0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 16
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
118 ACRES
A New Era for
Burnt昀椀eld Branch
Foothills Conservancy’s Transfer to
U.S. Forest Service Ownership
In 2021, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
(FCNC) played a pivotal role in preserving 118 acres in
Caldwell County by purchasing the land surrounding
Burnt昀椀eld Branch, a precious piece of property in
The Globe area that drains into the Johns River. As
FCNC completes the process of transferring the land
to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for public ownership
and access, it is an opportunity to re昀氀ect on the
values of building and nurturing partnerships among
conservation organizations, government agencies,
The property’s addition to Pisgah National Forest not
only improves existing access but also opens up
new opportunities for recreational activities, such as
昀椀shing, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Burnt昀椀eld Branch is home to an array of plant and
animal species, many of which are considered rare
or endangered in North Carolina. All 118 acres have
recognized biodiversity, with six species on the
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program’s Rare list,
including three wildlife and three plant species known
on the property. In addition, over one mile of streams
feed the Johns River, which in turn drains into the
Catawba River and provides public drinking water
to millions of people. Suitable habitat also exists on
this property for 17 rare species, including seven plant
and nine wildlife species.
When we celebrate this preservation milestone,
and local communities.
it is essential to recognize that Burnt昀椀eld Branch
Once the USFS acquires Burnt昀椀eld Branch from FCNC
acquisition; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and the
in early 2025, it will be a signi昀椀cant milestone for
people who enjoy recreating in the Pisgah National
Forest and on the Johns River. As Nick Larson, USFS’
Pisgah National Forest Grandfather District Ranger,
noted, “First and foremost, this will be fantastic for
public access to Johns River.”
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represents more than just a successful land
power of collective action. The transfer of ownership to
the USFS marks not only a new era for this remarkable
property but also an optimistic outlook on our shared
commitment to preserving North Carolina’s natural
treasures for generations to come.
