Cory Hughes, executive director of the Scotland County Tourism Development Authority, had just three words to describe the Lumber River being honored – "It's great news."
Hughes said it was a big effort to get the river to be in the top 10.
"Obviously it was more than just the people of Laurinburg and Lumberton voting for this," Hughes said. "We are excited about this."
There is a psychological benefit for area residents, he said.
"It helps tell the people in Scotland County that there are special places in the county," he said.
This puts the Lumber River alongside other scenic places in North Carolina, such as Cape Hatteras and Grandfather Mountain, according to Hughes.
"Those are some very special places in North Carolina and we have one of those places right here."
The inclusion of the Lumber River on the list could also be a boon for tourism.
"It is something which we (the TDA) have started to talk about and need to talk about more," he said.
The Lumber River State Park has a lot to offer, according to Hughes. Hiking, canoeing, fishing and camping are all fun-filled activities for residents and visitors alike.
"Even just to go out and look at the wildlife is something special."
Land for Tomorrow announced the winners of the first-ever contest late Tuesday, and residents supporting the inclusion of the Lumber River were elated by the results.
Supporters hope the river making the top 10 list, and the resulting media coverage, will result in more people coming to the area to check out the river and perhaps stay awhile.
The list of the top 10 natural wonders can be found at www.landfortomorrow.org.
“I think it’s a real honor for the river to make the final list, considering all the incredible resources in the state, to be chosen by people to be one of the top 10 is wonderful,” said Neill Lee, superintendent of the Lumber River State Park.
Voters were asked to nominate any landscape, natural feature, wildlife or plant life unique to North Carolina which should be counted as one of its top natural wonders. A panel of judges trimmed the 200 nominations to 25 semifinalists, and voters were directed to the website to cast their final votes.
Lee grew up with the Lumber River in his back yard.
“I’ve lived on the river my whole life. A lot of folks around here know what a beautiful, natural treasure it is, so I was real pleased that it was recognized by so many people across the state,” Lee said.
Park Ranger Jeff Davidson, who works at the Lumber River State Park Chalk Banks, just north of Wagram, was also among those cheering the decision.
"It's good for the department because we'll get a lot more people to the park," he said. "Our park isn't nearly as visited as other state parks, so hopefully we'll get more people to come out and see the river."
Chalk Banks, located on U.S. 401 a mile north of Wagram, is just one of two access points to the state park, which encompasses the length of the 115 mile river. The other site – called Princess Ann – is located at 2819 Princess Ann Road, Orrum.
Dana and Tammy Rogers were at Chalk Banks on Thursday afternoon with their two dogs – a Pomeranian named Goliath and a Daschund – enjoying the scenery
"I think it is a calm, serene, beautiful river," Tammy Rogers said.
A former Floridian, she said the North Carolina waters reminds her of Lake Okeechobee.
"I think it's beautiful and reminds me of home," she said.
Her husband liked the peacefulness of the surroundings.
The couple had two caveats about the state park, however.
Dana Rogers took issue with several areas of the river which are overgrown and Tammy Rogers wished the park was open more than just four days a week.
Their concerns did not dissuade them from taking their weekly stroll into the state park, however.
Mac Legerton, executive director of the Center for Community Action, said many individuals and organizations in Scotland, Robeson, Hoke and Columbus counties worked to spread the word regarding the contest and how to vote for the river.
“This new designation will go a long way to help our local people realize what a great resource we have in our river,’’ Legerton said. “It will also convince tourists that our county is not just some place to pass by. Rather, it is a destination, a natural wonder to enjoy, behold, and return, again and again.”
The Center for Community Action is a 30-year old community development organization in Robeson County that has worked to protect and promote the Lumber River. It owns and operates River Way Outdoor Adventure and Education Center in Lumberton and provides canoe and kayak, eco-tours and environmental education programs on the Lumber River and the Coastal Plains of North Carolina.
“We have a natural theme park ... but most people hardly realize it and fewer access it: It is called the Lumber River,” Legerton said.
The top 10 list includes: The Blue Ridge Parkway; Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout; Grandfather Mountain; the Great Smoky Mountains; Lake Mattamuskeet; the Lumber River; Merchants Millpond State Park; the Mountains to Sea Trail; the New River; and Ocracoke Island.
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