Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina conserves an additional five acres along the Jacob Fork River in Catawba County

On June 22, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina purchased five acres of wooded, streamside lands in Catawba County for permanent conservation. Funding for the purchase came from a private contribution.

Located across the Jacob Fork River from the Finger Bridge lands that the conservancy purchased in January, conservation of the five-acre property secures additional scenic views and wildlife habitat along that section of river.

This acquisition not only grows the current Finger Bridge access area, but also ensures that both sides of the river are protected. It will support future public river and trail access in partnership with North Carolina State Parks.

“Acquisition of this property creates an additional scenic buffer for parklands, more wildlife habitat and additional protection of the Jacob Fork River,” said Tom Kenney, land protection director for Foothills Conservancy. “The effort also plays a role in protecting the City of Newton’s drinking water supply, located about three miles downstream from this property.”

To date, Foothills Conservancy has protected over 300 acres of land bordering the Jacob Fork River in Catawba County, all of which are planned for transfer to North Carolina State Parks.