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New laws will help NC land trusts, property owners to protect more unspoiled landPrivate landowners who want to make their property a haven for wildlife won support from the North Carolina Legislature, which passed
two laws that will encourage greater conservation statewide.
The House and Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of H1889, which will let landowners enroll 20 to 100 acres in a new wildlife use value
classification starting in tax year 2010. The resulting lower property tax will make it affordable for them to keep undeveloped land, and
restrictions on who can participate will mean minimal impact on county budgets.
North Carolina loses more than 100,000 acres of farm and forest land annually, and leads the nation in farms lost.
The measure was signed into law Monday (Aug. 4) by Gov. Mike Easley, marking the end of six years of work by land and wildlife protection
proponents to win the new classification for conservation-minded landowners.
The new law requires each enrolled property to have a wildlife management plan. It also clarifies the conditions under which individuals who
place their land under a permanent conservation easement will be allowed to continue to receive a property tax break under the current present
use value program.
“These changes will provide more incentives and certainty for property owners who want to conserve their property for future generations,”
said Edgar Miller, director of government relations for the Conservation Trust for North Carolina.
A second measure that the General Assembly passed and Gov. Easley signed into law on Monday will provide land trusts and historic
preservation organizations with an additional option to help finance their work to permanently protect North Carolina's natural and cultural
treasures.
The measure, H1770, authorizes the nonprofits to include provisions in their conservation and preservation agreements that would allow them
to collect fees when the property is conveyed to new owners. The provision's inclusion would be entirely up to the original property owner who
negotiates the agreement with the land trust. The money would be used to cover costs associated with the long-term monitoring and stewardship
of the property.
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Family farm preserved - A Joy ForeverJune 25, 2008
By LARRY DALE
Daily Courier Staff Writer
FOREST CITY - Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has received a state grant of more than $650,000 to help purchase a
conservation easement on a Rutherford County farm.
The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has awarded $658,500 for the easement on 566 acres of the
Flack-Bovender Farm.
The funding was announced Tuesday. In all, the trust fund awarded $7.6 million in grants.
The Rutherford County project was one of the largest of the 41 projectsfunded across the state. The farm, owned by Tim and Nell Bovender,
is a six- generation family farm in the Gilkey community off U. S. 221 North. A conservation easement is a written agreement between a
landowner and a qualified conservation organization in which the landowner promises to keep the land in its natural condition without extensive
disturbance.Various land uses are allowed under easement restrictions. The Bovenders, who raise cattle and hay, have a farmland conservation
easement.
Conservation easements are intended to preserve property in its natural, undeveloped condition, which provides a benefit to the public
by conserving open lands, forests, farmland, stream banks and significant natural resources such as water quality.
Foothills Conservancy Executive Director Susie Hamrick Jones said Tuesday, " We are thrilled, obviously, and pleased at the awarding of a
grant to help the family put the rest of their farm under conservation easement."
Andrew Kota, stewardship and protection associate at Foothills, said more than 300 acres of the Bovender farm were protected in 2000, and
this latest easement will take in the remainder of the acreage on the farm of some 900 acres.
" They wish to protect the entire farm from extensive development, ever," Kota said.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said, "We're very pleased to beable to help communities in their efforts to preserve farmland and
forest land. Our main focus is to maintain working farms and create new opportunities in agriculture.
" We received more than 90 applications for grants requesting around $29 million in funding. This demonstrates the high degree of interest
in farmland protection across the state."
Hamrick Jones noted that since 1990, North Carolina has lost 14,000 farms, a national record, to sprawling development. She said the General
Assembly and governor have shown support for funding the agricultural trust fund.
" These very special areas of the state are more valuable than gold," she added.
Kota agreed. " The state of North Carolina is realizing that the state is losing farms at an unprecedented rate," he said. " They see the need
and value in protecting high- quality farmland from development and preserving the heritage and economy of the state forever."
Tim and Nell Bovender and their children, Will and Ali, received the State Conservation Farm Family of the Year award in 2006 from the North
Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation.
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Wilson Creek photo credit: Kevin Knight
NEWS RELEASE
March 17, 2008
FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY SECURES PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC WILSON CREEK LAND
MORGANTON, NC - Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, on behalf of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, has secured
a contract with The Lutz Family Partnership to purchase 649 acres along almost four miles of National Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek
in Caldwell County for $7 million dollars.
Surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the land will be owned by the State of North Carolina and managed by the Wildlife Resources
Commission. The scenic tract will offer outstanding public access to the world-class trout waters of Wilson Creek, a favorite destination
for anglers and others drawn to the creek's cold, clear waters, and contains important wildlife and aquatic habitats.
The purchase is contingent on funding requests by Foothills Conservancy and the Wildlife Resources Commission which are pending with
the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund. The contract stipulates that the purchase must occur
on or before December 31, 2009. The $10,788 per acre price is based on appraisals completed in December by the N.C. State Property Office.
“This is a rare opportunity to forever protect a very long stretch of much-loved Wilson Creek,” said Susie Hamrick Jones, Foothills Conservancy's
executive director. “We are thrilled and thankful that we reached an agreement with the Lutz family that gives us adequate time to secure the
public funds needed to add this important tract to our state's permanently protected landscapes.”
“This section of Wilson Creek will be an outstanding addition to our game lands and trout waters program,” said Fred Harris, interim executive
director of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “We are extremely appreciative of the efforts of everyone who worked to ensure the
conservation of this exceptional area.”
Foothills Conservancy began purchase negotiations with Herbert Lutz last fall when the Lutz family declined to renew a purchase option by a
developer whose proposed 250-lot “Preserve at Wilson Creek” development plan was withdrawn after meeting with stiff public opposition.
“Our family is humbled by the thought of future generations being able to enjoy the natural beauty and history that Foothills Conservancy is
providing with the acquisition of this scenic land,” said Herbert Lutz managing partner for the Lutz Family Partnership. “Our parents, O. P. and
Mattie Lutz, never wanted this land to be ravaged again by the likes of a lumber company or anyone that could contribute to catastrophic
devastation like the 1940 flood caused in this beautiful area. Our family will forever be grateful for the preservation of this land for the enjoyment
of the citizens of Caldwell County and surrounding areas of North Carolina.”
The Lutz family's tract is among a number of privately owned and cared for tracts along Wilson Creek that helped earn the large, cold-water
creek its National Wild and Scenic River designation in 2000, an effort led by Caldwell County officials. Wilson Creek is also classified as
an “Outstanding Resource Water” by the N.C. Division of Water Quality.
“Wilson Creek is sacred ground to the people of Caldwell County,” said Caldwell Commissioner Ron Beane. “This is another vital step in
a vision that Caldwell Commissioners and citizens had in the late `90s for preserving this national treasure. We started by securing a Federal
Wild and Scenic River designation and in 2002 opened a visitor center, manned by the Chamber of Commerce, that draws over 10,000 visitors
a year from all over the world.”
Foothills Conservancy plans to work closely with other landowners, Caldwell County officials and citizens to continue to enhance the protection
of Wilson Creek and its forested watersheds. Last year, Andrew Kota, Foothills Conservancy's protection and stewardship associate, completed
a comprehensive protection plan for Wilson Creek. Funded by the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the plan identified tracts that would
benefit most from either public or private protection agreements. The Lutz tract ranked among the top priorities in this study, as did several other
tracts for which Foothills Conservancy is exploring private, voluntary conservation options with the landowners.
“The Wilson Creek corridor will remain a protection priority for Foothills Conservancy for years to come,” Kota said. “We look forward to working
with landowners who desire to continue private ownership while adding a layer of permanent protection with conservation agreements that allow
them to take advantage of attractive federal and state conservation tax programs.”
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is a non-profit, regional land trust that works cooperatively with landowners and communities to preserve
and protect important natural areas and open spaces of the Blue Ridge Foothills, including watersheds, environmentally significant habitats, forests
and farmland.
Since 1995, Foothills Conservancy has helped protect more than 40,000 acres by facilitating public acquisitions and private conservation agreements
at places like the South Mountains, Chimney Rock, Lake James, Catawba Falls and Wilson Creek. Foothills Conservancy is one of 24 land trusts
serving various regions of North Carolina and is the land trust for Alexander, Burke, Cleveland, Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, McDowell and
Rutherford counties.
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Purchase Will Expand South Mountain State Park Scenic Land Protected Along Highway 64
Scenic fields, mountain-side forests and the clear waters of Hall Creek will be forever protected and soon added to South Mountains State Park
thanks to a purchase agreement reached in August by Foothills Conservancy and Dr. John Barron and his family.
