PITTSBORO, NC — The Chatham County Planning Department and North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program (NCNHP), in partnership with Triangle Land Conservancy, have completed a comprehensive, two year ecological inventory . This project, finalized in June 2025, marks the first county-wide update of significant habitats and rare species in Chatham County in more than 30 years.

The updated natural areas inventory is a vital tool for guiding land use planning, conservation priorities,
and responsible development throughout the county. It documents the current status of rare species,
natural communities, and ecologically significant areas, providing essential data to balance environmental
protection with Chatham County’s economic and community needs.

Key Results of the Inventory:
• 500 tracts were considered based on ecological data and community nominations.
• 413 landowners were contacted for survey access.
• 172 landowners granted access to their land, including both public and private properties.
• 112 tracts were surveyed by NCNHP scientists in 2024 and 2025.
• 56 natural areas were identified as ecologically significant.
• 6 newly described natural areas and 13 expanded areas were documented based on updated findings.
Photo: Merry Conlin

“This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable growth that respects Chatham County’s rich natural heritage,” said Chance Mullis, Assistant Director of the Chatham County Planning Department. “The updated data will help inform conservation efforts, development regulations, and decisions made by
landowners, local agencies, and nonprofit partners.”

The project was funded through the Chatham County Budget and made possible by a collaborative partnership between the Chatham County Planning Department and Triangle Land Conservancy, with fieldwork and data analysis led by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.

“This new inventory will be invaluable in helping protect the lands and species that make Chatham County special,” said Sandy Sweitzer, Executive Director of Triangle Land Conservancy. “We’re proud to support this work and continue partnering with communities to protect land for nature and people.”

The inventory serves multiple audiences—from government planners and conservation groups to landowners and residents—empowering them with science-based information to support long-term environmental stewardship.

You can access the updated inventory at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/yc4uy9c9 Residents may contact Chatham County Planning Department planning@chathamcountync.gov or www.chathamcountync.gov/planning with any questions.