McDowell County's Land Acquisition Enhances Fonta Flora State Trail Connectivity - TribPapers
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McDowell County’s Land Acquisition Enhances Fonta Flora State Trail Connectivity

Photo courtesy of the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina.

Morganton – On February 8, 2024, McDowell County made an important acquisition, purchasing a 12.7-acre property from Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) along the Catawba River in McDowell County. This transaction serves a dual purpose: providing access to Marion’s Catawba River Greenway and contributing to the development of a section of the Fonta Flora State Trail.

The Fonta Flora State Trail, a proposed 90-mile urban front country trail that aims to connect nine communities across three counties from Morganton to Asheville, will benefit from this new piece of land. The trail will pass through Highway 70 and link the greenway to the McDowell County Catawba River Park.

The process of acquiring this tract began in early 2021 when the Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail (F3ST) sought assistance from FCNC in securing the property. FCNC obtained a conservation loan to purchase the parcel from landowner Ford Miller. McDowell County plans to utilize the land to develop approximately half a mile of greenway trail. F3ST received funding from the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation’s Complete the Trails Fund to reimburse FCNC on behalf of McDowell County for the purchase of the trailhead, ensuring its perpetual public use.

Tom Kenney, Land Protection Director at FCNC, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “Foothills Conservancy is very grateful to be able to work in partnership with Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail and McDowell County.” Kenney emphasized the future completion of the Catawba River Greenway and the routing of the Fonta Flora State Trail as key milestones.

The acquisition of this property guarantees the protection of approximately 0.3 miles of the Catawba River and its forested streambank. Once the trail and public parking area are established, opportunities for public river access, paddling, walking, and biking will be made available.

Bob Hunter, former president of F3ST’s board of directors, commended the collaborative efforts, stating, “The acquisition of this property greatly enhances the planned connection between the Catawba Greenway and the McDowell Greenway.” He thanked the involved organizations for their dedication to completing this section of the Fonta Flora State Trail.

The partnership between F3ST, FCNC, and McDowell County facilitated the ownership of the property without impacting the county’s budget or resources. McDowell County Manager Ashley Wooten expressed gratitude for the funding sourced by F3ST, ensuring that the property ownership and maintenance incur no initial cost for local taxpayers.

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, a reputable regional land trust, plays a crucial role in conserving land and water in Western North Carolina, benefiting both people and the environment. Meanwhile, the Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail aims to connect mountain communities through the Fonta Flora State Trail, promoting health, wellness, and outdoor recreation.

Overall, the recent property acquisition in McDowell County signifies a significant step towards enhancing recreational opportunities and connecting communities through the Fonta Flora State Trail project.