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.
General Assembly guts key protections
The Blue Ridge Parkway brings millions of visitors to Mt. Mitchell, Looking Glass Falls and some of the country's most beautiful vistas. But last year, the General Assembly cut critical preservation funds by 85 percent and stopped key programs from protecting Blue Ridge scenery that runs along the Parkway
At stake: breathtaking Parkway views
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway feels like a trip through a national park, just what its creators intended 75 years ago. We have state conservation efforts partially to thank for the incredible views — since 1986, the state has preserved vulnerable land for future generations.
But this legacy is at risk: Two-thirds of the land that surrounds the Parkway is vulnerable to logging, poorly-planned development and other harms. With state preservation funds run dry, priceless landscapes hang in the balance.
A legacy on hold
North Carolina has a long-standing history of preserving treasured landscapes for present and future generations to use and enjoy. In 2007 and 2008, your activism and our advocacy helped win unprecedented funding increases for preservation programs, which created Grandather Mountain State Park, Chimney Rock State Park and others.
When the General Assembly slashed preservation funds last year, they put that legacy on hold. Worse, they included a special provision in the budget to prevent the state from acquiring threatened land along the Parkway.
Together, we can save the Blue Ridge Parkway
Our staff have been knocking on doors across the state to educate Tar Heels about what's at stake.
We're also testifying in Raleigh, educating lawmakers, and shining a spotlight in the media on the need to restore protections for the Parkway.
But the real key to winning this fight is you. If enough of us speak out, we can restore our open space programs—and put them to work protecting our stunning Blue Ridge scenery.
Join our campaign, and urge your leaders to save the Blue Ridge, by clicking here.
Protect our Blue Ridge scenery.
Key Facts
- In the last legislative session, the General Assembly slashed preservation funds by 85%.
- The parkway draws more than 10 million visitors each year, generating upwards of $2 billion for the economy.
- Two-thirds of the land surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway lacks long-term protections.
- If enough of us speak out, we can restore our open space programs — and put those funds to work protecting our stunning Blue Ridge scenery.