Gifts Of Vision

Haywood Rankin showing the Schweinitz Sunflowers

Fall hikers viewing the big leaf magnolias

Clean And Clear Catawba, by Alice Battle – March 2, 2012

Last week I wrote about the decision by Kay Killian and her family to provide conservation easements for 500 acres near Mountain Island Lake. I noted that they could have sold the land for development. Their choice to preserve it instead is invaluable for protecting our drinking water and providing a home for wildlife.

Many other conservancy projects are protecting the Catawba River in the Metrolina area.  ReVenture Park is a corporate partner in providing a 175-acre conservancy easement in their 665 acre site.

Part of the easement is on both sides of Long Creek.  The Carolina Thread Trail will weave through the area.  This is an important segment of the Thread Trail since it will connect the Mt. Holly section with the part of the Trail in the U.S. National Whitewater Center.The rest of the 175-acre easement is 1.4 miles along the Catawba River.

ReVenture Park has partnered with the NC Wildlife Federation for a W.A.I.T. (Wildlife and Industry Together) certification for the conserved area. They will cooperate on projects to provide habitat and protection for wildlife.

The list of participants in land conservancy for this area is impressive.  The South Fork River watershed boasts 3,346.4 acres conserved. The Mountain Island Lake watershed has 1,081.1 acres. Most of this acreage is owned by individuals.

The largest tract is the 727.8 acres that make up Redlair Farm and Forest in Gaston County. The farm protects the water in the South Fork River. The Catawba Lands Conservancy has been holding their annual meeting at this site thanks to Haywood Rankin, who loves to share his forest and farm. The forest is home to the rare big leaf magnolia and the Schweinitz sunflower.

Their gift to the region is clean water and clean air – a gift that has no measure.

About Alice Battle – Alice lives on Mountain Island Lake has served on numerous groups devoted to protecting the lake, including the Duke Energy Relicensing stakeholders group. She currently is Lakekeeper for the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.