’s rivers and streams.” Associate Director Crystal Cockman said. “This property possesses over 10,000 feet of stream frontage on McLendons Creek and its tributaries. The stretch of McLendons Creek adjacent to this property is located within the “Deep River below High Falls Aquatic Habitat,” an ‘exceptional’ Natural Area as designated by The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.”

Executive Director Travis Morehead added, “The conservation of this property would not have been possible without our partners at the North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Their partner contribution helped us secure a NAWCA grant to purchase the land. Without the support of partner organizations like NWTF and TRLT members, we would not be able to complete great conservation projects like this one.”

Although Three Rivers Land Trust purchased this land in December of 2022, the majority of the funds to permanently protect this property were awarded through a North Carolina Land and Water Fund grant, which requires TRLT to place a perpetual conservation easement on the property to protect the forest and water quality of the tract. That conservation easement was placed on the property on Feb. 21, completing the project.

This project was made possible by funding from the North Carolina State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the NC Land and Water Fund, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the support of other TRLT members. 

If you would like to find out how to conserve your property or support TRLT’s conservation mission please contact Emily Callicutt, senior land protection specialist, at emily@trlt.org.