Catawba Lands Conservancy closed on a property Dec. 21, 2011, that will add approximately 175 acres of conserved land to its already 1,250 conserved acres along the Catawba River.

This newly conserved property, called Long Creek Conservation Area, is located in southwestern Mecklenburg County along Long Creek (a tributary of the Catawba River) near the U.S. Whitewater Center.

This conservation area will yield significant public benefit, as it will forever protect the natural habitats for fish, wildlife and plants; provide watershed protection that improves surface water quality, including more than four miles (23,311 feet) of stream/river frontage and 153 acres of floodplains; offer viewshed for local neighborhoods and trail users; and provide public recreation and open space, including important tree cover and a proposed approximately 3-mile greenway for the Carolina Thread Trail.

“We are pleased this project preserves important natural land within an area that is experiencing residential and industrial development,” said Tom Okel, executive director for CLC. “Long Creek Conservation Area will also provide a key leg of the Carolina Thread Trail, which will make an important connection to the trails and amenities of the U.S. Whitewater Center. This project would not have been possible without the generous support and vision of our corporate partners.”

Clariant Corporation and ReVenture Park™ were key partners with CLC in making this project possible. The area adjacent to the conservation area is a brownfield redevelopment site. Clariant and ReVenture Park™ are supporting environmental and conservation stewardship efforts through this project.

“Environmental responsibility is a core element of the ReVenture Park Eco-Industrial Park development plan. This easement will ensure the substantial water frontage areas are protected and parts of it will be able to be enjoyed by the public.” Tom McKittrick, president of Forsite Development, Inc. Clariant Corporation has supported local land conservation through past generous donations to CLC, including a 1997 conservation easement donation involving 17 acres at Long Creek Bluff.

“We are committed to conservation efforts near our sites and throughout the region,” said Ken Golder, head of Clariant’s North American region. “We understand the importance of preserving our waterways and conserving the lands that will benefit our communities now and in the future.”