Brunswick County Conservation Partnership and Brunswick County residents stands united against the encroaching threat to our cherished wetlands and the compromised infrastructure we depend on.

Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide vital functions. They help filter pollutants, regulate water levels, and offer habitats for diverse wildlife. In Brunswick County, these wetlands are not just patches of nature but guardians of our environment and our community’s well-being. 
Moreover, the infrastructure in our area is already under strain. The proposed expansion will exacerbate this situation, leading to increased traffic congestion, potential flooding issues due to loss of natural water management systems, and strain on our water and sewage systems.

The facts speak volumes. According to studies, North Carolina has already lost over 50% of its original wetlands, leading to adverse effects on water quality, natural habitats, and flood control. If the Maco Tract development proceeds, we could lose one of the last remaining wetland sanctuaries in our county, risking severe environmental repercussions.

Our call to action is clear. We urge local policymakers to halt the development of the Maco Tract to preserve our wetlands, to put our community’s health and safety, and our children's future FIRST! There are sustainable development models and alternative methods that can be explored to ensure economic growth while safeguarding our environment and infrastructure. To build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join us in this fight to defend the natural beauty, ecological balance, infrastructure, health, and safety of Winnabow, N.C. Stand with us to stop the irreversible damage that threatens our home and our lives. Please sign this petition to voice your opposition to the Maco Tract development and demand accountability from those in power.

Our petition to leaders is as follows;

***Petition Against the Maco Tract Development Project***

Date started: May 19th, 2026 

Petition Against the Maco Tract Development and proposal in Winnabow, N.C.~ Brunswick County 

           We, the undersigned residents of Winnabow,  Brunswick County, and/or legal interests respectfully submit this petition to express our opposition to the proposed development of the Maco Tract for the following reasons:

1. Environmental Impact:
◦ The Maco Tract development poses potential risks to local ecosystems, which include over 1,500 acres of wetlands that provide vital habitats for wildlife.
◦ Concerns include the disturbance of these wetlands, potential pollution of waterways, and increased stormwater runoff which may affect nearby communities.
◦ The Maco development has already imposed threats to our wildlife and destruction of the beaver dams that had been there for decades. Beavers were also removed during this destruction. There has also been bears found killed beside this property. How many more wildlife habitats have to be lost and wildlife killed?

◦ The previous plans stated +/-1524 acres of wetlands, PROTECTED WETLANDS! The current plans are stating +/-622.6 acres. That is 901.4 wetlands MISSING! We have drone footage showing digging into these wetlands and a pump, while water disappears and is dry! This area was full of water for centuries.

2. Community Concerns:
◦ Residents of Winnabow are worried about the change in the character of our community.
◦ Increased traffic and population density could lead to safety hazards and strain on local resources.

◦ Adjacent property owners and residents of the area are worried that flooding will be worse on an already flood proned area. The wetlands kept them from losing their homes, now that they have disappeared and what once was over 3,000 acres of wooded areas will be concrete, this will cause even more flooding on just rainy days and when severe storms come, they will lose their homes. If this happens after the developer and county has been warned, we will proceed with legal action!

3. Infrastructure Limitations:
◦ The existing infrastructure may not accommodate the additional demand that the development would create.
◦ Sewage Capacity Issues: The current sewage system is already at capacity, and the additional burden from new developments could lead to serious sanitation problems and health risks for residents.
◦ Insufficient Public Services: We do not have enough firefighters, police officers, schools, or medical facilities to support a growing population, which could compromise safety and health in our community.

◦ Our county schools or near or at capacity with not enough money to build more without substantially raising our taxes, which will double just for 1 bond proposal that we are currently facing for Jackeys Creek.

◦ We are facing critical life taking roadways. We are losing our residents lives at a higher rate due to our roads that can not handle the rapid growth now. DOT has no money to help with the needs. We need roads widened, new roads, potholes fixed, etc. We have faced road collapsing with storms in the past, the most recent being Cyclone 8. 

4. Preservation of Local Heritage:
◦ The Maco Tract is part of our community’s history and heritage, and its development could erase significant cultural landmarks.
◦ Environmental Impact:
• The Maco Tract development poses potential risks to local ecosystems, which include around 1,500 acres of wetlands that provide vital habitats for wildlife, help with flooding, and filtering contaminates. Turkey Branch is a Significant Natural Heritage Area that is and should be protected. This area needs no less than 150' buffers surrounding both sides for protection. We have seen signs of drainage by this construction already. 

◦ Concerns include the disturbance of these wetlands, potential pollution of waterways, and increased stormwater runoff which may affect nearby communities.

1. Community Concerns:
◦ Residents of Winnabow are worried about the change in the character of our community.
◦ Increased traffic and population density could lead to safety hazards and strain on local resources. This is why a TIA is very important to have but is being bypassed.
◦ The existence of several other large approved developments in the area compounds these risks and raises significant concerns about the overall impact on infrastructure and public services. 

2. Infrastructure Limitations:
◦ The existing infrastructure does not accommodate the additional demand that the development would create.
◦ Sewage Capacity Issues: The current sewage system is already at capacity, and the additional burden from new developments could lead to serious sanitation problems and health risks for residents.
◦ Insufficient Public Services: We do not have enough firefighters, police officers, schools, medical facilities, etc. to support the rapid growing population, which compromises our safety and health in our community.

3. Preservation of Local Heritage:
◦ The Maco Tract is destroying a part of our community’s history and heritage, and its development could erase significant cultural landmarks.
◦ There are 2 historical cemeteries, possibly 3, that are at risk of being lost. The markers and headstones have already been destroyed on some. These cemeteries need protection and a GPR!

4. Health Concerns:
◦ There are potential health implications for residents due to increased water, air, and noise pollution associated with construction and subsequent traffic. This is a nuisance for current residents.

Conclusion:
As concerned citizens, we believe it is essential prioritize the well-being and future of our community. We urge local decision-makers to reconsider the development of the Maco Tract and finally put our health and safety first!