(Charlotte, N.C.)—Catawba Lands Conservancy Board Member W. Edward Poe, Jr. has been selected as the 2009 North Carolina Land Trust Stanback Volunteer Conservationist of the Year. This award is presented annually by North Carolina's 24 local and regional land trusts to an individual who has shown a sustained and outstanding commitment to land trusts and conservation in North Carolina.
A partner with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, Poe has more than 35 years of experience in both the state and federal court systems, with particular expertise in utility matters. He serves on both the Land Acquisition and Executive Committees for the Catawba Lands Conservancy Board of Directors.
Poe was nominated by Catawba Lands Conservancy for his many contributions to conservation, including his work to create legal protection for conserved lands at risk of condemnation in North Carolina. He invested more than 200 pro bono hours researching case law, related conflicts and remedies. From his findings, Poe crafted a comprehensive bill addressing the complex issues surrounding condemnation and the concerns of various interest groups. With the support of Rep. Ruth Samuelson and Sen. Dan Clodfelter, the NC General Assembly passed the amendments as Session Law 2009-439. The bill was signed into law by Governor Perdue in August 2009.
"Eddie's hands-on participation, artful leadership, and extraordinary persistence make him an ideal choice for this award, and we're thrilled that he has been recognized by North Carolina's conservation community," said Dave Cable, Executive Director of Catawba Lands Conservancy. "This legislation is recognized by many as a critical component to ensure that natural lands are protected and stewarded in our urbanizing state."
Poe was recognized at an awards ceremony and a reception hosted by CTNC on Wednesday, May 26, at Venture Hall in the Marbles/IMAX Museum in Downtown Raleigh.
About The Catawba Lands Conservancy
The Catawba Lands Conservancy currently protects more than 7,300 acres in its six-county service area. Support from more than 1,500 donors, 60 corporate partners, 300 volunteers and a variety of government and foundation organizations make the Conservancy's work possible. To learn more, please click here.
About Parker Poe
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has 210 lawyers in six offices located in major markets across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Firm provides legal counsel to large commercial and public organizations on litigation, corporate and regulatory matters. It has been recognized in recent years as one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States and as an award-winning leader in the use of technology to provide better and more efficient service to domestic and international clients.