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Board backs conservation group's plan for 73-acre "Freeman Tract" along Pigeon River
Summary
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy presented plans to acquire the 73-acre Freeman Tract near Pisgah High; the Town approved a resolution supporting the purchase and conveyance of covenants and restrictions to preserve flood storage and recreational lands.
At a May 28 special meeting, the Town of Canton board approved a resolution supporting the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy's proposed purchase of the 73-acre "Freeman Tract," which lies along the Pigeon River off Highway 215 and includes Pisgah High School's FFA farm and baseball fields.
Hanni Muerdter of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy outlined the parcel and said the organization sees conserving the acreage as beneficial for flood storage and to preserve the farm and athletic fields. Muerdter said the lease with Haywood County Schools for the FFA farm and ball fields ends in late 2026; the conservancy plans to seek a new lease with the Town of Canton for ongoing use of the facilities.
The board voted to approve a resolution authorizing the purchase and the conveyance of a declaration of covenants and restrictions for parcel numbers 1105 and 1291. Alderman Hamlett moved to approve the resolution; Alderwoman Mull seconded and the motion carried.
Mayor Smathers and Alderwoman Proctor thanked the conservancy for its partnership, and board members emphasized the value of preserving land for flood mitigation and community recreation.
The resolution passed at the May 28 meeting does not set a purchase closing date in the meeting record; Muerdter said lease negotiations with the Town and Haywood County Schools are expected to proceed before the current lease ends in late 2026. The board did not record a vote tally in the minutes beyond "the motion carried."
