News

Land conservancy saves 1,000 acres on Little White Oak Mountain

Little White Oak Mountain was once slated to be the 687-unit Foster Creek Preserve residential development.

By Bill Moss, Published: September 15, 2017

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Pacolet Area Conservancy have partnered preserve a 1,068-acre tract on Little White Oak Mountain that protects several federally-endangered species, more than 13 miles of streams and nearly 400 acres of the Little White Oak Mountain/Tryon Peak Natural Heritage Area.

The project also provides expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for the Polk County Recreation Center and the Green River Game Lands, as well as an opportunity to provide much-needed workforce housing at its lower elevation.
The Hendersonville- and Columbus-based land conservancies recently merged to pursue their common mission of permanently conserving, caring for, and connecting people to treasured natural places.

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Pacolet Area Conservancy have been partnering on projects over the last several years, including Little White Oak Mountain was once slated to be the 687-unit Foster Creek Preserve residential development. This collaborative conservation venture will be a major asset to the community economically as well as from a conservation standpoint.

“As the cooperative effort on the Little White Oak Mountain project demonstrates, having our neighboring conservancies join forces strengthens local conservation in our region even more,” says Conserving Carolina executive director, Kieran Roe. The organization will maintain its offices in Columbus, NC and Hendersonville, NC, with current staff remaining in place under the direction of a new consolidated board of directors and Roe.

A united organization helps build a larger community of advocates to save more of our iconic lands and precious waters. Conserving Carolina is excited to present a new look while performing the same great work along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Foothills and Escarpment, Jocassee and Hickory Nut Gorges, and French Broad, North Pacolet and Green River Watersheds. A new, active name clearly communicates who they are and what they do, continuing the legacy of permanently conserving our natural heritage today, for our grandchildren, and beyond. In addition, a redesigned website provides a visual, user-friendly and engaging experience that showcases the work you make possible. The full version of Conserving Carolina’s website will launch soon.

“You have been by our side, creating real change in our communities,” says Roe. “With your support, we embark on a new journey as a stronger and larger organization that is able to meet conservation opportunities in our region head on.”

With Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Pacolet Area Conservancy combining their resources and expertise to become Conserving Carolina, they can save more of our mountains, foothills, rivers and farms—the places that you love. For more information, please visit www.conservingcarolina.org.