SAHC purchases land in the Highlands of Roan

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy recently announced the purchase of 62.5 acres in the Roaring Creek Valley of the Roan Highlands, thus preserving Golden-winged Warbler habitat, scenic views from the Appalachian Trail, and waterfalls.

SAHC purchased the two tracts of land using a $95,000 grant awarded under the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, along with bridge loans and a private donation. The two tracts totalled more than $500,000.

The land includes 50 acres of rare neotropical migratory bird habitat.

The conservation group was one of 37 organizations chosen throughout the Western Hemisphere to receive funding, which totaled more than $4.9 million in 2010.

The organization plans to sell the land to the U.S. Forest Service for inclusion in the Pisgah National Forest, which already shares a mile long boundary with the tracts.

In addition to protecting the scenic views from the Appalachian Trail, the Overland Mountain Victory National Historic Trail passes through the two tracts.

Also, in 2007, Backpacker Magazine named the Roaring Creek Valley as the most scenic valley in America. Please click here to read the full press release.


Jeff
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