Foothills Conservancy seeks support for 12000-acre Hickory Nut Mountain conservation project

During the March 2025 McDowell County Board of Commissioners meeting, Michael Gaffney, representing Foothills Conservancy, presented an ambitious conservation project aimed at protecting a significant area of land known as Hickory Nut Mountain. This initiative, which encompasses 12,000 acres of mountainous forest land near Old Fort, is poised to create a new state park and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in the region.

Foothills Conservancy, an accredited nonprofit land trust based in Morganton, has a long history of land conservation, having protected over 71,490 acres since its inception in 1995. Gaffney emphasized the importance of this new project, which will be divided between the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina State Park System. The proposed Hickory Nut Mountain State Park will feature public access points and approximately 30 miles of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail, a major outdoor recreation project that aims to connect Catawba County to McDowell County.

The economic implications of the Hickory Nut Mountain project are significant. Gaffney highlighted that outdoor recreation contributes approximately $28 million to McDowell County's economy, with the potential for increased tourism as visitors from nearby Asheville seek outdoor activities. The project is expected to attract hikers and nature enthusiasts, similar to the interest generated by Catawba Falls.

In addition to its economic benefits, the conservation project aims to protect vital habitats for various species, including two federally listed bat species threatened by white-nose syndrome. The area also contains numerous streams, which will contribute positively to local water quality.

Gaffney noted that Hickory Nut Mountain represents a historic opportunity, as it is the last parcel of this size available in Western North Carolina. The Foothills Conservancy has already secured $5 million in funding for the project and is actively pursuing additional grants to reach the estimated $27 million needed for its completion.

The discussions at this meeting underscored the importance of conservation efforts in McDowell County, highlighting the potential for economic growth through outdoor recreation while also addressing critical environmental concerns. As the project moves forward, it will be essential for the community to stay engaged and support these initiatives that promise to enhance both the natural landscape and the local economy.