The State of North Carolina is evaluating the suitability of a state park on the Black River in parts of Sampson, Bladen and Pender counties.
The study will create a vision for what a state park, natural area, or trail could look like, including amenities, the area’s natural and cultural heritage significance and a cost estimate for developing the park. During the 2017 legislative session, the N.C. General Assembly directed the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation to conduct a feasibility study and report results to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources by March 1. Open houses were held in September and about 200 residents provided input for the division to use as it moves forward. Another open house took place November 16th. The Black River is home to large cypress trees more than 1,600 years old, and a popular paddling destination in an area currently underserved by the State Parks system. The study area is roughly 2,600 acres and includes 45 miles of the Black River corridor. For more information on the project and to see a map of the study area, go to: https://www.ncparks.gov/black-river
