Papers undercut conservation claims at NCSU forest

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A leaked prospectus from the proposed buyer of a huge research forest owned by North Carolina State University appears to undercut public claims the company would conserve the land.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Thursday (http://bit.ly/1aW7QCo ) that the proposal aimed at potential investors includes plans to clear most of the nearly 80,000-acre Hofmann Forest near Jacksonville for a golf course community, commercial development and farmland. The document touts the fertility of the “virgin soil” for agriculture once the trees are gone.

University officials have said they approved the $150 million offer from Illinois agri-businessman Jerry Walker specifically because of assurances his company would preserve the forest, which is home to wildlife including rattlesnakes and black bears. A lawsuit filed by foresters and conservationists seeks to block the sale.

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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com

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