ROBESON COUNTY — One of southeastern North Carolina’s most significant natural landscapes is now permanently protected following a partnership between the Open Space Institute (OSI) and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The two organizations announced the conservation of the 2,519‑acre Big Swamp tract on March 6, marking a major addition to the region’s protected lands.
The Big Swamp property, located within the Lumber River basin, contains extensive wetlands, diverse wildlife habitat, and large blocks of intact forest. OSI described the tract as one of the state’s “ecologically vital landscapes,” noting that its protection will safeguard water quality and preserve habitat for a range of species.
Under the agreement, the land will be transferred to NCWRC for long‑term management. The agency will begin preparing the property to open as a public game land, with future recreational opportunities expected to include hiking, birdwatching, seasonal hunting, and fishing.
The conservation effort reflects a growing focus on protecting large, connected natural areas in the coastal plain, where development pressure and habitat fragmentation have accelerated in recent years. OSI said the Big Swamp acquisition strengthens the region’s resilience by preserving flood‑absorbing wetlands and maintaining wildlife corridors.
NCWRC has not yet released a timeline for when the property will open to the public, but officials said planning and site assessments will begin immediately.
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