NC State Parks acquires 3,000-acre tract along Lumber River

FAIR BLUFF, N.C. (WECT) - Lumber River State Park is expanding by more than 3,000 acres along the South Carolina border.

The expansion, located in Robeson County near Fair Bluff, protects the river’s western banks and provides public access to a corridor that features a National Wild and Scenic River for recreation and a state Natural and Scenic River for its natural composition.

“Millions of residents and visitors enjoy North Carolina’s remarkable natural beauty every year,” said Gov. Josh Stein. “Protecting this land along the Lumber River will help preserve it for generations to come.”

The Conservation Fund bought the land with private donations and a $4.05 million state grant before transferring it to N.C. State Parks, which funded the purchase through state and federal park grants totaling more than $3.8 million.

“Protection of this property along the Lumber River is an investment in the protection of water quality, outdoor recreation, and the long-term resilience of the area,” said DNCR Secretary Pam Cashwell. “This acquisition will also protect a significant portion of the federally designated National Wild and Scenic River system.”

The river is located across Columbus, Robeson, Scotland and Hoke counties, featuring a wide expanse of wetlands that are home to endangered and rare species of plants and animals. It is also an important water resource for nearby communities.

Click here for more information on The Conservation Fund.