A privately owned tract bordering the Uwharrie National Forest, less than a mile from the Uwharrie Trail, will remain undeveloped forever thanks to a donated conservation easement completed by Three Rivers Land Trust (TRLT). The 82-acre property contains mature hardwood forests and Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Uwharrie River.

The conservation easement was donated by a retired forester with a lifelong passion for responsible forest stewardship. The conservation of this property has ensured that it will remain forested and protected from future development while continuing to provide habitat for wildlife and contributing to the health of the local watershed.

“Conserving lands adjacent to existing public lands creates benefits that extend well beyond a property’s boundaries,” said Emily Callicutt, Director of Conservation at Three Rivers Land Trust. “Projects like this help maintain large, connected landscapes that support wildlife and protect water quality.”

Bordered by Uwharrie National Forest on two sides, the tract adds to an existing network of conserved lands in the region. The protection of this property strengthens wildlife connectivity across the landscape, allowing animals to move more freely through large, unfragmented blocks of habitat.

The conservation of private lands adjacent to public lands also supports the long-term management of nearby forest resources. By limiting fragmentation and development, projects like this can increase the ability of the U.S. Forest Service to utilize land management tools such as prescribed fire, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and reducing wildfire risk.

As growth and development continue across North Carolina, conserving strategically located forestlands remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard wildlife habitat and protect water resources in this region.

This conservation project would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity and foresight of the landowner. Their decision to conserve this property will provide lasting benefits for wildlife, water quality, and the broader Uwharrie landscape forever.