Town officials dedicate Adams tract

The Adams tract has long been one of Carrboro's premier recreational resources, and it will now officially remain part of the town's natural luster.

About 25 people attended a dedication ceremony Tuesday morning to commemorate the town's acquisition of the tract, used primarily for biking and hiking.

The 27-acre area runs from Carrboro's Wilson Park to Estes Drive and along the bank of Bolin Creek.

The town plans to maintain the area for recreational use, keeping it open to the general public.

"Preserving property like this is very critical as our community continues to grow," said Carrboro Mayor Mike Nelson.

"This acquisition has been in the making for six years and was only possible because we remained persistent and worked in coalition with our partners."

The town of Carrboro and Orange County split the purchase of the land with the help of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, a state agency that gives grants to local governments to protect North Carolina's waterways.

"Any time you can keep an area natural, water quality will benefit," said Lisa Schell, public information officer for the trust fund.

She explained that preventing land development along Bolin Creek will preserve the area's water quality by eliminating the possibility of industrial pollution and runoff.

"Bolin Creek is a tributary system that flows into Jordan Lake, so there is a very good reason for the state to get involved," said Bill Holman, the fund's executive director.

The total cost of the land acquisition was about $1.55 million. The county used funds from its Lands Legacy program, which aims to preserve natural areas.

"We feel like this is a valuable piece of property right in the heart of Carrboro," said Assistant Town Manager Richard White, who had been working on securing the area's purchase for four years.

Barry Jacobs, chairman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, said the acquisition is an example of the value of progressive government.

"If we're going to have resources available for those yet to arrive, we need to look forward," he said.

Among those in attendance at the dedication ceremony were N.C. Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange, and Rep. Joe Hackney, D-Orange, both well-known proponents of natural conservation efforts.

"Thank you on behalf of all the creatures and for our children who will be able to enjoy our natural heritage," said Hackney, who applauded the ongoing conservation efforts of the town and county.

The acquisition is part of a larger effort among Carrboro, Chapel Hill and the University to help restore Bolin Creek, said Dave Otto, vice chairman of the Friends of Bolin Creek organization.

"We're very excited about the Adams Tract. It's the first piece of a larger puzzle."

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