Two pieces of land in Mitchell County have been purchased by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. One site of 17 acres is near the Buladean community. This expands 97acres purchased previously for preservation. Several tributaries of Broad Branch cross this steep, forested property, which borders Pisgah National Forest and other Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy land. With elevations up to 4,100 ft., Broad Branch preserve is highly visible from the Appalachian Trail. Preserving water quality in Broad Branch is important, as the stream is designated trout waters. Former landowner Judy Moorhouse contacted Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy because she wanted to sell the property for permanent conservation.
The second tract of land purchased is 24 acres in Gouges Cove. The land is below the brow of Roan High Bluff, which is the gateway to an existing 370-acre nature preserve which adjoins Pisgah National Forest. This new addition contains over 2,500 linear feet of stream including tributaries to Gouges Creek, which is known for trout fishing. Also the tract is located within the Roan Mountain Massif Natural Heritage Natural Area and Grandfather Unaka Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area. Securing this lower-elevation gateway to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s existing preserve will prevent it from being developed in the future, helping to maintain protection for the habitat and water resources further up the mountain. The purchase of the 24 acres between Wolf Ridge and Chestnut Ridge completes the preservation of land which had been purchased by Paul and Marie Bruchon in the 1960s and then passed to their children.
