Triangle Land Conservancy is protecting 230-acres of mature upland forest in the Research Triangle region of central North Carolina, specifically in Chatham County within the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro metropolitan planning area. By enrolling the property in a carbon project, Triangle Land Conservancy aims to protect at-risk, mature forest to protect water quality, habitat, and community health benefits of the forest.

The Big Woods Forest Preservation project is a mix of loblolly pine, sweetgum, yellow-poplar, wooded wetlands, and other mixed upland hardwood tree species. The property is zoned for residential use and faces significant development pressure from neighboring residential growth. As part of the carbon project, Triangle Land Conservancy will protect the forest with a state-held conservation easement to permanently preserve this high-quality forest in perpetuity. This property has been identified as highly valuable in several different conservation plans, and its protection is an important part of regional efforts.

Triangle Land Conservancy eventually plans to open this preserve up to the public; this would offer passive recreation opportunities for the surrounding communities. The project is also located approximately 7.5 miles upstream of the city of Cary’s public drinking water intake on Jordan Lake. Watershed protection is paramount in this area, as the lake supports drinking water for numerous communities but continues to struggle with excessive nutrient enrichment from upstream runoff. Triangle Land Conservancy plans to reinvest carbon credit revenue generated from this project into stewardship and protecting neighboring forested land facing similar development pressures.

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.