Blue Ridge Conservancy Land Protection: Completed Projects
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Founded in 1997, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is a local non-profit land trust serving Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to voluntary land conservation. We work with landowners who choose to preserve their land, as well as develop their land in such a manner that balances growth with conservation.
Our mission is to protect the natural resources of Appalachia by conserving land with significant agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational or scenic value. |
Blue Ridge Conservancy in Action: Summary of Conserved Lands |
- 15,000 acres protected in 153 places.
- 11,900 acres protected by conservation easement in 121 places.
- 3,100 acres protected by fee simple acquisition in 32 places.
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1998-2001 Land Protection Projects |
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 Sleepy Hollow Natural Area (1.7 Acres) Foscoe, NC
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The Reserve (90 Acres) Todd, NC
- Almond Farm (100 Acres) Piney Creek, NC
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Yarnall Knob (32 Acres) Boone, NC
- Raven Rock Overlook (12 Acres) Blowing Rock, NC
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Tater Hill Mountain Bog (158 Acres) Boone, NC
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Junaluska Natural Area (18 Acres) Boone, NC
- Tobin Farm (14 Acres) West Jefferson, NC
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Sims Creek (2 acres) Blowing Rock, NC
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Dutch Creek (13 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
- Walnut Cove Farm (48 Acres) Vilas, NC
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Northwest Pond Mountain (124 Acres) Waxhaw, NC
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2002 Land Protection Projects |
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Taylor Family Farm (65 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
BRC secured funds from the USDA Farmland Protection Program, NC Farmland Protection Program, The Conservation Fund, Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Mast General Store and local donors. BRC purchased a conservation easement on this 65-acre family farm in historic Valle Crucis. HCC was proud to help the Taylor/ Jensen family achieve their dream of protecting their family farm, which has been passed down for six generations and over one hundred and fifty years. Thanks to their generosity and support of public and private partners, the land will remain farmland and will be protected in perpetuity!
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Calloway Gap Conservation Easement (50 Acres) West Jefferson, NC
This 50-acre farmland lies near the Blue Ridge Parkway. BRC and the landowner placed a conservation easement to ensure that the property will remain in agricultural use and forestry while protecting native plants and animals on the land.
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Cone Old Growth (21 Acres) Boone, NC
BRC purchased this 21-acre parcel of land just outside of Boone city limits. Part of a North Carolina Significant Natural Heritage Area, this land adjoins and provides a buffer for old-growth trees in the Moses Cone Memorial Park. The forested mountain slopes and rich coves of the land contain habitat for rare and species, including the saw-whet owl. The land also drains a tributary of Winkler's Creek upstream from Boone's drinking water intake point. In 2008, BRC donated the 21-acre tract to the Blue Ridge Parkway's Moses Cone Estate.
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 Pressley Conservation Easement (25 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
The Pressley's placed a conservation easement on two of their adjoining tracts in Valle Crucis totaling 25 acres. These conservation easements will ensure that the scenic viewshed for the Valle Crucis Community Park will remain unspoiled. The land also includes Watauga River frontage, and the easement protects the forest along the river.
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Rosalie Massengale Natural Area (30 Acres) Todd, NC
Early in 2002, landowner, Tom Massengale, completed the donation of a 30-acre gift of land to the BRC. Massengale chose to name the area after his mother, Rosalie, who he said, "instilled in me a great love of nature." The Rosalie Massengale Natural Area is owned and protected by the BRC as a natural area. In addition, the 30-acre preserve adjoins a 90-acre limited development conservation easement. Together these 120 acres include important wildlife habitat and rare plant species.
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2003 Land Protection Projects |
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Snake Mountain Easement (132 Acres) Zionville, NC
In December of 2003, High Country Conservancy received a donation of 132 acres of land on the ecologically significant Snake Mountain. As part of the Nationally Significant Amphibolite Mountains, this land includes state and globally imperiled community types including the High Elevation Rocky Summit of Snake, Southern Appalachian Boulderfield Forests, High Elevation Seeps, and Southern Appalachian Herb Bogs.
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Snake Den Ridge (25 Acres) Cove Creek, NC
High Country Conservancy completed a "forever wild" conservation easement on 25 acres of forested land in Cove Creek located in Watauga County. This property provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
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2004 Land Protection Projects |
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Atkins Family Natural Area (25 Acres) Foscoe, NC
High Country Conservancy received this donated conservation easement on 25 acres along Watauga River located in Foscoe, NC. Conservation of this tract protects forest and wildlife habitat as well as a portion of the floodplain of the Watauga River.
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 Cooper Family Historic Conservation Easement (21.6 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
John and Faye Cooper donated a conservation easement on 21.6 acres of land in historically significant Valle Crucis next to the original Mast General Store. This easement is protecting land that provides significant public benefit by preserving the scenic beauty of the community as well as the water quality of Dutch Creek and the Watauga River which run through the land.
