When Katie Dunlap heard about the Auto Port planned for northwestern Moore County, she knew she had to act. Only a few miles from her rural home, 200 acres are slated for development into condos, garages, a 20,000 square foot clubhouse, a driving track, and more. She reached out to Three Rivers Land Trust and began the process of donating a conservation easement. 

The forested property is located along Cabin Creek, a tributary to the Deep River. The permanent conservation of this property will provide critical wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and a host of other ecosystem benefits as development continues to change our state’s rural landscapes. This newly protected parcel adjoins 171 acres that Katie conserved with TRLT in 2011, creating over 230 acres of protected land in this rapidly developing area. “This was the best outcome for my property. The ability to keep this parcel undeveloped in perpetuity gives me peace of mind,” Katie Dunlap stated when asked about the project. 

“Those who know Katie know how deeply she cares for the land and the community she calls home. TRLT is honored to help her ensure the land she loves remains undeveloped forever,” says Emily Callicutt, Director of Conservation for Three Rivers Land Trust. 

“Population growth and development are changing the nature and character of the rural areas of our state,” said Travis Morehead, Executive Director. “Katie’s commitment to conservation demonstrates how landowners can make a difference. Without conservation-minded landowners like Katie, development will continue to dramatically impact our state’s rural and working lands.”