Foothills Conservancy and N.C. State Parks will purchase approximately 683 acres for $2.7 million in four phases from December 2007
through June 2009.
Foothills will purchase the first 120 acres by December 31 using a bridge loan from a special revolving fund set up by conservationists
Fred and Alice Stanback and managed by Raleigh-based Conservation Trust for North Carolina.
State Parks will then use funds from the State Parks & Recreation Trust Fund to acquire the property in early 2008. State Parks plans
to secure grants from the state's Clean Water Management and Natural Heritage trust funds for the remaining phases.
When all phases are completed, this strategic acquisition will give the South Mountain State Park significant road frontage along HWY 64
and Roper Hollow Road, south of Morganton, and open up new opportunities for public access to the park's western side near the location
of the park's planned environmental education center.
The Barron land also joins the 218-acre Earwood-Norman, or Hall Knob/English Knob, tract which Foothills Conservancy bought earlier
this year and will sell to State Parks before the end of the year. (See article below.)
Foothills Conservancy began meeting with Dr. Barron and State Park officials early this year to find a way to achieve Dr. Barron's desires
for a conservation sale of the scenic property, which was listed for sale and being sought after by a developer.
“This is a wonderful example of the work of land trusts and of the foresight of a caring landowner,” said Susie Hamrick Jones, Foothills
Conservancy's executive director. “Dr. Barron can rest assured that this land that he has loved and taken care of over the years will never
be developed, and people who visit South Mountain State Park will enjoy this land and benefit from his stewardship.”
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Mountain Tract Links State Park Lands By year's end, Foothills Conservancy will sell a 218-acre mountain tract labeled as “Hall Knob” on maps but known locally as
“English Knob” to N.C. State Parks for addition to South Mountains State Park.
Foothills Conservancy purchased the tract this spring with a combination of a private loan and owner-financing by the
McKinley Earwood and Henry Norman families, who chose to work with the conservancy to save the land instead of selling it to
an interested developer. The conservancy will resell the land to State Parks for approximately $800,000-the cost of the land
plus interest incurred.
Visible south of Morganton along HWY 64, the tract will connect state park lands in the Clear Creek or “Broughton” watershed-
the location for a planned state environmental education center-with the 683-acre Barron tract at the intersection of HWY 64 and
Roper Hollow Road that Foothills Conservancy and State Parks are also acquiring.
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Another Milestone for New Chimney Rock State Park Nationally Significant Cane Creek Mountain Preserved
One of North Carolina's priorities for the new Chimney Rock State Park will be preserved thanks to a purchase agreement reached by
Foothills Conservancy with landowners Bob and Anne Washburn.
The pristine 174-acre wilderness tract blankets the ridgeline, summit and western slope of Cane Creek Mountain. Adjoining Chimney
Rock State Park's “World's Edge” tract, the acquisition will extend the park's domain north toward Lake Lure.
Cane Creek Mountain offers outstanding views of Chimney Rock, the Pool Creek watershed and Lake Lure and is, itself, part of the
stunning view looking south from Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.
The federally endangered White irisette plant and a number of other rare plants and animals find shelter on Cane Creek Mountain.
“Lasting protection of the Cane Creek Mountain tract is another critical milestone in safeguarding views and the nationally significant
natural heritage of Hickory Nut Gorge,” said Tom Kenney, Foothills Conservancy's Land Protection Director. “We are very grateful for
the Washburn's careful stewardship of the land over many years and their determination to achieve conservation with this sale.”
“This represents the culmination of our life-long effort to protect the delicate ecosystem of Hickory Nut Gorge,” said Bob Washburn.
“Anne and I bought the property in the mid 1990s when the imminent threat of development was brought to our attention. John Proctor
graciously allowed us the opportunity to purchase that portion of his new subdivision for preservation purposes. To have this tract become
part of the new state park is truly a wonderful cause for celebration.”
Foothills Conservancy and State Parks will acquire the Washburn's Cane Creek Mountain tract for approximately $3.2 million, purchasing
the first 100 acres by December 31 and the remaining acres by July 2008. Funds will come from the N.C. Parks & Recreation Trust Fund
and the state's Natural Heritage Trust Fund.
Chimney Rock State Park will “officially” open in 2008, but Chimney Rock itself continues to be open to the public year-round on a fee-basis
under a management agreement with the former owners.
