Stanley and Ann Riggs talk a lot about the squeeze.

They're feeling it all around. From the development popping up near their N.C. 33 home to the logging across from their property, the Riggs say valuable wetlands and uplands along the Tar River are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Referring to themselves as conservationists trying to do their part, the couple recently donated more than 49 of their 75 acres to the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust.

The conservation agreement allows the Riggs to continue passive enjoyment of the land but restricts commercial or residential development and major timbering.

Tax incentives make the donation economically feasible for most, according to Janice Allen, deputy director of the N.C. Coastal Land Trust, but the Riggs say this was an easy decision for them.

“We're not going to be here forever, and the land along the Tar River is being just decimated,” Stan Riggs said. “We have many different types of wildlife around here, and their habitats are being destroyed. We have to start sharing the land with what was here before us. This has also been a real special place for our family. We have had a lot of special times on this land. It is nice to know that it will stay this way.”

The easement includes about 10 acres of uplands with towering hardwood trees along with several ravines and swamps connected to the Tar River. The Riggs say their family has used portions for cookouts, stargazing and relaxation.

“It has been kind of a laughing place for us,” Ann said. “I don't think we ever looked at this as an investment. We just want to make our little conservation to preserving diversity.”

The family says the land was originally part of the Chatham Plantation before it was granted to John Simpson. Simpson, for whom the Village of Simpson is named, rests in a grave on a neighboring piece of land. It includes dams and remnants of bridges which, Stan believes, date back to the Civil War.

The former professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at East Carolina University says he often brought his classes to the area for studies and still allows other instructors to do the same. The diversity of the property makes it ideal, he says.

“This area has probably had more science on it during the past few years than any other place in the county,” Stan said. “It's perfect for that.”

Allen, whose organization represents 21 counties in eastern North Carolina, said the Coastal Land Trust has conserved more than 40,000 acres of land since its creation in 1992. Properties include natural habitats, historical landscapes and significant farmlands, she said.

Due to the water quality significance of the agreement, the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust provided a grant to offset some of the expenses associated with the project, Allen said.

“We consider the banks of the Tar River to be a focus area for us,” Allen said. “We have a plan or kind of a wish list of properties we would like to protect and a lot of them are along the Tar. There is a lot of conservation value with the Riggs' property and we couldn't be more pleased with this acquisition.”


Brock Letchworth can be contacted at 329-9574 or bletchworth@coxnc.com.