APRIL 9, 2009 ISSUE
Feature Photo—Forever Protecting Our Grandfather
Photos by Jim Morton
On March 31, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue authorized the creation of Grandfather Mountain State Park as the bill’s principal sponsors Sen. Joe Sam Queen of Avery County, Rep. Cullie Tarleton of Watauga County and Jim Jacumin of Caldwell County looked on. Legislation to create the new park passed both chambers of the N.C. General Assembly without a dissenting vote.
The North Carolina state parks system acquired the 2,601-acre undeveloped portion of the private nature park—sometimes called the backcountry, with current access limited to a network of trails—from Grandfather Mountain Inc. The property lies in Avery, Watauga and Caldwell counties, and the purchase price is $12 million.
The state also acquired an easement on the remaining 604 acres where Grandfather Mountain Inc. facilities are located, including the Nature Museum, seven wildlife habitats and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The easement limits development on this property but will allow events such as the Highland Games and Singing on the Mountain to continue. The easement gives the state right of first refusal should Grandfather Mountain Inc. decide to sell this property.
“A visitor to the mountain will not be able to see a difference,” said Jim Morton.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
