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For Immediate Release
January 03, 2008


Catawba Lands Conservancy announces the permanent conservation of 28 acres in the University Area of Charlotte, NC – a move that will provide permanent natural spaces and watershed protection in Mecklenburg County. A conservation agreement was signed by the landowners on Fri., Dec. 28, and will be upheld in perpetuity by Catawba Lands Conservancy, ensuring that the forest will forever remain natural.

“Our natural lands are being developed at unprecedented rates and there are few opportunities to conserve pristine, forested land in the heart of Charlotte. This conservation agreement is a generous donation that provides permanent wildlife and plant habitat, and helps to ensure that parts of our city will always remain natural and green,” said Catawba Lands Conservancy Executive Director, Dave Cable.

Situated in the heart of the University Area and surrounded by development, this undisturbed land and lake will serve as a permanent haven for diverse plant and wildlife. In addition, the 28 acres provide a permanent public benefit of natural spaces and watershed protection for Mecklenburg County residents.

It also contributes to the preservation of Mecklenburg County’s forested lands - lands that are being lost at the highest rate in the state, according to the Environment NC Research & Policy Center April 2007 Report. The Charlotte Metro region is projected to lose nearly a quarter (24%) of its forested lands in the next 20 years.

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 7,317 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.