North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain to be Protected

September 29, 2008

Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809

RALEIGH, NC – An agreement announced today by North Carolina Governor Mike Easley will permanently protect Grandfather Mountain, one of the state’s premier signature landmarks, making it North Carolina’s 34th state park. The state of North Carolina has agreed to purchase from the Morton family and Grandfather Mountain Inc. the 2,601-acre undeveloped portion of the tourist destination as well as a conservation easement on the remaining 604 acres that will be managed through a nonprofit entity by the heirs of Hugh Morton.

“The acquisition of this precious gem in our landscape speaks to North Carolinians’ love of this land and a sincere dedication to conservation,” Easley said. “Citizens will forever have access to Grandfather Mountain. What a grand legacy and a fitting tribute to the stewardship of Hugh Morton and the Morton family.”

Funding for the acquisition will come from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the Natural Heritage Trust Fund. The Conservation Fund, represented by Board Vice Chair Michael Leonard, is facilitating the transaction.

“As a North Carolinian and conservationist, I’m deeply fond of Grandfather Mountain and the High Country,” said Leonard. “I’m thrilled that the Fund, the Governor and our partners are together assuring that future generations will be able to discover the beauty of Grandfather Mountain for themselves.”

The Morton family will continue operating the Grandfather Mountain travel attraction, which includes a nature center, seven wildlife habitats and the signature swinging bridge, through a nonprofit organization supported by funding from the sale. N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will manage the undeveloped portion of Grandfather Mountain, including its 11 trails, as a state park and may seek additional acreage for traditional park facilities.

Grandfather Mountain has been a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve for decades, boasting 16 distinct habitats and 73 rare species including the Carolina northern flying squirrel and the Blue Ridge goldenrod. The mountain contains the headwaters of both the Linville and Watauga rivers and has been the only private park designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. The Nature Conservancy holds a conservation easement on surrounding property.

“This opportunity completes the protection of all of Grandfather Mountain in perpetuity, as it should be for a place of such significance,” said Crae Morton, president of Grandfather Mountain Inc.

“The acquisition of Grandfather Mountain builds on our success at Chimney Rock, which was added to the state parks system last year, and shows again that great things can be accomplished through partnerships and a trust in the conservation spirit of the state’s citizens,” said Lewis Ledford, director of North Carolina State Parks.

Hugh Morton inherited the mountain in 1952 and is credited with developing the park as a tourist destination and endowing it with a strong conservation ethic. Morton died in 2006.

About The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America’s land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We're a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient.

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