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Sheriff's office seeks identity of car break-in suspects

Henderson County News

Conservancy reaches 45,000-acre milestone in saved land

Conserving Carolina protected another 1,070 acres in 2018, bringing the total acreage that the land trust has helped protect to more than 45,000 acres.   The protected lands are located in Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties, and in neighboring parts of adjoining counties in North Carolina and South Carolina. The land trust has just released a new map of protected lands in this region. Lands that Conserving Carolina has helped protect include many of region’s most popular areas for recreation, such as DuPont State Recreational Forest, Chimney Rock State Park, Headwaters State Forest, parts of the Green River Game Lands, Bearwallow Mountain, a growing trail network in the Hickory Nut Gorge, and local greenways. In all, Conserving Carolina has helped protect 26 places that are currently open to the public, with more trails and recreation projects in the works. Conserving Carolina has also protected tens of thousands of acres of privately owned land through conservation easements, including working farms and forests, summer camps, and educational nature preserves. “Conserving Carolina is excited about the important land and water resources we have been able to protect, both for the health of our natural resources and the well-being of our communities,” says executive director Kieran Roe. “We feel that our conservation and community engagement programs are helping foster a love of the land in our region and bringing positive changes to people’s lives. Where land is protected Conserving Carolina was formed in 2017 by the merger of two local lands trusts—Pacolet Area Conservancy, founded in 1989, and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, founded in 1994. Over this time, these local conservation efforts have helped to protect approximately: ● 15,000 acres in Henderson County● 14,500 acres in Transylvania County ● 10,000 acres in Polk County ● 4,500 acres In Rutherford County ● 1,000 acres in Buncombe County These conservation successes were made possible through the joint efforts of many partners, including landowners who protected their property; Conserving Carolina members and donors; federal, state, and local governments; and other conservation nonprofits. In addition to the 45,000+ acres that Conserving Carolina has helped to protect, tens of thousands more acres in this region have been protected as public lands or have been protected by other conservation nonprofits. 2018 conservation highlights In 2018, Conserving Carolina protected 1,070 acres, including 5.5 miles of streams. The land trust also celebrated the opening of several protected places to the public. Highlights from last year include: New Land for DuPont State Forest: Conserving Carolina recently added a 402-acre tract to DuPont State Recreational Forest, linking the forest with a corridor of public lands spanning over 100,000 acres. This tract creates the potential to eventually link trails in DuPont to the 77-mile Foothills Trail. Headwaters State Forest: This new state forest opened to the public in September 2018, offering 6,730-acres full of beautiful waterfalls, pristine trout streams, and rare mountain bogs. It’s 50+ miles of crystal-clear streams flow into the French Broad River. Little White Oak Mountain: In 2018, Conserving Carolina transferred 600 acres at Little White Oak Mountain—a cherished scenic landmark—to expand the Green River Gamelands and another 300 acres for a local park behind Polk County Middle School. Weed Patch Mountain Trail: Since opening in May 2018, this 8.6-mile trail through the Town of Lake Lure’s 1,527-acre Buffalo Creek Park has been a huge hit with hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers. In 2018, Conserving Carolina also protected another 442 acres adjoining the park. New Greenways: Conserving Carolina secured funding to expand greenways in Brevard. It is also spearheading efforts to create the Mills River Valley Trail, which will create a safe route for walking and biking, connecting the heart of Mills River to the French Broad River. Carolina Memorial Sanctuary: The first conservation burial ground in North Carolina was protected in 2018. This sanctuary in Mills River offers people a place to return their loved ones to the earth, in a forever-protected natural environment. Mountain Bog in Flat Rock: Conserving Carolina purchased part of a mountain bog in Flat Rock, with the goal of adding it to the Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge. The land trust is now helping to protect this bog on three connected properties—a haven for unique plants and animals. Conserving Carolina is a local land trust dedicated to protecting land and water, promoting good stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.     Read Story »

Henderson County News

School history researchers seek old yearbooks

Bo Caldwell does not know Lowell Joerg. Lowell does not know Bo.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Rockslide closes I-40 at state line for a week

A rockslide that closed Interstate 40 near the Tennessee state lane on Friday night will close the highway for a week and require a 50-mile detour, the NCDOT said.   Read Story »

Asheville News

Allegiant adds flight to Sarasota

Allegiant airlines promoted introductory one-way fares as low as $59 for a limited time as it announced new nonstop service from Asheville to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Planners endorse 33-home subdivision across from Haywood Knolls

A new subdivision of 33 homes could go up on Haywood Road just west of West Henderson High School if the Henderson County Board of Commissioners OKs a rezoning application.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

AVL 'strongly opposes' Tap Root development

Asheville Regional Airport officials are raising the alarm about the impact of a 1,200-home development at the Tap Root Dairy property, saying FAA regulations require an evaluation of the proposed development's potential to compromise air space safety.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Brantley honored as top assistant manager

Amy Brantley, assistant county manager for Henderson County, has been honored as assistant county manager of the year in North Carolina. The N.C. City and County Management Association presented the award to Brantley during its annual convention on Feb. 7 in Winston-Salem.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

County tentatively OKs emergency HVAC replacement at middle schools

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners moved on Wednesday to authorize an emergency expenditure of $4 million to replace failing heating and air conditioning lines at Rugby and Flat Rock middle schools so the school system can arrange for the work over the summer.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

DOWNTOWN VALUE SPIKES BY 42%; TAX BASE CLIMBS BY 18% COUNTYWIDE

Henderson County's tax base increased by almost 18 percent over the past four years, the county tax assessor told county commissioners today.   Read Story »

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