Hearing on the Umstead Coalition's Request to Restore the Sunset Clause and Buffers-Wake Stone's Triangle Quarry
September 19, 2025 Wake County (old) Court House 10B (10th floor). 316 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Sunset Clause to end the Triangle Quarry operations on Harrison Avenue by the Reedy Creek Park entrance by 2031— promised to Umstead State Park and the public and agreed to by Wake Stone Corporation in 1981 and subsequently in 8 Mining Permit Renewals and Modifications for 37 years — needs to be reinstated.
After much delay caused by the State and Wake Stone, The Umstead Coalition finally had a trial before the same judge who refused to hear our case and then was forced by a Wake Superior Court Judge to hear our case (Office of Administrative Hearings, OAH, Judge van der Vaart).
Judge van der Vaart denied our request for DEQ to reinstate the Sunset Clause and protective buffers. Among other reasons, he stated that then Governor Jim Hunt and Attorney General Rufus Edmisten and DEQ did not have the right to add the Sunset Clause condition to the 1981 permit. what?! Interestingly, DEQ agrees with the Umstead Coalition that Sunset Clause was intentionally placed in the first 1981 permit and DEQ had the right to do such in 1981. Where we disagree is DEQ's contention they could remove the Sunset Clause in 2018 after this key public protection was in 9 mining permit renewals and modifications for 37 years until secretly removed in 2018.
The Umstead Coalition disagrees and appealed this ruling to the Wake County Superior Court.
We now have a hearing at Superior Court on our Appeal.
It is always good to have our supporters in the audience; it's a small court room so 5 to 10 supporters makes an impact. Here's what to expect if you attend. Arrive at the courthouse by 10:45am, go through security and take the elevator to the 10th floor, Court Room 10B. You can come and go from the court room, but do try to minimize, no talking while court is in session. Sit behind the Umstead Coalition attorneys, likely on the right side facing the judge.
A good option for parking is the Wake County Municipal Parking Deck 216 W. Cabarrus St., on the corners of Davie, McDowell and Cabarrus streets.
We're looking for volunteers to help us with our popular Fall Native Plant Sale on October 11! Volunteer tasks will include organizing the plants and Umstead State Park merchandise, assisting folks buying plants and takedown.
We have the following volunteer time slots:
We're looking for up to 30 volunteers to help make this event run smoothly.
Location: We'll be setting up in the grassy area on the right when you pull into the Reedy Creek entrance parking lot at Umstead State Park (2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513)
Our Fall Native Plant Sale will be on Saturday, October 11 from 12pm-3pm. We'll be selling locally-grown, native perennials, shrubs and trees.
EARLY ENTRY! — Umstead Coalition Members (with current membership or donations over $15 from October 1, 2024) will get early access from 11am-noon.
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION: We can use about 30 volunteers to help make the event successful, please sign-up to volunteer with this link: Volunteer for the Fall Native Plant Sale
100% of all proceeds from the event go to support William B. Umstead State Park.
Location: We'll be set up in the grassy area on the right when you drive into the parking lot at the Harrison Ave, Cary entrance to Umstead State Park (2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513).
Registration is not required, but will help us know how many to expect.
Pricing
4 inch: $10
1 gallon (excluding azaleas and pawpaws): $20
1 gallon azalea and pawpaw: $25
Plant list will be updated with additional plants, so check back.
1-gallon pots:
* Amismina triloba "Pawpaw"
Callicarpa americana "American beautyberry"
Ceanothus americanus "New jersey tea"
Chionanthus virginicus "Fringe tree"
Hamamelis virginiana "Witch hazel"
Hydrangea quercifolia "Oakleaf hydrangea"
Hypericum densiflorum "Bushy St. Johnswort"
* Rhododendron arborescens "Smooth/Sweet azalea"
* Rhododendron atlanticum "Dwarf azalea"
* Rhododendron periclymenoides "Pink azalea"
Rosa palustris "Swamp rose"
Spiraea tomentosa "Hardhack"
Vaccinium corymbosum "Highbush blueberry"
Clethra alnifolia "Sweet pepperbush"
Onoclea sensibilis "Sensitive fern"
4-inch pots:
Osmunda spectabilis "Royal fern"
Polystichum acrostichoides "Christmas fern"
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum "Cinnamon fern"
Likely 4-inch pots (plus more will be added to the list):
Echinacea purpurea "Purple coneflower"
Conoclinium coelestinum "Blue mistflower"
Eryngium aquaticum "Marsh rattlesnake master"
Liatris spicata "Blazing star"
Lobelia elongata "Blue lobelia"
Solidago rugosa "Wrinkleleaf goldenrod"
Pycnanthemum muticum "Clustered mountain mint"
Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset"
Monarda fitulosa "Bee balm / Wild bergamot"
* Pawpaw and azaleas $25
Keep checking back - list will be updated closer to Plant Sale
Interested in volunteering?
We have lots of people attend our sale and needs lots of help. Sign up for a shift here.
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