Plough to Pantry: Preserving the Catawba River (Winter 2015)

From the Winter 2015-Vol.1 Issue 1 of Plough to Pantry, an article highlighting Foothills Conservancy’s protection work in the upper Catawba River basin and at Wild & Scenic Wilson Creek.

Conservation of the Catawba River affords exciting regional day trips

by FRANCES FIGARTJust east of the Eastern Continental Divide lies one of the largest and most populous river basins in North Carolina, the Catawba River. Beginning in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Old Fort in western McDowell County, it flows nearly 220 miles, passing through the eight-county region of Foothills Conservancy, a land trust that has helped preserve significant areas of the river’s headwaters.“Protecting water quality by conserving forested watersheds and streamside zones is a big part of our mission,” says Tom Kenney, land protection director with Foothills Conservancy, which turns 20 this year.“When our projects expand North Carolina’s state parks and Pisgah National Forest, new outdoor recreation areas that the public can access and enjoy eventually result.”Many of the wonderful parks, wilderness areas and outdoor activities in our region exist because of the Catawba’s preservation and provide convenient day trips for those living in or visiting the Asheville area.View the full article here:Plough to Pantry – Preserving the Catawba River