Purchase to protect habitat near rivers

N.C. wildlife resource agency buys 2,800 acres from Duke Energy unit

Friday, March 2, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

The N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission announced Thursday that it has bought 2,800 acres of land along the Johns and Catawba rivers in Burke County, protecting thousands of waterfowl and other animals.

The commission bought the land from Crescent Resources, the development arm of Duke Energy, for $11.5 million, said Tom Kenney, land protection director with Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina.

Nearly 17 miles of undeveloped land will be added to the commission's game lands program, allowing the state to protect the wetlands, Kenney said.

"It's a wonderful natural resource ... with habitats for fowl, animals and plant life," Kenney said. "Everyone recognized the benefit in terms of conservation."

The purchase marks the state's first conservation transaction stemming from the Catawba-Wateree comprehensive relicensing agreement with Duke Energy.

Duke Energy's hydroelectric license to manage its chain of 11 reservoirs along the Catawba River expires in 2008. Duke has negotiated for more than three years with cities, government agencies and members of the public over terms of a new license.

One of the conditions is that Duke will place up to 5,900 acres in public hands. This is the first step toward that goal.

"It's wonderful to see the results of the collaborative efforts of stakeholders for the benefit of the environment and the public," said Ellen Ruff, president of Duke Energy Carolinas. "It's a win-win in all aspects."


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