- Howard's Knob Conservation Easement (46 Acres) Boone, NC
Conservation of this significant 46-acre natural area located on the southern slope of Howard's Knob will permanently protect plants and wildlife, headwater streams as well as the scenic quality of the town of Boone. Residents and visitors alike will enjoy this donated conservation easement for many generations to come.
- Sugar Mountain Natural Area (14 Acres) Sugar Mountain, NC
With funds raised by the members of the Sugar Mountain Community Association, High Country Conservancy purchased a conservation easement on 14 acres of land located near the Village of Sugar Mountain. This community park will provide environmental and scenic protection for forests, wildlife habitat, as well as recreational and educational opportunities.
- Valle Crucis Conference Center Open Fields (73 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
With funds raised from the USDA Farmland Protection Program, NC Natural Heritage Trust Fund, and the Cannon Foundation, HCC purchased this conservation easement on the 73 acres of productive agricultural land located within the Valle Crucis Historic District. Valle Crucis Conference Center and the Episcopal diocese of Western NC donated half of the value of their Open Fields for a conservation easement. This conservation easement will provide permanent protection of scenic views along NC Scenic Byway 194 and will protect the historic, agricultural, and natural heritage values of the land.
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2005 Land Protection Projects |
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Craborchard Creek Conservation Easement (232 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
Funded by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, HCC purchased a conservation easement along both sides of Craborchard Creek in Valle Crucis. The agreement ensures the Valle Crucis Conference Center's waterfall will remain undisturbed forever. In addition, over 200 acres of upland forest are also protected under this agreement. The Valle Crucis Conference Center, the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, and the dsCaudills all donated over half the value of the conservation easement to make this project possible.
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Old Farm Conservation Easement (43 Acres) Banner Elk, NC
Located on the southern slopes of Beech Mountain, this conservation easement was donated to HCC in order to keep the property "wild and beautiful". The property is home to rare plant species, northern hardwood forests and high quality hydrologic seeps. The land rises to 4,600 ft and is visible from Scenic Byway 194 between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk.
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Jake's Mountain Conservation Easement (45 Acres) Boone, NC
High Country Conservancy received a donated conservation easement on 45 acres near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Watauga County. With quiet enjoyment and private recreational use of the property allowed, the landowner has donated all development rights, protecting the natural features of the land in perpetuity. The easement also protects 4,509 linear feet of riparian forest along Trout Creek.
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Horseshoe Farm Conservation Easement (190 Acres) Warrensville, NC
The landowner of Horseshoe Farm placed this 190 acres under conservation easement to permanently protect the significant features of this land in northern Ashe County. Water quality and high quality forests are protected by this easement. The land includes 1,800 linear feet of protected forest along Big Horse Creek, a tributary to the North Fork of the New River. Also protected is a half-acre Southern Appalachian bog, which contains rare plants.
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2006 Land Protection Projects |
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High Haven Conservation Easement (100 Acres) Newland, NC
This donated conservation easement protects 100 acres including a globally imperiled Southern Appalachian bog containing rare plant and animal species. This property will also protect water quality along the North Toe River, a water supply for the town of Spruce Pine. The property owners also hope to use the land for recreational and educational purposes in the future.
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Mission Ridge (32 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
Overlooking the historic "Upper Valley " of Valle Crucis, which includes the Taylor Family Farm and the Valle Crucis Conference Center, Mission Ridge is one on the prominent views in the area. Mission Ridge was owned by a developer who agreed to work with HCC to protect the land. This then became a truly collaborative effort as HCC worked with the local Valle Crucis community to rally support and funds to protect this land. It is a beautiful tract of land covered with northern hardwood forests and a tributary to the Dutch Creek.
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2007 Land Protection Projects |
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Banner Valley Conservation Easement (128 acres) Newland, NC
This land in Avery county was first settled by the family that gave Banner Elk its name - the Banner family. Five generations later, thanks to the foresight and generosity of several of their descendants, the large rock outcroppings, scenic views, intact woods and multiple streams of this  historic land will be protected in perpetuity.
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Avery Property (68 acres) Ashe, NC
This tract of land is the newest addition to Elk Knob State Park, which now boasts almost 2,400 acres. Located within the Amphibolite Mountains, this area is known for its unique plant communities due to the rich soil and upper elevations and also protects many streams that are the headwaters for the New River. The land was purchased using grants from the N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund, the N.C. Park and Recreation Trust Fund, and a private donation.
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Yount Memorial Park (26 acres) Watauga, NC
This land, located on the steep slopes of Snake Mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, is now part of Elk Knob State Park. The owner of the tract had already accepted an offer from a developer but decided last minute that she would prefer to work with HCC to have the land protected forever as a State Park. It was purchased with funds from the N.C. Park and Recreation Trust Fund and a private donation. This tract not only helps maintain the view from the 5,520 foot Elk Knob but also contains streams which are the headwaters for the New River.
