Fletcher Greenway
In December 2006, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Blue Ridge Metals Corporation, the North Carolina State University Water Quality Group, and the Town of Fletcher celebrated the completion of a section of the Fletcher Greenway, connecting the existing nature trail at the Fletcher Community Park to a new trail extension that runs along the east side of Cane Creek.The event marked the culmination of collaboration between CMLC and many partners to protect and restore land along Cane and Hooper's Creeks in Fletcher, providing water quality and public recreation benefits. With the support of a grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), CMLC purchased a 10.4-acre tract bordering Cane Creek from the Blue Ridge Metals Corporation in 2004. The company then donated the full amount of the sale back to CMLC to help fund the construction of the greenway trail on the tract and the installation of a pedestrian/bicycle bridge that crosses over a creek along the trail route.
With the support of a second grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Jon Calabria of the NC State University Water Quality group restored and stabilized of a section of Cane Creek on stream-front land owned by the Town of Fletcher, in association with greenway installation. The Town donated a conservation easement on these 4.15 acres - the site of the community's nature trail - to Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy in 2004.
Additional funding for the construction and installation of the Cane Creek greenway was provided by a grant from the NC Division of Water Resources. The Land-of-Sky Regional Council French Broad River Voluntary Buffer Partnership also helped administer grant funds and facilitate cooperation among the other partners.
In December 2006, CMLC officially transferred ownership of the 10.4-acre tract with the trails to the Town of Fletcher. "The Town is excited about this partnership," said Heather Taylor, Director of Parks and Recreation for Town of Fletcher. "It's so important for the community to have a place to come together and enjoy the outdoors."
Bringing together a local non profit organization, a local town government, a private business, state granting organizations, North Carolina State University, and others, this project shows that creating partnerships can be a powerful way to complete conservation projects in our region. "The Cane Creek Greenway project is a great example of the public benefits that can result when local governments, nonprofits and businesses work together on common goals," said Kieran Roe, CMLC Executive Director. "Thanks to the generosity of the Blue Ridge Metals Corporation and the cooperation of many partners, Town residents and other users of the Fletcher Community Park will now enjoy permanent access to this half-mile multi-use trail."
This project is part of a comprehensive greenway system plan developed by the Town of Fletcher. The trail system will eventually connect the proposed "Heart of Fletcher" Town Center and Community Park to the Fletcher Elementary school and major residential developments, employers, and proposed regional trails within the Town of Fletcher. The proposed greenway trail system will help conserve streams, wetlands, and wildlife corridors, as well as provide a healthy commuting alternative to many local residents.
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy helps landowners protect local land and water resources vital to our natural heritage and quality of life. As a local nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the places you love, CMLC is helping to create a regional network of protected farm, forest, park, and natural lands.
The Clean Water Management Trust Fund was established in 1996 to help finance projects that enhance or restore degraded waters, protect unpolluted waters, and/or contribute toward a network of riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational benefits. CWMTF estimates that more than $17 billion is needed to protect and restore water quality in North Carolina.
Blue Ridge Metals, which produces wire, cold formed slugs (blanks), and finished automotive parts, has a history of dedication to environmental conservation. In 2002, they donated 7.91 acres along Hooper's Creek to the Town of Fletcher. Later that year they received 'The Friends of the River' award in 2002 for this contribution to the preservation and enhancement of the French Broad River and its tributaries.
