SAHC Transfers 1,060 Acres to NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Continuing a longstanding partnership, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has transferred 1,060 acres in Haywood County to the State of NC to become part of public lands managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
These tracts consist of land for the Cold Mountain Game Land and Pisgah Game Lands, including the 409-acre White Oak Mountain tract adjoining the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that SAHC purchased in December 2024.
“For decades, SAHC and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have worked together to preserve land and water resources that benefit our local communities while supporting populations of fish and wildlife,” says Conservation Director Hanni Muerdter. “We have partnered in conserving and managing land, and opening outdoor recreation access to the public. These transfers, totaling more than 1,000 acres for new public lands, represent a milestone of successful partnership. I’m so gratified to be able to help preserve land in the Cruso, Bethel and upper White Oak communities, for the people of Haywood County and the state. Together, SAHC and NCWRC have worked on protecting the beauty of our mountains and conserving vital spaces for native species to thrive and for people to enjoy getting outdoors and connecting with nature. We very much appreciate our ongoing partnership with NCWRC.”
These 1,060 acres of recently conserved and transferred land are located in three corners of Haywood County – on the southwestern slopes of Mt. Pisgah, the northwestern edge of Cold Mountain, and in the northwest corner of the county on White Oak Mountain, bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Each of the transferred tracts is now managed by the NCWRC.
Pisgah Creek
Near the Cruso community of Haywood County, SAHC purchased and transferred 409 acres on the slopes of Mt. Pisgah around Pisgah Creek to the state for the Pisgah Game Land, along with an adjoining 76-acre property that SAHC had acquired in 2020 (Reed Cove Forest).
“Conservation of these lands helps protect water quality in mountain streams within the Pigeon River watershed,” added Muerdter. “Protecting the area from worsening flood risks is important. Development on tracts in the headwaters of the east fork of the Pigeon River would make flooding even worse in areas that have already experienced severe flooding impacts, so additional land protection in these areas is vital. The Pisgah Creek property adjoins Pisgah National Forest, and protecting this land also helps protect and buffer the Blue Ridge Parkway.”
SAHC’s purchase of the Pisgah Creek tract was made possible by a grant from the NC Land and Water Fund (NCWLF), support from generous conservation donors, and a grant from the Pigeon River Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.
Dix Creek
A little further west in Haywood County, SAHC transferred 167 acres at Dix Creek for the Cold Mountain Game Land. SAHC had acquired this tract in 2022, and the transfer is the latest in a series of projects in which SAHC has partnered with NCWRC to fill out the Cold Mountain Game Land. NCWRC recently completed a new gravel parking area on the property, and access through this tract is open to the public.
“This property will help people better access the Cold Mountain Game land from Cruso Rd/US Hwy 276,” said David Stewart, NCWRC Land Management Biologist. “A wonderful mosaic of habitats occurs on the land, and it connects directly to the national forest. It’s rewarding to know I’ve been part of a process to preserve land for my children, grandchildren, and generations to come – to help preserve land for people to come to hike, fish, hunt, and birdwatch.”
White Oak Mountain
In the northwest corner of Haywood County, SAHC transferred the 408-acre White Oak Mountain property to the state of NC to be managed by NCWRC. The property adjoins both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and Pisgah National Forest, creating an important corridor for wildlife movement. Habitat here supports a wide range of species, including birds, deer, elk, bear, and more. SAHC purchased the property last year to protect wildlife habitat and prevent real estate development on the edge of the national park.
“The North Carolina Land and Water Fund is excited to support SAHC’s work to conserve and transfer these lands to the public trust,” said Will Summer, Executive Director of the NCLWF. “They not only protect some of the cleanest mountain trout waters in the State, but also provide public access for hunting, fishing, and hiking in areas of Haywood County that have before now been difficult to access. This is an excellent addition to the hundreds of thousands of acres of game lands already protected with NCLWF grants.”
Grants from the NCLWF and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), along with generous support from conservation-minded donors, made the protection of the White Oak Mountain property possible.
“RMEF is grateful to work alongside SAHC and the NCWRC on this important conservation project, which supports RMEF’s mission of ensuring the future of quality big game habitat and public access in the eastern United States,” says RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver.
RMEF also recently awarded a grant to NCWRC to improve access and wildlife habitat on the property.
