120 Acres added to Roan High Preserve
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has accepted the donation of 120 additional acres for our Roan High Preserve. This preserve adjoins Pisgah National Forest in the heart of the Highlands of Roan. The recently conserved acreage in Mitchell County, NC, expands a network of connected, protected land that stretches from the crest of Roan High Knob to the foot of the Roan Massif.
Ecological Importance
The recently conserved property includes headwater tributaries and portions of the main branch of Gouges Creek, a tributary of Little Rock Creek.
“These streams provide clean water sources and trout habitat in the Nolichucky River watershed,” says Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese. “Preserving the land will prevent future development of the area and sedimentation of the waterways, while securing scenic landscape views enjoyed by local residents and outdoor recreation enthusiasts alike.”
This acquisition also strengthens a wildlife corridor that connects conserved ridgelines to Pisgah National Forest, supporting species movement and resilience. Located in an area rich with biodiversity, the land falls within the Roan Mountain Important Bird Area and the Grandfather Unaka Priority Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Area. Records of rare species found on or adjacent to the property include the Black-billed cuckoo, Alleghanian spotted skunk, and Gray’s lily.
Protecting the Heart of the Roan – One Piece at a Time
“For over 50 years, SAHC has led partnerships to conserve and manage a protected landscape of more than 23,000 acres in the Highlands of Roan, including some of the highest elevations and richest repositories of biodiversity in the Appalachians,” says Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett. “SAHC’s 1,200+ acre Roan High Preserve protects pristine high elevation habitat, supporting a host of high elevation endemic or rare species. The addition of these 120 acres to the Roan High Preserve continues our commitment to protecting globally important ecosystems in the heart of the Roan Highlands.”
The new preserve addition is situated on the southern slopes of Roan Mountain, below Roan High Knob and the Rhododendron Gardens. The recently conserved land rises to 4,800 ft. elevation and is visible from the Roan High Bluff Trailhead area.
Protection of this land was made possible thanks to generous philanthropic leaders and an Appalachia Rising grant through Re:wild.
SAHC members create our core support and help leverage conservation grants. Thank YOU for helping to conserve land in the Highlands of Roan!
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