In a few weeks time, citizens and visitors to North Carolina will be hiking the trails of Grandfather Mountain State Park, the 2,456-acre “backcountry” and high peaks of the signature Blue Ridge landmark. In a ceremony Tuesday in the historic old House Chamber, attended by a large number of legislators, conservation organizations, and others that included a 4th grade class, Gov. Perdue signed the legislation authorizing the state park. We expect to close on the property later this spring.
These were necessary formal steps after our agreement late last year for the state parks system to purchase the land from the heirs of Hugh Morton. The Morton family will continue to run the famous tourist attraction that will be adjacent to our newest state park.
Conservation of such a beloved landmark reflects the commitment of many people, including the citizens of North Carolina, who care about the land and support our state parks system and the conservation trust funds, which financed the purchase. In this case, the cause of conservation drew a large cast of contributors, not the least of whom were the 46 legislators who sponsored the legislation and the members of both houses who supported the idea unanimously. Appreciation must also go to Crae Morton and the entire Morton family, who made a considered decision that it is important to protect the mountain in perpetuity.
The Conservation Fund’s Mike Leonard helped arrange the agreement and deserves much credit for the success, as does The Nature Conservancy who holds conservation easements on the mountain.
The state parks system is currently refining the details of interim management of the acreage and its 12-mile system of trails and backpack camping sites. Again, the Morton family is to be thanked for its help in this effort. The new state park will soon have a presence on our Web site (www.ncparks.gov) where visitors can find up-to-date information about all our state parks that are being enjoyed by more than 13 million visitors annually.
The state parks system is incredibly proud to be the steward for this signature part of North Carolina as well as more than 205,000 acres elsewhere across the state where vital natural resources that are Naturally Wonderful are available for all to enjoy.