Blue Ridge Conservancy Adds “Critical” Land to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Ashe County, NC - Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) recently acquired 60 acres of forested land and transferred it to NC State Parks for inclusion in the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. Designated by State Parks as “critical,” this acreage borders the State Natural Area on the west and includes the headwaters of Little Naked Creek. The property is situated below the Lost Province Trail and its elevation exceeds 4,200 feet.

During the past two years, BRC has conserved 128 acres on Mount Jefferson, increasing the size of the State Natural Area to 1,270 acres. These strategic land protection efforts safeguard significant natural communities, support wildlife habitat, and advance BRC’s long-term conservation goals in the Amphibolite Mountains.

BRC purchased the property from longtime conservationists Henry and Dyeann Jordan who stewarded the property for 60 years. Funding was provided by the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.  

“We are excited for this new addition to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area that expands our ability to protect this National Natural Landmark,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “We are grateful to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for providing the funding for this acquisition, and to the Blue Ridge Conservancy for their continued partnership as we conserve and protect more natural and cultural resources in North Carolina’s High Country.”

BRC’s conservation plan prioritizes high value acreage that adjoins existing public lands to create corridors for wildlife and trail access. In addition to Mount Jefferson, BRC has expanded the footprint of Grandfather Mountain and Elk Knob State Park, Three Top Mountain and Pond Mountain Gamelands, the Blue Ridge Parkway and several other State Natural Areas.

“Building on our recent successes at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, BRC remains dedicated to protecting the mountain's unique ecological features and biodiversity’” stated Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Senior Director of Land Protection & Conservation Planning.