Key Conservation Projects for 2003

The Needmore Tract - Purchase of the 4,468-acre property on the Little Tennessee River in Swain and Macon counties, to be managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, will conserve 26 miles of the Little Tennessee River and 37 miles of tributary streams, 57 species of fish, dozens of Cherokee and historic sites, and the largest cluster of mountain floodplain forests remaining the Southern Appalachians.

The "Eno Wilderness" - At 815 acres, this property is the largest single addition to the Eno River State Park and will increase the park's size by nearly 33 percent.

The Poplar Ridge project - This 151-acre acquisition brings the Eno River State Park to the US 70 Bypass in Hillsborough. Like the Eno Wilderness project, this property would have been developed had it not been acquired for the park.

The Elk Knob State Natural Area - At 1,204 acres, the first state natural area in Watauga County includes the highest peak in the county at 5,520 feet and part of a range of amphibolite rock mountains that often support rare plant species and communities.

Haw River State Park - The General Assembly authorized the creation of this new state park, which will encompass nearly 80 acres along the Haw River in Guilford and Rockingham counties.

The Mingo Tract - This 5,621-acre project in Caldwell and Wilkes counties will protect a portion of the headwaters of the Yadkin River. The Wildlife Resources Commission will manage the property as gamelands.

The Beck Tract - The 2,500-acre acquisition in Onslow County will become part of the state's gamelands system. This purchase will protect Stones Creek and the New River, and will prevent encroachment on Camp Lejeune.