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For Immediate Release
December 21, 2007


Catawba Lands Conservancy announces the permanent conservation of 375 acres in Marshville, NC – a move that will bring permanent watershed protection to Union County. Sandy and David DuPuy signed the DuPuy Family Conservation Agreement on Thurs., Dec. 20. This agreement, which will be upheld in perpetuity by Catawba Lands Conservancy, ensures that the working farm, forest, streams, and 3 lakes will forever remain natural.

“In the most rapidly urbanizing county in the state, is critical that we protect our region’s natural lands and agricultural heritage now, while the window of opportunity is still open.” said Catawba Lands Conservancy Executive Director, Dave Cable. “The conservation donation by the DuPuy Family is an incredibly generous gift to the community, one that will pay dividends for generations to come.”

The land is predominantly agricultural with 1 mile of Beaverdam Creek and 2.7 miles of intermittent streams, in addition to 3 spring-fed ponds throughout the property. The DuPuy Family Conservation Agreement provides a permanent public benefit of watershed protection for Union County residents.

It also contributes to the preservation of Union County’s agricultural heritage. A heritage that is rapidly disappearing - the Charlotte Metro area, including Union County, lost 33% of its farmland between 1987 – 2007, and is projected to lose 48% more in the next 20 years, according to the Environment NC Research & Policy Center April 2007 Report.

“I grew up in West Virginia loving its natural beauty. I always looked forward to visiting my Aunt Patty's farm near Morgantown, and I worked there with my brother and cousin for many years. Owning my own farm was a boyhood dream. I am grateful to have achieved that dream and am doubly grateful that, through this gift, my family can ensure that generations to come will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and peace of this place,” said landowner, David DuPuy.

Voluntary conservation agreements protect natural resources by forgoing future development rights, while retaining family ownership and management of the land. Catawba Lands Conservancy upholds the agreement in perpetuity, ensuring the lands remain natural and the conservation values intact.


Catawba Lands Conservancy is a regional land trust that permanently protects land, water and wildlife habitat to enhance your quality of life. The Conservancy protects 7,203 acres in Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Union counties and is one of 24 land trusts serving North Carolina that collectively have protected more than 255,000 acres. Catawba Lands Conservancy is the lead agency for the Carolina Thread Trail, an environmental initiative that will link more than two million citizens with hundreds of miles of trails that wind through fifteen counties in North and South Carolina.