Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy recently transferred 91 acres to the USDA Forest Service, adding to public lands just south of Carvers Gap area on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Known as the Roan Mountain Gateway, these 91 acres encompass the last privately-owned land on NC Hwy 261 before reaching Carvers Gap.
The Roan Mountain Gateway is prominent in views from Round Bald and Jane Bald, iconic locations along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the Highlands of Roan. The land contains high elevation habitat, including restored habitat for neo-tropical migratory Golden-winged Warblers and other species, as well as headwater tributaries that flow into local trout streams.
In the future, the opening of this land for public access may help alleviate impacts from overcrowding at Carvers Gap. The Roan Mountain Gateway is located within the Audubon Society’s Roan Mountain Important Bird Area. Preservation of the land contributes to protection of ecologically sensitive, globally important ecosystems. Headwater tributaries of Carvers Gap Creek, which flows into the North Toe River, originate on the property.
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased the 91 acres between 2014 and 2016, owning and managing the land to protect plant and animal habitat and clean water sources. Funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund enabled the transfer to the USDA Forest Service.
Photo: Roan Mountain Gateway Photo b USDA Forest Service Dan Belanger