World's Edge and the Cane Creek Mountain tracts will open to the public at a later date once State Parks completes public access plans in
the months ahead. Planning for facilities and development of recreational access are in the early stages for these properties and other areas
of the new park.
Since 2004, Foothills Conservancy has worked closely with N.C. State Parks and other conservation partners to secure support for this new
state park, which has grown to 3,448 acres with acquisitions earlier this year, including Chimney Rock. Another 483 acres, including the
Washburn's Cane Creek Mountain tract, are fully funded and in the approval/closing process.
While development in the Hickory Nut Gorge spreads at a fast pace, Foothills Conservancy is continuing to work with the landowners of other
tracts that are strategic to this new park, addressing a vital and important conservation area for our state and our land trust region.
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Catawba Falls Trail & Action AlertRules for Temporary Catawba Falls Access and Trail Access
Open to foot traffic onlyNo trespassing after sunsetNo overnight campingNo firearms or alcoholPatrolled by McDowell County Sheriff's DepartmentIn case of emergency, call 911 or 652-4000DONATE TO CATAWBA HEADWATERS FUND & HELP SECURE PERMANENT ACCESS & TRAIL TO THE FALLS!
As Foothills Conservancy has to repay its private loans by July 2009, the conservancy will step up efforts to raise private
funds in 2008 to help retire the debt. Through our Catawba Headwaters Fund campaign, if the Forest Service purchases
the property, any excess private funds raised will be used to conserve other lands and waters of the Catawba Headwaters
in McDowell County.
Please make a donation to Foothills Conservancy's Catawba Headwaters Fund to help retire our loan and save more
Catawba Headwaters land. Mail tax deductible donations designated for this fund to Foothills Conservancy, PO Box 3023,
Morganton, NC 28680.
What can I do to help on the Forest Service's acquisition of the access & trail property to Catawba Falls?
Please write (send by fax to avoid delays in mail handling) your elected officials in Washington DC -
all in North Carolina are important.
Suggestions for letters:
Personalize your letterRequest their help & support to secure federal funds in 2008 so that the U.S. Forest Service can acquire Catawba FallsRequest they work together with other congressional members in NC to obtain the federal funds necessary in 2008The project will permanently provide public access & the trail for recreational use of Catawba Falls & Pisgah National ForestThe project benefits all North Carolinians & is conveniently accessible from I-40The project helps protect the pristine Catawba River near its source, its watershed lands of the Blue Ridge Mountains & headwaters supplying drinking water to many in NC
U.S. House of Representatives:
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U.S. Senate:
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Honorable Heath Shuler (D-11)
512 Cannon House Office BLDG
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: (202) 226-6422
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Honorable Richard Burr (R)
217 Russell Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Fax: (202) 228-2981
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District Office:
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District Office:
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356 Biltmore Avenue, #400
Asheville, NC 28801
828-252-1651
828-252-8734 (F)
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200 West First Street #508
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
800-685-8916
336-725-4493 (F)
|
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Honorable Elizabeth Dole (R)
555 Dirksen Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
|
|
District Office:
225 N. Main Street #304
Salisbury, NC 28144
704/633-2937
704/663-2937 (F)
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|
|
Other N.C. Congressional Members:
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Representative Patrick McHenry
224 Cannon HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-2576
202/225-0316 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
87 4th Street, NW Suite A
Hickory, NC 28603
828/327-8311
828/327-8311 (F)
|
Representative Virginia Foxx
430 Cannon HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-2071
202/225-2995 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
600 Meadbrook Mall #3
Clemons, NC 27012
336/778-0221
336/778-2290 (F)
|
Representative David Price
2162 Rayburn HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-1784
202/225-2014 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
5400 Trinity Road, #205
Raleigh, NC 27607
919/859-5998
919/859-5998 (F)
|
Representative Sue Myrick
203 Cannon HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-1976
202/225-3389 (F)
Email myrick@mail.house.gov
District Office:
6525 Morrison Blvd., #402
Charlotte, NC 28211
704/362-1060
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Representative Mel Watt
2236 Rayburn HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-1510
202/225-1510 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
1230 W. Morehead Street, #306
Charlotte, NC 28208
704/344-9971
704/334-9950 (F)
|
Representative G. K. Butterfield
413 Cannon House Bldg.
Washington DC 20510
202/225-3101
202/225-3354 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
216 W. Nash Street, #B
Wilson, NC 27893
252/291-0356
252/237-9846 (F)