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Watauga River Conservation Easement (108 Acres) Watauga, NC
This easement yielded significant public benefits in the area by protecting scenery along the Watauga River and Watauga River Road and preserving active farmland. It also serves to protect the water quality of Watauga River and the streams that flow through the property. The property conserved is located along 3,200 feet of the Watauga River, which was defined by the NC Division of Water Quality as a Class B, Trout Water, High Quality Water river.
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Valle Crucis Community Park Conservation Easement (3.6 Acres) Valle Crucis, NC
Valle Crucis Community Park recently conducted a restoration of the banks of the Watauga River, which flows through it. HCC accepted a donated conservation easement on the land along the river in order to keep the critical bank free from consruction in the future. The park is located in scenic and historic Valle Crucis and is bordered by the Watauga River. In a very desirable location, behind Mast General Store off of Broadstone Road, this easement will help ensure that this popular recreational park will remain an open space for community use while at the same time providing a riparian buffer along this stretch of the Watauga River. In addition, it helps protect the fish, wildlife, scenic views and water quality of the valley.
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Rittle Knob (65 Acres) Todd, NC
This land protection project encompasses 65 acres of land located on the summit of Rittle Knob. This property is also part of the Amphibolite Mountains, which are mountains composed of metamorphic rock that creates favorable soil conditions for rare plant species and natural communities. HCC purchased this property for the State Park Services with the support from private donors and transferred it to Elk Knob State Park in the summer of 2007.
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| 2008 Land Protection Projects |
- Banner Valley Conservation Easement (11.5 acres), Newland, Avery Co., NC
The third conservation easement in Banner Valley consists of an 11-acre tract adjacent to the previous properties protected in Banner Valley. This property is located along 500 feet of the North Toe River, a designated Trout Waters by the NC Division of Water Quality. A total of 132 acres has been permanently protected in the “Banner Valley.”
- Robinson Farm Conservation Easement (57 acres), Creston, Ashe Co., NC
Located along Three Top Creek in Creston, the Robinson Farm is 57 acres of active farmland. It is currently being used to graze cattle and grow hay. The farm also has historic importance as the Worth House, built in the mid 1800’s, is located on it. There is over 1,600 feet of stream frontage as well as a seep area that contains important and unique plant species. HCC obtained a grant from the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to cover transaction costs and from the Helen M. Clabough Charitable Foundation Revolving Loan Fund.
- Oliver Hill Conservation Easement (97 acres), Matney, Watauga Co., NC
This donated conservation easement encompasses 97 acres in Matney off of Oliver Hill Road. It is within the viewshed of Scenic Byway 194 (Mission Crossing). The property includes a highly visible knoll and a portion of an unnamed tributary to Craborchard Creek. The easement allows for agricultural use of the open fields and restricts future residential development. The Helen M. Clabough Charitable Foundation assisted with the use of their Revolving Loan Fund.
- Bridal Cove Conservation Easement and Natural Area (108 acres), Potter Town, Ashe and Watauga Co., NC
HCC completed the conservation easement and fee simple donation on Bridal Cove in December 2008. The property is located on the Ashe/Watauga County line in Pottertown. A stream flows through the middle of the property, into the North Fork New River, and there is a small bog area where Golden Winged Warblers have been observed, both of which will be protected by the 44-acre easement. The easement also protects 2,000 feet of the North Fork New River. Across the road from the main property is a mature hardwood forest where 64 acres was donated in fee simple to HCC.
- Wellspring Farm Conservation Easement (95 acres), Wilson Creek, Avery Co., NC
HCC protected this 95-acre farm in Avery County adjacent to Pisgah National Forest and on the lower slopes of Grandfather Mountain. Clean Water Management Trust Fund approved funding to cover transaction costs and provide the Stewardship Endowment. The easement allows for management of the forest for early successional habitat as well as agricultural activities.
- Lewis Property (6 acres), Watauga County, NC
5 acres might not sound like a big land protection project however this 5-acre tract was the critical missing link to full protection of the Hahn Knob area of Elk Knob State Park. Mrs. Lewis wanted to ensure her childhood home site was not developed and remained in its historical state. She worked with HCC and the State of NC to sell her property for all to enjoy. The property was purchased with a grant from the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
- Hahn Knob (43 acres), Watauga County, NC
Located along Meat Camp Road, this prominent knob is now part of Elk Knob State Park. A mature hardwood forest covers the entire 43-acre property making for an unbroken forested connection to Elk Knob. Views from the flat summit include Elk Knob, Little Elk and Long Hope Mountain. The property was purchased with a grant from the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
- Potter Property, (7 acres) Watauga County, NC
2008’s final addition to Elk Knob State Park is located on Meat Camp Road and is covered by a successional hardwood forest. This small property provides critical access to the park and might one day link both sides of the road. HCC was assisted by the Helen M. Clabough Charitable Foundation Revolving Loan Fund. A bridge loan was obtained from the Conservation Trust for North Carolina.
