Three Rivers Land Trust Protects 195 acres on Drowning Creek
Drowning Creek is not just the headwaters of the Lumber River, it is also a stream that is classified as a High Quality Watershed by the State of North Carolina, and it provides drinking water for the Town of Southern Pines. That’s why Three Rivers Land Trust has focused conservation efforts on this important waterway in recent years, and TRLT is excited to announce the protection of 195 acres through permanent conservation easement, which closed on July 17, 2024.
Three Rivers Land Trust first began talking with the owners of this land a few years ago, with the primary driver of this conservation easement being the patriarch of the family, Thomas Deans. Thomas loved this land and lived on it, and he loved the longleaf pines on it, and never wanted to see it developed. He passed away before he could see this dream realized, but his daughter Leslie Thiel and son Thomas “Tom” Julian Deans continued with his wishes, and worked with Three Rivers Land Trust to protect the site.
“Three Rivers Land Trust has a focus on protecting local waters,” states Executive Director Travis Morehead. “Since our footprint is still largely rural, we are fortunate to have a number of clean streams that provide water for residents in our region. We are also fortunate to have landowners like the Deans family who know the importance of this resource, and are willing to work with us to protect it.”
“As far as the family is concerned, everybody in the family agreed we wanted to keep it as is, so we could enjoy it for now and in the future as it sits in this state right here,” stated son, Tom Deans. “Pop, as Thomas Deans was affectionately known, throughout the years had acquired this property from various relatives, it took him quite a few years to put it all together, and it was his wish it remain as is.”
Leslie Thiel also added, “I would encourage other people to put their land in conservation to protect it for future generations, because you don’t know what the future holds or who holds the keys to the land. It’s important to keep it intact and preserve it for wildlife, for the environment, for the family.”
“Not only does this tract protect forested riparian buffers on Drowning Creek, it also protects an actively managed longleaf pine forest in the uplands,” states Land Protection Specialist Emily Callicutt. “Both Leslie Thiel and her daughters Rose and Leah are certified burn bosses and ensure that the forest on this tract is maintained regularly through prescribed fire. They are active in the local Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association, and care deeply about the heritage and ecosystem services provided by a well-managed longleaf pine forest.”
This project was made possible by funding from the NC Land and Water Fund, and the support of other TRLT members. If you would like to find out how to conserve your property or support TRLT’s conservation mission please contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org.
About Three Rivers Land Trust
Three Rivers Land Trust works with private landowners and public agencies to conserve the most important natural, scenic, agricultural, and historic places in a 15-county region of the Piedmont and Sandhills of North Carolina. Since 1995, the Land Trust has worked to offer reasonable and attractive options to landowners who want to conserve their lands for future generations to enjoy. Our mission is to work thoughtfully and selectively with property owners to conserve land, natural areas, rural landscapes, family farms, and historic places within North Carolina’s central Piedmont and Sandhills. For more information about Three Rivers Land Trust, please contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or emily@trlt.org or visit their website at www.trlt.org