Ride for the Land 2007: Deep River Priority Area

On July 21, 2007, Triangle Land Conservancy hosted its 2nd annual bike tour, Ride for the Land. The tour brought attention to the organizatin's Deep River Priority Area and raised awareness of our efforts to preserve this critical piece of our natural heritage.

In 2000, Triangle Land Conservancy made a concerted push to conserve land on the Deep through our Deep River Campaign. We raised $1.4 million in private donations and state grants to purchase the 308-acre La Grange Riparian Reserve near Carbonton and the 5-acre McIver Landing—developed as a Deep River canoe launch—in Gulf. (The 425-acre Endor Iron Furnace property in Lee County was also purchased through the campaign.)

In 2003, TLC acquired the 760-acre Justice Lands near Moncure (since transferred to state ownership) and in 2006 helped the state acquire the 109-acre Hanson Aggregates in-holding. To date, TLC has helped protect 2,447 acres in this area.

Triangle Land Conservancy’s work brought the area to the attention of state park planners, who envisioned a state park here built on paddling access points and disconnected park nodes. The NC Division of Parks and Recreation is seeking legislative authorization for the Deep River State Park. We will continue our work to help piece together this state park.

Triangle Land Conservancy’s conservation partnership with the Division of Parks and Recreation, Clean Water Management Trust Fund and Ecosystem Enhancement Program is beginning to make an impact in this area. Ride for the Land 2007 was an important component of the partners’ outreach activities for this project.

Check out photos from Ride for the Land 2007 and see what riders had to say about their experience!

"I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!" - Pam H.

"I (and several friends) enjoyed the ride very much. It was a wonderful location and well organized. I particularly liked the low traffic volume - it ws so enjoyable and I felt so free!" - Jane R.

Check out the routes and cue sheets from Ride for the Land 2007!

Follow the links to see the 30, -45, -60 mile cue sheets from the 2007 ride:

30 mile cue sheet

45 mile cue sheet

60 mile cue sheet

If you have any questions, contact Triangle Land Conservancy at 919-833-3662, or email us at bschumann@triangleland.org