Welcome to New BRC Trustees

Paddy Mountain is the most visible landmark in West Jefferson, and a potential trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail.

Thanks to tremendous support from local government, community businesses, and private donors, BRC purchased 152 acres on Paddy Mountain in Ashe County. A land preservation victory seven years in the making, the purchase protects the viewshed of West Jefferson from development forever. Part of the ecologically rich Amphibolite Mountains, this tract adjoins 445 acres of protected land managed by the NC Plant Conservation Program. The Paddy Mountain purchase is part of BRC’s strategic conservation plan, and future plans for the land include hiking trails and a potential trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail.

“The acquisition of Paddy Mountain is a monumental land conservation success made possible because of the broad coalition of support from local government, businesses, and concerned citizens,” says BRC Executive Director Charlie Brady. “It is inspiring to see a community rise up to conserve such an important and iconic local natural resource. Blue Ridge Conservancy has devoted substantial effort since 2014 to acquire Paddy Mountain. Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Director of Land Protection, has worked tirelessly through those years to protect the mountain. This acquisition will ensure that the mountain will forever remain in a forested natural state and, just as important, will now be available for public access and recreation. Conserving Paddy Mountain is an investment that will grow to be even more valuable in the future.”

Notable about the Paddy Mountain project is the overwhelming amount of community support. The Town of West Jefferson, Ashe County, Blue Ridge Energy, Skyline Telephone, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, LifeStore Bank, Conservation Trust of NC, and several private donors came together quickly to secure the purchase. “It’s so exciting to know that Paddy Mountain is going to be protected and become a public space. Not only will the scenic backdrop to downtown West Jefferson be forever preserved, but Ashe County citizens and visitors will enjoy the new outdoor recreation opportunities,” says Todd McNeill, Chairman of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners. “Also, I am so proud of the collaboration between Ashe County Government, the Town of West Jefferson, Blue Ridge Conservancy, and other local partners that has made this dream become a reality!”

Emmett Cox, a previous landowner, notes the importance of securing original landowner Herb Francis’s legacy: “Herb spent his whole adult life in West Jefferson and he loved it, this is a good thing for the town and county. He was always sitting on his porch, looking out at that mountain, at the deer and bears and nature everywhere. We had several development offers, but we just didn’t want that to happen. We wanted to honor him, we wanted to always look out the window and see what he saw.”

“This will be a huge asset to the area with the potential of the hub of the Northern Peaks Trail in West Jefferson that someday will connect a walking trail to Boone. It is great to see collaboration between the Town, County of Ashe, Blue Ridge Conservancy, and all the private donors that made this purchase possible. I look forward to seeing trails with locals and visitors alike enjoying the mountain. I believe (original landowner) Herb Francis would be pleased.” - Brantley Price, West Jefferson Town Manager

It’s a Paddy Party!

Blue Ridge Conservancy and community leaders in Ashe County gathered at the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the official protection of Paddy Mountain. This purchase brings the total amount of land conserved by BRC in Ashe County to 7,400 acres.

Speakers included Ashe Chamber Director Kitty Honeycutt, BRC Board Chair Don Mikush, BRC Executive Director Charlie Brady, BRC Director of Land Protection and Stewardship Eric Hiegl, West Jefferson mayor Tom Hartman, County Commissioner Jonathan Jordan, former BRC Executive Director Walter Clark, State Senator Deanna Ballard, and State Representative Ray Pickett.

Round Up For Paddy Mountain

Following the official event there was a public reception at The Tavern restaurant, where local business dropped off their donations for the “Round Up For Paddy” fundraiser. The community effort raised over $7,800 towards the project.

Thanks to the following businesses for their participation:

Ashe County Arts Council Florence Thomas Art School Footsloggers LifeStore Bank Shoemaker Appraisal Sisters on Main Spice & Tea Exchange Sweet & Savory Bakery and Deli The Tavern Weichert High Country Realty Ashe County Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Blue Ridge Electric

Thanks to these corporate and government partners:

LifeStore Bank SkyLine SkyBest Town of West Jefferson