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Conservation Trust |
Magnificent Mountain Property ConservedCouple donates conservation agreement to protect clean trout streams, wildlife habitat, and spectacular mountain views for future generations Dr. Charles and Mary Edwards knew they wanted to protect the natural qualities of their land in the Black Mountains of Yancy County for their children and grandchildren. They fulfilled that goal by donating a 1,300-acre conservation agreement (easement) worth $10 million to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) and the Catawba Lands Conservancy. The contribution is one of the most valuable individual conservation agreement donations in North Carolina history. The land has significant and enduring conservation benefits for the entire region. The Cane River, designated as nationally significant by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, runs through more than a mile of the property. The river shelters native brook trout, hellbender salamander, the federally endangered Appalachian elktoe mussel, and other aquatic species. The property contributes to a mosaic of 125,000 acres of protected forest land that includes the Pisgah National Forest, Mt. Mitchell State Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Asheville Watershed. This vast stretch of contiguous natural land provides critical wildlife habitat for such animals as black bear, bobcat, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Reaching elevations of 5,560 feet, and rising more than 2,500 feet in just over one mile, the land also offers stunning views of Mt. Mitchell and other high peaks in the Black Mountains. "This piece of land is one of the key tracts in the Black Mountains," said SAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein. "It is perhaps one of our most significant projects because of the location and size of the property." SAHC holds the conservation agreement and, as an added layer of protection, Catawba Lands Conservancy holds a backup conservation agreement on the property ensuring the land will be forever protected. "Catawba Lands Conservancy was honored to play a partnering role in this project, and we are grateful to the Edwards for this outstanding gift to the community," said Dave Cable, Catawba Lands Conservancy Executive Director. The Conservation Trust for North Carolina provides local land trusts like SAHC and Catawba Lands Conservancy with valuable resources and services to help them protect more places you love. You can help protect more of these scenic and ecologically valuable places in North Carolina by donating to the Conservation Trust for North Carolina and/or your local land trust today.
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