Duke Energy grant will help Yadkin River waterways
Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 25, 2019
- Submitted photo An egret sunbathes on a rock in the Yadkin River. Three Rivers Land Trust has received a greant from Duke Energy to help preserve the land along the Yadkin.
SALISBURY – Three Rivers Land Trust received a $100,000 grant to continue protecting and enhancing regional waterways and the environment. The grant is part of the Water Resources Fund, a $10 million commitment by Duke Energy Corp.
Three Rivers Land Trust is one of 12 organizations across the Carolinas to receive more than $940,000 in the ninth and final grant announcement. The Water Resources Fund is a multiyear commitment to improve water quality and promote conservation in the Carolinas and neighboring regions.
“This grant will help fund the acquisition of the Alcoa Lands on High Rock Lake, which permanently conserves 2,300 acres and 41 miles of shoreline on this important waterway,” said Travis Morehead, Three Rivers executive director. “We thank Duke Energy for its support and are eager to work with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to ensure these lands remain publicly accessible.”
Three Rivers is raising money for conservation of the land, but it will be owned by the Wildlife Resources Commission and stay in the gamelands program. The public has had access to the property for more than 30 years for hiking, hunting, fishing and paddling.
Acquisition of the Alcoa Lands conserves critical habitat, connects conserved areas and wild places, provides access for the public, and helps sustain the local outdoor recreation, tourism and forestry economies.
“Duke Energy is dedicated to protecting and restoring the rivers and waterways that power our regional economies,” said Stephen De May, president of Duke in North Carolina. “We look forward to working with Three Rivers Land Trust and the impact this project will have in the region.”
Since the fund’s inception, Duke Energy has supported 125 projects in the Carolinas and Virginia with $10 million in grants. Investment decisions were reviewed by the Water Resources Fund committee, an independent body that includes five environmental experts and two Duke employees. Selected projects were chosen on several criteria, including whether they are science-based and research-supported.
Submitted photo Three Rivers Land Trust has received a grant that will help protect land along the Yadkin River for all to use.
Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve natural, scenic, agricultural and historic places in a 10-county region of the central Piedmont. Since 1995, the organization has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to owners who want to save their land for future generations to enjoy.
For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, call 704-647-0302, email crystal@threeriverslandtrust.org or visit www.threeriverslandtrust.org.
