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North Carolina is a beautiful state in the southeastern United States, known for its diverse geography and rich history.
Many individuals and companies own its vast land, but some stand out.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 landowners in North Carolina and their impact on the state's economy and environment.
Top Landowners In North Carolina
| Landowners | Total Acres |
|---|---|
| 1. The State of North Carolina | 2,800,000 |
| 2. The United States Government | 1,000,000 |
| 3. The Conservation Fund | 160,000 |
| 4. The Weyerhaeuser Company | 150,000 |
| 5. The Forestland Group | 140,000 |
| 6. The Progress Energy Carolinas | 85,000 |
| 7. The American Timberlands Company | 75,000 |
| 8. Tim Sweeney | 56,000 |
| 9. The Lyme Timber Company | 50,000 |
| 10. The Biltmore Estate | 8,000 |
1. The State of North Carolina
The largest landowner in North Carolina is the state itself. It owns approximately 2.8 million acres of land, which accounts for about 7% of the state's total land area.
The state's land is used for various purposes, including conservation, recreation, and agriculture.
2. The United States Government
The federal government is the second-largest landowner in North Carolina, with over 1 million acres of land.
This includes national forests, wildlife refuges, military bases, and other properties.
3. The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund, a national environmental nonprofit organization, owns approximately 160,000 acres of land in North Carolina.
They focus on conserving and protecting natural resources, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
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4. The Weyerhaeuser Company
The Weyerhaeuser Company, a forestry and lumber company based in Washington state, owns around 150,000 acres of land in North Carolina.
They are one of the largest private landowners in the state and are involved in sustainable forestry practices.
5. The Forestland Group
The Forestland Group, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, owns around 140,000 acres of land in the state.
They are a private equity firm focused on sustainable forestry investments and responsible land management.
6. The Progress Energy Carolinas
Progress Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns around 85,000 acres of land in North Carolina.
They are involved in the energy industry, including coal-fired power plants and renewable energy projects.
7. The American Timberlands Company
The American Timberlands Company, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, owns approximately 75,000 acres of land in North Carolina.
They are a timberland investment management organization focused on sustainable forestry practices.
8. Tim Sweeney
Tim Sweeney, the founder of Epic Games, owns around 56,000 acres of land.
He has been actively involved in conservation efforts and has established a foundation to protect and conserve his land.
9. The Lyme Timber Company
The Lyme Timber Company, based in New Hampshire, owns around 50,000 acres of land in North Carolina.
They are another timberland investment management organization focused on sustainable forestry practices.
10. The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, owns approximately 8,000 acres of land.
They are a historic estate that includes a mansion, gardens, vineyards, and forested land used for conservation and recreation.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these are the top 10 landowners in North Carolina, each with their unique impact on the state's economy and environment.