Archived Outdoors

Land trust protects entrance to protected area

In November the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased 89 acres at the southern end of the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in a move to protect vulnerable conservation lands and pristine views.

The tract, in the Highlands of Roan, adjoins and provides a key gateway to hundreds of acres that the organization has protected in past years as well as lands in state-designated scenic areas.

The now-protected property is adjacent to and visible from hundreds of acres of public lands. The purchase also saves White Oak Creek, a tributary of the North Toe River, from potential harm. The creek flows through the property. The property is also close to the Roan/Cane Creek Mountain Important Bird Area.

“Gaining a gateway to the other lands we have protected at Burleson Bald has been a priority for SAHC.” said Jay Leutze, SAHC representative and local author. “We are thrilled to add this tract to the other lands we have protected.”

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