Forks of the Little River Protected in Star

by Alicia Vasto, LandTrust AmeriCorps member

July 2, 2015

Thanks to important state trust fund monies and a partnership between the Town of Star and The Land Trust for Central North Carolina, the Town of Star is now the owner of a beautiful new passive park along the Little River. Aptly named Forks of the Little River Passive Park, the property is situated at the confluence of the east and west forks of the Little River. It includes good paddling and fishing access at the river. It was purchased in February with a combination of North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund monies and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund monies. The LandTrust worked with the Town of Star to apply for both grants. The partnership between the Town and The LandTrust was key to the purchase of this property, and will continue to be a vital relationship moving forward as the park is developed for enhanced public use. The 30-acre park contains beautiful mature hardwood forests, large rock outcroppings, and mountain laurel covered slopes. The natural communities throughout this property provide a mountainous feel uncommonly found in the Piedmont. The forks of the Little River are classified as Nationally Significant Aquatic Habitat by the North Carolina Natural Heritage program. Eight species of rare or endangered mussels have been found in the river on this property. Rare plants including Piedmont Indigo-bush (Amorpha schwerinii) are found here as well.

“This property is a real jewel in this region, both ecologically, and aesthetically,” states Executive Director of The LandTrust Crystal Cockman. “This is a truly gorgeous spot—perfect for a family picnic, where children can play on the rocks and in the river, and enjoy the beauty that this area has to offer. The LandTrust is so excited to partner with the Town to protect this special place for all to enjoy.”

The Town of Star, The LandTrust, and other partners hope to work together to expand trails and develop parking and a more formal canoe access in the future as a second phase of this project. This builds off of other public canoe access areas downstream, including the new Troy-owned access on Troy-Candor Road, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission-owned access at Pekin Road, and a community pay access on Green Oak Gap Road.

This project will be discussed at the Town of Star Board of Commissioners meeting on July 13^th at 5 pm at 454 South Main Street in Star. If you would like to learn more or comment on this project, please join us then.