N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Adds Over 29,000 Acres

[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 27) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has added roughly 29,000 acres to the state Game Land Program, thanks in part to generous funding from the Clean Water Management and Natural Heritage trust funds, as well as The Nature Conservancy, which purchased the properties on the Commission’s behalf until funding could be secured.

The new lands, which came largely from former International Paper properties, are divided among the Tar, Chowan and Roanoke River basins. Together, they harbor several rare and endangered species and some of the highest water quality in the Piedmont and Coastal regions.

“Acquisition of these properties will ensure they’re in conservation ownership for perpetuity and, therefore, contribute significantly to natural resources conservation in our state,” said Dr. David Cobb, chief of the Commission’s Wildlife Management Division. “These acquisitions also contribute toward our goal of maintaining areas for use by hunters, fishermen, trappers and all other outdoor enthusiasts.”

The Commission purchased 10,589 acres along the Tar River basin. This land, comprised of nine different properties, is situated in Franklin, Nash and Warren counties. The parcels will serve to protect some of the cleanest waters in the Piedmont region – an area that still holds several endangered freshwater mussel species. The Tar River properties have a diverse geographic makeup with upland, wetland and bottomland-hardwood habitats. These tracts would have been prime targets for development due to their close proximity to Raleigh and the Research Triangle.

Three properties purchased along the Chowan River basin total 8,686 acres. Each sits on the western bank of the river in Hertford County, and boasts quality wetland and bottomland-hardwood habitats. They serve as important fish nurseries for many species, and will be added to the Chowan Swamp Game Land.

When combined, six properties within the Roanoke River basin will expand the Commission’s Roanoke River Wetlands Game Land by 10,027 acres. Located in Halifax and Northampton counties, these lands also offer important wetland and bottomland-hardwood habitats.

These areas could be open for public use as early as the fall of 2007. Commission biologists must first examine the areas to determine permissible hunting bag limits, and post the perimeters with proper signage.

For more information about the game lands of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, visit www.ncwildlife.org.