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A Beloved Mountain At Risk
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has signed a three-year option agreement to purchase an iconic ridgeline overlooking the city of Asheville and much of the French Broad River Valley. The Deaverview Mountain property was recently listed for sale under the subdivision name “The View of Asheville.” A conservation-minded buyer purchased the property and will hold it temporarily to give SAHC an opportunity to work out a permanent conservation solution. We have just three years to secure that solution.
SAHC is seizing this historic opportunity!
SAHC is partnering with Buncombe County to explore the potential of turning the 343-acre mountaintop tract into a public park. We are applying for grants and searching for funding sources to save this beloved mountain. Projects costs are estimated to total $8.8 million.
Project Highlights
• Protects 3,118 ft peak, visible throughout Asheville from important locations like downtown, West Asheville, The Biltmore Estate, and the French Broad River.
• Provides stunning 180° views throughout the French Broad River Valley.
• SAHC seeks to assist Buncombe County in creating a park featuring hiking, passive recreation, and opportunities for outdoor education.
• Proximity to existing public transportation infrastructure improves access by public.
• Protects 16 headwater streams that flow into surrounding waterways, including one that is a priority for state protection.
What Can You Do?
What People Are Saying
“I applaud SAHC’s initiative to conserve this community asset and to convene many partners. With its proximity to a significant portion of our population, this mountain forest has tremendous
potential to provide recreational and educational opportunities. I especially love the idea that anyone will be able to enjoy the most spectacular view in Asheville. This will be an enduring legacy.”
“We’re excited about the potential for a park to expand access to recreation, educational opportunities, and conservation of a remarkable natural resource. We look forward to working together to help make this vision a reality for Buncombe.”
“Not only will this space be a wonderful resource for the community, we are excited about the enrichment opportunities and educational connections we will be able to provide our students with access to this beautiful property.”
“Deaverview Mountain is already loved by a lot of people. You can see that mountain from everywhere. It just seems like the perfect location for a park and I’m glad that’s one of the options. Being outdoors changes lives, and the idea that families might be able to take a hike somewhere this beautiful and close to town in the future is exciting.”
“We have a crisis related to people’s disconnect from nature. It leads to anxiety when people see a natural place they treasure altered by road cuts and construction. Creating more public land on what is still untouched can really enhance public health. Connection to nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, and a new public park at Deaverview Mountain will offer both physical and mental health benefits to make our community stronger.”
