onX and MeatEater Collaborate to Safeguard 4,000 Acres at Tuckertown Reservoir

Saving Tuckertown Reservoir: A Collaborative Effort

In a significant collaborative initiative, onX and MeatEater have joined forces with the Three Rivers Land Trust (TRLT) to raise awareness and funding for the conservation of 4,000 acres at the Tuckertown Reservoir in North Carolina. This partnership comes at a pivotal time, as the campaign runs from April 14 to May 14, giving supporters a chance to double their impact through a matching initiative.

The Tuckertown Reservoir has been a cherished destination for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts for over sixty years, providing public access to its natural resources. Faced with potential development, TRLT launched the Save Tuckertown Campaign on January 1, 2026, aiming to preserve the lands currently owned by ALCOA and keep them accessible as public gamelands. The ultimate goal is to ensure these lands are transferred to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for perpetual public use.

The challenge, however, is monumental. In light of this, onX and MeatEater stepped in to amplify fundraising efforts. They have committed a combined $200,000 in matching funds, which means that every dollar donated to the campaign will be matched, effectively doubling the contributions from supporters. “Together, we can ensure that Tuckertown remains a vital and accessible part of our outdoor heritage,” said Cliff Cancelosi, Senior Vice President at onX Hunt.

onX is renowned for its digital mapping tools that aid outdoor lovers. The company has made it its mission to ensure that everyone can access natural spaces. With a long history of supporting public land advocacy and conservation efforts, onX’s involvement in Save Tuckertown reflects its commitment to maintaining public access and responsible stewardship of outdoor spaces across the U.S.

Similarly, MeatEater, a prominent name in outdoor media and lifestyle, focuses on hunting and outdoor advocacy. Through its Land Access Initiative (LAI), MeatEater funds projects that enhance public access to hunting and fishing. With successful past efforts throughout the country, MeatEater's partnership in Save Tuckertown marks a significant milestone in the organization's mission.

The collaborative efforts of these organizations underscore a shared dedication to protecting North Carolina’s outdoors and wildlife habitat. Mark Kenyon, Director of Conservation for MeatEater, emphasized, “Conservation of and access to public land has been at the core of our DNA since our inception. We are thrilled to contribute to this initiative, ensuring future generations will have access to outdoor recreation at Tuckertown.”

Beyond just preserving access, the initiative holds ecological significance as well. By protecting this area, the campaign is also safeguarding vital wildlife habitats for species like whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and numerous waterfowl. This landscape serves as a crucial drinking water source and represents decades of outdoor heritage enjoyed by the public.

Supporters interested in contributing to this cause can donate to the Save Tuckertown Campaign at savetuckertown.org. With enthusiastic backing from both corporate partners and individual donors, TRLT aims to keep Tuckertown a vibrant space for outdoor recreation, ensuring public access to these natural resources for generations to come.

With a mission to protect North Carolina's most significant natural and scenic spaces, the Three Rivers Land Trust has worked tirelessly since 1995 to offer viable conservation solutions for landowners. The triumphs and the safeguard of Tuckertown Reservoir echo their resolve to preserve the beauty of North Carolina's landscapes.

As the initiative progresses, the commitment of onX, MeatEater, and the public will play a crucial role in determining the future of the Tuckertown Reservoir and the recreational opportunities it provides. Together, they are working to secure a legacy for outdoor enthusiasts today and into the future.

By standing united for conservation, we all can ensure these treasured natural spaces endure.