Another Conservation Success at Linville Gorge
Linville Gorge is often called the Grand Canyon of the East, and for good reason. At the head of this federally-designated Wilderness Area lies North Carolina’s most iconic and most-visited waterfall – Linville Falls. The confluence of US Forest Service and National Park Service-Blue Ridge Parkway conservation land around the gorge is impressive, and it will soon grow.
Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) recently purchased 52 acres at the head of the gorge in the headwaters of Dugger’s Creek, the last tributary entering the Linville River before tumbling over its massive falls. This is an important area for critical wildlife habitats, but it also protects water quality. Development or logging on this land could have had devastating long-term impacts on views from Linville Falls trails, and sent muddy water over Linville Falls and the smaller Dugger’s Creek Falls near Linville Falls Visitor Center.
*Please note- Linville Falls Visitor Center was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Trails to the falls are closed until further notice from the National Park Service (NPS).
Many species found on the Protected Wildlife Species of North Carolina list have been observed at Linville Falls and the protected Dugger’s Creek property. Species on the NC Special Concern Species list spotted in this region include the red crossbill, cerulean warbler, brown creeper, and Eastern hellbender. Additionally found is the bald eagle, on the NC Threatened Species list, and the Carolina northern flying squirrel, listed both on the NC Endangered Species list and Federally Endangered. The presence of these vulnerable species is a great indicator of the importance of preserving this region.
The purchase of this property included three platted home sites that would have been visible from trails at Linville Falls, disrupting the pristine viewshed, making the protection of this land even more impactful. The two adjoining properties were bought separately but will soon be added to NPS holdings, expanding on the 356-acre property that CTNC donated to the park service in 2004. Along with another 40 acres protected in partnership with Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, CTNC has now protected 448 acres at the head of Linville Gorge, enhancing the significance of this National Wilderness Area just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 316 in Burke County.
CTNC is grateful for the generosity of Howard W. Shields and his children: Carolyn, Burton and John, as well as the Hollinshed family, each of whom sold the properties to CTNC at a notable reduction in price in an effort to see this wild land protected in perpetuity. CTNC is also grateful funding from the NC Land & Water Fund, Fred & Alice Stanback, Ron Thurman, and an anonymous corporate donor.