Blue Ridge Conservancy and NovusWay Ministries Victorious in Conservation Easement Lawsuit

Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) and Camp Lutherock (NovusWay Ministries), a Lutheran camp and conference center, recently settled a lawsuit with WFG Sugar Pointe, LLC, a developer who encroached and trespassed on a conservation easement in Avery County. This is the first time BRC has sued to defend a conservation easement, and sets a precedent for the enforceability of conservation easements.

Leila JacksonSeptember 26, 2023

Blue Ridge Conservancy Receives Land Acquisition Grants from the Complete the Trail Fund for the Northern Peaks State Trail

The NC Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR) recently awarded $3,025,636 in grants for 13 land acquisition projects through the Complete the Trails Program Fund (CTF). These grants will leverage more than $13 million in matching funds to help local nonprofit partners acquire land for state trails projects in nine North Carolina counties. Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) was awarded two land acquisition grants, for $125,000 and $144,000 respectively, to expand the corridor for the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST). These grants will allow BRC to protect an additional 48 acres on The Peak in Creston, which will eventually become part of Elk Knob State Park and the NPST.

Leila JacksonSeptember 5, 2023

Paddy Mountain Park Receives $500,000 PARTF Grant

Governor Roy Cooper announced $8.5 million in grants to fund 19 local parks and recreation projects across the state through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), including a $500,000 grant to Paddy Mountain Park in Ashe County. This grant is for park infrastructure, including the parking lot, restrooms, pavilion, picnic tables, and a trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST). Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is coordinating the construction of the NPST in partnership with state and local government agencies, and applied for the PARTF grant.

Leila JacksonAugust 17, 2023

Blue Ridge Conservancy Breaks Ground on Paddy Mountain Park Trail in Ashe County

On Friday, August 4, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) held a groundbreaking at the site of the new Paddy Mountain Park trail in West Jefferson as part of Year of the Trail NC Trail Days. The park will feature three miles of stacked loop trail as well as parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities. The park will serve as a trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST), which will connect the Jeffersons to Boone. BRC, who facilitated the purchase of the property, is coordinating the construction of the NPST in partnership with state and local government agencies.

Leila JacksonAugust 8, 2023