The history of DLC
2000
A Vision Takes Root
- Mayor Randy Kincaid invited citizens, town staff, and elected officials to form a task force to explore ways to protect green space.
- The task force studied the option of forming a land conservancy and decided to pursue an independent model.
- The State of North Carolina officially recognized Davidson Lands Conservancy as an independent land conservancy with Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) as its founding partner.
- CLC provided legal advice, staff support, and a piece of land for a conservation easement (Brackett Bluff property, now Rocky River Bluff Nature Preserve).
- Ron Charbonneau became the president of the first Board of Directors.
2001
First Annual Meeting – Board of Directors
- Martha Strawn succeeded Charbonneau as president at the first annual meeting.
- A new Board and officers were elected, including Doug Boone, Russ Gavitt, Bob Cumming, Nancy Lingle, and Budd Berro.
2006
DLC’s first Executive Director
- Roy Alexander was hired as a part-time Executive Director in 2006 and later transitioned to a full-time role.
- He served as ED until 2015.
2015
New Leadership
- Autumn Michael led DLC as Executive Director from 2015-2019.
2018
An Accredited Land Trust
- In the summer of 2018, DLC applied for and received approval to become an accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance.
2020
A Change in Leadership
- In 2020, Dave Cable was selected to lead DLC as Executive Director.
- He served from 2020 until he retired in 2024.
2024
Executive Director Changes
- In 2024, with Dave’s retirement, a search for a new E.D. was underway.
- Beth Wytiaz was selected to succeed Dave in early 2024.