Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve Update
A Good Year for Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve
Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve is 750 acres of beautiful nature land located about 25 miles due north of Asheville NC up against the Tennessee state line and the Appalachian Trail. It is perpetually conserved to remain natural and to have no cost public recreation.
In 2020 STPAL invested over $17,000 as a phase 1 trail system restoration process. The restoration is for the purposes of improving public hiking use and for stream protection. The restored trails total about 4 miles. There are about another 4 miles to be restored in 2021. Ultimately additional trails will be built that are optimized for mountain bike usage.
In partnership with the Carolina Climbers Coalition, a 3 phase project has begun to facilitate bouldering and other climbing activities. To date, there have been 6 distinct bouldering areas inventoried with each having at least 50 problems (routes). The boulders are particularly well suited based on their locations, sizes, variety, and mineral composition. Upon completion of the 3 phases, this site will likely become a regionally significant climbing resource.
In partnership with the Audubon Society, the USDA, and NC Forestry a project has begun to establish a habitat zone for migratory birds with a specific focus on the threatened Golden Wing Warbler. This project will be completed in 2022.
In 2020 the Friends of Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve was successfully launched. This group will provide support for STPAL’s mission-related activities at the preserve.
2020 was a good year for Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve!
Bill Jones
Founder and Executive Director of Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land.
