Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) recently completed a significant land transfer, adding 60 acres of forested land to the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. This acreage, which NC State Parks has designated as “critical,” notably expands the protected natural space in the High Country. The newly acquired property borders the existing State Natural Area on its western side and includes the vital headwaters of Little Naked Creek. Situated at an elevation exceeding 4,200 feet, the land lies below the scenic Lost Province Trail.
This recent acquisition is part of a broader conservation initiative by BRC on Mount Jefferson. Over the past two years, the conservancy has successfully protected a total of 128 acres on the mountain, directly contributing to the growth of the State Natural Area. With this latest addition, the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area now encompasses a total of 1,270 acres. These concerted land protection efforts are strategically designed to safeguard significant natural communities, support diverse wildlife habitat, and further BRC's long-term conservation objectives within the Amphibolite Mountains region.
The 60-acre property was acquired by BRC from Henry and Dyeann Jordan, who are recognized as longtime conservationists. The Jordans had stewarded the property for 60 years. Funding essential for this acquisition was provided by the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
State Parks Director Brian Strong expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, noting that the new addition "expands our ability to protect this National Natural Landmark." Strong conveyed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for financing the acquisition and acknowledged the Blue Ridge Conservancy for its ongoing partnership in conserving and protecting natural and cultural resources across North Carolina's High Country. Eric Hiegl, BRC's Senior Director of Land Protection & Conservation Planning, affirmed the conservancy’s continued commitment to preserving the mountain's unique ecological features and biodiversity, building on recent successes at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.
BRC's conservation strategy consistently prioritizes the protection of high-value acreage that adjoins existing public lands. This approach aims to establish and maintain crucial corridors for wildlife movement and to enhance trail access for the public. Beyond its work at Mount Jefferson, BRC has also played a role in expanding the protected footprint of several other significant natural areas in the region. These include Grandfather Mountain and Elk Knob State Park, as well as Three Top Mountain and Pond Mountain Gamelands. The conservancy has also contributed to expanding areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway and several other State Natural Areas. Blue Ridge Conservancy operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust, working collaboratively with landowners and local communities to ensure the permanent protection of natural resources throughout northwest North Carolina. These resources are valued for their agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic significance.
