New Lands Protected at Deerfields, Hyder Pasture

TOMMY HARTZOG, YOUNGS MOUNTAIN

YOUNGS MOUNTAIN TO HOST PUBLIC PARK, HIKING TRAIL

Earlier this year, CMLC facilitated the acquisition of 96 acres on Youngs Mountain, a peak east of Lake Lure, for the creation of a new public park. The tract is now in public ownership by Rutherford County.

While not lofty compared to mountains further west, Youngs Mountain rises abruptly some 1,400 feet above its immediate surroundings to an elevation of 2,700 feet. It hosts a band of sheer cliffs and scenic rock outcroppings.

Owners Tommy and Julie Hartzog began working with CMLC in 2007 to protect their property, but finding the resources to make it possible often require many years. “Good things like this tend to take an awful long time,” explained Tommy. “But it was worth the wait.”

North Carolina’s Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)—a dedicated funding source set aside by the state legislature to enable the acquisition and development of public parks by local governments—awarded the necessary funds to purchase the land this summer. The project was also supported by Fred & Alice Stanback, as well as the Hartzogs who donated nearly one-third of the value of the property.

The acquisition of the Youngs Mountain tract makes possible a critical trail corridor necessary to advance the Summits Trail, a proposed footpath that will circumnavigate Lake Lure, traversing the high ridges that frame the lake. The future trail segment will enable a day-hiking opportunity for visitors wishing to trek to the peak’s scenic cliffs. Development of parking and trails at the park is planned in the next five years.

“We feel blessed to be a part of it,” said Hartzog on behalf of his family. “Knowing that it will always be preserved and that it won’t ever change…is a great legacy for us to be a part of. We’ll always be grateful to CMLC for their patience in making this happen.”

THIRD PHASE OF CONSERVATION AT DEERFIELDS COMPLETE

With the addition of 649 more acres under conservation easement, CMLC is excited to announce the completion of the protection of Deerfields, a forested mountain sanctuary that hosts headwaters of the Mills River watershed. Bordered on three sides by Pisgah National Forest and hosting the Queen Creek tributary of the South Fork of the Mills River, this newest—and largest—conservation easement was the third phase in protecting Deerfields, adding to 76 acres and 103 acres conserved by CMLC in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

Altogether, CMLC permanently protects 829 acres of Deerfields’ forested slopes and clear mountain streams. Brothers Greg and John J. Redden—grandsons of former Congressman Monroe Redden—and Deidre Redden conserved their property in part as a tribute to their grandfather’s love for Deerfields. The brothers spent much of their youth on the property exploring its natural treasures. “I want it to always be like my granddad had it here, when we were kids,” explained Greg.

The Reddens received considerable interest from developers wishing to purchase Deerfields over the years, including many lucrative offers. But the land was far too meaningful to them to let it be spoiled. “With that amount of money, I could go anywhere in the world,” said Greg Redden. “Anywhere that is, except home.”

The project was supported by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Fred & Alice Stanback, and a generous donation of land value by the Redden family.

The conservation of Deerfields was also critical to safeguarding water quality of the Mills River, which serves as a source of drinking water for more than 90,000 residents of Henderson and Buncombe counties.

With the newly conserved lands at Deerfields, CMLC now protects more than 1,000 acres in the Mills River watershed. According to executive director Kieran Roe, “Because its vital water supply impacts so many people, protecting the Mills River will always remain one of our top priorities.”

CELEBRATING THE PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE OF CONSERVATION

FIRST ANNUAL LANDOWNER APPRECIATION PICNIC

The tranquil Terra Nova Center, a CMLC-conserved retreat center in Cedar Mountain, was an excellent venue to gather and celebrate our most fervant partners in land conservation–our landowners. On July 25th, more than 50 landowners, trustees, and staff gathered to celebrate all of CMLC's conservation landowners. The evening included music, picnic cuisine, and an inspiring talk by Jay Leutze, author of Stand Up That Mountain.

Our most recent landowners from 2012 and early 2013 were honored with a special memento commemorating their commitment and donation to conservation. Thanks to the dedication of more than 100 landowners, together we have conserved more than 25,000 acres in more than 120 projects.

OUR 2012 – 2013 CONSERVATION LANDOWNERS

Henry Barnwell, the Late Pearl Barnwell, & Nancy Lyda * Dr. John & Vicki Bell * Art Fisher & Don Moore * Tommy & Julie Hartzog * George & Carrie Lenze * John Myers & Jane Lawson * Tom & Toni Oreck * Lynn Carnes Pitts & Russ Pitts * Ted & Karen Ramsaur * Greg Redden, John J. & Deidre Redden * Don Smith & Bob Lewis * Saluda Community Land Trust * The Charles Taylor Family * Merrily & David Thomas * Town of Laurel Park

Our sincerest thanks goes to our hosts at Terra Nova Center & our underwriting sponsors, Platt Architecture P.A., Conservation Advisors of NC Inc., Super-Sod, & Equinox Environmental, who made this special gathering possible.

We look forward to celebrating with our landowners again in July of 2014!

CREATE A LASTING LEGACY

Planned giving helps CMLC expand conservation of our land, water, & cultural resources—creating a lasting gift to future generations.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." • Native American Proverb

Joining CMLC's Land Legacy League with a planned gift will help sustain conservation efforts for many years to come. CMLC offers a variety of convenient giving options for those who love the beauty and heritage of our region and wish to make its preservation a part of their legacy. By far the simplest and most popular tools are bequests and beneficiary designations.

FOR MORE INFO ON JOINING CMLC'S LAND LEGACY LEAGUE CONTACT:

Lynn Killian | Development Director 828-697-5777 *202 | lynn@carolinamountain.org

Yellow Lady Slipper Volunter BILL IMHOF

Bill and his wife Nancy moved to western NC from New Jersey in 2010 to be closer to their granddaughter. After volunteering for many years with the Christian Appalachian Project in Kentucky, Bill sought a volunteer opportunity at an organization closer to his new home in Hendersonville.

According to Bill, “blind luck” connected him to CMLC at a Henderson County volunteer fair. Since then, Bill has been capturing special moments and beautiful scenery with his camera for CMLC at three consecutive Conservation Celebrations as well as nearly a dozen workdays and events on conserved lands. “I just love trying to capture the gift we have here. Doing it for an organization like CMLC makes sure that the beauty can be shared with others,” he explained.

Bill also regularly monitors and captures images of CMLC’s Lewis Creek Nature Preserve—a particularly challenging subject to photograph. But he sees potential in the increasing wildflower and bird populations and looks forward to spending more time getting to know the property. Aside from photography, Bill also assists CMLC with volunteer recruitment and collecting CMLC-related news articles.