Three Rivers Land Trust conserves 770 acres of farm, forest in Harnett County

December 30, 2025

In a landscape shaped by agriculture and forests, 770 acres of working farm and forest land in Harnett County are now permanently conserved. Conserved through a permanent conservation easement in partnership with Three Rivers Land Trust (TRLT), the property will continue to protect productive soils, managed timberland, and natural resources that sustain the county’s rural character and economy.

“This project represents exactly what Three Rivers Land Trust strives to accomplish,” states Travis Morehead, TRLT’s Executive Director. “By conserving this large tract of farm and forest land, we are protecting Harnett County’s rural character and safeguarding natural resources that benefit the entire community.”

Key details:

• 770 acres of working farm and forest land permanently conserved in Harnett County
• Wildlife habitat and water quality protected in the Cape Fear River Basin
• One of the largest donated conservation easements in Three Rivers Land Trust’s history and its largest project in Harnett County

In addition to its agricultural and forestry value, the conserved land provides important wildlife habitat and helps protect water quality in the Cape Fear River Basin, said Morehead. Forested areas on the property help filter runoff, reduce erosion, and support native plants and wildlife.

“This project is one of the largest donated conservation easements in TRLT’s history, and TRLT’s largest project in Harnett County,” states Emily Callicutt, TRLT’s Director of Conservation. “We are so thankful to the landowners who recognized the importance of conserving this special place and worked with TRLT to make that protection a reality.”

Landowners Thomas and Diane Womble wanted to ensure that future generations could continue to enjoy the family farm. “Conserving this property gives us peace of mind knowing that it will never be developed,” states Thomas Womble.

In recent years, growth spreading outward from the Triangle has increased development pressure on Harnett County’s working lands, said Morehead. This conservation project helps balance that growth with the long-term need for farms, forests, and open space.

This project was made possible by the generous conservation easement donation from the landowners and TRLT supporters.

To find out how you can support Three Rivers Land Trust’s conservation efforts to protect local waters and wildlife habitat, or to find out how you can conserve your property, please visit their website at www.trlt.org

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Article and photo by Three Rivers Land Trust.