MCDOWELL COUNTY, NC — In a landmark move for conservation, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) and the Open Space Institute (OSI) have secured more than 830 acres along the Blue Ridge escarpment for permanent protection. This acquisition will support future public access for hundreds of adjacent land-locked acres in Pisgah National Forest, and marks a major victory for outdoor recreation, clean water, and significant wildlife habitat in the heart of Western North Carolina.
“The tract—previously timberland at great risk for development and subdivision—will continue to safeguard vital water sources in the North Fork Catawba River and Lake James watershed, including nearly two miles of high-quality trout streams: Conley Branch, Lonon Branch, and Martin Branch,” said FCNC Land Protection Director Tom Kenney.
The 834-acre “Gillespie Gap” property was jointly purchased by FCNC and OSI, with each partner holding a 50 percent interest. By preserving these lands, FCNC and OSI are protecting clean drinking water for local and regional communities and strengthening protection of critical aquatic and terrestrial habitats along the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“This is a remarkable opportunity to save a landscape that supports wildlife, recreation, and the local economy,” said Andrew Kota, Executive Director at FCNC. “Together with our friends at OSI, other generous partners and the family who chose to sell the property for conservation, we are ensuring that Gillespie Gap remains a source of clean water and natural beauty for all who love this region.”
“Protecting Gillespie Gap is a win for everyone who depends on clean water in Western North Carolina—which is all of us!” said Maria Whitehead, PhD, OSI’s Senior Vice President of Land. “This project really shows how creative conservation can create victories for everyone: for threatened habitat on land and in the water, for people who love nature, and for economic activity across the entire region.”
Gillespie Gap lies within an ecological and biodiversity hotspot that encompasses the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Cherokee National Forests, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests serve as core protected areas and are home to many species of conservation significance, including the Northern Pygmy Salamander, 200 species of birds—including 63 migratory bird species—and more than 300 other rare species.
The Gillespie Gap tract itself contains 135 acres of Montane oak-hickory forests, as well as acidic cove forests, important ecologies known for fertile soils that support a rich variety of rare flora. These forests have been designated as significant natural areas by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
The property sits beside a 242-acre section of the Grandfather Ranger District in Pisgah National Forest that has long been landlocked and inaccessible. Protecting Gillespie Gap opens the door to this hidden area, expanding opportunities for recreation and forest management. Located just a mile below the Blue Ridge Parkway, the site also helps safeguard the sweeping, historic views from the Loops Overlook, ensuring that this iconic mountain landscape remains unspoiled for generations to come.
“My father, Tony Phillips, and his side of the family has a long history of owning and working land while also seeing the human and personal connection. These mountains are in my blood in many ways. Managing this large parcel was beyond my capacity and not in the long-term goals for other members of my family. I knew it needed to be sold and that ultimately we had to let go of what would happen to it afterwards. Knowing it now passes to an organization devoted to conserving and managing land brings a peace of mind and heart that other potential outcomes could not,” said seller Ruffin Ayers.
The Southern Blue Ridge area is within a day’s drive for one-third of the United States’ population and attracts millions of nature-lovers each year, generating approximately $115 million in local spending and supporting jobs throughout the region. Located between Marion and Spruce Pine, Gillespie Gap will eventually offer direct public access from Highway 226, supporting outdoor recreation and ecotourism activity.
Looking ahead, FCNC and the OSI are working with state and federal agencies to secure a permanent steward for the Gillespie Gap property. The ultimate goal is to see the land placed in public ownership, such as with the U.S. Forest Service or N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, so that its long-term care can be guided by the Pisgah Management Plan.
The acquisition was made possible with generous support from the Green South Foundation, Brad and Shelli Stanback, and Martha and Chip Whitfield.
About the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) is a nationally accredited regional land trust that inspires conservation in Western North Carolina by permanently protecting land and water for the benefit of people and all living things. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, FCNC has conserved more than 72,300 acres in its eight-county service area: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, McDowell and Rutherford, in three major river basins: the Broad, Catawba and Yadkin.
FCNC supports and responds to community needs across our programmatic focus areas: land and water protection, farmland preservation, wildlife habitat improvement, forest health and stewardship, public park management, public trail development and maintenance, improving access to natural spaces, community education, and volunteer engagement.
Information about Foothills Conservancy, including ways to support its work, can be found online at www.foothillsconservancy.org or by calling 828-437-9930.
About the Open Space Institute
Founded in 1974, the Open Space Institute (OSI) has been a partner in the protection of more than 2.5 million acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s Southeast office, established in Charleston in 2014, has been a partner in the protection of more than 130,000 acres across the Southeastern United States, the vast majority of which will be open to the public. Visit OSI online at openspaceinstitute.org/southeast.