On Monday, we delivered a clear and powerful message — not just with the 13,415 petition signatures we handed to our county commissioners, but with the more than 100 citizens who stood together outside the courthouse and then filled the meeting room to show their support for protecting Sledge Forest.
The courthouse steps came alive in a sea of green shirts, signs, and smiles. As we unfurled a 30-foot banner listing every single name of our petition signers, you could feel the sense of pride and unity — that feeling of being part of something larger than ourselves.
Inside the commissioners’ meeting, speaker after speaker gave heartfelt and powerful comments — scientists, doctors, teachers, and everyday residents all standing up for the health, safety, and future of our community and the protection of a nationally significant forest. Their words carried both urgency and hope.
“When our area’s last expanse of old growth forest is at stake, when our families’ health & safety, our drinking water, our homes & businesses, our way of life is at stake - giving up or staying silent is not an option for us.” said Kayne Darrell, Director of Save Sledge Forest. “We’re asking our elected officials to join us in being part of the solution.”
“The entire Sledge Forest habitat complex harbors some of the last living Long Leaf Pines, along with a biologically rich assemblage of other rare and imperiled plants and wildlife that are the last remaining bits of this areas natural heritage.” added biologist Andy Wood.
“The entirety of the site, not just a portion, must be preserved to maintain the site as a nationally significant heritage.” said geologist Roger Shew. “Any development in the upland area will have impacts on the wetlands”
You can watch the full video of the meeting and speakers here:
🎥 Watch the County Commissioners Meeting (Oct. 6, 2025)
Monday’s turnout — in the middle of a workday — showed just how strong this movement has become. Together, we are thousands of voices united in one clear message:
Protect Sledge Forest. Protect our community. Protect our future.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, wore green, shared posts, and stood in solidarity. We’re just getting started — and your energy is what keeps this movement growing.
The final speaker of the night, Robin Wood, may have said it best: “Just because a thing can be done, doesn’t necessarily mean it should be done.”
With gratitude and determination,
The Save Sledge Forest Team
Our Voices Matter. This Forest Matters. Our Community Matters.