Morrow Mountain Recieves 1000 Acre Donation

Stanly News & Press Wed. May 27, 2020

https://www.thesnaponline.com/2020/05/27/morrow-mountain-receives-1000-acre-donation/

Note: The following is a press release from the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation accepted the donation of more than 1,000 acres to Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County on May 14. The donation, which brings the park’s total area to 5,881 acres, is part of ALCOA Corporation’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing agreement that was finalized in 2013.

“This is a substantial addition to this treasured state park,” said Secretary Susi H. Hamilton. “Morrow Mountain has been a beloved destination for families from Stanly and nearby counties for generations. The opportunity to have this amount of Piedmont land for conservation, recreation, and education is extraordinary.”

The property is situated on the north-northwest side of the park and along the Yadkin River. It will provide new recreational opportunities including new trails, water access, and potential for camping. Nesting bald eagles, timber rattlesnakes and the rare Yadkin River Goldenrod make their homes on the acreage with its large boulder fields, scenic vistas and unique wildlife habitat. It also includes the historic Hardaway site.

“We are so grateful to have this addition to Morrow Mountain State Park,” said superintendent Jeff Davidson. “This major addition will conserve important ecosystems and make a little more room for recreation to serve nearby communities as well as the growing Piedmont population.”

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Additional info added by Friends of Morrow Mt.  5/27/20

Back in 2002 ALCOA began the relicensing process on their four hydroelectric dams along the Yadkin River.  In 2007 ALCOA submitted a Relicensing Settlement Agreement that eventually contained some key public benefits that were hammered out and supported by 23 organizations (see below).  One of those major public benefits was ALCOA’s gift of over 1,000 acres to Morrow Mt. State Park that finally occurred on May, 14, 2020.  This important and very historic gift from ALCOA borders along the scenic Falls Reservoir and a section of Badin Lake.

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (Alcoa-Yadkin)

American Rivers

Badin Lake Association

Badin Historic Museum

Catawba Indian Nation

City of Albemarle, NC

High Rock Business Owners Group

High Rock Lake Association

Land Trust for Central North Carolina 

Montgomery County, NC

The Nature Conservancy (S.C. Chapter)

N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources *

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Pee Dee River Coalition

Piedmont Boat Club

Rowan County, NC

Salisbury/Rowan Association of Realtors

S.C. Coastal Conservation League

S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control

S.C. Department of Natural Resources

Town of Badin, NC

U.S. Forest Service

Uwharrie Point Community Association