WNC -- April 3, 2026: Even as a statewide burn ban grips Western North Carolina, Buncombe County is moving to protect its natural resources, advancing five conservation easements totaling more than 280 acres in Black Mountain and Fairview. The move aims to safeguard forests and farms from development while supporting outdoor recreation access for residents.
The Buncombe County Board approved a budget amendment to fund the conservation easement projects, acting on recommendations from the Land Conservation Advisory Board and Agricultural Advisory Board. The projects include Duck Branch, a 62-acre project in Black Mountain receiving $21,000 in transaction costs and $155,000 for easement purchase; the Light Center Nature Preserve, a 112-acre easement in Black Mountain funded with $282,000 from the Open Space Bond; and the Light Center Farm, a 13-acre easement in Black Mountain, also funded by the Open Space Bond with $46,000.
Additional projects include Dador Farm Phase 2, a 31.5-acre full-donation farm in Fairview with $46,500 in transaction costs, and Dador Farm Phase 3, a 65-acre full-donation farm in Fairview, incurring $53,900 in transaction costs. Conserving Carolina will hold the easements for the Black Mountain projects, while the Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District's Farmland Preservation Program will manage the Dador Farms.
These conservation efforts arrive during a critical period, as a statewide open burning ban went into effect on March 28 because of dry conditions and minimal rainfall forecasts of one-tenth of an inch or less. The Buncombe County Fire Marshal's local ban discourages all open burning, including campfires, highlighting the importance of preserving the area's natural landscape. Despite administrative office closures, all Buncombe County Parks remain open through the holiday weekend.
The easements aim to protect forests, farms, and preserves from development, supporting trails and waterways while addressing tourism's impact on natural resources. Connecting outdoor access to community health, these efforts offer stress reduction through nature for Asheville residents. The easements will permanently protect forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats from development, ensuring public access for recreation while maintaining ecological integrity.