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The Black River, not surprisingly, is a blackwater river and is characterized by meanders, oxbows, artesian springs and mature swamp forests. As tannins from decaying vegetation leach into the water, the river is stained its characteristic dark tea color.
The Black River and approximately 70 miles of two of its major tributaries are designated as Outstanding Resource Waters by the NC Division of Water Quality. The relatively undisturbed Black River system has extraordinarly high water quality.
Tall, flat-topped bald cypress with huge buttresses completely dominate the sometimes open canopy in the old-growth stands. This extensive forest, including several trees ranging from 780 to 1,600 years in age, is considered to be the oldest stand of trees east of the Rocky Mountains.
The Nature Conservancy has been involved with protecting important tracts along the Black River and its tributaries for nearly 20 years, during which time approximately 14,540 acres have been protected largely through partners. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages over 2,200 acres in its Black River Preserve. In addition, the Conservancy monitors conservation easements on 262 acres of privately-owned land.