216 Acres of Old Growth Swamp Land Protected
The Nature Conservancy works with local landowner to preserve Black River
Durham, NC—November 8, 2004—A stand of 1,700-year-old bald cypress trees highlights the history of the Black River in southeastern North Carolina. Today The Nature Conservancy and a family from Lumberton ensured that more than 200 acres along this precious waterway will remain permanently protected.
The Black River flows 66 miles through parts of Sampson, Pender and Bladen counties before emptying into the Cape Fear River just north of Wilmington. Designated by the state as an Outstanding Resource Water in 1994 due to its high quality and cleanliness, the Black River has been a focus of The Nature Conservancy’s work in the region since the late 1980s.
The Conservancy’s North Carolina Chapter has acquired a conservation easement from the family of a Lumberton resident whose father purchased the land after discovering it during a fishing trip many years ago. The agreement will permanently protect the swampland along the river as well as adjoining forested slopes.
The Black River is home to rare fish species, bobcat, river otter, black bear, neotropical song birds and numerous mussel species, as well as the ancient bald cypress trees. Scientists say that the cypress trees on the Black River are the oldest trees in eastern North America, and likely some of the oldest standing trees in the world.
“The Nature Conservancy has long recognized the importance of maintaining the health of the Black River. Ten years ago, we created a plan for protecting the river and we’ve since worked with local landowners to secure important upland areas as well as the floodplains,” says Hervey McIver, protection specialist for The Nature Conservancy. “The 216 acres we’re now protecting are critically important to ensuring that the Black River stays healthy and that people are able to enjoy its recreational benefits. This river is a unique natural gem within southeastern North Carolina and is inspiring to all those who travel its smooth waters.”
McIver knows the Black River well. He has spent hours canoeing through the swamplands and has even cut and maintained canoe trails along this section, known as “Three Sisters.” While most of the land along the river is privately owned, several put-ins and boat landings provide public access to the most scenic parts of the Black River. Swamp roses bloom in the spring as migratory birds build their nests, spider lilies appear in the summer and the fall brings outstanding foliage to view.
“It’s exciting to secure this land,” says McIver. “We’d definitely encourage people to head to the public access points and explore the river. Thanks to this thriving ecosystem, they’ll find some remarkable scenery and wildlife.” Although experts have identified several stresses to the Black River system, it remains a free flowing, fully functioning, relatively undisturbed river system, presenting a unique opportunity for conservationists and local residents alike.
The Nature Conservancy was able to acquire this tract with private funds as a match to a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, in recognition for the site’s importance in protecting water quality. The 216 acres brings the Conservancy’s holdings to nearly 9,000 protected acres in the Black River and adjoining South River.
The North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and its 23,000 members have protected more than 570,000 acres in the Tar Heel state. Its mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. For more information, contact the NC Chapter office at 919.403.8558 or visit us on the web at www.nature.org/northcarolina.
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