|
Representative Howard Coble
2468 Rayburn Office Bldg.
Washington DC 20510
202/225-3065
202/225-8611 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
2102 N. Elm Street, #5
Greensboro, NC 27408
336/333-5005
336/336-5048 (F)
|
Representative Bob Etheridge
1533 Longworth HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-4531
202/225-5662 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
225 Hillsborough Street, #490
Raleigh, NC 27603
919/829-9883
919/829-9883 (F)
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Representative Robin Hayes
130 Cannon HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-3715
202/225-4036 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
137 Union Street S.
Concord, NC 28025
704/786-1612
704/782-1004 (F)
|
Representative Walter Jones
2333 Rayburn HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-3415
202/225-3286 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
1105-C Corporate Drive
Greenville, NC 27858
252/934-1003
252/931-1002 (F)
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Representative Mike McIntyre
2437 Rayburn HOB
Washington DC 20510
202/225-2731
202/225-5773 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
201 N. First Street, #410
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-815-4959
910/815-4543 (F)
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Representative Brad Miller
1722 Longworth Bldg.
Washington DC 20510
202/225-3032
202/225-0181 (F)
Email-contact via web
District Office:
1300 St. Mary Street #504
Raleigh, NC 27605
919/836-1314
919/836-0607 (F)
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July 24, 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
Foothills Conservancy Secures Catawba Falls AccessMORGANTON, N.C. - Property long sought for public trail access to Catawba Falls in Pisgah National Forest above Old Fort has been acquired
by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina.
Foothills Conservancy, the land trust for the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge and foothills, moved quickly to secure a private loan to purchase
the 23-acre property for $400,000 after it was listed with a realtor for sale for $450,000 in April.
With two years to repay the loan, the conservancy and local officials are working closely with U.S. Congressman Heath Shuler, U.S. Senators
Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole, N.C. Representative Mitch Gillespie and Senator Joe Sam Queen to seek the funds needed for the U.S. Forest
Service to purchase the property, plus 65 adjacent acres along Allison Ridge also owned by the conservancy, for addition to the Pisgah National
Forest.
“The conservancy went out on a limb to acquire the property after reaching agreement with the heirs and sons of the landowner,” said Tom Kenney,
the conservancy's Land Protection Director. “We knew we had to act very fast. We did not want the chance to gain public access to Catawba Falls
and protect its downstream waters to slip by forever.
Foothills Conservancy does not have the resources itself to develop and manage a trail to the falls, Kenney explained, so for the time being, access
will be limited to periodic scheduled, guided hikes led by the conservancy and listed on its website at www.foothillsconservancy.org. Since it may
take two years to secure funds and execute a U. S. Forest Service purchase, the conservancy is exploring temporary public access options and
management agreements with the Forest Service and the county that will include an evaluation of safety and management concerns.
“We are grateful that a local individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, granted us favorable terms on a two-year loan to make this possible
and that the owners were willing to sell their property for conservation and public trail access instead of development,” Kenney said. “Now, we ask
all who love Catawba Falls and value its scenic and natural splendor to help us raise the public and private funds needed to add this tract to Pisgah
National Forest.”
“We are thrilled that Foothills Conservancy was able to acquire this property,” said Marisue Hilliard, Forest Supervisor of North Carolina's
National Forests, “The U.S. Forest Service finally has an opportunity to acquire this key tract and establish a public trail to spectacular Catawba
Falls, which was added to Pisgah in the late 1980s.”
According to Hilliard, the property currently ranks as the number one priority for addition to North Carolina's National Forests.
“Public trail access to Catawba Falls will be a great way to bolster our efforts to increase sustainable tourism and economic development
capitalizing on our natural assets of McDowell County and Old Fort,” said Carol Price, Executive Director, McDowell Tourism Authority.
“Opening a public trail to the falls has long been a goal of McDowell County,” said Andy Webb, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “Now
that Foothills Conservancy has control of the property, we have a chance to achieve what for years has seemed impossible. The county
commissioners recently passed a resolution of support for adding this property to Pisgah National Forest, and we are eager to work with the
Conservancy and our representatives in Washington and Raleigh to find funds for this purpose.”
