The Moore County Board of Commissioners motioned to explore legal action to prevent the removal of the Highfalls dam in a special called meeting on Tuesday.
On Oct. 16, during a presentation by Unique Places to Save, American Rivers, and Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), citizens of Northern Moore County expressed their concerns about the possible removal of the dam.
That meeting took place at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Robbins. Nearly 100 citizens and elected officials were in attendance. The representatives from the three partnered companies were there to give their presentation on the Highfalls dam in Deep River.
Peter Raabe with American Rivers presented on Oct. 16 why Deep River would be more beneficial without the dam and the reasons behind removing it. Raabe discussed the dirt building behind the dam, fish species, vegetation, and the liability for the landowner.
You can read about that meeting here.
County commissioners met with citizens last week to brainstorm how they could save the dam. Commissioners Jim Von Canon and John Ritter have been outspoken in leading citizens in the fight to keep the dam.
County Manager Wayne Vest said in Tuesday’s special meeting that they have sought legal advice and what options the county may have.
During Tuesday’s discussion on the dam removal, Von Canon highlighted the potential for up to 18 different types of fish to possibly leave the area, with three of them being endangered. Red-cockaded woodpeckers and bald eagles also habitat the area. “This ecosystem shouldn’t and doesn’t need to be disturbed,” said Von Canon.
Von Canon brought up that after the dam removal, an organization is proposing a 50-mile Deep River trail system. “Once they get this dam busted, another organization they work with be eminent domain taking property from the people that used to have waterfront property,” said Von Canon.
“They are making money from the government off of our tax dollars under the pretense they are doing something good for us. At the end of the day, we’re losing a reservoir that would be optimal for water,” he added.
Von Canon made the rest of the board aware that Highfalls residents have set up a nonprofit, started a bank account and started a petition with thousands of signatures.
“This little town of Highfalls is ready to fight,” said Von Canon.
The commissioners entered a closed session during the special called meeting for over an hour to discuss their legal options. After returning from the closed session, Chair Nick Picerno entered a motion.
“Moore County is in the process of a resource study for our citizens. We cannot rule out potential effects of the removal of the dam in Highfalls and what it may have,” said Picerno. “We direct staff to move forward with possible legal action, and we invite the town of Robbins to join in.”
Picerno told Sandhills Sentinel on Wednesday that the board doesn’t have a specific legal action that they are pursuing at this time. “The Commissioners voted to give staff, especially legal [legal department], the direction to see what legal action the county may have,” said Picerno.
Robbins Town Manager Clint Mack told Sandhills Sentinel on Tuesday he would present the information to the town board of commissioners. He would present it to the mayor and the commissioners, possibly at the next meeting. A special meeting could be called if time is of the essence.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self.
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