- Hammons Property (5 acres), Watauga County, NC
Located in the Pottertown community, this small but significant tract of land was an inholding within Elk Knob State Park. Originally part of the larger Potter family lands, Mrs. Hammons worked with HCC and State Parks to ensure their family legacy remained. The property has a mature hardwood forest and is located within the Long Hope Valley/Elk Knob/The Peak Significant Natural Heritage Area. The property was purchased with a grant from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. 
- Bear Paw State Natural Area (325 acres), Watauga County, NC
One of two new State Natural Areas designated by the NC Legislature in 2008, Bear Paw will be managed by State Parks. The area is located in the Nationally Significant Hanging Rock Ridge Natural Area and includes exemplary High Elevation Rocky Summit, High Elevation Red Oak Forests and North Hardwood Forest natural communities. In addition to rare species the land is home to the headwaters of Dutch Creek. Funding was provided by the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and by a private donation. HCC received a bridge loan from The Conservation Fund and the Conservation Trust for North Carolina and the Helen M. Clabough Charitable Foundation Revolving Loan Fund assisted with the transaction costs.
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| 2009 Land Protection Projects |
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Cone Old Growth II (39 acres), Watauga County, NC
Located adjacent to the Cone Old Growth I project, this 39-acre bargain sale conservation easement protects a mature hardwood forest, 990 feet of a stream, and is located adjacent to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Town of Boone’s secondary drinking water supply. HCC was assisted by the Helen M. Clabough Charitable Foundation Revolving Loan Fund. Funding was also provided by Clean Water Management Trust Fund and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to cover transaction costs. A private donation was made to purchase the conservation easement.
- Snake Mountain (195 acres), Watauga County, NC
High along the northern end of Snake Mountain lays a grassy ridge below a series of rock outcroppings. Known as the ‘Snake Mountain Bald’ this ridge offers views of Grandfather Mountain State Park to the south and Mount Rogers, VA to the north. It is also highly visible from Elk Knob State Park and is adjacent to property owned by HCC. The ridge will be restored with native grasses and remain in its open condition. This is the second acquisition on Snake Mountain by Elk Knob State Park. Funding for this acquisition was made possible by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and Natural Heritage Trust Fund.
- Hufnagel Property (44 acres), Ashe County, NC
Three Top Mountain Game Lands encompasses about two thirds of the ridgeline and slopes, but has always been tough to access. With the purchase of the Hufnagel property the game lands now have direct access off of a public road. With a mix of pasture and hardwood forest, the land hosts a diverse array of wildlife. The parcel is located along Ben Bolen Road and will have a parking area built for easy access. Wildlife Resources Commission will own and manage the land within its Game Lands system. The property was purchased with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and by a private donation.
- Workman Property (10 acres): Adding to the existing State Natural Area, this 10-acre tract was purchased in December 2009 with a private donation. The property expands Bear Paw along Hanging Rock Ridge, protecting 6,000 feet of the ridgeline. Bear Paw State Natural Area now consists of 355 acres of forest, headwater streams, rock outcroppings and publicly accessible land. HCC was able to out maneuver Diamond Creek to purchase the property. The property was purchased with funding from Fred and Alice Stanback.
- Main Property (119 acres): Council Main grew up in Pottertown and wanted to make sure it remained similar to his childhood. He was a leader in the Pottertown Community and was instrumental is several of the State Park acquisitions. So when he agreed to sell his property to Elk Knob State Park we jumped at the chance. Unfortunately he passed away before the transaction was complete but his wife and children were excited and honored to see the project completed. The property encompasses a portion of two headwater streams of the North Fork New River and extends from Meat Camp Road to the ridge of Snake. With this acquisition and WC Fiddle, the northern end of Snake Mountain is permanently protected. This project was in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. To date, 475 acres of public land on Snake Mountain is now part of Elk Knob State Park.
- Banner Valley – Hambright Property (55 acres): The Hambright Conservation Easement is the fourth easement completed in Banner Valley in the past three years. This donated conservation easement protects prime agricultural soils, scenic views, 725 feet of the North Toe River, 775 feet of Hickory Nut Branch and buffers already protected land. To date 188 acres of land has been protected in Banner Valley.
- Greer Property – Tater Hill Bog Preserve (37 acres): Assisting the Plant Conservation Program, HCC purchased the Greer property with a donation from Fred and Alice Stanback. The purchase expands the Preserve and protects an additional portion of the Tater Hill/Rich Mountain Significant Natural Heritage Area. HCC will transfer the property to the State. With the completion of this project the Tater Hill Bog Preserve now totals 975 acres.
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