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Newsroom
Asheville Citizen-Times (Asheville,NC)
October 17, 2005 (Robert Wyatt)
The Conservation Trust for North Carolina has purchased 25 acres near Little Switzerland to protect the water quality and habitat in Crabtree Creek and to help preserve more of the Blue Ridge Parkway's scenic views.
The property is less than mile from the Little Switzerland post office at Milepost 335 of the parkway.
"A developer had shown interest in the property, planning to subdivide and build homes," said Reid Wilson, conservation trust executive director. "Crabtree Creek was just such a pristine site we really didn't want to lose it. With the very generous help of Fred and Alice Stanback of Salisbury and some of our own funds we were able to purchase the property."
Crabtree Creek has been designated trout stream of the N.C. Division of Water Quality. The property contains the creek's headwaters and adjoins about 2,000 feet of the parkway.
"With no deed restrictions on it, the property was particularly vulnerable to development." Wilson said.
The owners of the property, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gross, have long history of concern for conservation.
"They elected to sell the property to the Conservation Trust to preserve it in its natural state," said Jann Godwin owner of Timberline Properties Inc., who represented the couple in the deal. "We are delighted that this acreage bordering the Park way will be maintained in its pristine state for future generations."
The Conservation Trust plans to donate the property to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Parkway's boundary.
A 25-acre tract of land just purchased by the Conservation Trust for North Carolina is less than mile from the Little Switzerland post office, pictured here. The land purchase will help protect nearby Crabtree Creek trout stream and parkway views.
Phil Francis, acting parkway superintendent, was excited with the news.
"This property will help protect a significant and particularly vulnerable area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Conservation Trust is a valued partner in helping us protect our valuable natural re sources."
Since 1992, the Conservation Trust has helped conserve over 28,000 acres along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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