Chatham Conservation Partnership Springs to Life

Pittsboro, NC -- On October 4, a group of 45 people breathed life into the idea of protecting Chatham County’s natural resources. TLC is among the organizations that signed a memorandum of understanding that officially launched the Chatham Conservation Partnership. The Partnership’s mission is to create a community conservation vision that builds awareness, protection and stewardship of the county's natural resources.

The partnership consists of county citizens, farmers, business-owners and developers, as well as representatives of conservation groups, educational institutions, county agencies, state agencies and federal agencies. “We are working together on shared goals that provide for human needs while retaining the county’s natural heritage,” said Sarah McRae, Chair of the Steering Committee.

Numerous conservation agencies have identified Chatham County as a high priority area for conservation efforts. Chatham’s four major water bodies—the Haw, Deep and Rocky rivers and Jordan Lake—rank among the highest priority watersheds for aquatic wildlife conservation throughout the entire state and are important drinking water and recreational resources for local communities.

Working lands—active farms and managed forests—are an equally important natural resource in Chatham County. Working lands make up 41 percent of the county’s land use, and in 2000 accounted for 38.8 percent of the county’s total income and 33 percent of the county’s total employment.

Your input is welcome!

The group’s next meeting will be held December 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room 2 of Building 2 at Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro. The meeting is open to the public, and the public is encouraged to attend. If you plan to attend, please contact Sarah McRae at sarah.mcrae@ncmail.net or 919-715-1751.
 

 

Copyright © 2006-2008, Triangle Land Conservancy Last updated on 11/05/2007.