New land conservation projects completed in Haywood
More than 200 acres in the Sandy Mush area — located at the convergence of Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties — have been protected through two separate conservation projects by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
“These projects continue our decades-long commitment to conservation efforts in the Sandy Mush community,” said Carl Silverstein, SAHC Executive Director. Over the past two decades, SAHC has protected more than 10,000 acres in this area.
A conservation agreement with landowners has protected a 236-acre tract at Haywood Gap, including more than 16,000 feet of streams feeding Sandy Mush Creek. The gap is visible from downtown Asheville due to its 4,380 feet elevation.
“Protecting land feeds the future, protects the water and food supply, and feeds all of my senses,” said Evelyn Bloch, who purchased one of the Haywood Gap tracts with her husband Bill Neal in 1977. “We are so fortunate to be connected to such a beautiful, peaceful and nourishing place.”
SAHC purchased outright a 31-acre forested tract at Doubleside Knob that’s connected to the Sandy Mush Game Lands.
“For years we have walked this property and enjoyed the beauty of the trees, the animals, and the stream that runs through it,” said landowner Gloria Nelson. “For this reason we wanted this land to remain just as it is. We are very happy that the conservancy now owns it and will be able to preserve it for years to come.”