County and state officials have joined in a series of initial meetings with Congressman Shuler and his staff as well as the staff of Senators Burr and
Dole to obtain their support for securing federal funds in Fiscal Year 2008. All have indicated a high interest in trying to help the U. S. Forest Service
obtain funds to purchase the Catawba Falls access property as soon as possible and to develop the much desired public recreation and use.
“The best way to achieve public use and enjoyment of the Catawba Falls area is to support efforts now underway by area citizens, Old Fort and
McDowell County officials, and Foothills Conservancy to raise public and private funds for the Forest Service to buy the tract,” said Susie Hamrick
Jones, the conservancy's executive director. “Area citizens can contact their elected officials to urge them to budget funds to add these lands to
Pisgah and open this trail to the public and may also work with the conservancy to help us raise private funds to leverage public dollars and pay off
our loan.”
Since 2005, working in partnership with the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund and private landowners, Foothills Conservancy has
permanently conserved almost 1,400 acres adjacent to the recently acquired tract in the headwaters of the Catawba River. The conservancy's
efforts in the Catawba headwaters and on other important lands in McDowell County continue.
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MEDIA RELEASE
March 1, 2007
Duke Hydro-Relicensing Agreement Supports Land DealJohns-Catawba River Confluence Lands Protected
MORGANTON, N.C. - Approximately 2,800 acres at the confluence of the Johns and Catawba rivers in Burke County were added
yesterday to the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission's game lands program, protecting a unique wetlands and riverine system.
The acquisition also marks the first conservation transaction supported by Duke Energy's recent Catawba-Wateree comprehensive
hydro-relicensing agreement.
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina negotiated the purchase of the land for $11.5 million from Crescent Resources on behalf of
the Wildlife Resources Commission.
“Today's acquisition protects outstanding ecosystems of the lower Johns River and brings these special river lands and habitats
under public stewardship,” said Tom Kenney, Foothills Conservancy's land protection director. “It also represents a major first step
toward implementing the Catawba-Wateree river conservation goals embodied in Duke's relicensing agreement with stakeholders
including Foothills Conservancy and Wildlife Resources.”
“Crescent Resources has been privileged to manage this property for more than three decades,” said Jim Short, senior vice
president of Crescent Resources. “Foothills Conservancy, Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Wildlife Resources
Commission are to be commended for their commitment to share this property's natural beauty, waters and wildlife with the public.”
Foothills Conservancy and the Wildlife Resources Commission obtained funding for the acquisition from a number of sources.
The N. C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund granted Foothills Conservancy $5,235,000 to acquire the land's wetlands and
riparian areas. The hydro-relicensing agreement provided for a reduction in purchase price of approximately $2.5 million. The
remaining $3.8 million required for the purchase was contributed by Duke Energy as part of the relicensing agreement for land
acquisition support.
“This is indeed a significant milestone, and it's wonderful to see the results of the collaborative efforts of stakeholders for the
benefit of the environment and the public,” stated Ellen Ruff, president, Duke Energy Carolinas. “Duke Energy is pleased to
contribute to this effort. It's a win-win in all aspects.”
“Duke Energy's willingness to support land acquisitions outside of the hydropower project boundary was key to resolving the
very complex hydropower negotiations,” said Chris Goudreau, hydropower licensing coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission.
The land acquired from Crescent Resources includes 17 miles along both sides of the Johns River and Lower Creek downstream
of N.C. Highway 18, as well as Catawba River-Lake Rhodhiss frontage. Adjoined by 1,000 acres upstream on the Johns River,
acquired in November 2006 by the Wildlife Commission with support from Ducks Unlimited and the N. C. Natural Heritage Program,
the Johns River Game Land represents one of western North Carolina's most significant land and water conservation areas.
“The Wildlife Commission now owns one of the largest and most extensive habitats for waterfowl and other species that depend
on flooded ecosystems in Western North Carolina,” stated Gordon Warburton, supervising wildlife biologist with the North Carolina
Wildlife Commission. “This area is truly a `crown jewel' for wildlife and will be a great place for sportsmen and the public to see a
unique assemblage of wildlife species.”
The Johns River acquisition will not become an official game land that is open to sportsmen until July 1, 2008. The deadline to
enact regulations for this fall has already passed.
The confluence of the Johns River with the Catawba hosts rich bottomland habitats and extensive forested floodplains which are
rare in the foothills and mountains. Wetlands lace the land, enhancing the water quality of Lower Creek and the Johns River and
attracting migratory waterfowl and a wide variety of animals and aquatic life. Designated as High Quality Waters and as a
Significant Aquatic Habitat, the Johns River lands are also home to the federally threatened bog turtle. An important section of the
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail crosses the land, adding historical significance to the purchase.
