We are sad to inform everyone that PH Craig elected to cut down up to 40 acres of his old growth forest. For an in-depth look at this story read the whole story here. Read a summary here.
October 31, 2018 was a sad day for Bolin Forest. The bulldozers moved in to make a road through the forest. PH Craig, owner of a 77-acre old growth forest, did exactly what he said he would do in early spring when he announced his intention to pick the highest timber bid and harvest up to 40 acres of trees on his beautiful property. Some may not have known that this woods was owned privately and registered as a tree farm by the owner. The well worn natural trails testify to the love thousands of area residents feel for this beautiful woods. Pictures taken on PH Craig site, mid November.
The PH Craig property is characterized by mixed old growth hardwood and pine accompanied by handsome granite outcroppings from an earlier volcanic period. Both the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and the Orange County Lands Legacy program have long considered this tract a prime candidate for conservation. Its location on a ridge above Bolin Creek, wedged between two forested tracts already dedicated to conservation (owned by UNC and Carrboro respectively), make it even more worthy. Under state law, the owner of a tree farm pays low taxes and has legal rights to timber at any time. But the fact remains this forest is loved by thousands of hikers, bikers, and runners, as well as home to our wonderful resident wildlife. A strava map reveals the intense recreational use that it receives. See Strava heat map. Read about the unique qualities of this forest here.
Responding to community reaction to the owner’s announcement to clear cut, this summer and fall Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle, on behalf of the Board of Aldermen, and with consultation with conservation leaders, made PH Craig a generous offer that provided an alternative to logging and acknowledged the important role this forest has played in our community for decades. He did not accept the offer. Instead, Mr. Craig accepted a bid to harvest the timber. Cutting down the trees may only take 5 days – we await with trepidation the landscape without the forest. To understand the extent of the clear cut, view Charlie Morris’ quick video here.
For a summary of the qualities of the forest we have lost please view this video by Matt Durning.
Early this year Mr. P.H. Craig announced his plan to log up to 40 acres of his property months after protecting it for 50 years…. Sign the petition here. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, our event held on August 11th under the big old elm tree at Carrboro Town Hall succeeded in collecting many signatures opposing the clear cutting. A surprising number of people said they would donate money to conserve this land. So far no news is good news.
Read about what happened at the 6/21 community meeting at the link below.
Learn about Bolin Creek and its Forest. See the award winning film.
Bolin Creek Upaved:
Saving Carrboro’s Last Urban Forest
Contact us at info@bolincreek.org