On Monday, October 6th at 4:00 PM, we will deliver over 12,000 petition signatures to the New Hanover County Commissioners at their monthly meeting.

This is our moment to show just how important this issue is to our community. The presentation will happen at the end of the meeting, which means you can join us after work if needed—and yes, there’s still plenty of time to plan ahead and ask to leave work early if you can! We hope you agree that a room overflowing with supporters sends a clear and powerful message that can not be ignored.

We’ll gather outside the courthouse at 3:00 PM to stand together before going in.

Between now and then, let’s aim for an incredible milestone: 15,000 signatures. Can you help us get there? Share the petition again on your social media, text it to friends, or come join us at a petition drive. These drives are energizing, fun, and a chance to meet others who believe that feeling empowered is so much better than sitting on the sidelines.

Hit the “Contact Us” button on this website of Email us at  savesledgeforest@gmail.com to join our amazing list of volunteers and help at one of our petition drives,

APRIL 28, 2025

Copper Builders Hit With Violations

According to official documents from the New Hanover County Planning & Land Use Department, Copper Builders, through Mr. Wade Miller, has received a Notice of Violation (NOV) regarding activities on the Sledge Forest property. The NOV, dated April 14th, cites the placement of a structure and associated solar structure without obtaining the necessary building, zoning, floodplain, and CAMA permits.

The specific violations, as outlined in the county's Unified Development Ordinance, include developing property or a structure and occupying or using land or a structure without first obtaining all appropriate permits or approvals. Additionally, the notice details violations related to development activity within a Special Flood Hazard Area and placement of a structure within a CAMA Area of Environmental Concern

Whether this was oversight or intentional disregard, what does this say about their apporoach to a project of such massive scale and impacts? Surely, when a developer can’t adhere to basic permitting processes at the outset, that should send significant red flags to our policy makers, our Planning Department and our community.

READ MORE HERE

MARCH, 2025

We have some exciting news!

We have successfully retained legal counsel, marking a pivotal moment in our campaign. This crucial step forward means we are now equipped to take our cause to the next level, and we are absolutely energized by the possibilities ahead. Our goal is to raise a minimum of $15,000 to cover the costs of our legal battle. This will include attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other legal expenses.

Join us on Oct. 6th at 3PM in front of the county courthouse before the 4PM meeting where we will deliver our petition signatures to our County Commissioners!

WHEN: Oct. 6th at 3:00PM

WHERE: NHC Courthouse, 24 North 3rd Street Room 301

WHY: A gathering of Save Sledge Forest Supporters who will enter the county meeting together in solidarity to present the overwhelming support to protect and preserve Sledge Forest

Sledge Forest has recently been added to the list of threatened Old Growth Forests by the Old Growth Forest Network. a national organization

The Old-Growth Forest Network is the only national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests where people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature.