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Surry County commissioners back letter supporting transfer of Fisher Peak parcel to National Park Service
Summary
Piedmont Land Conservancy asked the Board of Commissioners for a letter of support to transfer a 551-acre parcel of Fisher Peak to the National Park Service; commissioners voted unanimously to approve the request.
Palmer McIntyre, representing Piedmont Land Conservancy, requested a letter of support from the Surry County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 6 to transfer a 551-acre parcel of Fisher Peak to the National Park Service.
The request is part of a larger conservation plan in which Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) owns multiple parcels in the Fisher Peak area and has discussed transferring some holdings to the federal agency for permanent management. "So what we're asking for you tonight is an approval, prove a letter of support for the transfer of these 5 51 acres to the National Park Service because that's part of the process of doing that, and that letter will go directly to them," McIntyre told the board.
Nut graf: PLC described Fisher Peak as a state-significant natural heritage area with steep slopes, rocky outcrops and high-quality trout waters that contribute to Dobson's water supply. PLC said it has acquired five parcels in the area totaling just over 2,000 acres and is seeking to transfer one parcel that abuts the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blue Ridge Music Center.
In his presentation, McIntyre said PLC's regional conservation work includes land protection in the Mitchell River watershed, the Zephyr Road farmland corridor near Dobson, and along the Yadkin River. He told commissioners PLC has partnered with state agencies to protect water quality and habitat in the region.
Commissioner Harris moved to approve the letter of support; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with all commissioners saying "aye." The board did not record individual recorded roll-call votes on the measure.
Background details provided by PLC during the meeting included that Fisher Peak is the highest point in Surry County at approximately 3,300 feet, that PLC has protected thousands of regional acres since 1990, and that PLC acquired the parcel in question to consider future public access and possible transfer to the National Park Service.
The board's action was a letter of support only; no transfer or funding decision was made by the county during the meeting. PLC said management or long-term stewardship of parcels transferred to the National Park Service would be handled by the agency once a transfer is complete.
Ending: PLC officials said they will forward the requested letter directly to the National Park Service as part of the federal agency's review process. The board's vote authorizes staff to prepare and send the county's letter of support.
