I was delighted to read in The Pilot of Nov. 12 that the protection of 209 acres along Drowning Creek is likely to become a reality.

What a monumental achievement for Sandhills Area Land Trust to have obtained a $661,000 grant from NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund to purchase a conservation easement on this acreage.

Recently most of what we read about and see, as in the clear-cut area along U.S. 15-501 near the Traffic Circle, indicates more development.

Large areas, particularly in upper Moore County, continue to be farm and forest land that could well be targets for future development. I just pray other landowners will consider land preservation instead of bending to developers.

Thanksgiving is a good time to count one's blessings and especially to give thanks and show appreciation to nonprofit organizations like SALT that are dedicated to conserving and protecting important environmental land such as the area along Drowning Creek.

Martha Parsons

Southern Pines