Southern Gateway to Yellow Mountain State Natural Area Protected

In mid-November, SAHC purchased 89 acres at the southern end of the designated Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery County, NC. This new land protection project in the stunning Highlands of Roan adjoins and nearly adjoins other, larger tracts of the Yellow Mountain State Natural area that we had previously protected.

“Gaining a gateway to the other lands we have protected at Burleson Bald has been a priority for SAHC.” said Jay Leutze, former SAHC trustee, conservation consultant and author of Stand Up That Mountain.  “We are thrilled to add this tract to the other lands we have protected.”

The property is in a key location adjacent to the White Oak Creek property that was purchased by SAHC and transferred to the State, and is nearly touching our Burleson Bald properties.  As the southern end of the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area, this property is adjacent to and highly visible from these present and future public lands.  White Oak Creek and another tributary of the North Toe River flow through the property.  The Yellow Mountain/ Raven Cliffs Significant Natural Heritage Area follows White Oak Creek to the boundary of the property, and it is close to the Roan/Cane Creek Mountain Important Bird Area.