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Southern Forests Conservation Project
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This project is part of a larger joint effort between The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Fund and International Paper to protect nearly 220,000 acres of ecologically important forests, rivers and streams in 10 southern states. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will result in the largest private conservation project in the history of the southern United States. Partners include state governments, federal agencies, the Department of Defense and timber investment entities.
Total Protected Area in North Carolina: 77,090 acres
- Roanoke River: 22,009
- Upper Tar River: 20,749
- Juniper Creek: 18,341
- Chowan River: 15,464
- Fort Bragg Forest: 527
- River and stream miles protected: 300 miles
Representative Species
- Red-cockaded woodpecker
- Neotropical songbirds
- Bald cypress
- Black bear
- Freshwater mussels
Project Partners
- The Nature Conservancy
- International Paper
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
- North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
- Clean Water Management Trust Fund
- Natural Heritage Trust Fund
- Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
- The Conservation Fund
- Hoke County
- U.S. Department of Defense (Fort Bragg)
North Carolina Forests
Roughly the size of Raleigh, this project spans 12 counties and encompasses four distinct landscapes: the Roanoke, Upper Tar and Chowan Rivers in northeastern North Carolina, and Juniper Creek in the state's far southeastern tip. Lands protected through this monumental effort will largely be open to the citizens of North Carolina for recreational use. Nearly 80 percent of this project will be transferred to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, adding tens of thousands of acres to the state's Game Land program and opening these lands and waters to hunting, fishing, hiking and boating.
Roanoke River: 22,009 acres
The lower Roanoke River stretches for 137 miles across the North Carolina Coastal Plain, supporting the largest and least disturbed bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem on the Atlantic Slope. The Conservancy has helped protect more than 65,000 acres along the Roanoke. The additional acres protected through this project will benefit hunters, hikers and birdwatchers, and will protect water quality that is essential for anglers and paddlers as well.
Upper Tar River: 20,749 acres
The Upper Tar River watershed encompasses more than 2,200 square miles. The Upper Tar has exceptional biological richness in its aquatic communities, including a number of freshwater mussels, as well as more than 60 species of freshwater fish. The vast majority of the tracts protected in this project will eventually be added to Shocco Creek Game Land and to Medoc Mountain State Park, ensuring public access while at the same time preserving high water quality.
Juniper Creek: 18,341 acres
Juniper Creek drains the Green Swamp as it flows into the Waccamaw River. This region is at the heartof a rich assembly of plant life and also provides excellent wildlife habitat. Juniper Creek provides the most important natural corridor between the Conservancy's Green Swamp Preserve and the Waccamaw River. The entirety of the Juniper Creek lands protected in this project will be added to the state's Game Land program, providing a range of recreational opportunities.
Chowan River: 15,464 acres
The Chowan River is surrounded by one of the most extensive swamp forests in the state, and supports black bear and river otter, neotropical migrants such as the prothonotary warbler and raptors like the bald eagle. Protected lands will be added to the Chowan Swamp Game Land, making them available to the citizens of North Carolina for hunting, fishing, paddling and other recreational uses.
Fort Bragg Forest: 527 acres
The Conservation Fund is working with Hoke County and other partners to establish North Carolina's first community forest on a 527-acre parcel located outside the county seat of Raeford. Elected officials, residents, local organizations and others will help state and federal agencies to develop a long-term plan to manage the forest, protect water quality in Rockfish Creek, and generate economic and recreational opportunities through ecotourism development and sustainable harvesting of forest products.
For More Information
The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina
Working with partners, local communities, and people like you, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 593,000 acres of critical natural habitat in North Carolina.
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