onX and MeatEater Join Three Rivers Land Trust to Save 4,000 Acres on the Tuckertown Reservoir

The partnership aims to permanently conserve public access to the popular outdoor recreation area.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:07am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a fishing rod and reel in neon shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the outdoor activities and public access preserved by the Tuckertown Reservoir conservation effort.Vibrant pop art celebrates the outdoor recreation opportunities protected by the 'Save Tuckertown' conservation campaign.Salisbury Today

Three Rivers Land Trust (TRLT) announced that outdoor companies onX and MeatEater have joined the effort to permanently conserve 4,000 acres along the Tuckertown Reservoir in North Carolina. The companies have launched a one-month matching campaign to accelerate fundraising, with onX and MeatEater each committing $100,000 in matching funds. The goal is to acquire the ALCOA-owned properties and transfer them to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to ensure the land remains undeveloped and accessible to the public for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.

Why it matters

The Tuckertown Reservoir has provided public access to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts for over 60 years. Permanently conserving this land will protect critical wildlife habitat and a valuable drinking water source, while also guaranteeing continued public access to the area for generations to come.

The details

Three Rivers Land Trust originally launched the 'Save Tuckertown' campaign on January 1 to acquire the ALCOA-owned properties along the Tuckertown Reservoir. By partnering with onX and MeatEater, the campaign has gained national attention and momentum. The matching campaign runs from April 14 to May 14, with every dollar donated to TRLT through the campaign being matched by the two companies.

  • The 'Save Tuckertown' campaign was launched on January 1, 2026.
  • The matching campaign with onX and MeatEater runs from April 14 to May 14, 2026.

The players

Three Rivers Land Trust

A nonprofit organization focused on conserving the rural landscapes and natural resources in North Carolina.

onX

A digital mapping company that provides tools for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to navigate land ownership, access points, and terrain.

MeatEater

A leading outdoor media and lifestyle brand that produces content and storytelling centered around hunting, fishing, conservation, and public land advocacy.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting North Carolina's wildlife and natural resources.

ALCOA

The current owner of the properties along the Tuckertown Reservoir that TRLT is working to acquire.

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What they’re saying

“At onX, enabling access to the outdoors is core to everything we do. Every feature we build, every tool we put in a hunter's hands starts with the belief that people belong outside, and critically, that there should always be land to adventure on. For over 60 years, Tuckertown has provided public access to hunters, anglers and families and we want this tradition to continue for generations to come. We're proud to stand alongside MeatEater and Three Rivers Land Trust to help ensure access to these acres that so many enjoy season after season.”

— Cliff Cancelosi, Senior Vice President, onX Hunt

“Since MeatEater's earliest days, conservation of and access to public land has been core to our DNA. That's why we're so excited about this campaign to save the Tuckertown Gamelands and ensure that public hunting and fishing access is guaranteed in perpetuity across the rolling hills, forests and shorelines of the Tuckertown Reservoir. This is as tangible an example as you can find to truly 'Keep It Public'.”

— Mark Kenyon, Director of Conservation, MeatEater

“We are so honored to partner with national conservation minded organizations like onX and MeatEater. The Save Tuckertown effort represents one of the most significant conservation opportunities in North Carolina. In addition to protecting critical wildlife habitat for species such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl and more, the project will safeguard an important drinking water source and conserve a landscape that has been enjoyed by the public for decades.”

— Travis Morehead, Executive Director, Three Rivers Land Trust

What’s next

The matching campaign with onX and MeatEater is now open, and supporters are encouraged to donate quickly while the matching funds are available. Donations can be made at the 'Save Tuckertown' website.

The takeaway

This partnership between Three Rivers Land Trust, onX, and MeatEater demonstrates the power of collaboration to protect public access to outdoor recreation areas. By permanently conserving the Tuckertown Reservoir lands, this effort will ensure that hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy this cherished landscape for generations to come.