Three Rivers Land Trust, formerly known as The LandTrust for Central North Carolina, has received a $15,000 gift from F&M Bank to go to the “Save the Yadkin” campaign.

This grant aids in funds raised for the conservation of 4,700 acres and 76 miles of shoreline along the Yadkin River known as the Alcoa Lands.

The Land Trust, in partnership with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), continues to garner funds for the conservation of these lands. The public has accessed this property through the Game Lands program for more than 30 years. Once conserved, NCWRC will own these lands and public access will be retained in perpetuity.

Per the Alcoa relicensing settlement agreement, the Land Trust and NCWRC must acquire the 2,300 acres along High Rock Lake by September to be able to move forward with fundraising efforts for the remaining 2,400 acres along the Tuckertown Reservoir.

F&M Bank’s gift puts the amount needed to complete the acquisition of the High Rock Lake section to under $2 million.

“We are extremely grateful for F&M Bank’s partnership on this monumental campaign and their continued support of Three Rivers Land Trust,” Executive Director Travis Morehead said. “As a local business, they serve as a leader in their commitment to the community and the region.

“Banking and conservation have a great deal in common. Just like saving for retirement or college, we want to see our important resources be there when we need them most. The Save the Yadkin project certainly fits that description,” said Steve Fisher, CEO, F&M Bank.

To contribute to this conservation project, contact the Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or donate at www.threeriverslandtrust.org/alcoa-lands-conservation/.

For more information about this project, visit www.threeriverslandtrust.org or contact Crystal Cockman at crystal@threeriverslandtrust.org or 704-647-0302.