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The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust has announced the successful acquisition of a breathtaking 2,921-acre property in Hyde County.

“This significant achievement, completed on March 28, 2024, marks a momentous step forward in conservation efforts in coastal North Carolina,” stated a news release from the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust.

The property, formerly held by the Glenn R. Currin and Sue A. Currin Revocable Trusts, boasts an impressive 50 miles of waterfront spanning Abel, Spencer and Rose bays. Its diverse ecosystems include pristine coastal marshlands, pond pine woodlands, oak hammocks and a substantial 215-acre waterfowl impoundment, making it a haven for a wide array of wildlife species.

“We are excited to have protected this spectacular property, which serves as a vital habitat for coastal wildlife,” remarked Harrison Marks, executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. “We extend our gratitude to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for their invaluable partnership and to the generous funders whose support made this conservation endeavor possible.”

Recognized by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as one of the state’s premier areas for biodiversity and wildlife habitat, the property is home to numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, including the American black duck and various sandpipers. It may also provide refuge for imperiled wildlife such as the eastern black rail and northern big-eared bat, both federally listed as threatened species.

“Situated within the Swanquarter/Gull Rock Wetlands Significant Natural Heritage Area, its expansive coastal marsh plays a crucial role in protecting inland areas from storms and helps sustain local fisheries that are important for the local economy,” noted the release.

After completing the purchase, the Coastal Land Trust transferred the property to the State of North Carolina to be managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as part of the Gull Rock Game Land. “The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is committed to enhancing habitat for native wildlife on this property including management of vegetation and water levels in the 215-acre wetland impoundment,” stated Ben Solomon, assistant chief and land acquisition manager of the Wildlife Resources Commission. “We look forward to opening it for public hunting opportunities in the future.”

The acquisition of this property was made possible through the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, N.C. Land and Water Fund, Fred and Alice Stanback, and the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, Inc.

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