ATC and USDA Forest Service Secure Protection of Swain County A.T. Segment

Asheville, N.C. (December 3, 2007)—The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the USDA Forest Service have purchased a scenic easement on 7.67 acres of land in Swain County near an Appalachian Trail landmark known as the Jump Up.  This scenic easement will help maintain a natural experience for hikers here where the Trail passes near private property.

“We have been eager to put this under easement because it is so close to the Trail and because it will provide a permanently protected corridor around the footpath,” said ATC Regional Director Morgan Sommerville.

The Forest Service used federal Land and Water Conservation Fund money appropriated by Congress for A.T. protection to fund most of the purchase, but the easement would not have been feasible without additional financial assistance from the ATC, which used funds received through N.C. Appalachian Trail license-plate sales and renewals.

“The license plate program is the only local mechanism we have to support this kind of effort,” said Sommerville.

The easement was purchased across part of 40 acres owned by Thomas and Deborah Wolery, who operates a native-plant nursery on their homestead.

Wolery said that he felt it was important to put this acreage into easement because it accounts for the native aspect of the property, including abundant stands of rhododendron, mountain laurel, azalea, and witch hazel. 

“This is a great example of three-way public-private partnerships working toward long-term protection for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in this very special area of western North Carolina,” said Sommerville.

More information on Appalachian Trail license plates in North Carolina can be found at www.appalachiantrail.org/nclicenseplate or by calling (828) 254-3708.