Pinehurst to review seven-lot Mid-South Palmer Drive Subdivision proposal

The Village of Pinehurst will review a project proposal for seven residential lots for Mid South Palmer Drive Subdivision at 3 Palmer Drive in Southern Pines.

The property is zoned RA30 and will not need rezoning. It will have access to Moore County water and sewer and is on a private road. It is not in a flood zone or watershed overlay district.

The red-cockaded woodpecker is on the site.

“The red-cockaded woodpecker is a nongame species with no hunting season. It is federally and state listed as endangered. Federally listed species are defined as any native or once native species of wild animal whose continued existence as a viable component of the state’s fauna is determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be in jeopardy or any wild animal determined to be an “endangered animan” pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.

Woodpeckers can cause damage when pecking on homes and/or other wood structures. There are eight species of woodpeckers native to North Carolina, all of which are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” reads the North Carolina Wildlife report available here.

Red-cockaded woodpeckers on a property does not usually stop development.

Planning and environmental agencies work together to decide whether construction would affect active nesting trees, protected habitats or foraging areas used by the federally endangered bird.

For instance, during the planning stages for the access road and parking area of the Southern Pines Whitehall Recreation Area, environmental specialists ascertained that the project might affect habitat linked to an existing red-cockaded woodpecker colony. The town conducted environmental reviews and conferred with federal wildlife officials before proceeding.

Consider Pinehurst’s collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via a Safe Harbor Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Pinehurst was authorized to proceed with golf course development and operations, while simultaneously safeguarding the habitat essential for red-cockaded woodpeckers. This program represented an early national precedent for integrating economic growth strategies with the conservation of vulnerable species.

Developers in Moore County involve environmental consultants and federal agencies to circumvent or reduce impacts on the birds. Alterations to project designs, conservation of habitats, or implementation of mitigation strategies may become necessary. It is uncommon for requests to be denied if affects are manageable through foresight and conformity with federal regulations.

For the seven-lot subdivision on Palmer Drive, the considerations will be the existence of active cavity trees or designated protected habitat regions on the property and the ability to begin construction without compromising the welfare of the species. Those issues are expected to be examined as the project moves toward a public hearing, with a date yet to be determined.

June 8, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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