On May 1, 2025, Three Rivers Land Trust partnered with the Department of Defense and Fort Bragg to conserve a 25-acre farm located in southern Moore County. This equestrian farm is adjacent to Fort Bragg, one of the nation’s most active military installations.

“The primary purpose of this project was to permanently conserve the land next to the installation, so that future development and residents would not be impacted by military training,” states Barry Hull, Sandhills Conservation Coordinator for Three Rivers Land Trust.

Conservation easements like the one used to protect this farm prevent subdivision and development, tall structures, and light emissions that can be a detriment to training activities on the installation. Additionally, creating buffers of conserved land around Fort Bragg provides greater flexibility to the units training there while minimizing potential disturbance to nearby neighbors.

“As residential development continues, projects like this one are becoming more essential. This conservation easement will have a far-reaching positive impact,” stated Hull.

“Conserving important national defense lands around Fort Bragg is a core part of our mission. We are thankful that our partnership with the military allows us to conserve important natural resources while supporting the installations training efforts,” said Travis Morehead, Executive Director, Three Rivers Land Trust. “As development increases, so must our conservation efforts.”

Thanks to the landowner, the Department of Defense, and Three Rivers Land Trust, this farm will be conserved in perpetuity. TRLT invites landowners in Moore, Harnett, and Cumberland counties to reach out to learn more about conservation opportunities and potential conservation funding for eligible properties.

About Three Rivers Land Trust

Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural, scenic, agricultural, and historic places in a 15-county region of the Piedmont and

Sandhills of North Carolina. Since 1995, the Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to conserve their lands for future generations to enjoy.

Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners to conserve land, natural areas, rural landscapes, family farms, and historic places within North Carolina’s central Piedmont and Sandhills.

For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or emily@trlt.org.