Legislators Work Together to Propose New State Park in Cumberland County

Durham, NC—07 April 2005—With the interests of local people in mind and an eye on tourism, natural resource protection and other benefits, legislators in the mountains and the Sandhills are working together to create two new state parks, one of which would be Cumberland County’s first.

The proposed Carver’s Creek state park would encompass over 1,400 acres and include rolling hills, ravines and stream bottoms as well as longleaf pine forests, wetlands and other natural communities characteristic of the region. The land, currently owned by The Nature Conservancy, would be the potential core area of the new state park.

Sponsors have high hopes for identical bills in the House and Senate that authorize additions to the state parks system: Carver’s Creek in Cumberland County and the Hickory Nut Gorge area in Rutherford County. Primary co-sponsors of the Senate Bill (SB 586), which passed the Senate unanimously on March 24, are Senators Walter H. Dalton (Rutherford County) and Tony Rand (Cumberland County). Martin L. Nesbit, Jr. (Buncombe County) is also a sponsor. The House Bill’s (HB 1008) primary co-sponsors are Representatives Margaret Dickson, Rick Glazier, Marvin Lucas (Cumberland County) and Bob England (Rutherford County).

“This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve a pristine forest for people in Cumberland County and all of North Carolina to enjoy. The park is a win-win proposition that will protect a state treasure and enhance land use around our military bases," says Representative Dickson.

Fort Bragg’s Garrison Commander Colonel Al Aycock agrees. “A state park bordering Fort Bragg will enhance the quality of life for everyone in the region. It will expand the habitat for red-cockaded woodpecker populations and ensure compatible development so that Fort Bragg can train and the economic development in the area will thrive.”

Representative Glazier notes, “Creating the park will promote economic development in our community by increasing Cumberland County’s draw as a recreational destination. It also preserves and invests in our natural resources and improves the quality of life for all of our residents."

Senator Tony Rand is a leading proponent of the initiative, and expressed delight that the Senate bill had passed. “This land is truly special. It will provide North Carolinians with the opportunity to see the beauty of a longleaf pine forest and all the wonderful animals that live here. We’re fortunate to have such a treasure in our backyard. We should make sure we hold onto it for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”

The legislators worked closely with a variety of organizations in proposing the new parks. In Cumberland County, key partners are the state Division of Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and The Nature Conservancy. Funding for the initial land acquisition is in the works. Two Natural Heritage Trust Fund grants, totaling $4 million, have been approved, and additional funds have been requested from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Once authorized, a new state park project is eligible for support from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for land acquisition and facilities.

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.

###