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For Immediate Release
May 27, 2010


(Charlotte, N.C.) – Catawba Lands Conservancy Board Member W. Edward Poe, Jr. has been selected as the 2009 North Carolina land trust Stanback Volunteer Conservationist of the Year. This award is presented annually by North Carolina’s 24 local and regional land trusts to an individual who has shown a sustained and outstanding commitment to land trusts and conservation in North Carolina.

A partner with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, Poe has more than 35 years of experience in both the state and federal court systems, with particular expertise in utility matters. He serves on both the Land Acquisition and Executive Committees for the Catawba Lands Conservancy Board of Directors.

Poe was nominated by Catawba Lands Conservancy for his many contributions to conservation, including his work to create legal protection for conserved lands at risk of condemnation in North Carolina. He invested more than 200 pro bono hours researching case law, related conflicts and remedies. From his findings, Poe crafted a comprehensive bill addressing the complex issues surrounding condemnation and the concerns of various interest groups. With the support of Rep. Ruth Samuelson and Sen. Dan Clodfelter, the NC General Assembly passed the amendments as Session Law 2009-439. The bill was signed into law by Governor Perdue in August 2009.

“Eddie’s hands-on participation, artful leadership, and extraordinary persistence make him an ideal choice for this award, and we’re thrilled that he has been recognized by North Carolina’s conservation community,” said Dave Cable, Executive Director of Catawba Lands Conservancy. “This legislation is recognized by many as a critical component to ensure that natural lands are protected and stewarded in our urbanizing state.”

Poe was recognized at an awards ceremony and a reception hosted by CTNC on Wednesday, May 26, at Venture Hall in the Marbles/IMAX Museum in Downtown Raleigh.

About Catawba Lands Conservancy

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 more than 8,000 acres in Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Union counties and is one of 24 land trusts serving North Carolina. Catawba Lands Conservancy is the lead agency for the Carolina Thread Trail, an initiative that links more than two million citizens with hundreds of miles of trails that wind through fifteen counties in North and South Carolina.

About The Carolina Thread Trail

The Carolina Thread Trail (The Thread) is a 15-county, two state initiative designed to inspire and facilitate the creation of a regional network of trails, blueways, and conservation corridors that is growing over to link more than 2.3 million citizens. With technical resources and catalytic funding from The Thread, local communities plan and implement their portions of this green interstate system. Catawba Lands Conservancy is the lead agency for The Thread, working in partnership with the Foundation For The Carolinas, and many local partners.

Additional Resources:
• www.catawbalands.org
• www.carolinathreadtrail.org