“Acquisition of this land was critical to protecting the relatively unpolluted waters of the Johns River and its tributaries,” said
Rance Henderson, a Clean Water Management Trust Fund trustee and Burke County resident. “It also will help protect drinking
water supplies for people downstream in the Catawba Basin, beginning with the city of Valdese. The Clean Water Management
Trust Fund is proud to have participated in this project and to have invested more than $67 million to date in the Catawba River Basin.”
“Protection of these vital Catawba Basin waters and this special river landscape would not have been possible without the
Clean Water Management Trust Fund's early commitment of support,” said Susie Hamrick Jones, Foothills Conservancy's
executive director. “We extend a special thank you to Clean Water and to Crescent Resources and Duke Energy Carolinas
for working with Foothills Conservancy and the Wildlife Resources Commission to find a way to secure these lands through
the relicensing agreement.”
More information about Foothills Conservancy's Catawba River Basin protection projects and other conservation efforts in
the Blue Ridge Foothills can be found on-line at www.foothillsconservancy.org" www.foothillsconservancy.org or by calling
828-437-9930.
For more information on the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission and its network of wildlife lands throughout the state,
go on-line to www.ncwildlife.org.
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Chimney Rock Park Saved!
Fact Sheet - Chimney Rock Park Acquisition:
crp_factsheet1206.pdf
Additional photos: http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/parknews/releases/photo/crp012907.html
Gov. Easley Announces State Agrees to Purchase Chimney Rock Park
RALEIGH -- Gov. Mike Easley announced today that the state of North Carolina has agreed to purchase the landmark
Chimney Rock Park in Rutherford County from the Morse family's Chimney Rock Company. The park will become the
centerpiece of a new state park under development in Hickory Nut Gorge. The agreement sets a purchase price of $24
million for the 996-acre park and its signature 315-foot spire that overlooks Lake Lure.
"Chimney Rock is one of the most visible images of our state's landscape and giving it an honored place in our state parks
system is a conservation success story for all North Carolinians," Easley said. "The Morse family has maintained careful
stewardship of this land for generations and the state will continue to protect these natural resources."
Funding for the acquisition comes from a $15 million appropriation in the state budget and various grants from the state's
Parks and Recreation, Natural Heritage and Clean Water Management Trust funds. A private donor, who wished to remain
anonymous, also contributed $2.35 million for the purchase.
The agreement is the result of two years of negotiations between Chimney Rock Co. and the state. Under the terms of the
agreement, Chimney Rock Co. will continue to operate the park through 2007 while the state parks system develops an
operations plan.
Chimney Rock Park has been a tourist attraction in western North Carolina since a stairway was built to the rock's summit in
1885. In 1902, Lucius B. Morse of Missouri bought the site and began developing the park. Its facilities include a tunnel and
elevator to the rock summit, a visitor center, nature center and a network of hiking trails to geologic points of interest and
the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.
"As stewards of this special property for more than 100 years, our goal was to achieve an outcome that was the best result
for the land, the community, our associates and our family," said Todd Morse, president and general manager of Chimney
Rock Co. "We're happy that the Morse family's legacy of stewardship will be formally recognized and shared with state
park visitors for generations to come."
"Today we make sure this important landmark will be protected so future generations will be able to enjoy it as we can today,"
said state Sen. Walter Dalton (D-Rutherford). "Those of use who live in this area are thankful for the stewardship of the Morse
family and grateful to all North Carolinians who recognize the importance of protecting our natural heritage."
"I am delighted that we are adding nearly 1,000 acres of scenic western North Carolina's to our state's protected lands,"
said state Rep. Bob England (D-Rutherford). "I will continue to see that the state makes these kinds of investments to
preserve North Carolina's pristine resources."
Chimney Rock Park adjoins property the state acquired for Hickory Nut Gorge State Park, a new state park slated to
open in 2008. The state parks system has acquired 2,264 acres on both sides of the rugged gorge for the state park.
The gorge has been considered a premier state park site in the system's New Parks for a New Century initiative, which
examined areas throughout the state as potential state parks or state natural areas and found the gorge to be a significant
center of biodiversity and natural heritage.
