State Buys Grandfather Mountain
September 30, 2008
Another important landmark in North Carolina is now protected from development with the addition of Grandfather Mountain to the state park system.
Gov. Mike Easley announced Monday that the state will pay $12 million to acquire Grandfather Mountain, one of North Carolina’s signature landmarks and most popular tourist attractions.
The nearly 6,000-foot tall peak and 2,600 surrounding, undeveloped acres will be turned into North Carolina’s 34th state park.
“Today, Grandfather Mountain and all its scenic beauty becomes a state park,” Easley said. “This is an extremely important habitat, and we will take good care of it. The dreams of many North Carolinians and Hugh Morton will be met: North Carolina will protect and preserve Grandfather Mountain forever.”
Much like the purchase of Chimney Rock a few years ago to protect another important landmark this is great addition to the NC State Parks.
Aside from being one of the signature landmarks in our state, Grandfather Mountain is a premier natural resource, boasting 16 distinct ecological communities and 73 rare species and is an International Biosphere Reserve.
Story & Photo by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose
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I think this is a great thing. I wish more states would do the same thing. We need to protect the beautiful places that are still available for us to enjoy.