Moore County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina. According to the NC Office of State Budget & Management, Moore County is projected to grow by an additional 35% by 2040. That means more subdivisions, more parking lots, and more big chain stores, and fewer farms, forests, and wildlife habitats. The time to conserve rural land is now, because soon it will be too late. 

One Moore County family has partnered with Three Rivers Land Trust to ensure the permanent conservation of their land near Carthage. Now, over 147 acres of forestland will never be paved over or subdivided. Furthermore, this tract of land adjoins over 1,700 acres of previously conserved land, creating almost 2,000 acres of contiguous protected land. 

“When we expand conserved lands, every advantage of conservation is magnified. The protection of this property from development will create a ripple effect, benefiting the natural resources on these properties,” stated Emily Callicutt, TRLT’s Director of Conservation. Large, uninterrupted conserved areas support biodiversity, provide crucial wildlife corridors, improve ecosystem resilience, and maintain long-term ecological health. In a rapidly developing area such as Moore County, creating large swaths of conserved land is vital. 

Landowners Kathleen and Andy White are no strangers to conservation. This is the second property the Whites have protected with TRLT. “We chose to conserve this property because we know this is our greatest way to make an impact on the conservation of our natural world,” said the Whites. “We are privileged to be the stewards of this property and manage the forests found on it. We are happy to know that it will be permanently protected. We are honored to be able to create a lasting legacy for the future of North Carolina.” 

Creating expanses of conserved land, like this 2,000-acre piece in Moore County, is only possible with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to the land. Three Rivers Land Trust is grateful that the Whites share these values. The future of Moore County and North Carolina depends on landowners, land trusts, and conservation.