Preserving & Protecting Sledge Forest
The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (ACFT) advocates for the preservation of Sledge Forest, an extraordinary ecological and cultural asset in northern New Hanover County. Located near the community of Castle Hayne, this forest spans over 3,000 acres and is an exceptional example of old-growth floodplain forests—one of the last remaining in our region. A survey by the NC Natural Heritage Program recorded bald cypress, longleaf pine, and loblolly pine trees over 300 years of age and Atlantic white cedar trees of unusually large size. Classified as a site of National Significance by the NC Natural Heritage Program, the globally significant and highly diverse habitats of Sledge Forest were found to support 13 imperiled plant species and 7 at-risk animals, including the American alligator and the manatee.
Living at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River places our community within a unique and fragile ecosystem. Sledge Forest acts as a critical natural buffer against the devastating effects of hurricanes, all the more frequent in our coastal region. According to the Natural Area Inventory of New Hanover County, completed by Richard LeBlond in 2003, a very high proportion of the area is in potential jurisdictional wetlands; the floodplain’s ancient forests play a vital role in stabilizing soils, providing temporary storage of flood waters, and filtering sediment and nutrients from upland runoff and inundating flood waters.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Join us in advocating for the preservation of Sledge Forest by emailing the New Hanover County Commissioners. They are listed below, with their names linked to their email address:
Such a use of the land would irreparably harm Sledge Forest and violate the ecological integrity of the old-growth forest. For a coastal community like ours, already vulnerable to storms of increasing frequency and intensity, the loss of this natural buffer would have devastating effects on both the environment and public safety. While the Performance Subdivision application allows this project to proceed as a by-right development, local leaders still have the authority and the responsibility to listen and respond to public opinion, to encourage sustainable practices, and to negotiate with owners and developers to adopt conservation options and solutions
photo credit: sledgeforest.com
CALL TO ACTION
The trees of Sledge Forest have stood for centuries, shaping our landscape and protecting our community. Let us ensure their survival for centuries to come. The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees envisions a future where Sledge Forest is protected in perpetuity as a conservation area, ensuring the preservation of its ancient canopy for scientific study, environmental education, and low-impact recreation.
ACFT calls on policymakers, community leaders, and conservation partners to work with the private landowners and Copper Builders LLC to prioritize the protection of Sledge Forest. We urge the community to advocate for the forest’s preservation—through petitions, public comments, and direct outreach to governmental leaders. At the same time, we encourage collaboration with state and national organizations to secure funding to support the conservation of this land and to push for sustainable development practices that preserve trees and wetlands. Protecting Sledge Forest requires immediate action and unified efforts to ensure its invaluable natural resources remain intact for future generations.