Save the Blue Ridge Parkway
In the last session, the General Assembly cut land conservation funds by 85%. It also prevented the state from purchasing threatened land along the Parkway. We're urging our leaders in Raleigh to reverse course and protect our Blue Ridge landscapes.
North Carolina's treasured mountain landscapes need our help
The Blue Ridge Parkway brings millions of visitors to Mount Mitchell, Looking Glass Falls and the most beautiful vistas and scenic overlooks in America.
As a result, driving down the Parkway feels like a trip through a national park, just what its creators intended when they built it 75 years ago. We have North Carolina's conservation efforts partially to thank for the incredible views. Since 1986, the state has purchased undeveloped parcels in western North Carolina and preserved them forever.
Preservation funds cut by 85%
In the last session, the General Assembly cut land conservation funds by 85%. It also prevented the state from purchasing threatened land along the Parkway. As a result, thousands of acres of undisturbed mountain landscape hang in the balance.
As Gov. Perdue weighed the General Assembly’s first budget draft, she received more constituent feedback regarding environmental concerns than any other aspect of the document.
As the General Assembly and governor finalized the budget, Gov. Bev Perdue received more constituent calls, emails and postcards concerning environmental issues than any other aspect of the spending plan.
Looking ahead to the next legislative session, Environment North Carolina will continue to build long-term support for conserving the Parkway’s surrounding lands, and other critical green spaces around the state.
Join our campaign, and urge your leaders to save the Blue Ridge, by clicking here.
Call on the General Assembly to restore state preservation funds
Key Facts

- In the last legislative session, the General Assembly slashed preservation funds by 85%.
- Development claims more than 200 acres of open spaces in Western North Carolina every week.
- Two-thirds of the land surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway lacks long-term protections.
