Blue Ridge Conservancy, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, downtown West Jefferson Businesses, and Elected Officials Celebrate the Permanent Protection of Paddy Mountain

On January 27, BRC and community leaders in Ashe County gathered at the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the official protection of Paddy Mountain. This purchase brings the total amount of land conserved by BRC in Ashe County to 7,400 acres.

Speakers included Ashe Chamber Director Kitty Honeycutt, BRC Board Chair Don Mikush, BRC Executive Director Charlie Brady, BRC Director of Land Protection and Stewardship Eric Hiegl, West Jefferson mayor Tom Hartman, County Commissioner Jonathan Jordan, former BRC Executive Director Walter Clark, State Senator Deanna Ballard, and State Representative Ray Pickett.

Following the official event there was a public reception at The Tavern restaurant, where local business dropped off their donations for the "Round Up For Paddy" fundraiser. The community effort raised over $7,800 towards the project.

Thanks to the following businesses for their participation:
Ashe County Arts Council
Florence Thomas Art School
Footsloggers
LifeStore Bank
Shoemaker Appraisal
Sisters on Main
Spice & Tea Exchange
The Tavern
Weichert High Country Realty

And thanks to the following major corporate and government partners:
Ashe County
Ashe County Chamber of Commerce
Blue Ridge Electric
LifeStore Bank
SkyLine SkyBest
Town of West Jefferson